The 2 sides of a coin

Why this Kolaveri?

2012-02-13T04:13:00.000+05:30

Within the past few weeks, some of the safest jobs in the world have turned into ones that people might fear to take up. A bank was robbed in broad daylight, a bus driver goes crazy and kills people by running the bus over them, a teacher was murdered by her own student.

Is 2012 really going to happen? Chaos all around already. But really, that kid murdering his own teacher? What were you thinking? Killing your teacher is revenge?

Well, to be honest, inherently we (read - Indians) have always been blaming someone else for even the tiniest of our faults. Would that kid have gone to the extent of killing his teacher had his parents raised him properly? The thing with us as Indians is that we always beat the floor up if our kids stumble and fall. That's to make the child feel that "my parents are protective of me."

What could have happened with that kid so badly that he went to the extent of killing his teacher? Most of us have faced failure in academics (to varying degrees of course) at some stage or the other. But really, killing your teacher? and the reason is you were influenced by a movie? Where did you leave your brain, boy?

When most (generations of the 70's-80's) of us were growing up, we didn't have so much of violent movies, and even those which had scenes of a knife dripping blood were given an "A" rating, so that only mature audiences could watch the movie. In fact, movies which didn't have too much of violence or sexual content used to get an "A" certificate. The movies that come out today... well.. and kids these days too "mature" quickly.

Parents of today don't really have the time to sit with kids and talk to them, neither do kids for that matter. Nuclear families, no influence from the grandparents, working parents who return late from work, kids who run from school to tuition classes to extra curricular classes, etc - all that hardly leaves any time for interaction between the parents and their kids. Fast paced, hectic life has taken out what matters the most to growing kids.

Adolescent kids, specially boys tend to do all sorts of nonsense growing up. It's at that time when a parent's or a grandparent's guidance is most important. And when that's not there for the kids, you never know what may happen. In joint families (seems like way back into stone age huh?) there was always an elder person in the house who used to take care of the kids. My parents never had to worry that their 10 year old son was all alone at home. My grandparents, my aunt, my uncle and even my great-grandmother were all there to take care of me. Stories, tales of people with good virtue used to be told to the kids to make sure they had the right kind of influence growing up.

When us kids from the 70s and 80s grew up in India, we didn't have too much of technology or western influence on us, which made us go bonkers at every opportunity. And also money. Money makes the world go round. Apparently, this particular kid came from a very affluent family and was given enough pocket money. And that money went to buying a weapon for himself to take his teacher's life. Indirectly, the parents themselves had sponsored a woman's death.

Well, life will go on.. life will find a way.. May that soul rest in peace...

No title...

2012-02-01T11:04:00.000+05:30

Some of you might have read a previous post of mine saying "Love stories"... Well... I do hate most love stories to be honest... And that's because I've never had the patience for that.

2 Love stories... or rather 2 Reel life love stories that I have enjoyed immensely are Alaipayuthey and Mayakkam Enna.

Alaipayuthey can be described as the more sedate movie of the two. Well, those who haven't seen this movie - too bad, too sad, you've missed probably one of Tamil cinema's classic love stories. But some of us may have caught it as Saathiya in Hindi. Well, nothing can ever match an original.

Alaipayuthey is the story of Karthik (Madhavan) and Shakthi (Shalini) who are in love with each other and after their parents don't agree to get them married, they get married secretly, without their parents knowing. The movie showcases the love between the lead pair and what happens in their relationship - the stresses, the strains, the anger. The story weaves itself and is one beautiful movie to watch.

I know it's a bit of my mokka....

Mayakkam Enna - what do I say? One stunning movie featuring iron strong characters. Yamini (Richa Gangopadhyay) is one hell of a woman. Yamini spells out her love for Karthik (Dhanush) more than any other couple in any movie that has been made. The character has been portrayed as a woman with nerves and a mind of steel. She doesn't leave Karthik even when he's at his lowest, nearly what people would call mental. She stays with him and supports him in his perseverance to become a world class wildlife photographer. At the end of the movie, one can only say "Whatta Woman".

One thing about both movies is that how strong the pairs were in their relationship. At any point, either of the pairs could have broken off, but it took them a lot of courage and a lot of strength to stay and be there for each other.

And at this point, I am reminded of a couple of pairs I happen to know in real life. Both the pairs I know, I have known them over quite a period of time and I also happen to know how strong they were in their relationship. They wanted to get married only after obtaining their parents' consent and which they managed to. All the struggles that they had to go through... and finally its such a special thing when you get married to the person you love...

"Love doesn't come to everyone, but if you find the person you love, never ever let go of him/her..."

The end of the month....

2012-01-30T07:56:00.002+05:30

Yeah... the month is ending... not news to most of us I know...

As a month draws to a close, how many times have us (read - male Indian bikers living in India) faced the situation of being caught by a traffic cop, just for the sake of filling up his "quota" or to fill up hi pockets for expenses the coming month?

That is the most common and CHEAPEST and UGLIEST form of DEMANDING BRIBES that you can every see on the roads. I have hated and still hated traffic cops just for their cheap behaviour. I have immense respect for the guys in Khakhi, but to be honest, and many Indians will agree with me on this - No respect at all for those cheap buggers.

I live in probably the busiest part of my city in India and I have never ever seen a traffic cop on the road till say the 25th date of each month and suddenly they are omnipresent as they date ticks past 25.

Every single person earns his money through hardwork and here are some assholes which sit at some roadside tea shop drinking tea and eating samosas for free, pocketing a few thousand rupees for not working and earning as much as 5000 Rs. in a couple of days. Taxpayers money goes down the bloody drain like this.

And if you ask why this happens, the answer would be "People give, so we take." People wouldn't want to part with a paisa of their hard earned money unless and until they are forced to do so and in this case - unscrupulous traffic cops. People would rather part with 100 Rs. easily than go to court and argue their case after losing nearly 5 times the money due to loss of pay leave, transport and hours of waiting at the court for the judge.

Sheer disregard for the people in the largest democracy in the world and we have a republic day too. Shame.

How many times do you notice a traffic cop who is on duty every single day, in proper uniform, performing his duties properly and not expecting the month end bonus?

And the reasons that the give to extract money from you - atrocious. Speeding when you don't even have a chance to go over 25 kmph. You might be just at the stop line when they decide to pull you aside and take a chance.

As a traffic cop, you are expected to clear the way for an ambulance. How many cops do that? Who knows what happens in the lesser cities and villages....

If you ask a cop to justify his actions - it is a long sad story too. Almost every cop who has donned the khakhi or the white shirt would say this. I had to "pay an amount" to get this job. And I am still paying the interest on that amount. This might even be true.

The root cause of all this leads back to corruption. Bribery.

Well.. who knows for how much longer. Earth's countdown might have well begun???

Something to think about... 2 sides to that coin...

Sir! Post!

2011-12-07T03:44:00.001+05:30

அச்ச்மில்லை யச்சமில்லை அச்ச்மனெப தில்லையே

இச்ச்கத்து ளோரெல்லாம் எதிர்த்துநின்ற பொதினும்
அச்ச்மில்லை யச்சமில்லை அச்ச்மனெப தில்லையே
துச்ச்மாக வெண்ணிநம்மை தூறுசெய்த பொதினும்
அச்ச்மில்லை யச்சமில்லை அச்ச்மனெப தில்லையே

- மகாகவி சுப்ரமணிய பாரதியார்.

I do know a lot of people who read this blog do not know Thamizh (Tamil). So, here's a bit of translation.

" Do not fear. Do not fear even when the entire world opposes you.

Do not fear the cold stares that people give you".

- Subramaniya Bharathiyar.

Why I began with those lines. The reason is pretty simple - Mr. Kapil Sibal. Minister for IT and Communications, has asked social networking firms to filter objectionable content, particularly with reference to UPA chief -Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister- Manmohan Singh. The analogy is pretty simple, when a team fails, the captain is the first one to draw flak, and here - well, needs no further explanation.

Well, it is quite apparent that the UPA is full of Taliban people disguised as Indian politicians. Starting off a few weeks ago was planning commission chairman Mr. Ahluwalia, who somehow brought about a random number to indicate the minimum amount of money required per day to survive in rural and urban India. And now, it's the turn of another educated person.

Seriously. Mr. Sibal. What were you even thinking? And now your loyalty towards the nation as a whole itself is under scrutiny. When you took your oath, you pledged your loyalty and service to the NATION. Loyalty and service to the UPA chief DOES NOT become loyalty to the nation. A BILLION people are under so much pressure due to your government, which has like every other government before it, forgotten how they got elected.

We the people can only share kolaveri videos and post good pictures of your youth icon Mr. Rahul Gandhi is it? And politicians who deserve to be ***censored*** are just slapped in this country. You talk so much about censorship and all that stuff, but are you even concerned about the people who elected you? Shame on you for even calling yourself an Indian, living in a free democratic republic.

This is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. The government is concerned about the personal image of some very powerful people, while the average Indian struggles to make ends meet. We all get abused by you politicians day in and day out. A few days back, a teacher was slapped in Punjab, by an illiterate sarpanch. The audacity that you politicians have to tell us about abusing you. We the people are abused by you - economically, physically, psychologically, verbally and at times in some cases, even sexually.

By the way, you said, "Hate speech must be banned." Why would an ENTIRE nation hate all you politicians? When all you politicians, particularly the government, have done nothing worthwhile for the nation, there obviously will be hatred towards you. And now you say that people cannot vent their ire on a social forum just because one of your colleagues got slapped and that some of you may even be attacked in future? Didn't you know all this before coming to power? And you are all scared despite your Z category security? So lame.

And if you did really want to screen posts on Google, you should have made them get our map correct for a start.

All you politicians make sure that no one else comes to power by doing all sorts of illegal things such as booth capturing, cash for votes, political assassinations and threatening people. And when you do come to power, you indulge yourself by building statues of yourself, amassing huge amounts of wealth and property and all such things.

Honestly, have a chat with your own conscience Mr. Sibal, you too would feel like giving a nice tight slap to certain people. For a few minutes, forget that you ever were a politician, a minister, a man in power. Think of yourself as the common man of India, put yourself in his shoes and think. Would you really feel that you and your government have done anything good for the people? Would you really ask Facebook and Google to screen content now? Learned and educated people like you and me should realize that not all people go off to slap someone like your colleague or throw stones at someone else's house.

Exceptions do not become examples Mr. Sibal. We are living in a civilized society. The world has evolved and so must we, if we are to become a nation greater than what we are at present. Criticism should be welcomed from anywhere, and especially if it comes for the people who elected you.

Do something good for the people Mr. Sibal. The people will respect you.

Jai Hind.

P.S: This blog may not be alive tomorrow. I'm very thankful to all those who have read this blog all these days. Thanks a lot for all your support.

An unsung hero...

2011-12-01T10:54:00.001+05:30

Millions of pages have been written about the world's greatest batsman - Sachin Tendulkar. People have run out of praises about him. He is the god of cricket. However, as the tour of Australia is next on the Indian cricketing calendar, and it might well be the last tour down under for Sachin Tendulkar and a couple of his other illustrious colleagues, namely - V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid.

Both Laxman and Dravid have been in the background as compared to the other duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly, when all four of them played. Of all four V.V.S is obviously the one who has been least sung about. His epic 281 Vs Australia at Kolkata is obviously his greatest achievement, and his shoes will be way to huge for anyone to fill. India will somehow find someone to at least bumble around wearing his shoes.

Rahul Dravid's shoes will be the ones noone can even hope or even want to fill. The kind of pressure that he has soaked up all these years, doing everything for the team - noone will ever want to be in his place. Even when the entire Indian team collapses around him, he'd be the rock in the middle, playing his characteristic innings of holding up one end.

What has he not done for the team? Bats at number 3, kept wickets, even played some pinch hitter knocks, holds up one end steady, has even bowled, taken tough catches, has run with quicker batsmen like Yuvraj and Kaif, and has even been the captain, but has been praised a lot less than either Sachin Tendulkar or Saurav Ganguly. Indian cricket should be thankful for the presence of this gentleman cricketer who has given his all for the game and the team.

Dravid was dropped from the ODI side at one point of time, because he couldn't make fast runs, but his absence has always been felt whenever India started collapsing. The guts that this man has to steady a ship and even take the team close to winning matches or at least face saving draws - no words. Respect.

I was just thinking about the Indian test side today, especially with respect to replacements for Dravid, Laxman and yes, of course, You-Know-Who too. Nope. None of them can be replaced. In fact, truth be told, India are yet to find a proper replacement for the worst of the fab four - Saurav Ganguly (Yes. He can be regarded as the worst of the fab four and Yes, I am a die hard Ganguly fan, who says this). Scary thoughts, just to imagine an Indian team travelling to England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa without The Wall. On a green top like in New Zealand - no Dravid, no score.

India have gone on tours previously with at least one of the fab four to rely on, and at most times, it has been Rahul Dravid on whom India have depended on to take control of the batting in the middle. India will have to search for appropriate replacements and groom them properly, if they want to see someone make at least half the number of runs that Dravid has made in his test career till now.

That day of the year.

2011-11-26T06:17:00.000+05:30

Another 26/11 has dawned. Kasab is still alive and the 26/11 probe will go on till Sun Tv broadcasts the 1 millionth episode of some serial. Kanimozhi will even get bail, but Kasab will not be hanged, nor will India's elite anti-terror units get what weapons they request for. And we will remember the martyrs who saved our haves staying in the Taj and the Oberoi, and the cops at CST who tried to save our have-nots and Tukaram Omble, who was killed trying to apprehend Kasab.

Mumbai will forever be in fear and Indian media will forever telecast the happenings of 26th November 2008. Petrol prices swell and so do our netas pockets, with no relief to the common man's burden. While prices of essential items in TN have been increased to an extent that Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia's Rs. 32/ day norm looks like a figure that he might have reached if he was planning for India during Shahenshah Akbar's time.

Kolaveri takes the nation by storm but the kolaveri that we actually need here is something that Sharad Pawar was given a taste of. When one politician gets just slapped there is a huge furore and such unity displayed, which sadly is missing when all our money goes waste in the form of parliament sessions - which never take place. Thousands of Indians are starving across the country, while all our MLAs and MPs eat 4 sumptuous meals a day.

When the voting public who voted people to power struggle to get into a bus and reach their shifts on time, our CMs and PM happily stop the traffic to reach their bathrooms to have a nice comfortable shit.

Yet another 26/11 dawns and the aam aadmi is still not sure of whether he will return home to die another day, while no good politicians who have done almost everything to ensure that they live happily till they die are given Z category security - and just because of one slap/slipper. An entire nation clamours for that kind of security from terrorism, corruption, weekly price rises and whatnots that have been imposed on the people. When will we get it?

Another 26/11 will dawn next year and who knows what we might be seeing then?

Talents gone waste...

2011-11-01T20:49:00.000+05:30

I am writing this post just after Messers. Salman Butt, Mohd. Amir and Mohd. Asif have been found guilty of charges of spot fixing which was levelled against them. It is such a sad thing that cricketers have failed to learn from one man who brought the game into disrepute a few years ago. But that man had the guts to accept his guilt. That man was Hansie Cronje.

I had great respect for Hansie Cronje, and I still do respect him, just for the one reason that he stood up and accepted his crime. Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif had the guts, not to accept their crime, but to stand up and say that they did not do it. Not only that, they even traded shit about each other.

Everyone would remember Salman Butt's classic century against India in Kolkata a few years back. An innings that I can still watch just for those classy square drives which he played and the fantastic footwork that he displayed against the spinners, to steer Pakistan to victory and end undefeated.

It's such a pity that such talent goes wasted in their lust for money. I have always enjoyed watching good cricket, no matter who plays it. I would even confess that I am a fan of Wasim Akram and I have enjoyed watching Saeed Anwar bat (Yes. I did hate his monstrous 194 against India), and No that does not make me a fan of Pakistan cricket. It's just a few of their cricketers that I like.

During their prison terms, no doubt all three of them would, at some point of time, regret what they have done. However, regretting that is no punishment for bringing the game into disrepute. Hansie Cronje did not go to prison, I don't know why, but he was banned for life. One thing about Cronje was that he had the guts, I say again, the guts to accept to what he did - That itself showed that Cronje was remorseful of his crime. Something that these young cricketers failed to do. They chose to defend themselves of a crime, which they took part in and were blatantly guilty of.

Why is it that the lust for money made so many talented cricketers into such cheap low lives who would sell their career, the great game and even their countries? It is so sad to see such talents go waste...

The game can no longer take hits like this... All those who love cricket as much as I do, would love to see the game live beyond generations and I hope those professionals (who play the game and read this article) would care to make the game a cleaner one.

The Great Indian Independence Struggle

2011-08-19T06:23:00.000+05:30

A struggle that began with Gandhi has now brought us fighting once again for Mr. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Gandhi is dead? Who said so? He still lives in the Indian currency note. Take out the 100 Rupee note and Gandhi smiles back at you. That smiling man is smiling in heaps of bundles of notes in our neta's pockets and bank accounts (Of course -not in terms of Gandhis, but in terms of Benjamin Franklins and whoevers).

India is now united against one of India's biggest diseases (not AIDS). CORRUPTION. India's biggest bhimari (disease). Leading from the front is one man named Anna Hazare, who is emulating Gandhi by uniting an entire country to fight corruption. A non-violent struggle, which will always be a thorn in any government's flesh, be it the Empire in which the sun never sets, or the filthy money monging Indian politician who all come from varied backgrounds. Right from A.Raja to Manmohan Singh (who is branded as "Mr. Clean") every single one of them is party to a crime which has taken place against a billion people.

Can this government even think of contesting the next elections? If anyone from this govrnment contests and wins the next election - it means 2 things, one - we are dumb and stupid and we do not eat food (please substitute food with it being processed out of our bodies) and two - it means that probably that person will get his good share soon.

The Indian government formed by the Indian National Congress and its allies, which includes the DMK of which A.Raja was a minister, has only done everyting that it possibly could to ensure that no one will ever vote for them again. Scams of the magnitude of Lakh Crore Rupees were unheard of until Mr. A. Raja was caught. A scam of such a huge magnitude took place with no knowledge of the Prime Minister of India? Nonsense. Rubbish. And Dr. Manmohan Singh wants to stay out of the Jan Lokpal?

Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law and our lawmakers do everything that they possibly can to make sure that they stay above the law. This Congress government is even worse than our colonial rulers who imposed absolutely dictatorial acts to undermine the Indian people. What is being done is very similar to what happened then. The sun set on the British Empire and it won't be long before corruption and the corrupt in India meets their fate.

Cleaning India of corruption is no mean feat and it will require a lot of effort from us the people - remember - We are a republic - by the people, of the people and for the people. The day we root out corruption will be the day that we can really call ourselves an independent nation. Our grandparents used to wonder if we would be able to live in a Free India, today we are wondering if we might be able to give our grandchildren (if not our own children) a Free India - an India, free from corrupt netas, incompetent and yet such useless governments (which are filled to the brim with people like Kanimozhi and A.Raja and the lot).

Can we make India corruption free? I hope it happens. I would like to see my India corruption free. I hope we all live to see the day that corrupt politicians get CORRECT punishment and a government, which actually is made by the people, of the people and for the people.

INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION!!!!!!

P.S: Did you put up your facebook/twitter status for Independence day? Food for thought.

Alaipayuthey....

2011-08-15T06:52:00.000+05:30

One LOVE story that I truly Love. Of course, I hate stupid love stories like "I hate luv storys". But, Alaipayuthey.. NEVER. Right from the moment I stepped out of the theater, I was thinking "what a love story.. so, is this what love is?" And I was just in 9th standard at that time.

11 years have rolled by since that Mani Ratnam masterpiece, so many movies have come and gone, so many love stories, told, forgotten and buried, but Alaipayuthey - has only managed to make me fall in love with it, all over again, every single time that I see the movie.

And it is only when I look back I suddenly realized - 11 years have gone by!!! Wow.. and it just seemed like yesterday night that I walked out of Devi theater after watching this.

I don't think I need to tell this movie's story now, as everyone would have watched it quite a few times - thanks to Sun Tv, Vijay Tv, etc. However, I must say, it is such a timeless classic, which has only been so enjoyable, that I have never been able to quit watching this movie.

Well, coming to the question - "What is love?" That's a very tough question to answer. Different people have different meanings. However, it will all come down to just that special someone, who can turn each of our lives up side down.

I guess I have run out of words to write about this movie and about love. I think I was better off just watching it for the billionth time and I am going back to continue it. I hope, I have performed an Inception on you to go watch the movie now. :)

Love stories...

2011-06-14T06:20:00.000+05:30

Guys.. Im writing this post right after watching a really stupid movie called "I hate Luv Storys".... No offence meant but it's not really my kind of a movie.. Utterly depressing.. deplorable.. and I am not using expletives on my post.. but seriously- I'd consider it one of THE WORST movies of my life...

Well.. this post is not about that (I know I am getting a bit stereotypical here like a la karan johar's movies).. but seriously, its about more serious issues. Love - successes and failures.

Why do people break up? I hear all sorts of new reasons each day. People give reasons with big words such as compatibility issues. compatibility - what does that mean? Means a girl and a guy need to agree on certain things (mostly sensitive things such as respecting each others families, sex, etc and that s only in 20% of the cases, and in the remaining 80% its on some rather silly things such as drinking, smoking, returning home late at night, rash driving, etc). Some people have a list of items with each criteria having an AND condition on it, which means all conditions MUST be fulfilled and must be Mr or Mrs perfect, as the case maybe.

I don't mean to say that all people breakup just like that. What I mean to say is trading off is the way to live. Guys, if your girl doesn't like you drinking, then try not to drink (or at least try not to get caught.. :P) Oh, and compromises are not only for guys, the same goes for girls as well (not the drinking part.. well - maybe some exceptions).

Breakups are such a cruel thing. Probably the worst punishment that people in love with each other can give to each other (and it is yes, a huge torture to the friends of the people who break up... just kidding -friends are always there to help) . Breakups happen for various different reasons, but at any point of time, there is always one of the two, who still wants to get back.

And to the question - why don't things work? Have you seen any machine work on its own? Even a TV? You have to switch it on, increase the sound, adjust the picture, set the TV properly in a good setting, all that. Love is also a machine. Love also needs its own bit of adjusting, care, etc. Of course, there will be fights, arguments, separations, at times even lack of time for each other, but all of those will just be a passing phase for people who are strong willed in a relationship.

This article might seem like utter bullshit ( I'm no love guru or something..) but I really thought I should write about this, after watching that movie.

A conversation....

2011-06-02T09:05:00.001+05:30

Not long ago, someone asked me. What is India all about? What does India have that we (America) don't have?
I asked her in return. What do you THINK that you HAVE?

She replied. "We have culture, military, arts, science and technology, a great economy, money power, a strong democratic system, a peaceful life. That's some of the few things that we have. Now, tell me. What does India have?"
I know half of you would quickly flash through that memory of a movie in which the guy who plays Amitabh Bhachchan's younger bro saying "mera paas maa hai". True, it would have sufficed truly.

My reply "India has got a culture, a tradition that goes far beyond the time that mankind would remember. India invented plastic surgery, zero and taught the world how to do agriculture, trade, commerce, governance, science and economics, when the rest of the world was still just learning to pluck hair out of their heads. When you talk about culture, do you know how old America is? I don't know how old India is. India has been around since before Christ. Modern India has been around for only the last 63 years though, but imagine how close India is to becoming a world superpower. Without India and our contributions there would be no world, no new world."

She looked at me and I knew she was seriously working on her counter attack "Well. If you guys were around for as long as you say, why haven't you become the world's greatest superpower?" I knew this question was coming. I replied "If you haven't noticed, every nation has had its time. India was a world superpower, until your ancestors from England came and set foot in India. America rose to be a world superpower not more than 80 years earlier, to be exact since the first world war. India was ruled by a colonial power for over 200 years. Now we are a free country. A country which is once again on the ascendancy."

"Tell me something about your culture." I asked her. "What do you know about your culture?"
"Well, we have so many buildings, so many different writers, artists, great men and women like Martin Luther King, who have shown the world what we are all about." I decided to barge in "Looks like you don't even know what culture means. Culture refers to what a country/community has developed all over the years. India's culture also has so many art forms, artists, architectural marvels and also great men, who are revered in all parts of the world. Do you know any language that has existed for over a thousand years? Don't say English. English was spoken only after probably 1500s and 1600s, till then the official languages used in Britain was Latin. And I don't know too many Americans, who speak proper English. My mother tongue- Tamil has been around for over two thousand years. You can't find an inscription in America which dates back to Before Christ, while you can't find inscriptions in India, which don't date back that long. That itself is evidence for how long Indian culture has been around. We were born in our land. You guys came from Britain, to settle here and create a new world for yourselves."

"Why is India dependent on the U.S?" was the next question. I laughed. "Can you see one company which does not outsource at least some part of its operations to India? Now who's dependent on whom? Maybe we are just biding our time till we can show you what the true meaning of the word superpower is. I can't tell you till when we might just go on with this game, but one day it certainly will stop and that day is not too far."

"Well, I was watching this video where this guy talks about healthcare in India." said my friend. "I too saw that video. You know what. He is such an idiot. I can't believe he can say such things on air and the youtube description for that video was also inappropriate."
"Why do you say that?"
"1. Indian healthcare costs are certainly lower than in the U.S. That's because you shell out maybe 1000$ and that's about 50,000 Rs. in Indian money. Same emergency will cost you a few hundred dollars lesser. And by the way, the countries that have cheapest healthcare are Canada and France. They treat people for free.
2. The description of the video reads "...insulting an ally" India is not an ally to the U.S or to any other country in the world. "

"Pakistan?"

"There would have been no Pakistan and no place for Osama Bin Laden to hide and no terrorists, had only we been allowed to take them out completely and had only developed nations such as yourselves stopped supplying arms to a country run by terrorists. It's a well known fact and no one can refute the fact that America supplied and still does supply arms and intelligence to Pakistan, while Indian brains come here to study, settle down, pay taxes which go towards funding yet another weapons research technology which will protect American lives. Two faced."

I could see this conversation meandering to a sort of an opening gambit of a blame game, when I decided to leave before she could ask another question. I left soon after that reply. Just told her I had to go somewhere and I left. I knew that I had made her think. I knew she would get back at me sometime when she had a chance, when she had done her extensive research. I am waiting for that day, when she can ask me a question and I can answer it with disdain saying that "Guess who's the world's superpower now?"

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn........

2011-03-18T05:32:00.001+05:30

I couldn't think of a good title for this post... and I happened to be yawning when I was starting to type this post.. and hence the nice big yawn....

Ok, I saw this video on youtube. It's a really hot one making the rounds over the last few days. A lot of responses pouring in for one Ms. Alexandra Wallace, at UCLA. Well, if you haven't seen the video, here it is for you.

Oh, don't be scared of the thumbnail shown above, go ahead and click it. You can see the video.

I guess you've seen the video now. She's "the girl with American manners"... oh wow... Really???? Then you shouldn't be talking such shit on a public portal where people will certainly see your face, identify you and the next time if you happen to visit China, Japan, Singapore or wherever in Asia, you'll find yourself very popular.

Well, rather than me talking a lot more about this, (that's because I've got a lot to say to this girl, and it may turn racist at a point of time. And if I do start making some comments bordering on the lines of racism, there's not going to be much of a difference between me and Ms. Wallace.) you can as well read the comments on Youtube.

I'm going back to my yyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn................

UDRS- Umpire Decisions RUINING System

2011-03-12T07:17:00.000+05:30

The league phase of this tournament is not yet over and we have seen sixes flying, some stunning catches being taken and some simple ones being spilled (yes, you know whom I'm talking about), excellent displays of batting and bowling, a tied match, upsets, huge run chases, a TV being broken, and yes, of course, umpires messing up decisions tanks to new fangled technology, which has only, as Dhoni says, "adulterated human decision making".

What the decision review systems have brought with it is more confusion. Reminds me of Michael Crichton's words "A complex system will always a lot of problems". A complex game such as Cricket has N number of problems. Rules are written in a language which border heavily on the lines of ambiguity. Sometimes, I'm sure even the greatest lawyers, judges and pundits of the game must have been confused by some rules.

There have been quite a few umpiring errors in recent times, that too with the use of such advanced technology. The worldcup may lack the cutting edge of the hotspot or the assistance of the snicko, but certainly, it has the hawkeye to make some of the LBW decisions easy for the umpire. All that the umpire has to do is to ask the third umpire at the behest of the player who questions the decision. Despite technology which can show out and not out clearly, there are some utterly stupid umpiring errors made.

Technology has been introduced into a game as lengthy as cricket, which once Hitler commented when watching a test match "I could've conquered another country in 5 days", to make sure that correct decisions are reached. Of late, there have been ghastly errors which show reputed umpires in poor light. Why do such errors occur?
1. Umpires these days rely far too much on technology. All the parameters for an LBW decision are shown on a big screen alongwith the reply, but the technology still cannot judge the amount of turn or bounce that the pitch provides at that point of time. The umpires would love to see hawkeye telling them that also, so that decisions can be made properly. What do you guys have a brain with immense cricketing knowledge and experience for?
2. Rules, rules and more rules, which are made ambiguous by each letter.

I could think of only 2, and there could be many more.

Gone are the days when good umpiring decisions were made solely by the two on field umpires. Maybe, with the advent of such technology, umpires could be done away with in the future. Lets just hope that we don't find that happening really soon. Cricket would never be the same if not for umpires like Billy Bowden, and Simon Taufel. Humans can make errors, even utterly stupid ones, on their own that is, but the game will live on. When technology interferes with plain and simple human decision making, it not only makes some highly respected umpires look foolish, it also causes a lot more confusion and sometimes even controversy when the decision making is thrown back to the on field umpire.

The game can only improve by either standardizing the UDRS components. Either make it all (hotspot, hawkeye and snicko) or nothing at all. An already complex game doesn't need a further complexity in terms of absurdly wrong decisions made even with the help of technology.

The 63 years that never were...

2011-02-23T07:51:00.000+05:30

Yeah. You are right. You guessed it absolutely right. This post is about the lady who turned 63 just a few months back.

A nation ruled by the British, who dominated not only India, but also most part of the world for the better part of the 19th century, gained her independence in 1947. What for? To still be marked as a "developing nation", when nations such as Japan which was nuked in 1945 zoomed upward making itself as a world leader. Singapore, a nation not bigger than the city of Bangalore now standing as one of the world's best country, while most of our cities are languishing with poor facilities.

I hate to damage my own country like this. I love my India and I'm sure everyone of you, which ever country you maybe from LOVE yours.

Why is India like this? Well, some of the most obvious reasons are listed here:

1. Corruption - Ah, yes. That is number one and I won't hesitate in betting that we are number 1 in that. The age old vice introduced by our British rulers and imbibed in our system ever since then has become a national practice. Thanks to this we have hardly seen much of a development, except for the swelling bank accounts and the sprawling villas of our netas.

2. Indifference - Thanks to the 1st cause, this one has also evolved. When have we ever cared about giving or taking bribes to government officials, politicians and of late even educational institutions which demand huge amounts as donations to secure admissions. We have grown used to bribes being taken and given.

3. Reservation - Not railway ticket reservations, not air ticket reservations and certainly not reserving seats at restaurants. It's about reserving a HUGE chunk of seats in educational institutions for people based on CASTE, RELIGION and not based on economic affordability.

4. LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE NATION. Very evident among our netas. Ever remember an Independence day or a Republic day, when the entire nation, 1 BILLION Indians standing up for the national anthem? There has always been an occasion where a politician or a police chief or a government official has been caught sitting or disrespecting the national anthem or the flag. Lack of respect for the people who vote for them is utterly disgusting. Our politicians come begging to our doorsteps for votes and after the election, people are treated like shit.

5. A judicial system which tries a dumbass terrorist to show the world that we will give him a fair trial, while politicians who swindle lakhs of crores of Rupees are let off with just a commission of some "eminent" politicians investigating the matter. Neither will the commission give their reports early enough to prosecute the perpetrator, nor will the terrorist be hanged soon.

6. Power and money talk, more than the voice of the common man. Police fail to prosecute criminals backed by politicians. Agony, disgust are all that people get when they try to file a complaint with the police. There have been cases where just because the perpetrator has been a big shot's relative, the case just has to be dropped. Pity. Apart from that, only people with power enough to change election results at will, by rigging polls come to power.

7. Incompetent leaders who feign ignorance when something as huge as a multi million crore scandal happens. Leaders who FAIL to show themselves as a true leader. Some are puppets in the hands of some other leaders. Such leaders not only prove themselves incompetent, but also prove themselves to be inhuman. They rig elections, win them, eyewash the stupid common people of India, with promises that never will happen. They even go to the extent of making sure that the traffic stops for them and their useless bloody lives, while a much more worthwhile life dies in an ambulance that is stuck in traffic

7 reasons why India is like this. 7 main reasons. Reasons that matter a lot more than common people like you and me ( I am assuming that the people who matter DO NOT read this post).

World Cup 2011.

2011-02-19T05:02:00.000+05:30

The day has dawned in one part of the world. The part of the world where it matters the most. The countries to which the sport matters the most. The world cup begins today.

The world cup will for sure draw curtains on some glorious careers and some not so glorious ones as well. For sure, this will be the last world cup for some of cricket's biggest names which includes Sachin Tendulkar as well. India take on Bangladesh today, kicking off their world cup campaign. Co-hosts of this world cup and both of them will be considered favourites by their own countrymen.

This world cup will be a glorious one. The demons of 2007 are sure to be exorcised, given the fact that this world cup is being staged in the hotbed of cricket- the subcontinent. What better place for the resurrection of the 50 over game? The euphoria that fans bring to the game in the subcontinent can never be matched anywhere else in the world.

This world cup is one of the most open tournaments in the history of the game. Almost all of the top teams are strong sides, with flourishing talent. Oh, well, that would bring us to the question of who's the favourite? Playing in the subcontinent would obviously make India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan as favourites, combined with Bangladesh being dark horses. It's tough.

For me- It's 5 letters, we wear blue and we have god in our side.

The Thin Red Line....

2011-02-12T06:50:00.000+05:30

Anything can be done for friendship. Anything can be done for love. People do absurd things for both.

Friends go to the very extents, the very ends of the world to help each other. So do people in love. But when a guy and a girl are "just good friends" and when they go great distances to help each other- does it mean they are still "just good friends" or are they in love? That question can never be answered.

People always say, a guy and a girl can never be "just good friends". Provokes me to say- social stigma or just another dogma promoted by the society. Can a girl and guy be just friends- certainly yes. It can happen. Relationships are evolved on basis of sheer proximity. If a person starts to distance themselves from their friend, the relationship slowly dies out. However, it does not involve physical distance. Friends or even lovers separated by thousands of miles still can maintain their relationship, thanks to the advent of the internet, iphone, and whatnots. It's all about emotional proximity.

There's just a very fine, thin, red line, imaginary of course, which marks the boundary between friendship and love between a girl and a guy. This line gets breached only when one mistakes the others feelings for them. More often than not it does happen.

With Valentine's day approaching, I am quite sure a lot of people would like to profess their love to the girl/guy who's on their mind. It could even be their best friend. Who knows? Well, best friends falling in love is not rare, but the relationship between best friends can never be the same if one proposes and the other happens to reject. Such people rarely tend to remain friends forever.

People who are going to propose to that "one" on Valentine's day- please take care. You may either get yourself killed by jumping excitedly or by a broken heart. Whatever it is- life must go on.

I know whatever I said will be termed as bullshit and I probably might be burnt at stake for blasphemy. Alright. I'll end my bullshit with this.

No One Killed Jessica....

2011-01-11T01:20:00.000+05:30

I generally don't write reviews for movies. That job- my good friend Rohit does, you can catch his blog at www.uberreelz.blogspot.com .. but, this one, I'm so compelled to write a review. Sorry Rohit, just this one time mate....

No One Killed Jessica.

Times of India SCREAMED out this headline in 2006 and it was then a storm started. One man shot a bartender in the midst of 300 other celebrity and influential guests at a party and nearly managed to get away scot free.

One absolutely brilliant movie to start the year with. An extremely powerful screenplay combined with a highly pumped up Rani Mukherjee, just nails down the movie to be possibly one of THE BEST movies in recent times.

Vidya Balan plays Sabrina Lall, sister of the bartender Jessica Lall, who was shot dead at a posh party in New Delhi. Her killer- the son of a Haryana politician. The politician dad plays every possible trick to get his son out of this murder case. JUSTICE IS DENIED to Jessica Lall. The lower courts acquit the murderer and his accomplices due to evidences, which were tampered and witnesses who were bribed and threatened to lie in a court of law.

Over 300 witnesses to a killing and not one person comes to be a powerful witness for the prosecution. Due to pressure from the media, who deliver the aam aadmi's voice to The President of India, the case is reopened and finally the murderer is convicted and sentenced to a life in prison.

Rani Mukherjee has blazed through this movie as a firebrand reporter and Vidya Balan has portrayed Sabrina Lall as a strong character. Hats off to the editor, the director and the entire crew. It's not everyday that such a movie comes up on the silver screen. With a special mention to the music director for his "Dilli Dilli" track.

One interesting point to note is, except for Sabrina's family, every other character is fictitious, including Rani Mukherjee's character, which apparently never existed in the real case.

Ok. Movie apart. (ha ha ha... you fell for the movie review bit didn't you?).
1. Political power has ruined so many families in India. Justice has been denied to so many Jessicas. It's time to show that such people are not above the law.
2.The plight of Sabrina and her family following her sister's murder and during the trial has been shown very well in this movie, but isn't that the case of every single family that has been denied justice?
3. One dialogue that has such a great impact on this movie would be "Justice has been denied. You can live with it. I cannot."- Rani Mukherjee speaks that dialogue. If everyone of us feels that way for each of the Jessicas killed, then our judicial system would be far far far better.
4. It all comes down to one word- Corruption. Doesn't it?

No One Killed Jessica- 9.9/10 (No One Is Perfect). One amazing movie. A must watch for all of INDIA.

Of butterflies, hurricanes and tsunamis...

2011-01-07T23:11:00.000+05:30

"I am an agent of Chaos." says The Joker. Chaos is everywhere. It's right before our eyes. It happens everywhere.

Chaos theory- for those who don't know anything about it. It's also known as the butterfly effect. To make it even more clear to my dear Tamil movie buffs, remember the opening scene of the movie Dasavatharam, where it shows a butterfly fluttering it's wings at the location of the Tsunami? That's what Chaos theory is all about. A harmless butterfly fluttering it's wings at one place might even cause destruction of unimaginable magnitudes at another. You will ask now- What crap is this? What has a butterfly got to do with destruction?

Good question. I watched this movie The Oxford Murders last night and I got a clear picture of what it (chaos theory)'s all about in a more concise way, as compared to Dasavatharam. The male lead of the movie says something very irrelevant to the murderer. A totally harmless statement, which leads to a murder and further triggers off a series of murders.

Unbelievable right? Something as harmless as a butterfly fluttering it's wings can cause a catastrophe. That's chaos theory. That's life. That's truth.

P.S: I know this post sounds really insane, but, really. I guess it's time to switch to some really stupid movies. Should stop watching highly intellectual ones.

Theory of Relativity....

2011-01-01T06:23:00.000+05:30

Woah!!! Took me just about 15 seconds to come up with this title... This is in no way related to Einstein's theory of relativity...

Coming straight to the point- this post s all about some movies which I felt that I could relate myself and my life till now to. And this is no movie review. Those of you who were googling some of those movies listed here and finally ended up on my page, sorry guys, if you like it, go ahead and read, if not, carry on.

3 Idiots. I happened to watch this movie for the only second time and could completely relate to this movie. Though, I'm no genius who studied well and topped his college, I could completely relate to it since I do have a couple of "idiots" as friends. Well, a lot of their struggles in the movie, I could relate to, especially of a guy who is struggling to pass his exams and also of the one in the group who manages to come out on top always. One thing I learnt from the movie was that we aren't really doing what's we are passionate about (and I still am not doing what I'm passionate about). Not easy in a world which pays so much less for things that we are passionate about, is it?

Not really my kind of a movie. Romance. Not something that I'd completely relate to, but yes to an extent (Shhhh... I'm not telling how and all). I'm sure everyone who has seen this movie will say they can relate to this movie in someway.

Another movie that anyone can relate to. It's a pretty simple story. Gandhigiri rules. One particular scene in this movie which I felt totally moved was a scene where a guy calls up Munna's radio station.. saying he lost a huge sum of money in the share market and doesn't know how to face his father and how Munna helps him out. One fantastic scene, which will remain etched forever in my memory.

Chennai 600028 is all about friendship, rivalries, love, misunderstandings, booze, and yes of course lots of CRICKET. It s a close to my heart movie due to more of the reason that we played regular cricket, just about the time when the movie was released. Not only does cricket give me the reason, it's also the various other aspects such as mokka comedies, friendships and misunderstandings also which gives us a reason to relate to.

There might be a lot other movies to which I can relate to, but these are the ones which came off the top of my head. Do feel free to add up your own list in the comments.... :)

The Stupid Common Man...

2010-12-21T07:14:00.001+05:30

Ah.. yes. That's all of us. Not you netas, ministers, MLAs, MPs, bureaucrats and party chiefs. It's us- The Stupid Common People of India. It's us, who have to bear the brunt of price rices due to the artificial inflation that all you idiots have created for your own selfish ends.

Imagine, a kilo of onions costing an ABSURD Rs. 60-70 per kilo? Fuel prices going up every 2 weeks? Such things are unheard of even in countries poorer than India. If prices go up so high, only people who have ammassed (Pun- very much intended), so much of wealth that at least 10 more generations of their family need not bother about working, can only afford even the luxury of a sambhar cooked with onions.

Well, not to mention media coverage for this issue, which is as of today on the front page of a newspaper. Tomorrow, this news will be obscure and will obviously be out of peoples minds and our great babus and netas, will once again hatch plots to make money for themselves.

This is a vicious cycle isn't it? People have to slog their asses off, pay taxes (if not entirely honestly), at least people do pay taxes. These people are us- common people- IT company employees, BPO employees, Government employees, small time business people, growing companies. Where does all the money go? Oh, yes, it goes all the way to keep Ajmal Kasab and rapists alive.

The value of a common man's life in India is worse than shit. A minister's daughter is held hostage, the entire universe gets into action to rescue her. A common man's daughter is kidnapped, raped and killed, the police hardly even takes notice of it. The perpetrator? At most times, the son or a relative of a politician or a politician himself.

A minister swindles a nation of crores of money and roams happily in his Benz car, while a common thief, who would have stolen not more than 100 Rs, is beaten up mercilessly and later sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. So, as far as we are concerned, the greater the magnitude of the crime, the lesser the punishment.A corrupt and illiterate minister can get away with a multi crore Rupee scam, while a government employee of the lowest order gets kicked for asking for a cup of tea as a bribe.

In India, lives are lost when ambulances are held up in traffic jams, which have been created due to the passing of a ministerial convoy through that route. A life of a common man is lost and the minister won't even know about it and even in the rarest of events, if he does get to hear about it, he will feel no remorse.

When will all this end? The largest democracy in the world has no respect for the people who make it. SHAME.

When he retires....

2010-11-18T07:06:00.000+05:30

I really can't imagine what the state of affairs of a billion peoples lives will be when GOD retires. You know whom I am talking about. Yes. It's HIM.

He has beaten opponents all over the world and thrashed bowlers all over many a stadia on the planet. He looks very small, but his achievements- the sky is not the limit. Often compared with Sir Don Bradman, he has always shown, why he is better than Sir Don. No offence meant.

He has won so many matches for India. He has been a bowlers' nightmare. When he is in form, no one can even think of getting him out. It has often been said that opposing captains have even stood and admired his game rather than thinking of ways to get him out. He is such a great cricketer.

Much has been said of him playing. I'm sure, he himself has not yet thought of retiring as yet. However, it is inevitable that even he will retire one day. On that day, I'm sure at least a million people will give up cricket for good. On that day, the Indian stock markets will crash a bit. On that day, there will be a lot of tears shed all over the world, for Cricket will lose it's greatest player ever. On that day, everyone would seriously wish that this day never came. It will come, that day will come, even Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar himself would be very sad.

He was within inches of a crowning glory of winning a world cup for India, but India sadly stumbled at the very last hurdle. It will only be justice to him, to win the next world cup and when he does go, it will be his final hurrah. The man who broke the 200 run barrier in ODIs, the man with the most number of career centuries and the man who has been cricket's god, he will be missed by cricket fans all over the world. His shoes are very huge for anyone to fill, but with god's grace, India might find a replacement, who might be at best, half as good as Tendulkar himself.

ROT IN HELL... * You need to be more careful*

2010-11-11T10:11:00.000+05:30

Not more than a couple of days back, a ba****d in Tamilnadu, who brutally raped and murdered a couple of kids was shot dead in an encounter. May he rot in hell.

RAPE. Possibly the worst crime that can ever be done. It is so frustrating that a man who rapes a girl walks free after he does the crime and to worsen it, he even threatens the girl and her family to refrain from going to the cops. Even if they do go to the cops- what happens- the cops are hand in glove with the rapist, since he in turn is hand in glove with some big shot politico.

Every single day that I open the newspaper, the lines glare at me with at least one news of rape in some part of the country. What's even worse is the media publicity for a rapist. Crap. Imagine- cases of dads raping daughters, trusted drivers raping their bosses' daughters. Such things are utterly atrocious.

How can rape be contained? how can it be controlled? Certainly not by arresting the rapist and trying him by IPC sections blah, blah and blah. It can be controlled only by some truly bloody law (or even unlawful law) enforcement. Something on the lines of the punishment meted out to a rapist who features in RGV's Rakta Charitra should do the trick.

Boys Vs Girls... Controversial Topic

2010-11-07T08:51:00.001+05:30

Much has been debated, dissected and analysed about the sexes. It's always been said that women are the fairer, but weaker sex. Not anymore. Not true these days. Women compete with men. Women give men a run for their money in all aspects, which includes guts, glory,booze, drugs, crime, career, success in life, money and power. There have been many great men and women who have walked the face of this earth. All of them would have certainly had a contemporary of the opposite sex who would have certainly matched them at some point of time (maybe if not in their own generation, at least in another generation).

Quite recently I watched a movie which I like a lot (I've watched the movie quite a few times before that too). Shows the difference of opinions and mentalities between a guy and a girl who used to be in a relationship. The movie opens out with a guy saying that god's first creation was guys since god knows that guys know how to enjoy life. A girl pops out on to the screen and says that girls endowed with such charm and beauty are the best creation of god and guys are just test pieces. The narrator says maybe both are right, but even god can't decide on what issues will a guy and girl get along well and on what issues will they lock horns. To resolve such a conflict, he created the magic called love. Quite true right?

Well, come to think of it- we guys are happy go lucky, reckless, jovial, smart, cool, can even be a little caring, kind hearted, loving, and yes we too can be a little emotional as well. This is something that I've ripped off from Mr. Russell Peters - We guys, when we get into a relationship, girls ask us not to lie to them. We say "sure. Whatever." One fine day we sit and stare into open space for about 15 mins (YES. We guys can do that. Can't we?). The girls come up and ask us "What are you thinking about?". We say "Nothing" and we are being honest about it here. The girls keep nagging us till we actually lie "I was thinking about how cute you are". Girls ask us not to lie and we end up lying because of girls. Seriously.

Anyways, there are a lot of things that girls hate with boys. When we guys are in a relationship with a girl, does it mean that we can't even look at other girls? But yes, we are loyal to you. Somethings that girls never understand is that- how many ever girls a guy looks at or talks to, we guys (well, most of us guys anyways) almost always remain committed to our girls. We enjoy our sports and we don't really like shopping. We can see only 16 bit colour unlike you girls who spot such minute changes in colour shades and give each single shade a name. Oh my god.

Girls- you girls are absolutely pretty, charming, gorgeous, intelligent, caring, loving and very emotional. There are somethings that guys hate with girls. First thing is always suspecting guys of being disloyal. That's something that we guys can't really tolerate. Not when we are being extremely loyal. Girls hate waiting for guys, when we guys wait for over 2 hours for you girls to get ready to go somewhere. When guys look at other girls, we get a cold mean stare, but when you girls look at other guys- it's just looking.

Oh yes. You girls have to keep thinking about something or the other. Good thing- it saves us a lot of pressure and yes a lot of grey cells. And we have the direction sense when we drive. It's been scientifically proven that girls lack some of the skills that we guys have. For instance, we can catch a ball flying at us, perfectly and pretty instinctively. We can drive to any given location just by merely knowing a couple of landmarks. And yes, there are things that most of us guys can't do and all of us guys can't do. For instance most of us guys can't really cook well. Most of us guys cant really set things the way that you girls can. Most of us guys aren't really that creative (we are bloody lazy). And yes, most of us guys don't really study that well. Most of us guys can't really take care of kids (but we do love kids). And all of us guys can't get pregnant. Something that god's given uniquely to girls is motherhood. The pain, the pleasure and the joy that you girls get in bringing a life into this world- something that no man on earth can get. Hats off to girls for that.

This really doesn't bring a conclusion to the argument- who is better. Does it? Well, neither man nor woman is better. We guys have our faults, you girls too have your faults. Let's understand each other, fall in love and enjoy life. :)

P.S: I know I might get kicked for this post.

When money and power talk...

2010-11-04T09:07:00.001+05:30

That title is an indication of what politics is all about. Summarized and characterized by just 2 very simple but very important words. When money and power talk, anyone, absolutely anyone will have to shut up. That s the pity of it all.

A very well educated person. Probably he/she might have topped the I.A.S (Indian Administrative Services) exam, but that person can do nothing but just advice the stupid minister on what should be done. Of course, even if the person is very well educated, there are always 2 ways to get work done. 1- Money (read as bribe). 2- Power (read as threats).

It was a few days back that I was reading these couple of articles in a newspaper. Something that really proves that one can do absolutely anything with these 2 weapons- Money and Power.

As people who might be reading this blog from my hometown, Chennai, would undoubtedly know that Tamil movies which have their title as a proper Tamil name would be granted a tax exemption by the state of Tamilnadu. 1st of all. What's this rule going to bring? A renaissance of sorts for the Tamil movie industry? or is it going to increase the vocabulary? or is it going make our newsreaders and actors say words such as "pazham, vazhkai" properly? or is it going to bring down the pricing of movie tickets at multiplexes? or is it going to reduce the price of petrol? All that it's going to do is just give the movies a good for nothing tax exemption, even when the movie made is hardly of even the lowest possible standard. There are certain big shots in the movie industry who get the tax exemption despite the movie not having a proper Tamil title. The reason- money and powerful positions and people. Now that's politics.

One other article is one which shows how poor the law and order situation is in Chennai at the moment, is one on eve-teasing. Rowdy elements have always been a part of Chennai, but wreaking havoc on ladies travelling in trains is the height of it. Spitting, commenting on the ladies and making sure that other passengers who try to oppose these rowdies are given a hard time and a piece of their minds makes passengers want to desert the trains forever. The railway police are very efficient in sanitizing the trains of vendors and beggars, but are not so very inclined to ensure the safety of the passengers by any means. How come these rowdy elements have a field day? Political backing and support. Politicians need these rowdies and criminals to do their dirty work and in return they get immunity from arrests. Wonder if politicians and policemen would allow these rowdy elements to even exist if they dared to touch their daughters/sisters/friends.

There have been so many girls who have died due to this menace of eve teasing. This will not end until and unless there are good cops who dare to stand up against such anti social elements, good politicians who do not need rowdies and anti social elements to help them win elections and make money for themselves. In fact, it all begins with us- the people- by voting for the right person. Lets make our city, our state and our country a better place for all of us.

P.S: With all due respect to the Chief Minister of TamilNadu (I know you will not be reading this article sir, but it would be nice if action is taken against such anti social activities).

Why Endhiran's parking lot collection = Anjaana Anjaani's box office collection.

2010-10-28T08:56:00.001+05:30

Now, I guess the euphoria of Endhiran's release has died down to an extent that I can actually see people looking at other movies these days. A Rajini film is always special to anybody who has watched the SuperStar's movies all these years, but now he has surpassed from being a Star in just the Tamil Cinema industry to become a SuperStar that the world now knows.

There have been so many people who have been wondering why Endhiran has become such a worldwide hit. Eclipsing the box office collections of so many other movies, showcasing a worldwide presence and making it an international phenomenon. Some of the reasons include:

1. Absolutely phenomenal marketing. Thanks to Sun Pictures' marketing team, this movie has been released all over the planet and people who don't know a word of Tamil/Hindi are watching it with subtitles in theaters in the US, Canada and other parts of the world. No other Indian movie has been marketed like this.

2. Starcast. Needless to say. Super Star Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. This combination can't get any better. Probably the most charismatic Indian actor with one of the most beautiful women on the face of the earth. Who wouldn't want to watch these 2 people share a screen?

3. Shankar. Shankar's other name is Grandeur. Any movie that he has made till now has a high standard of grandeur - with special attention to the sets that he uses for the songs. This is one director who has a penchant for presentation. He has always made movies which really send out a message to the public. Endhiran has been his pet project for over ten years. Due to various circumstances he had not been able to make this movie, but today, no one can make a movie as grand as this one and if anyone can better it, it has got to be Shankar himself.

4. A.R.Rahman. The Shankar - A.R.R combo clicked once again. Rahman's music combined with some good lyrics has made anyone who listened to the songs tap their feet. All the songs were presented brilliantly and noone wants to miss Shankar's special touch for the songs.

5. This is not a typical Super Star movie. This is Shankar's movie rather than showcasing Rajinikanth. Somehow the name of the scientist character, Vaseegaran (meaning one who entices all) seems a little cliched.

6. Special effects - Stan Winston studios did a not so bad job with the special effects for the robots. This could have only been a little better. Had it been a little better, it would certainly have given Terminator a run for it's money.

7. Last but not the least. Even the best of movies, with the best star cast, marketing and music can flop if media do not advertise the movie that much. It's media hype and yes of course word of mouth which makes people go watch the movie in the theatres. The media hype surrounding Endhiran has been positive and has made the movie live quite up to expectations.

The bad guys that I like....

2010-10-25T02:14:00.002+05:30

Noone likes bad guys. You like bad guys? I think there might be at least one bad guy from the below list that you, my dear reader might like.

OK. Lets get down to business. There's no top ten here- just the list off the top of my head. If I miss YOUR favourite bad guy, I'm so sorry about it.

BILLA

A list of bad guys would start with Billa. A negative character played by SuperStar Rajinikanth and later on by Ajith. The charisma of Rajinikanth was replaced by the style of Ajith. The negative roles played by both of them exudes such a dark glow to the character himself that you would certainly like one of the 2 Billas.

VAALI

The deaf mute elder twin brother, who wants to get his younger brother's wife, is yet another memorable negative character. Though not a character which people would like, but certainly a role that cannot be forgotten by anyone who has watched the movie.

JEEVAN- KAAKA KAAKA/ NAAN AVAN ILLAI

One truly spectacular actor for a negative character would be this man, Jeevan. Acting as Pandya, a gangster who seeks revenge for his brother's killing, he showcased a villain that Tamil cinema had not seen before. With a rather unkempt and flowing mane, he instilled a sense of dislike for the character that he played in Kaaka Kaaka. His role in Naan Avan Illai brought some comic relief but yes it is a negative character, which might make people just forget that he is no negative character.

PARATTAI- 16 VAYATHINILE

Probably one of the best roles that the SuperStar has played till date. A brute rowdy who picks on a mentally retarded person (played by Kamal Haasan). One of the more popular negative characters in the history of Tamil cinema.

CHRISTIAN FLETCHER- DASAVATHARAM

Playing 10 roles in a single movie is not the easiest thing. Not when each role requires a different makeup and mind set. This particular negative character has impressed one and all to an extent. The gun toting, trigger happy, ex-CIA agent, who works as a mercenary is probably one of the most impressive negative roles played by Kamal Haasan.

INBA- AYITHA EZHUTHU

Madhavan may not have a huge fan base in Tamil, but he certainly showed that he can do a good job even with a negative role. Yet another mercenary, who doesn't mind deserting his wife, so that he can become big in politics.

ANAKIN SKYWALKER / DARTH VADER- STAR WARS FRANCHISE

Who on earth can forget Darth Vader? The background music that he has when he enters? Possibly one of the best bad guys that one can ever remember. Scheming, intelligent and so annoying that Darth Vader can be either hated so much or can be liked a lot.

MUTHUPANDI- GHILLI

"Chellam I love you." The role that catapulted Prakash Raj to being the most wanted villain in the Tamil and Telugu cinema industries. He may not have been playing that bad guy role so as to make a person hate the character, but he certainly gave one good performance which took him to the top. That character was made by Prakash Raj. Though he went on to play negative roles in several other movies, it's this one movie which made him very popular.

VINOD - KADHAL KONDEN.

Armstrong said "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." This is so very true in the case of Dhanush, who played a psychopath negative character who takes all steps that he possibly can from keeping his lady love (who loves someone else) from going away from him. One terrific negative character. One great performance. An absolute stunner.

VEERA & DEV - RAAVANAN

Tough to decide who does the negative role. Veera- the forest brigand, nicknamed Raavanan or is it the daring police officer Dev? Veera kidnaps Dev's wife and kills several policemen as a part of his revenge for the rape of his sister on the day of her wedding by some policemen. While Dev showcases his negative side by setting his wife up so that he can kill Veera. Absolutely brilliant character that man Veera.

THE JOKER- THE DARK KNIGHT

"Why so serious son? Lets put a smile on that face." Heath Ledger took villainy to a new high. A psychotic villain, bent on destroying the hero. One of the most deadly bad guys who has ever been featured in the movies. Gives you a bit of a chill, doesn't it?

CHITTI VERSION 2.0 - ENDHIRAN.

"Who is the black sheep? Meeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh." A role of a lifetime that no actor other than the SuperStar himself can do. I'm not telling you all about this role. Find out for yourself if you guys haven't yet seen the movie.

A few questions that even Google cannot answer...

2010-09-28T09:45:00.002+05:30

These are some questions which came to my mind right at this point of time. This list will probably shrink in a few years' time.. but there are a few questions to which there may not be any answers at all..

1. Does God exist? (Quite a few atheists will love this question.)

2. What do Women really want? ( I know I've made a few enemies with my women readers here. As it is the number of people reading my blog is less, now that's nearly 50% off. Sorry ladies.)

3.Where is Osama Bin Laden hiding? (Pretty obvious.)

4. What does Kamal Haasan's real face look like? (I googled this. Trust me.)

5. When will the world end? (Google has answers to this. We can't say for sure until it happens.)

6. When did "corruption" start?

7. Do ghosts exist?

8. Do aliens exist?

Numbers 7 & 8 have been googled, debated, researched and buried and whatever "-ed" that you can think about. But opinions exist to the very widths of a spectrum.

9. When will Vijay stop acting? (:O)

10. What is the value of infinity?

Possibly- number 10 is the only sensible question in this list. All others are practically junk.

OK. My limited number of readers (which would certainly have come down to a single digit now) can add to this list, if you like.

My first wife...

2010-09-18T10:52:00.000+05:30

Well... I got married to her not recently.. but very long ago..

I can't tell when I fell in love with her,
I can't tell when we decided that we were not going to be separated by anything at all,
I can't even tell how she told me how much she loved me.

She is probably the most beautiful thing on earth.
Poetry at its best is when we are together.
Enjoying a beautiful day of sunshine, of a light breeze.
Wherever it might be on the lawns, at the beach, or even on the terrace of our apartment.

She looks so beautiful by day and far more beautiful at night.
She is no mortal.
She is far from mortal.
She is a very beautiful game.

I can't say how crazy I am about you Cricket.
I just can't say how much I love you.
I will never be too far away from you.

With lots of love- A crazy Cricket lover.

P.S: I am sure someone will freak out after reading this. But really, that's the truth. :)

Mani Matters...

2010-07-20T23:02:00.000+05:30

It's so hard to write about a man who talks very less. However, I find it very compelling to write about one of the greatest directors in Indian cinema- Mani Ratnam.

Many of Mani Ratnam's movies have been top award winners, most notably Nayagan, Roja and Mouna Ragam. Mani Ratnam is credited with making some of the best movies that have come out in Tamil Cinema. However, he is also known for the dialogues which are so sparingly used in his movies. One thing that stands out his movies is the characterization of his actors. Some of his characters which have been created have become so etched in the memory, that it is very hard to forget Velu Naickar (Kamal Haasan in Nayagan), Surya (Rajini Kanth in Thalapathi), Devaraj (Mamooty in Thalapathi),Anjali (Shamili in Anjali), Karthik (Madhavan in Alaipayuthey), Inba (Madhavan in Ayitha Ezhuthu), Michael Vasanth (Surya in Ayitha Ezhuthu), Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan in Guru) and quite recently- Veerayya a.k.a. Veera (Vikram in Raavanan).

If there is one man who can make even a stone act it's Mani Ratnam. His performance as a director is overshadowed by the performance of Shamili, who played the role of an autistic child who is loved by her family, detested by her society earlier and later how the same society learns to like her and love her. Such stories do not come every day in Indian cinema and such stories are very very hard to direct.

There have also been some movies of his which have been critically acclaimed such as Bombay, which is based on the Mumbai riots of 1993. One other critically acclaimed movie is Iruvar- featuring Mohanlal and Prakashraj in lead roles, a story loosely based on the lives of Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister- Mr. M.G.Ramachandran and current Tamil Nadu Chief Minister- Mr. M. Karunanidhi. This movie did not make it big at the box office, however, it is known for the directorial brilliance showcased by Mani Ratnam. Probably one of the finest movies that Indian cinema has ever seen or known, for ages to come.

Some of his other efforts include the movies- Kannathil Muthamittal and Dil Se, which form the terrorism trilogy alongwith Roja. The 3 movies- Roja, Kannathil Muthamittal and Dil Se- focus on 3 of the Sub-continent's most violent areas. Roja- Kashmir, Kannathil- Sri Lanka and Dil Se- North East India. Mani Ratnam is also credited for the blockbuster romantic story- Alaipayuthey and for one other movie treading on political lines- Ayitha Ezhuthu (Yuva in Hindi).

Everyone has a peak and a crest. That goes the same for even Mani Ratnam. The latest position that Mani Ratnam has got himself into is that he has apparently forgotten how audiences receive movies in various parts of the country. Raavan and Raavanan (the tamil version of Raavan) was released simultaneously. Raavanan did better than its Hindi counterpart, thanks to some apparently better acting by Vikram, who plays the "title role". One flaw with the Mani Ratnam of recent times is that he is more intent on creating movies as bi-linguals and tri-linguals, mindless of who acts in the movie and how well a movie is accepted in each region. For example: Raavanan need not have been made as a tri-lingual. It seemed more of an effort to showcase Ash-Abhi on screen, after a good one in Guru. It must also be noted that there was a lot of effort for Raavan- the sets, the stunts, the entire crew which had put in months of hard work to make such a movie must be praised.

Adding to that is the legendary A.R. Rahman - Mani Ratnam combination. It has worked so well in the past but somehow failed to live up to expectations with the Tamil audio of Raavanan. It was so apparent that the lyrics was not given much of importance, as they were just made, or rather forced to suit the music that had already been created for Raavan.

Despite all those recent flaws, Mani Ratnam still remains one of THE BEST directors of all time. I know I am not even in the league, where I can critique his works, but still, as an admirer and an avid movie goer, all I can say is Mani Ratnam stands tall among his peers and contemporaries. Let's just hope his next one is far more successful and probably the best to come from him.

The state of TN

2010-07-07T21:49:00.000+05:30

Tamil Nadu. One India's four southern states. The state which boasts of a classical language spoken with many different dialects and accents- ranging from the ones spoken by Thiruvalluvar to the ones spoken by auto drivers and news readers and actresses imported from god knows where.

This state also boasts of one of the "greatest" political dynasties of modern India- The Karunanidhis. M.Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of the state and his big family, who dominate the political scenario in Tamilnadu, at present are known for their "service" to the Tamil people. Yes- you read it right- service to the Tamil people.

Let us take a look at this TN government till now- Achievements over the past few years- Building grade separators (Once they used to build flyovers). Building a new assembly complex. Burning down the Dinakaran office- work done by M.K.Azhagiri (The C.M.'s son). Settling up a feud between the CM and Mr. Dayanidhi Maran (the C.M.'s nephew). Kalaignar TV. Free Tv's to people.

Now, did I forget something? Ah. Yes- Ulaga Thamizh Semmozhi Maanadu. Supposed to be the ultimate tribute to thamizh and thamizh culture turned out to be yet another function where the CM was praised rather than our semmozhi itself.

Ok. Now lets stop blaming our C.M. What did you and I do? Yes, you and me. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Shame.

When the entire nation decided to protest against the petrol price rise, we decided that we will not have anything to do with it. So what if a bandh is not state sponsored? Don't we have the guts to stand up and say that "we don't want a fucking price rice in any commodity and you can fucking fuck off."? Yes. We DON'T have that guts and we don't give a damn.

At this point of time, I remember a few lines spoken by Padmashree Dr. Kamal Haasan in his movie- Unnaipol Oruvan. "If there is a bomb bast in northern India, we are not bothered, because it's not here. Not in Thamizhnadu. We are a peaceful state, that does not care about any other part of the country." This is also a bomb blast. A rice in prices every other day in India, when our neighbours sell petrol for less than what we pay- atrocity.

Things need to change. I know my writings cannot effect a change, atleast if one person reads this- next time there s something an entire nation does- that Thamizhan would probably do what he is supposed to do.

P.S: I am not pro-opposition nor am I pro-ruling. I am a person with neutral views on politics. I support what is right. I hope you too would support what is right.

Justice prevails?!!!????

2010-06-13T22:18:00.000+05:30

25 years since the Bhopal gas tragedy, the trial has ended and the courts punish some of the minor accused, while one big shot, aged 80 plus sits in his house in new york, well furnished with air conditioners and well fed by a good cook.

The victims get paid a substantial amount, while the blame game is being played in the political circles. Warren Anderson will never be extradited to India and never will he be tried and punished in an Indian court, should our great politicians carry on playing the blame games.Look at them- has Arjun Singh ever done anything good for the country? He's the man responsible for letting Warren Anderson off and he was the great Union Human Resources Development minister, who screwed up with the reservation policy.

Think a little.. if a person like Veerappan, who has not killed in the number of thousands should be punished- What of people like Warren Anderson? If sheltering a known criminal and letting him escape from the hands of the law is a crime- then why has Mr. Arjun Singh not been arrested? Food for thought.

Satyameva Jayathe. Millions of Indians all over the world will understand what this is all about.

Something that caught my eye...

2010-04-18T03:35:00.001+05:30

One of my friends here showed me one really amazing piece of technology. Something that the world has not yet seen. Something that would goes beyond all our imagination as far as the field of Human Computer Interaction goes.

As the name suggests- humans interact with computers and each interaction is important to an user. The thing I am talking about now is the new project natal from xbox, ( which has not yet been released to stores). What's so great about this project? See for yourself- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2qlHoxPioM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPIbGnBQcJY&feature=channel.

I am sure you would have been astounded by those 2 links up there. Well, even I was stunned by the remarkable features of this project, however, I am sure, while being impressed by the technology, we all have forgotten one thing completely.

When this project comes to the stores- many people will certainly buy it, play with it and experience something new and of course, yes, get addicted to it. That will happen with most kids around the world. One thing that we have to realize is that if this project comes to the stores, children will certainly forget playing with physical friends. Children won't realize what it is to actually play football on the grass or hear the real sound of bat hitting ball or even ball hitting stumps.

My Parents' generation would boast of having played on large empty spaces in Chennai. Our generation can boast of striking a balance between playing video games, games on the pc and also playing on the grounds and roads in Chennai. What would the generation after us boast of? Having a friend named Milo, who can read his or her emotions and offer his help seeing through his virtual eyes? Not having a physical friend will be something that the next generation would probably boast about.

Imagine the effect that such a project will have on our kids. It is no doubt a great path-breaking project which has to be appreciated for all the hardwork, the effort and the ideas put in to create such a magnum opus. Hats off to the Xbox makers, but this will only affect kids of the coming generations. I know, this post might sound as a sort of propaganda against this new technology, but I am posting my true feelings here.

The xbox natal might be of greater use to the last man alive on earth rather than kids who need to experience what is left of earth. Green grass, fresh water, monsoon rains, sandy beaches- all these are going to be a reality for maybe a couple more generations, given the rate at which the earth is deteriorating. Let everything be natural, lets not technologically revolutionize every single thing on earth- including humans and sports.

That time of the year..

2010-02-12T03:38:00.000+05:30

It's that time of the year again when people (read- couples) start fretting about meeting in public- Thanks to our dear old Ram Sene and their associates. Since I am now stuck up in one god forsaken piece of land, where my only access to Indian news is via the internet (Sigh- How much I miss the newsprint of The Hindu, The Times of India and The Indian Express). I wonder what's the new threat from the "moral police".

Anyways, apart from the annual threats by the "moral police", it is at this time of the year that many people choose to express their love all around the world. But seriously, why do we need a special day every year to express one's love? Feb14th? Why only on that date? Love someone- say it then and there. Just don't wait for the day.

Life is very short guys, just make sure you don't make it feel even shorter by waiting for a day when people all over the world express their love. One fine day guys, the girl you love might just turn up with a wedding invitation (as shown in so many many of our Indian movies- and call you- "Anna/Bhai please come for my wedding.") Just don't wait till then.

Well, I was reading this lovely nice book called 2 States by Chetan Bhagat (Highly recommended by all of my friends who read it). Really- one story that truly summarizes the state of Love marriages in India. Apparently, Mr. Bhagat's own life story, but yes-it rocked, to say the least. The back cover of the book reads "Love marriages around the world are pretty simple. Boy loves Girl, Girl loves Boy; They get married. However, love marriages in India have a few more steps. Boy loves Girl, Girl loves Boy, Boy's family has to love Girl. Girl's family has to love Boy. Boy's family must love Girl's family and Girl's family has to love Boy's family. If they still love each other, they get married." Really....

So, why is there this great hullabuloo about love marriages in conservative Indian societies? Basically- it's like parents' spoon feed us right from the very day that we are born, and hence they would expect us to marry the person that they see for us. It's the way it has been all these years and suddenly when their little kid (little kid- as old as 25-27 years old) comes and tells them that "I love so and so and I want to marry only that person." It comes as a huge shock to the parents. Pretty natural, considering our very own conservative upbringing. Finally after heavy shelling, firing, water-firing (read- tears) between parents and children, a decision would be reached. If the families are liberal enough, things would go through smoothly, otherwise..... long way to go....

And, yes people, it's also at this time of the year that some hearts get broken and some hearts leave their original resting place to go fly off somewhere, with another person's heart.

Win a heart- you rock. Heart break?- Never mind, Life has to go on boss...

Aayirathil Oruvan...

2010-01-15T21:07:00.000+05:30

If the trailer was revolutionary in all aspects of Tamil cinema, the movie's 1st half promised a lot more. However, personally, I felt that the second half was a let down. The story of the movie revolves around 3 main characters played by Karthi, Reema Sen and Andrea.

Director Selvaraghavan and his team have taken a lot of pain and put in effort for this movie. More than 2 years were spent on this movie, but really, given the way the story moved in the second half, makes you wonder what the whole team was up to for all these days. Un Mela Aasadhan lives up to expectations, but since that comes up in the first half of the movie itself, it gives people less reason to stay up till the end of the movie.

Reema Sen's literally carried the movie on her boobs... oops, sorry.. shoulders. Violence and vulgarity run through the movie, with obscenities being used very frequently.Reema Sen, apparently has had a make over for the movie, but there hardly appears to be any difference between what she was in Minnale and now. If Puthupettai and 300 were the benchmarks for violence, Aayirathil Oruvan sets a new landmark.

However, one must appreciate the effort the entire team had put in for the movie. Parthiban was wasted in the role of the chola king. So was Pratap Pothen. Truly speaking, any idiot could have done those roles. The story takes a really awkward turn in the second half, with a huge chola clan making an appearance and a few pandyas as well. I'm not telling anything more.

Aayirathil Oruvan- disappointing, but still a rather thrilling experience. Should watch for the effort.

P.S:- Not for the weak hearted and also not a movie to go with your family.

Iru thuruvangal... 2 different people...

2009-12-10T07:29:00.000+05:30

As the name of my blog suggests- 2 sides to every coin, there is one coin- Tamil Cinema- that has 2 heads. Possibly the only coin to have two heads, but 2 very different heads.

The 2 men in the above image- need no introduction at all. They were both introduced by one of the greatest directors Tamil cinema has ever seen. Both the actors- way too different from each other.

Padmashri Kamal Haasan- known for his aesthetic acting. Pure acting- literally. Having acted in so many movies, he had learnt the in depths of almost every field of Tamil cinema. Aged over 50, but still is the indisputable king when it comes to conceptual acting. Each of his stories are so well designed and intricate. Some of his movies are strictly meant for the insanely intellectual public. Kamal Haasan, controversy and women are inseparable from one another. His personal life apart- Kamal Haasan's contribution to Tamil cinema has been invaluable, thanks to producing some stellar performances in almost any role that he has acted in.

It has even been said that even Kamal doesn't know his true face. He has donned so many roles, each so very different from the other. One classic example is his movie- Apoorva Sagotharargal, in which he plays the role of both a 6 feet tall man and also a dwarf. The way Kamal Haasan works for each of his movies can never be matched by any other actor. His latest release- Unnaipol Oruvan, though a remake, does not follow the stereotype followed by some actors of remaking the movie down to the hilt. There were quite a few changes and loads of work involved with even that remake movie.

On the other hand- Superstar Rajinikanth. The indisputable baadshah of Tamil cinema. Known for his style and his unique mannerisms, he has won over the Tamil movie industry and has managed to build a palace in the hearts of many a Tamil movie buff. The frenzy and the fanaticism of his fans can never be matched by another actor's fans. Rajinikanth has a truly contrasting style compared to Kamal Haasan. While Kamal is pure acting, the superstar is pure style combined with his own unique style of acting. Some of his best roles include that of the don- Manik Baasha in the movie Baasha, Surya in the Maniratnam directed Thalapathy and also in the movie Mannan.

Rajini's movies are typically known for the style content rather than for the acting part of it. His meteoric rise to the top of the Tamil movie industry was fuelled by a series of hits starting with the evergreen hit- Billa. Rajinikanth has stayed at the pinnacle of Tamil cinema ever since- thanks to his style and the fanatic fan support that he has. While Kamal has always kept a safe distance from politics, Rajini nearly stepped into the political scenario. Rajinikanth's fan base is located world wide, including Japan- where Muthu (the dancing maharaja) became a massive hit. The superstar has always attracted the younger generation who instantly fall in love with his style (to be honest- I was avoiding saying this, but I cant avoid it anymore- I'm a big big big superstar fan.) The superstar is also a Padma awardee- he won the Padma Bhushan award, for his services to the Indian film industry. Rajinikanth is also the only Tamil actor to feature in a Hollywood movie- namely bloodstone. Also he is the actor to feature in most caricatures and parodies. However, the superstar knows that he cannot be replaced by anyone.

One thing to admire about the great man is his simplicity. He has been so successful in life, but he still dresses in a white kurtha-pyjama and at most times travels in a white ambassador car (maybe he s still the only one in chennai who has a white ambassador). He has never let his successes get to his head. The superstar is ardent devotee of baba, while Kamal is an atheist. So many differences, small and big, but both of them are such great actors. To be honest- I can be very proud that I have grown up watching these 2 great actors at their peaks.

Truly speaking these two actors can never be compared, but just take a look at their different styles. Despite all their differences, fanatic fan followings, all that, both of them are till date- very good friends, with a lot of respect for each other. Todays' actors have a lot to learn from them- professionally and personally. Hope god gives us all one more chance of watching them together on the same screen in a movie.

A year later... What have we learnt?

2009-11-26T13:33:00.000+05:30

*** Please be warned that this post will contain a hell a lot of expletives. I apologise.***

What does the image below remind you of?

It reminds me that this motherfucker who had killed so many people and who was a part of a grand scheme of terrorizing an entire city is still alive.

What have we learnt a year later? How to show humanity to a fucking terrorist is it? That fucker and his gang of terrorists go on a killing spree in Mumbai on 26th November 2008 and what then? Mr. Ajmal Kasab is given a trial. What the hell for? For being the man who shot the Mahatma is it? To understand his bloody motives? Or is it just to show that he is a Paki? Or is it just to show that the Indian Government is taking some action in retaliation for the attacks? To spend 31 Crore Rupees on a worthless piece of shit?

Look at the number of lives lost. Look at the gory, monstrosity of the attack. The people responsible for national security- not our army, not our BSF, not our coast guards, etc- but our great netas. Hemant Karkare was killed due to some fucking asshole messing up with his bulletproof jacket (I really hope not only Maharashtra Police, but Police departments of all other states have learnt from his death).And poor Mrs. Karkare doesn't even get to know how he was killed or at the very least should receive his bulletproof jacket, which has now been discarded to oblivion. Sub-standard bulletproof jackets for cops while some bloody asshole in the middle sees a shit load of money from the deal. What is this- BLATANT CORRUPTION.

Apart from all that, think of all the poor NSGs who were killed or injured in the counter-attack. To die for the nation is a great honour, but even in those deaths, the politicians want to take the limelight as if they have done the ultimate sacrifice for the country, when they actually are sacrificing us for their own needs and benefits. Imagine the plight of Sandeep Unnikrishnan's parents. Spare a thought for them. And it takes a week for a political party to apologize for one poltician's stupid actions.

Why has this happened? We are all a part of this grand massive scheme. Would you believe it if at least 15% of the money for the attacks was funded by ourselves? Where from- Pirated DVDs, Tax evasions- by which police and all other departments are forced to use substandard products (doesn't make a difference really, 'cause whatever tax we pay is not used for our benefit), all that.

We have only learnt to take things more lightly. Forget things easily. This is why we feel the rage only when we see images of the attack being telecast on TV. Such a dastardly attack of terror and as usual, has not influenced our mentality in anyway. And why the hell are we holding Kasab still? So that there can be another hijacked plane and a fucking demand for his release? Look at the number of lives lost, number of people killed by him and his trigger happy group of fucking self blowing jihadis. And despite all this, we expect Pakistan to act on terrorists, when we can safely say that at least half of Pakistan (that's a fucking underestimate) is full of terrorists.

Shouts, rallies and memorial services for the victims won't do. There needs to be something more. More than that- A revolution. India has to change a lot. We need to change a lot. You and I need to change a lot. Had the fire which burnt atop the Taj Colaba been in our bellies, India would have changed a lot over the last 1 year.

To quote my previous posts- (my posts which were done during the attack)- These terrorists seem to keep asking us this question over and over again- we can hit you anyway, anytime we want. What can you do?
Such an attack can happen again, and again and again, until and unless we are ruthless, courageous and good enough to do certain things that we never have.

WE HAVE LEARNT ONLY ONE THING- TO FORGET THINGS AND MOVE ON, WHATEVER HAPPENS.

If cricket's my religion...

2009-11-11T22:59:00.107+05:30

That title says it all. If cricket's my religion, the man in the pic is my god. That s the motto of every Indian, every cricket fanatic all over the world.

There are so many many sayings about Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. The most famous of them include quotes by other stars such as Matthew Hayden- “I've seen God. He bats at No.4 for India.”

Shane Warne- “I'll be going to bed having nightmares of Sachin just running down the wicket and belting me back over the head for six. He was unstoppable. I don't think anyone, apart from Don Bradman, is in the same class as Sachin Tendulkar. He is just an amazing player.”

Brian Lara “Sachin Tendulkar is a genius. I'm a mere mortal.”

Don Bradman once said to his wife "Come and take a look at this guy. He bats almost the way I did."

There are endless odes and tributes paid to the greatest batsman of all times. There used to be a point of time in Indian Cricket, when Sachin's wicket meant that India could be defeated.

Imagine that man, performing at the highest level of cricket for such a long time. A journey that began way back in 1987, in Pakistan, facing Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, on debut. That journey has continued ever since. Sachin's career has spanned 20 years, 17000 ODI runs, over 12000 test runs and over 42 test hundreds and 45 ODI hundreds. Imagine. Those are mind boggling figures. There is no way that he'll retire without 50 hundreds in each format of the game, except for T20 of course.

What hasn't Sachin done for India. He's not been a 'keeper. That's it. He s won matches single handedly for the team. He s done that with the bat and the ball. He's even captained the side, but not with much success though. There haven't been too many cricketers who have endured heartbreaks as much as him. There have been so many situations when he had played so many wonderful knocks and India did not make it over the line. The most memorable and the freshest memory would be that of his stunning 175 against Australia. However, India fell short by 4 runs.

A few knocks that anyone would remember would be his back to back centuries against Australia at Sharjah. His brilliant 98 off 75 balls against Pakistan at Centurion, South Africa. That blinding 155 vs Australia at Chennai in 1997. And that 136 against Pakistan at Chennai in 1999, though that was in a losing cause. That man has contributed a lot more to cricket than anyone else.

Injuries and lack of form have always been a part and parcel of any cricketer's career. And Sachin too has had his share of injuries- tennis elbow, ankle injuries, back problems, finger injuries. The game has taken its toll even on his body. But despite all that, he shrugs them all off and continues to play, continues to dazzle, continues to amaze.

He has had so many batting partners. One can even remember him batting with even a number eleven batsman, trying to save a test match. But at the mention of his batting partners, his best opening partner was Sourav Ganguly, with whom he had scripted a huge number of stunning partnerships.

Every man has his own weakness, and apparently captaincy was not Sachin's forte. India did not do well under his captaincy, but his batting was as dazzling as always. India has not seen any cricketer perform time and again like Sachin Tendulkar.

He has terrorised bowlers all over the world with his batting skills. There is no batsman in the world who has made bowling to him to seem as the most terrifying job on earth. Bowlers fear bowling to an in-form Sachin. A cricketer has to be born again to replace Sachin.

If cricket's my religion, Sachin's my god.

P.S: Down below are some thoughts that my friends have shared about the Master Blaster.

Sankari says- "I like Cricket only because of Sachin. The day he stops playing will be the day I stop watching cricket. "

Rohit says- " My fav sachinism moments : 1. The India Pakistan match at Chepauk.. I am blessed to have seen it live at the MAC stadium. Consider it to be the highpoint of my dumb -life.

2. The Century against England at Chennai which he dedicated to the ppl of Mumbai post 26/11. goes to show , the man still plays for the ppl of India , and not to get the eyeballs of Adidas and Pepsi , unlike a few blokes in the team.

3. The Sharjah sandstorm. I still remember watching it when I was a kid.. I was in my native town Nellore for the holidays , and the roof literally came down , watching it with a dozen equally passionate relatives.

4. The ball tampering scandal.. there waws so much outburst against the umpire who accused Sachin . "You mess with Sachin , you mess with India .

5. The World cup. India was doing poorly and back home cricketers houses were being stoned and effigies being burnt etc. many players appealed for the public to stop this. but went in vain. Sachin comes, holds a small press conference abt it. It all stops. Many ppl demand respect , he commands it."

Jayaram says- "That six off Andy Caddick's ball out of the stadium during the world cup in 2003."

Bhargava- "That dazzling 98 off 75 balls against Pakistan. Amazing. No one can ever forget that."

Venkatraman- "Sharjah- 143. Need I say more?"

Ashok- 155 not out vs Australia at Chennai. cant forget it. I am very fortunate to see that innings live at chepauk. and more fortunate to have thrown back the ball back to the field after one of his sixes landed into our stand.

Sathyanarayanan- Sharjah, 104 against Zim at Benoni(must win match to go to Final - Ganguly, Azhar and Rahul Dravid went cheaply. We required 240 of 40 overs to qualify for finals. Sachin scored 104. Jadeja and Robin would complete the match). He was totally out of form coming into the match. He played some extra ordinary shots for a player who was out of form.
155 vs Aus at Chennai(Test Match)
116 vs Pak at Chennai(Test match)
85 vs WI at Mumbai(Test Match)
116 vs Aus at Melbourne(Test match)
169 vs SA at Cape town(India were 67/5)
114 vs Eng at Edgbaston(India 66/5 with Manjrekar not able to bat)

Srinivas- 1.Sharjah "Desert Storm" twin Classics.
2.The 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup game at Centurion (That back foot cover drive off a bemused Akram is etched on my memory).

Krishnan- Sachins won't happen to the game everyday. He is a prisoner of his own (dare I say, Indian) Mind and had his ups and downs but his abilities were exceptional. In that short 22 yards strip, he carved out 100s of 1000s of runs, won millions of hearts (and of course made tons of money). At the same time, despite all his achievements, I won't exclude him from being questioned. But he's unlike anyone we've seen in world cricket and will leave a big stamp on the game- not just for being able to play cricket but also for being disciplined outside of it.

Siva- 1. 241* - Sydney'04 vs Aus - the one in which he stifled his natural instincts to play shots in the cover region because he was getting out in that region!

2. 49 - Bangalore'08 vs Aus - considering how acrimonious the last series between the two teams had been & how we ended up getting "Bucknor-ed" first & then "Clarke-d" to lose that all important Sydney test match, we had to ensure that we didn't lose this first test, considering how the Aussies would never lose their grip once they wrest the momentum.i think we had to make about 290+ to win on the 5th day.the pitch was absolutely two-paced and going for a win was out of the equation.the great man showed such a remarkable sense of purpose in each and every defensive shot he played for close to two sessions he was at crease and ensured that drew that test.we went on to win that series!

Venkatraman- His 5/32 at Kochi against Aus and his 3 wickets in the Kolkata test match known for Laxman's heroics are tributes to his crafty bowling and his thinking. People often don't praise him about his bowling. He is very crafty as a leggie and the ball with which he got warne in Kolkata was a stunner! The googly spun in so sharply that it hit Warne's pad before he could get his bat down! Warne must have surely commented in his mind, Oh you beauty!

penn- the girl, the lady, the woman...

2009-11-09T23:40:00.000+05:30

Penn- No its not penn state or something like that. Penn- means girl/lady or woman in Thamizh. There have been so many love songs, so many songs praising the glory of a hero/heroine (at times). There have been very few songs praising women as a whole.

As kids, always- guys don't like girls. And as we grow older- we kind of think- ok fine, we have to live with them. Finally, at one particular stage- OMG! I love that girl,and I just can't live without her. It's just the way things happen. Every guy at some stage in his life falls in love with one woman or the other. For some of us guys- it would be a girl who is very close with us, for some others the only girl in their lives would be their mum and for a lot others the girl whom they marry. Isn't it such a paradox- we grow up disliking each other and finally falling head over heels in love with each other?

Anyways. Take a moment to imagine all the various roles that a girl plays in her lifetime. 1st as a daughter to her parents. A good daughter who obeys all the instructions her parents give her, studies well, works hard, grows up to be a nice young lady. A lady who has to then get married to some guy and then live with him, make him happy for the rest of their lives together. A mother who has to groom her kids well and make sure they do what is good for them. All this.

Just imagine, that very same lady if she also works in a concern, she has to fulfill expectations there as well, which makes her task even harder. And believe me- Girls can be total workaholics. When there s something to be done- they'll finish and only then will they sleep. And after a long days' work, she comes home to take care of household work, kids, etc. Poof. Just to type this I feel so tired. Imagine all the ladies all over the world, particularly, in Indian households.

There s this line by கவிப்பேரரசர் வைரமுத்து "விண்ணவர்க்கும் மன்னவர்க்கும், விளையாட்ற்ற செல்வம் பென்". Truly. Todays' ladies define that statement. In terms of achievements of ladies, there are a few names that one can never forget. India's 1st woman Prime Minister- Indira Gandhi, Tamilnadu's 1st woman Chief Minister- Dr.Jayalalitha. Such prolific ladies. Well, even they have had their own darker sides, but still, their achievements in a predominantly male dominated society- very very commendable. And yes, there is another interpretation to that line that I had quoted above- remember the incident when a flight was hijacked, which was carrying the daughter of a minister. The bargain- release the terrorists that you have captured, we' ll let her and the other passengers go alive. Now you know how valuable a girl's life is? that too the daughter of a minister is far more valuable. Now, I believe she herself is into active politics, following her father's footsteps.

Respect the ladies guys. For you may never know when a girl you know might come up with something great and turn out to be someone great.

Friend, Dost, Nanban..

2009-11-07T07:55:00.001+05:30

There are so many proverbs about friendship. "A friend in need is a friend in deed", "Tell me who your friends are, I will tell who you are." All that. Really. There are so many great examples of great friendships.

Some of the ones that people who watch movies (any language) regularly will know are- in Thalapathy- Superstar Rajinikanth and Malayalam Idol Mamooty. In Rang De Basanti- the group of friends who avenge the inglorification of Madhavan (Air Force officer Ajay Rathod who gets killed in flight crash). In Chennai 600028. There are so many examples.

All of us do have our own close friends, best friends, etc. Some of us may not talk regularly with some of our closest friends, but we do have that understanding. An understanding that, ok he's busy, but when he does call- i'm gonna ask what took you so long. Some of us may have friends who have been with us for a very long time, but still they may not be as close as people who have been with us just for a few months.

My best friends are 2 guys. 2 guys' whose opinions matter a lot to me. One of these 2 guys has been my classmate since my 4th standard till 12th standard. The other guy I knew him from my 8th standard, but we studied together only for 11th and 12th. And all 3 of us were together in the same class, same school in 11th and 12th. Inseparable really. All 3 of us would roam together, and at times, even study together. lol. It was pretty hard to digest at first that all three of us would be going to different colleges, but still, since we were really close with each other, we did not lose contacts.

Now, all three of us are in different parts of the world. Sad. I don't even know if either of them would read this post. Even sadder. But one thing I know is that I'll be in their memory forever. Happiest thing in life- someone remembers you.

There are some lines about friendship which I like a lot. Particularly this one from Chennai 600028, "Unnum sorru nooragum, ondruku ondru veragum, uppu illamal enna aagum, uppai poley natpai ezhthuvom." Then there is ultimate scene in Thalapathi, where Mamooty asks Thalaivar Rajini's as to why he didn't join up with his family, even after knowing that he has a family. To which Thalaivar replies "Enna nee en nanban." That- according to me is the best scene ever in Tamil cine history, which defines the true meaning of friendship.

Even Hindu mythology has its example of friendship. Mahabharata, in which Karna knows Duryodhana is a bad guy, but still sticks around with him for the only reason that Duryodhana is Karna's friend. The movie Thalapathi is loosely based on this great Hindu epic.

I have a lot of friends, who are now successful in different spheres and in different parts of the world. But to be honest and frank with everyone of my friends who might think they are not remembered- I'd just like to tell, I remember each and everyone of you guys. It's just that 2 guys who made a lot of difference to my life pipped the others to take the post. Sorry to all my other friends whom I couldn't mention here, but a huge thank you to each and everyone of you, because all of you have made some difference to my life and have given it some meaning.

Thamizha Thamizha..

2009-11-02T08:40:00.006+05:30

"Nee thamizha?" apidinu enna pathu kaetavanga romba kammi. In fact, enakku therinju naalu paeru kaetu iruntha jaasthi. Enna pathu nee malayali ah apidinu kaetavanga than jaasthi.

Enna pathu yaarume enna thamizhanune sonnathu kidayathu. Apidiye thamizhan nu kandupidichalum, yaarume naan sonnalum naan brahmin nu othundathey kidaytahu.

Athukum oru nyayam undu. Yenna naan paesara thamizh apidi. Naan Chennailiye poranthu valanthanalayo theriyale, en bhashai apidiye chennai thamzh la than irukum. Athukaga- romba kevalamana thamizh ellam illa.

Ennoda intha postlaye pathinga (brahmana thamizhla- pathel) na athulaye en thamizh epidi irukumnu theriyum. Pothuva brahmin veedugal (aamgal) la ellam paathinga (paathel) na, kuzhanthaya valarkum bothey antha kuzhanthaiku evlouvuku evlo mudiyumo brahmin bhashaiya than solli tharuvanga (tharuva). Antha oru vishayam- ella jathi, inatharukkum pothuvanathu. Epidi oru singam thanathu kuttiku garjikka solli tharuvatho, athey pola than.

Ennai mathiri neraya paer iurkirargal. Naan mattum alla, ennodu padithavargal, vilayadivargal naraya paerukum athey oru pazhakkam than. Chennai thamizh. Athu ennamo theriyavillai- onru namathu kudumbathilaye vantha oru vishayama, illai valarpilaye vantha vishayama- intha bashai maatram?

Indiaviliruntha America, Australia ponra naadugalil vasikkum namathu naatargaluku ippothu thamizho allatha hindhiyo allathu avargalathu thai mozhiyo pathi paeruku maranthu vidugirathu. sirithu sirithaga avargalathu kuzhanthaigalum antha thaimozhiyai theriyamalaye valarnthum vidugirargal. Thidirendru oru naal Chennai varum bothu etho naangu vaarthaigalai kattrukondum varugirargal, vanthu irangiya udanaye antha bhashaiyai payan padutha muyarchikirargal,aanal athu namma oor auto otunargalal purinthu kolla mudiyavillai.

Kaaranam antha bashaiyai sariyaga katrukollavillai namathu veliooril vasikum inthiyargal. Apidithan namathu mozhiyum indru azhinthu kondey varugirathu makkaley. Nammathu mozhi endral, ovoru oorin sontha vasanayum senthey varum. Maduraiyin malli vasam, Thirunelveliyin halwa vasam, ellame. Makkale, thayavu seitha namathu mozhiyai maranthu vidatheergal. kattru kudungal- nam mozhi vaazhatum.

pinkurippu- 1. Inthu than naan thamizh la ezhuthina muthal post. Mannikavum- thamizh fontil illai.

2. Naan jaathi veriyan alla. Thamizhan than.

3. Namathu Indiavil vera pradesangalil vasikkum namathu thamizhargalin kuzhanthaigalukey seriyaga thamizh therivathillai.

Not everyone gets everything...

2009-10-26T05:23:00.006+05:30

I'm not good at this philosophy thingy, but something just prompted me to write this post. I'm sure all of us have experienced this feeling and also have said it ourselves that I haven't got this, I haven't got that.

Well, something that I strongly believe in (which has also been quoted by Thalaivar Rajinikanth in some of his movies) "What god has given you- noone can take it away from you and what he has not given you, noone can give it to you." And also "Everything that happens, happens for good."

Well, the above philosophy "Everything that happens, happens for good" has been interpreted in a different way (or is it my perspective- I don't know) in the movie- Dasavatharam. There is this climax scene, where the Tsunami occurs, as the villain is about to unleash a deadly virus, which can be killed only by NaCl (Sodium Chloride- common salt, which the bush portrayed in the movie doesn't know) and the richest source of it is the ocean as anyone might know. In that final scene, one of the characters (the movie has 10 characters- all done by the legendary Kamal Haasan), argues saying that god could have saved the world not by unleashing such a tsunami but by not giving scientists such brains to produce deadly viruses or by preventing bush from pumping in huge amounts of money for bio weapons research. Strictly, looking at the perspective of each event in the movie- I could only say that tsunami took comparatively lesser lives than what would have happened had the virus been unleashed.

Anyways, I think that s too complex an example, some people may not understand. Simpler one- day to day life- You are starting to college/ office or whatever. Due to some reason you are delayed and somehow you miss your usual bus. And you, by nature start cursing that you missed the bus and take some other mode of transportation to reach your office. Finally when you reach office you learn from someone that there was a huge traffic jam on the route that the bus normally takes and everyone in that bus have not yet reached their destination. Then, you give a huge sigh of relief.

Another simple one. There was this movie which had just released and the hype surrounding the movie was such that it would be the movie of the year. So, all of my friends decided to bunk classes and go, while I, due to some reason couldn't bunk that day. When I got back home, I called one of my friends to ask about the movie. My friend said-"Thank god you didn't come. It was that bad."

Well, some people do get somethings for a reason too. We all get some problems in everyday life, these problems- strengthen us from within. Once we surpass that problem, it gives us the confidence that we can do anything after that. Some people get things very easily. And once again to quote one of Superstar Rajnikanth's dialogues "What man gets without working hard for it- will not last and what man gets for working hard- lasts till the time he dies." Such is the truth of the philosophy that you can actually see it staring right at you. Open your wallet and you see Gandhi staring at you, my friends, how did he end up on the Rupee note? Well, he worked hard for India's independence and got his face printed on the national currency. Thats when somethings last even after you are dead.

Now take the case of a rich guy, who has tons and tons of money. He would have to live in constant fear of being robbed, being cheated. He eyes everyone with suspicion, including his wife and kids. Now- he was given wealth and of course the talent to maintain and expand his wealth. he was not given peace of mind. Similarly, think of the guy who hasn't too much money with him- he has no fear of being robbed or cheated. He lives happily with what he has. But at the same time he would certainly have his own problems.

I have seen certain live examples myself- some guys who are so damn intelligent and good looking as well, but due to some reason- they don't have those close friends who would support them. They obviously would have friends who would have used them for homeworks, assignments, etc. At the same time guys with the dumbest of brains have all the friends in the world. There were a few guys whom I know well, they studied extremely well, but just due to lack of communication skills (this is the case of so many students studying in good colleges), they did not get placed, but something good has happened for them as well. Such is life that noone gets everything. Everyone misses out on something.

Not everyone gets everything. Not everyone gets everything.

Real life inspirations

2009-10-12T01:56:00.016+05:30

When someone asks me whom do you look to for an inspiration- that man's name comes out of my mouth so spontaneously. The greatest test captain India has ever had- Saurav Chandidas Ganguly. Imagine the guts that man had. He went to the brink of his career ending in a manner that would hardly befit his glorious career. He made a comeback from that point, went on to prove his critics wrong. Played a belligerent innings against South Africa on his comeback, when the entire Indian team including Rahul Dravid was reeling under the bowling attack from South Africa. This man stood up and said- I will not go down so easily and he proved his critics wrong- time and again during the last few months that he played for India. That man is an inspiration for anyone, anyone who knows cricket would know him for all his efforts. Especially that of irritating Steve Waugh on his quest to conquer the "final frontier" and his efforts of building the present Indian Cricket team, his efforts as a player in the team were innumerable, his partnerships with the god of Indian cricket- Sachin Tendulkar, all that.Of course- his fighting 144 against Australia in Brisbane will remind everyone what sort of a cricketer he was. Winning was all that mattered for the former captain, losing was not an option. India played to win under his captaincy. The team never looked for anything less than a win in any situation. Saurav Ganguly did not go down without a fight. He fought till the very last ball he faced and the very last ball he bowled and fielded. His acts of sterling leadership and all his majestic innings will never be forgotten by anyone who has watched cricket and loved the sport.

Another man who inspired me in just one single act of heroism was Anil Kumble, another former captain but a legend in his own right. The moment of inspiration was when he came out to bowl against the West Indies, after his jaw was broken. He had his head bandaged and proceeded to bowl and even managed to pick a few wickets. How can anyone who mention Anil Kumble's name, fail to mention his greatest achievement ever- 10 wickets in an innings against arch rivals Pakistan. That's what every INDIAN fan will be proud of when they say Kumble's name.

Sachin Tendulkar has always been an inspiration. But one moment that will remain etched in every Indian's memory was when he had back spasms while playing against Pakistan in Chennai and he went on to take India close to victory, but could not achieve that. That particular innings will stand out, more so, because, even though India lost that match- the Chennai crowd payed due respects to the winning team by giving them a standing ovation. However, that stellar- 98 off 75 balls against Pakistan at Centurion, where Sachin and Sehwag tore Pakistan apart to give India a fantastic win over their arch rivals will take the crown.

When it comes to the Indian cricket team as a whole- the Natwest Trophy final of 2002 against England is the one that will remain on top. Purely due to the reason that it was a complete team effort, with youngsters, putting their hand up to be counted. However, the sweetest memory of a team being inspired is South Africa- inspired by Gibbs and Smith beat Australia, who had earlier posted the world's highest total in a one day match by scoring 434 in 50 overs. Australia celebrated too soon and ended up having to lose to South Africa who ravaged the Australian bowling attack.

One other team that has inspired me- Liverpool F.C. (even though- I'm not a Liverpool fan). Led by Steven Gerrard, Liverpool took on A.C.Milan in the Champions League final in 2005. By half time- Milan had got 3 goals on board. Scoreline- Milan 3 - 0 Liverpool. At 90 minutes, Milan 3-3 Liverpool. Those 3 goals scored by Liverpool was within a space of 5 min, ladies and gentlemen. The game dragged on to penalties, where Liverpool beat Milan to win the Champions League. Being 3-0 down at half time and coming back to win it is no mean feat by all means.

Apart from all these examples, one man- Mr. Narayanamurthy, Infosys chief. His brains- well, honestly- I dont have them, but someday, with experience- I might get some maybe 0.00000001% of his brains. Well, his success story, he started with a vision and not much of capital. Apart from that, Mr. Narayanamurthy didn't have a business background to begin with.

Look where Infosys is now. One thing which he and his core team, which included Mr.Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India, which built the company must have had was- HARDWORK, which doesn't come easily. Now that s something to draw inspiration from.

However, one guy whom I look to as a personal inspiration is one of my best friends (who never reads my blogs). He hardly used to be the academic sort of a person. He was more of the hanging out type, who just made the cut in our 12th standard. He went on to do extremely well at college, way beyond all our expectations. When he joined college, his college's director (or whatever they call him) told "how you make your entry in this college is not important, how you make your exit is important." And my friend went on to prove it to us. Today he is one of the most respectable guys that graduated from his college.

Remember these people, they are really the ones from whom anyone and everyone can draw inspiration from. Each one of us would certainly have our own people to draw inspiration from and will certainly differ from one another.

Back where I come from

2009-10-09T03:18:00.006+05:30

I don't know if any of my American friends read this blog, but if you are reading.. just carry on..

Well, back where I come from, I find my streets crowded with people, cars and my roads are always buzzing with activity, whatever be the time of the day. Here in Buffalo- its a surprise to see ten people walking on the road at any point of time. I always find it very odd not to find too many people on the roads, because my eyes are used to it and also used to looking for known faces where ever I go.

To buy a chocolate, I needn't walk a kilometer down a so called main road. All I need to do is pop down the stairs, buy it and get back home. Cars don't stop by for pedestrians and people keep bumping into each other. Signals do change and people don't forget to break rules.

At the fag end of each month, cops stand at almost every road, waiting for unsuspecting prey to cross their path and at the end of the day, they are the rajas. Back home, I didn't think twice about spending on anything, now things are such that, the thought of spending doesn't occur that often. Back home- I agree- I didn't walk much, but here, the number eleven bus's my main mode of transport.

I hardly used to see a cop having a gun on his person, but here, there's not a single cop who doesn't have a gun. Back home, proper queues are rarely ever seen, while there's a queue for everything here.

Back home- I could watch TV, here I don't have a TV. I used to watch a movie at Satyam, almost every weekend or atleast twice a month- here, I watch a movie that I ve watched a thousand times over.

Pani puri and Bhel puri used to be an item, which I could eat at will, now- merely seeing those items at the India store, brings back memories of having those stuff at chat stalls all over the city. I used to ask dad to change the old zen for a new car, now merely seeing my old zen, would certainly make me feel happy.

I used to sympathise with many of my friends who used to stay away from home, as they miss their mother's cooking. Now I have some of my friends who sympathise with me for that. Back home, staying awake till 1 am in the night would mean that I would still mean that I wake up by 8 am in the morning, but here, I wake up only by around 12 pm.

I had everything at my disposal at home, here I have nothing at my disposal. It s a cycle of life mates, whenever you have something, you don't realise its value and when you are away from it, you realise it's value many fold. When I asked one of my friends if he had ever been tipped by a customer at the food court where he works, he sorely recollects, never having tipped any waiter at any hotel that he went to, and now he hardly gets any tips.

But really, whenever I see something written in Tamil or Hindi, really- I get so excited, because, it's not everyday that I get to see something like that here. However, living in a maximum Indian area of Buffalo, I'm happy that I atleast get to speak in Tamil and Hindi rather than ending having to learn chinese and learning to catch the American accent, which does take sometime to understand.

Its been 2 months since I landed up here, but I'm still to actually realise that I'm away from my dear old Chennai.

But one thing that I have carried from home till here is Faith and Hope, which will certainly take me through tough times.

P.S: Mum, I know you'll read this, don't worry. I'm all fine here, jus wanted to let ppl know how things are here.

Buffalo....

2009-09-22T04:11:00.024+05:30

Finally, landed up in this dumb place called buffalo (aka ERUMAI). Its a very small town, literally the size of Nungambakkam, T.Nagar and West Mambalam put together. That's d size of it.

Anyways, down to business- its been a over a month since I landed up here. It s nt really my kind of a place. Very small, very quiet. Not much ofactivity round here- except the univ though.

The univ- SUNY buffalo, fondlyknown as UB- well- its a nice cool place.

A huge campus- known as the north campus (That s where all my classes are). Lots of activity only in this part of buffalo, really. and one thing I noticed here was that I got to see a lot of Indian and Chinese faces rather than a lot of American faces. Anyways.

After getting all that used to just going downstairs to buy anything I need, walking more than half a kilometer to get even a chocolate seems.. ugh.. really. And after having lived on 2 of possibly the most busiest roads in Chennai, staying in a very quiet street in a very sleepy town doesnt appeal a lot to me. I do miss Chennai really, despite all the negatives that it may have, Chennai is home.

Hmmm.. food- yes- mum, if you are reading this, I miss that vathakozhambu a lot, though we made an attempt to make it, it doesn't come out that well. Im just yearning for some proper Indian food(at a very cheap rate). Anyways, we do have good food(by our standards of cooking though- which is by no means- abysmal)- Thank god. Ofcourse- Pizza's good and cheap by all means, so we do have pizza on a regular basis.

Transport- Guys- I'm sure whoever knows me only reads this blog, so Im sure you still remember how I look. I'm still the same size.lol. We have quite a distance to walk everyday, and that gives us enough to burn whatever we eat. We walk from home to the south campus, which is near home, catch the shuttle to north campus. For every place other than north campus- there s the bus (namma ooru ptc- athey than) and trains (to go to the main city- never been there yet). The buses are never crowded- cos everyone has atleast 1 car here. I guess the trains should look similiar to the ones shown in the movies here.

Entertainment- best entertainment- sleep. Well there s the downtown buffalo that one can go to for timepass, lots of shopping can be done at walmart, boulevard mall, etc. and there s a mokka theater called amherst here, that hardly anyone goes to. Most people at Buffalo tend to stay at home and relax rather than roam around. Damn- I miss Satyam, Pondy Bazar, etc.

Cimate- This place is really freaky with the climate. It was warm and sunny this morning( uncharectaristically) and its started raining when I started for classes. There's this line about Buffalo-"Don't like the weather? Come back in 5 minutes."

Biggest attraction- Obviously- Need I say anything at all. Common Knowledge. Niagara. Well, Buffalo's economy thrives on 2 things- UB and Niagara.

My opinion about Buffalo- Sucks, that too after coming from a big city like Chennai. But UB rocks absolutely.

A tour to the heartland of terror - FINALLY...

2009-06-15T20:30:00.009+05:30

I was really excited only on this day. Finally, we were to return to some sort of proper civilization. The train at Jammu was scheduled only for 7 45pm. We had some repacking to do, considering all the stuff that the ladies bought. Poof.

We were taken out for a local sightseeing- which of course, means some more temples. It was peak heat, when we moved out for it. There was this temple, which was about a half hour's drive from the hotel and we landed up there in all that heat.

Just after we finished with that temple and got back to the car, the normally extremely temple fanatic uncles of mine, declared that they couldn't manage any more roaming in this heat. Believe me- Katra was nearly 40+ degrees hot. So we returned to our hotel, had lunch and got a bit of a nap, till about 3 pm. Then the repacking and all continued till about 4 pm, when we finally loaded the luggages in the 2 qualises that had come.

It wasn't long before we reached Jammu and had some tea there. By around 6 pm, we finished shopping and started to the railway station. The train was at 7 45pm. We reached the station by around 6 30 pm.

It was a tough time managing and carrying all those bags and heavy suitcases, which had only increased in number since we landed in Kashmir. We came to Kashmir with 10 pieces of baggage with us, now we were leaving with 19 pieces, which included 3 cricket bats and a baseball bat.
No ramps at the entrance to the railway station. Tough work, but we managed it. Then, our baggages went thru a scanner at the entrance and collecting them and consolidating those baggages took a good part of over 20 minutes.

At last, at around 7 15pm we reached the platform and found out where our compartment would be. A few minutes later, we loaded the stuff in and settled in our seats. I breathed a huge sigh of relief, when the train moved. Atlast- We were going to Delhi.

A tour to the heartland of terror - Day 7 &8- The journey to Katra and Vaishno Devi.

2009-06-14T18:37:00.020+05:30

One thing that I was happy about is that, it won't be long before we would reach Delhi. It was just a couple more days away. A couple more days, until I can use my phone again. :(

So. We started at around 8 30 am from the hotel in Srinagar. There weren't many stops in between. Just one stop at around 2 pm for lunch. Mum and my eldest aunt fell sick. Mum due to lack of sleep and my aunt due to some nausea. And that lunch stop was heavily debated by my uncles, as to when we should stop. I was very thankful for that lunch stop, as I was hungry myself.

We had lunch at a dhaba, where we were served with rajma-chawal and rotis. After about 20 minutes, we were on our way again. I do remember trailing a lot of army vehicles, after which I guess I dozed off.

It was around 5 30 pm when I woke up to find our qualis crossing through a major army district, Chandanwadi. An hour later, we end up in front of a hotel in Katra. It was still bright even at that part of the day and was very warm, unlike what we had experienced till then in Kashmir.

Through some contacts, a darshan for Vaishno Devi had been arranged for the next morning and we had even obtained helicopter tickets.

Now- certain things about Vaishno Devi temple.

1. Popularised by the owner of the T-Series cassettes company, Late. Mr. Gulshan Kumar, this temple has grown to become a very popular Hindu pilgrimage destination.

2. This temple has access only by 3 means of transport-
(a) By helicopter, which takes you to a helipad located at about 4 km from the temple. After which you either have to walk or take a pony, which costs a reasonable amount.

(b) By pony

(c) By walk.

Taking either of b or c, you will have a pathway which is about 14km long and it is very steep. It takes about 8 hours for you to climb, provided you dont stop for too long. My cousins and their parents decided to walk and just only managed it.

3. And it is believed that when you pray at this temple, your prayers are always answered and no one returns disappointed.

Alright, we had dinner at a hotel near to where we stayed and went off to doze for the night. Nice room really and for the first time in all of the last 4 days, I got a mattress of my own. Nice sleep for the first time in the last 4 days too. And yes, I really did miss someone. The someone was always on my thoughts though.

Yawn. Wake up at around 8 am. We were supposed to start by 9, which later became 9 30 and then finally 10 30. I was pissed by that time. Finally, we proceeded to the heli-pad. One more hour's wait. It was 11 35 am when we got into the helicopter and 11 39 when we got off at the other end. Just 4 minutes.

It took us a good part of over 3 hours to have the darshan and return to the heli-pad again. We were at the helipad by around 2 30 and by 3, back at the hotel, while my cousins and uncle and aunt were climbing up, to stay for the night.

Then, shopping after 6 pm. As usual, the ladies... And I was so very tempted by the sight of a nice kashmir willow. That was for my cousin, not me. I had this nice opportunity to interact with a Katra based bat maker. My god. All those pieces of willow, come from Kashmir. They cost about 3k here in Chennai, while it's less than half of it there.

Hit the sack, a little while after 10 pm. The last few hours in Kashmir. :)

A tour to the heartland of terror- Day 6- Srinagar return

2009-06-13T14:08:00.009+05:30

I wake up drenched in sweat. Not a nightmare- it's cos of the bed heater. It takes me about 15- 20 minutes to get ready and head for breakfast at around 8 am. The rest of the group's ready and munching away on aloo parathas and toast. As usual, I force the food down my throat and escape before the group finishes.

The bumpy ride to Srinagar begins in the next few minutes and doesn't end until about 3 hours later. We are then brought to a hotel, whose entrance gives the feeling of an Army base(of course, there was an army base next door) There were sandbags and guns arranged near the main gate of the hotel. ;) I certainly missed the boat house :( .

Lunch, then off we went sight seeing. First point was a Shankaracharya temple, which overlooked the Dal lake. Nice temple and very well maintained. Was I happy to spot a BSF (Border Security Force) personnel with a Tamil name. Had a little chat with him and moved on.

Then, we went on to visit 3 gardens. One of them being the cheshmashai, which is located right near the Governor's residence. Then, after about half an hour there, we went on to the shalimar gardens and another garden, whose name I don't remember.

At around 7 30 pm, we were dropped off at the main street to go shopping. As usual, you know the ladies... need I say more? Finally, we returned to the hotel at around 9 30. Way past my dinner time. I was extremely hungry, but my mood was just a shade better than what it was at Pahalgam. I managed to stuff a couple of naans and finally went off to doze a little after 10 pm.

PS: There was some problem in Jalandhar, through which the train from Jammu to Delhi had to pass. We were concerned about it as a train had already been burnt. We were hoping that the problem would be settled soon.

We start to Katra early tomorrow morning. Why Katra? That s where the Vaishno Devi temple is.

A tour to the heartland of terror- Day 5- Gulmarg

2009-06-12T17:26:00.005+05:30

Up, Up. Rise and Shine. It was just about 7 45 am when I opened my eyes to see everyone running around holding clothes in their hands, while me and my cousin (Badri, he s doing his masters in tennessee.) were still asleep.

Soon enough, even I got going. I still felt so tired. I just didn't want to wake up, but somehow I pushed my self and got ready. I had to literally drag myself down to the restaurant to catch a bit of aloo parathas for breakfast. After the bomb 2 nights ago, food was a luxury to me. With a heavy load of luggage, which included a couple of cricket bats and a baseball bat, we set out to Gulmarg on that rickety bus again.

Gulmarg- the valley of flowers, was about 8 hrs drive from Pahalgam. I slept through most of the way. I didn't stir till we were about half hour from the resort. Even then my thoughts wandered back to Chennai. Gulmarg's another cold place. The main attraction for tourists there happens to be the cable car or the gondola as it is also known.

We reached the gondola station at around 2 30, just a few minutes after another lunch, which I had to push down my throat. Then we boarded the gondola and the slow long ride to the top took a good part of fifteen minutes.

If you had seen the movie Roja, you would have seen the song- Puthu Vellai Mazhai( I dunno what it's called in Hindi) you would know what it really is to see so much of ice. None of us were really excited by that sight, but yes, it would make your heart leap up a bit, then your brain says, as if you've never seen so much of ice.

4 o clock- closing time at the gondolas . We made our way down back to the resort and settled in our rooms. Wow. I've never felt heat under my butt till then. We had a bed heater in our room, which felt so good for weary butts. With a Venkatesh movie, which looked like a half boiled remake of Om Shanti Om, to boot, we all settled in our bed and waited for the movie to finish.

Just a little after 7, me and my eldest cousin went off for a long walk. i didn't know we were going for a long walk, so I was jus wearing my sandals. It became mighty cold by the time we returned at 8 30. Dinner at 8 45 and off to doze by 9 30.

PS: the bed heater and the room heater provided so much warmth that we woke up sweating. Do not miss this place if you are going for a honeymoon. ;)

A tour to the heartland of terror- Day4- Pahalgam

2009-06-12T16:05:00.010+05:30

Bleary eyed and not in quite the right frame of mind, I struggled to come to terms with daybreak and finally did so. Post breakfast, we embarked on an hour's drive to a path that led to the famous Amarnath temple. That point was supposed to be the start to the holy Amarnath yatra.

Another icy place. God knows I became sick of ice then and there. My cousins took to the ice, a little reluctantly, due to their dad's insistence. Off they went trekking, I even thought, at this rate, they'll probably touch some peak and won't get back. After about a half hour or so, they came down, happy to land their feet on solid ground.

A few minutes after they came down, we were herded back to the Sumos and off we went to a place called Aru valley (apparently called the Switzerland of India. ) Wonder if Switzerland is really that cold. Brrr.. frozen hands when we reached the end of the pony ride. I was really happy to find a tea stall. And it would be a crime, not to mention a Kashmiri speciality called kawah. It s basically a decoction of tea, in which you add things like broken pieces of badam and cashew and some fine grounded ginger and masala. A very nice drink for the really cold weather, keeps you really warm.

Dinner- once again the same menu, no big change, except for the soup and the sweet dish. Gulab Jamun. As usual, you could here my grandmother and her cousin groaning for south Indian food. I finished my dinner quickly, to catch the IPL match in the lobby. I am very thankful to BSNL, for that was the only provider whose signal was picked in all of Kashmir. And I am very thankful to my dear dad for letting me use his phone. God knows what the bill'll come up to.

One nice comedy that I noticed during this trip was that my grandmother (who's a little hard of hearing- like Prof. Cuthbert Calculus, of Tintin comics.) She and her cousin would give different interpretations for anything that they talk about. I even thought of it like, 2 schoolkids, who when they see a cloud say- hey that s an elephant. no, stupid, that's a cow. That way.

One more night- half asleep. Thankfully, there was a room heater this time. It was really cold on that night. Before sleeping, I had the luxury of stretching out in front of the heater in my parent's room. My thoughts before falling asleep, quite late into the night- Wonder when the hell 'll I return to Chennai? Now I knew how Steve Harmison must feel on every tour that he goes on.

A tour to the heartland of terror- Day3- Pahalgam

2009-06-12T15:46:00.008+05:30

Yes, yes, day3. Off we go to another beautiful and cold place called Pahalgam. The long, arduous bus ride starts at 9 30 in the morning and doesn't end till about 2 pm. But, before we started, we bid adieu to our dear caretaker, Hussain bhai.

Long, long, bumpy ride. Trust me, you wouldn't want to follow an army convoy. You may think that I'm unpatriotic, but really, by the time you go past an army vehicle, you'll feel very relieved. Kashmir has no dearth for green painted Army vehicles carrying personnel, rations, arms and ammunition.

Poof, finally we land up at the resort in Pahalgam. Everyone's extremely hungry, me included too. So all of us dig in and dig in deep. So, wat's for lunch? Soup (some crap soup), fried rice, gobi manchurian, paneer butter masala, naan, roti, some sweet dish (my eldest cousin really loved that dish). burp.

Post lunch, some local sight seeing at Pahalgam. Usual stuff, roaming around here and there, some small gardens from where we could see the ice clad hills. And yes, the mighty jhelum flowing past these gardens.

Then, at around past 8, we returned to our resort. Dinner. Yet again, almost the same menu. My grandmother and her cousin who had come with us, got fed up of rotis and naans and sabzis, now they started demanding for curd rice. Understandable. I was feeling a little homesick myself. How much I yearned that night to watch the ipl match back at home, in my living room, screaming as loud and swearing for every missed chance and dropped catch, and yes of course, for my mobile to ring aloud with messages and calls from my loved ones.

Finally, there's nothing great to do here in this place, hit the sack at around 10 pm. Hit the sack only, but no sleep that night, due to my cousins, with whom I was put up for the night. Hell of a night really.

A tour to the heartland of terror- Day2

2009-06-11T20:53:00.009+05:30

Then the next morning, we were all up and ready by 8 30. Yawn. The tour operator told us to be ready by 9 so that we can proceed to a really snow filled place called sonmarg. Finally, a rickety rackety bus arrives at 9 15. At one point of time, I thought the bus might fall off if I touch it. However, we managed to get a move on pretty soon.

A couple of hours (or was it? I dozed off during the ride.) later, I woke up to find the bus stopped in front of a hotel. We had lunch at this hotel. Post lunch, we had 3 hours to go up to sonmarg. I mean the 3 hours was meant for enjoying the place and returning back. Te only proper mode of transport to the snow was on a pony.

I pity a couple of those ponies really. There were 2 particular ponies, which carried my extra heavy cousin and one of my uncles. Finally, after a 45 minute, bumpy and bouncy ride on the ponies, we reached the icy place.

Honestly, it was great fun, being on the ice. Not that I've never been on the ice, I' ve been on the ice twice before this. Once at Rohtang pass near Shimla and the other occasion being at Nathula pass near Darjeeling. We had a nice time, sleighing (now I know how Santa Claus must feel), throwing ice on each other.

When we started on our way back down from the ice, again on the ponies, it started raining. Not being used to such weather, most of our hands started freezing up. noy, was I happy to get back to the bus, where it was certainly warmer than what it was outside.

Poof, tiring experience though. Imagine, we had less than 2 hours on the ice. Imagine the guys who conquered everest. Imagine- one man who tried to climb everest without using oxygen- George Mallory. I must admit, I missed Jeffrey Archer during this tour, now I longed to find out what happened to George Mallory and Co.

Another couple of hours later, we were back in the Chinar, enjoying a nice hot dinner prepared by Hussain bhai.

P.S: forgot to tell, evereywhere you go in Kashmir, you can hope to be following atleast 50 army vehicles and atleast another 50 vehicles trailing you.

A tour to the heartland of terror

2009-06-11T08:06:00.005+05:30

It all started on that fine day, May 21st. We boarded the flight from Chennai to New Delhi. A few hours later, bang- no, no.. no gunshots, don't worry. We landed in Delhi and then in the next 1 hour, we had to rush to catch the connecting flight to Srinagar. Pitiful, the flight duration from Delhi to Srinagar wasn't even as long as the transit time.

Finally, we landed in Srinagar. Before landing, I must say, it truly was a breathtaking view of the valley. No wonder, both countries are vying for that piece of land. Once I landed, all that I could see was army fatigues all over the place. Till that point of time, I didn't know that there were so many army personnel in Kashmir.

A short while later, I found out something that shocked me. The army had blocked out all prepaid signals. Ugh.. Oh no, I cant communicate things to people back home. However, there was some respite, since dad's phone would work as it is post-paid. Then finally we reached our boat house, Chinar. A very beautiful boat house. There was Hussain bhai, the caretaker, who took good care of us for the next 2 days of our stay in the boathouse.

I asked the caretaker "Are there any terrorist attacks happening here?". "No. nothing of that sort really. Srinagar's a very peaceful place." "Is the army presence always this much?"
"Yes. " "Despite of such heavy army presence, how do terrorists manage to attack?" I asked. He couldn't answer that. I'm sure no Kashmiri can answer that question.

Then came the romantic shikara ride. Pitiful, 3 couples (read- my mum and dad, 2 aunts and their husbands) over 50+ enjoying themselves amidst 3 guys who are 20+ years old. Oh, how we wished we had the company of our someone special.

The dal lake is a shopping complex in itself. Boats carrying merchandise everywhere. And there was this boat house where all the ladies settled down to buy sarees. We went in at around 6 pm and it was still light at 8 pm. 2 hours by all means is very very quick work by the ladies. Hats off.

Finally, we came back to the Chinar, to have dinner and doze. That was day 1 in Kashmir.

(pic- a shot of the dal lake from the Chinar)

Some things can never change...

2009-03-22T09:03:00.014+05:30

Elections are fast approaching in India and political parties have already started doing the usual thamashas for the elections. The sort of gimmicks that they pull.. omg...

Some of these include premier ministers claiming that elections are far more important than some major sports events. Well, honestly, both are useless, except that sports events promise entertainment and do give people that, while election promises are more often than not (god, please forgive me, I know I am lying here. People who are reading this know the truth) blank promises.

It's at this point of time during a politician's career, does he/she choose to visit their constituencies, that have faced with nothing but neglect, since the day that the politician was elected. Stupid common people as we are, we tend to believe some stupid promise that a politician gives us.
"Gharibi hatao" meaning "we will remove poverty" was launched during the pre-historic age ( it seems that long), and till date, we do find people begging on the streets. "India Shining?" with electricity failing in many parts of the country? And whatever happened to promises of proper infrastructural facilities?

There was this election a couple of years back, I remember. It was a local election. There were some shameless workers of a political party, some of whom I know personally, casting votes. Casting votes- not in the way that simple common men like you and me do. They are special souls who are entitled to cast as less as 50 votes in a single election. What say now?
That was paper ballots people, it won't be long before poltical parties go technical. Maybe they'll even tamper EVMs to register only a single party's vote.

And anyways people, please do vote ( I dunno how many people read my blog, but those of you who do read this blog, please do vote.) Don't sit at home claiming that "all those standing for my constituency are not good enough". Do that and your vote is taken away by some vote monging, unscrupulous party worker for his/her own party, without you even going to the voting booth.
If you feel that your constituency has no good candidate, you can still walk up to the election officer (unless he's an inside man of some party) and tell the officer that you want to post a negative vote. By doing this, an election can be re-held in your constituency, with fresh candidates standing. So people, PLEASE DO VOTE.

Falling terrorist standards???!!!!!

2009-03-11T21:05:00.008+05:30

Sorry that this post comes after quite a few days after that dastardly attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team that was touring terroristan.. oops, sorry, typo- Pakistan.

Well, looking back at the attack, there were newspapers in India which screamed these headlines,

Hindu: “Terrorists attack Sri Lankan Cricket team in Lahore”

ToI: “Neighborhood Just Got Scarier”

Indian Express: “Terror Hits Lanka Team; Wounds Pakistan & Cricket”

Deccan Herald: “Six Sri Lankan Cricketers hurt in Lahore terror attack”

However, newspapers across the border wrote:

Pakistan Express: “Falling standards in Terrorists Training???”

Lahore 03 March 2009: In the worst ever performance by their home grown and trained terrorists, all the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team members left Pakistan shore alive. Govt officials expressed concerns about this as it would tarnish the image of Pakistan as a breeding ground of terrorism and their credibility to produce world class terrorists has taken a beating. Govt asked the PSU (Public Sector Units) terrorists groups to improve the training standards and urged the terrorists to take their training and careers seriously.

Prime Minister later during dinner with the participating terrorists chided them mildly that they cannot waste tax payers/US federal Aid money like this. He was particularly harsh on the terrorist who threw under the bus (carrying cricketers), the grenade which did not detonate. Prime Minister worried that this did not do any good to his plans of changing Pakistan National game from Cricket (which anyway is having its natural death) to Hand Grenade Throwing. He felt that this was the best bet for Pakistan’s aspiration for an Olympic Gold Medal. He urged erstwhile Pakistan cricket bowlers – Shoaib Akhtar and others, who are famous for throwing instead of bowling, to take up coaching terrorists on grenade throwing as their cricket careers are finished now….

Pakistan Times: “Chinese imports are no longer reliable??”

Pakistan Government ordered a high level delegation consisting of all ammunition experts under the leadership of A Q Khan (father of the Nuclear Plans), to study the unexploded grenade for the reasons why it did not perform expected duties. The hand grenade clearly had visible ‘Made in China’ logo on it, which embarrassed Chinese Government. Chinese Premier issued a public apology to Pakistan People for failing to live up to their expectations and vowed to strengthen their R&D and manufacturing facilities to re-instill the confidence in consumers.

Pakistan Prime Minister in a later press release mentioned that he would re-consider renewing Chinese contract for annual supply of ammunition, which is due for renewal in April. Unless China proves that they have taken stringent measures to ensure that the reliability of their ammunition is certified by their government, Pakistan would consider approaching other sources for their annual staple supply of ammunition…

Dawn: “Visiting Sri Lankan cricketers return to their country, Alive”

There was all round disappointment reported across Pakistan that all the members of the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team returned alive, denting the image of Pakistan as most the happening country in the world (for wrong reasons). People staged protests on streets and demanded government for the “falling return on Investment of ammunition.” They are also worried that this would set a bad precedence and foreigners may choose to visit Pakistan without any fears.

The betting racket reportedly lost a billion Pakistan Rupees as everyone expected all the visiting team members to be killed. This also had tax collection implications for government.

Government later issued a public apology to people and assured them that they would take sufficient measures to ensure that they are accountable for every Pakistan rupee being spent on training terrorists. They also urged more youngsters to take to guns as this would make the career as terrorists much more competitive and Pakistan can continue producing abundant supply of world class terrorists.

When the initial news of attack was shown live on their national news channels, all the people came to street and started bursting crackers. Their joy was short lived when the attack stopped in 25 minutes and they took the crackers back to their homes so that they can use it for next opportunity, which anyway should not be too far away.

Some of those Pakistanis who still have a job and left for offices in the morning and hence missed the ‘Live action’ on TVs, rued their luck for having to work while majority of their brethren enjoy these live actions on TV idling at homes. The working class in Pakistan demanded that henceforth they be informed before hand about terrorists attacks so that they can stay back home and enjoy the live action on TV. Government assured them that they will publish “Annual Terrorism Calendar” and align their public holidays with this calendar.

All in all there was mixed opinions on the futile terrorist attack as it did not give them the required mileage in international community….

This attack could never have been carried out without the help of an inside hand. Maybe- Younis Khan and Co? They appeared to be pissed with Samaraveera's ominous form.

Well, Pakistan claimed that they had provided world class security to the touring Lankans, but they escaped death only by a whisker. However, a few days later, there were videos of the fleeing terrorists that was released. Looks like Pakistan is only full of gun toting terrorists and empty promises that Pakistan makes about curbing terror.

Anyways, lets just hope that terrorist standards fall so much that those bloody bastards shoot themselves for missing a target at point blank range while training. Should every terrorist adopt such a method, there will be enough to dig graves for the dead.

P.S: Wondering what that photo is? That s the new uniform issued by the ICC for teams touring Pakistan.

The Indian TALIBAN

2009-02-08T09:08:00.010+05:30

Everyone knows what the Taliban did in Afghanistan. Then you may ask me, I know it, why the hell are you writing this then? Well, Taliban has apparently surfaced in India too.
WHAT???!!!!

Well, this Taliban dont wear attires similar to the ones worn by the ORIGINAL Taliban. This Taliban wears ORANGE/SAFFRON. Yes people, This is our very own, HINDUTVA (or whatever they call it) Taliban. India has always been a strong critic of the Taliban and here is our very own Taliban that displays a brutality that can only be matched by the people who inspired them.

The papers screamed about the recent attacks, by the ram sene on an MP's daughter. The reason- She was found talking with a Muslim guy on a bus. Err.. Pardon me if I'm mistaken. I don't think she was talking to an alien creature about how to take over the earth or something? or is talking to a Musalmaan so illegal and Taboo in Karnataka, that there is hardly any person there that fails to interact with their muslim colleagues, or is ram sene gonna attack anyone and everyone who is found interacting with a muslim?

Apart from all that, Valentine's day IS wrong in India, as per our culture, it should be banned. That s what the ram sene wants right? Alright. Well, Far as my memory goes, everything we use today, right from A-Z, from calculators to computers, from mobile phones to cars, everything came to India. All these were not a part of Indian culture. And the concept of independence day too, once again borrowed from the west. We follow all these but what exactly is wrong with Valentine's day? You are all fathers and mothers to someone. You accept fathers day and mothers day wholeheartedly because you are happy that your son/daughter remembers that day and wishes you and buys stuff for you and keeps you happy. Is there no thought in your mind that your son/daughter may have someone close to his or her heart that he/she may choose to express the love in their hearts on a chosen day.

Well, It's just another day. Come on ram sene, Give us youngsters a break. And who on earth gave you the idea that young India does not have any regard or respect for Indian traditions.
Count the no of heads with grey hair and saffron cloth in a temple, no, you wont find too many.

The Taliban did all that they could to wreck their country from within, in the name of protecting Islam. The ram sene, appear to be doing the same thing. Such activities should be nipped in the bud and made sure that such weeds do not crop up again.

OK, what exactly do these people want? That people wear only saffron coloured traditional clothing? That women be humbled so much that we would not be having a lady as a president? That people should never ever interact with a Muslim colleague/friend? All these issues seem so superficial, when there are extremely important issues to be targeted.

India already has enough problems thanks to terrorists and corrupt politicians. And this is only adding fuel to the fire. Should the members of ram sene,etc, have something called a brain (if you know what it is. And if u don't know what it is- it's a cauliflower shaped thingy that tells you what to do and what not to do. and if it dies, you are dead.) they should realise that their acts of brutality and total nonsense are only demeaning the country.

Hope the ram sene and many such moral-policing organistaions realise that they are a disgrace to the country and shut up their work and do some work to help the country grow, not in population, but in stature, in respect, in economy , in prosperity. And....

DON'T MAKE INDIA LOOK LIKE A JACKASS BY YOUR STUPID ACTS OF MORAL POLICING. YOU ARE DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

Think...

2008-11-28T21:18:00.006+05:30

There are several things that we, Indians need to learn from this attack.

1- This attack was not an ad-hoc attack. This was extremely well planned, with the targets being hand picked in such a manner that there would be damage inflicted on a scale so far unknown to us.

2- Apparently, these terrorists, whose total number is not yet known, have made several recons of these hotels and the city. They must have had several dry runs to check out all these places. Apart from these dry runs, it is reported that these terrorists must have had some accomplices staying inside these hotels. Video footages showed these terrorists carry a shoulder bag, which could ve been big enough only to hold a few magazines in it. These terrorists were having a sackful of grenades with them which must have been kept inside the hotel even before the attack started. Of course yes, these terrorists were extremely well trained, which has enabled them to keep India's most elite battle ready commandos at bay for over 48 hours.

3- Despite several attacks on Mumbai and N number of intelligence reports suggesting that Mumbai is very much vulnerable, neither state nor central governments seem to have put any anti terror mechanism in place.

4-Apart from all this, we do have GREAT POLITICIANS, EMINENT people like SHITRAJ Patil who appear on TV to comment on a situation where so many lives are lost. Btw.. what the hell was Narendra Modi doing there? and where the hell is the great maratha- Mr. Raj Thackeray?

5- It was the courage, grit and determination of the NSG, Marine Commados and the army and last but not the least, the Maharashtra police that has helped the people. There was nothing from the side of our great politicians, to help, if anything at all.

6- The media has done a great job by covering the entire series of events, and the Indian media has matured considerably. This can be proved by the fact that the media used discretion in their coverage rather than trying to outwit rivals by disclosing classified info that the media may have got. Hats off to you. But there were some noobs who cut Mumbai off from the news channels for a few hours, which kept Mumbaikars in the dark for quite sometime.

7- CNN has focussed on India in the last 48 hrs so much that they would nt ve covered India so much even in the last 5 years. And this is because of FBI agents landing in Mumbai to try and offer help. It is also reported that an American intelligence agent was shot dead in the Taj.

8- Nariman house is home to a few Israeli citizens, which has prompted Israel to offer help in the counter terrorist operation, which India refused.

9- Maharashtra has decided to setup a NSG like organisation to counter terrorism. All this only after attacks targetting the upper class of the society and international tourists. No action what so ever after several bombings which killed innocent commen people like you and me who are reading this article.

10- The touring England team will not play its test match in Mumbai. There has been a change of venue from Mumbai to Chennai. Chennai is reeling under a different attack. This is an attack by the rain gods who promptly bless Chennai, whenever a cricket match is announced, however focus back on Mumbai.

11- 3 top cops were killed during the initial encounter on wednesday night. All 3 of them will be forgotten soon. Let's hope Maharashtra's finest would learn their lessons atleast from their deaths.

12- What is the PM going to do by calling the ISI chief over to help in investigations? Pakistani links to this attack has all but proven to the world.

13- Al-qaeda shas been suspected to have been the mastermind behind these attacks. If that is true, then it will be the first time ever that India has been attacked by Al-qaeda. Of course, Al-qaeda have operated previously in Kashmir, but never past the borders of Jammu and Kashmir.

14-The main motive of these terrorists was not to hold Mumbai for ransom or to get some of their associates released. Clearly, this attack was aimed at destabilizing the Indian economy and also to drive home a point to international tourists and business people as well, that India is not a safe place anymore. The sole motive of these terrorists was wreak havoc, create panic and terrorise Mumbai and India in a manner that people would fear to step out again. We have to gear up to fight a new breed of terrorists, who are not fanatics with a gun, but trained fighters, who know the tactics and strategies of urban warfare.

If we do not learn our lessons soon, it won't be long before India becomes a terror torn country like Afghanistan. Security laxes, lack of co-op between intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been highlighted by these attacks. Incompetence of our politicians to do anything about it has been another point to note.

These terrorists seem to keep asking us this question over and over again- we can hit you anyway, anytime we want. What can you do?

- A stupid common man

A city under siege...

2008-11-28T07:04:00.005+05:30

Starting around 9 30 pm n the night of 26th november 2008, terrorists held the city of Mumbai under siege. Even as i write this, the entire siege has not ended. Terrorists were reported to have been flushed out of the Taj colaba last night, but even as reoprts of the army and the nsg completing the de-sanitization process filtered in, fresh firing was heard and army sources confirmed to news channels that there was an injured terrorist, still inside the hotel. However, latest reports suggest that there are atleast 2 or 3 terrorists still hiding inside the Taj Colaba. Hostages, several in number are reported to have been trapped in there.

The Oberoi-Trident and nariman house were the other targets. The siege is still on at nariman house and at the Oberoi-Trident. Many police officers, including an Anti-Terror Squad Chief, an encounter specialist with the Mumbai police and a Deputy Inspector General have laid down their lives. More than 125 killed and not less than 320 injured, Mumbai is torn apart.

India has never been witness to such a dastardly act of terror on her soil. But even such attacks do not prove as a reminder to the men who matter. Such attacks fail to make our great leaders forget that India needs an extremely strong anti-terror mechanism. Mumbai has been targeted a number of times in the past few years. And yet there was no proper anti-terror mechanism in place. How can you have a bunch of terrorists, sauntering into a big city like Mumbai and wreaking havoc, after Mumbai has been hit several times? Shouldn't we have learnt our lessons the very 1st time that Mumbai was hit? Imagine, If this be the plight of Mumbai, the financial hub of India, which has been hit so many times, think of all the other cities.

Well, this is not over as yet, India has to learn its lessons soon. The Taj Colaba had been burning for more than 24 hours and yes, more than considerable damage must have been caused. No doubt, The Taj management would be looking to repair all damages within a short span of time and get on with business. Once the repairs have been done, Taj Colaba would represent what it was before the fire. People would obviously forget what happened. Taj can do a great service to the nation by not repairing the damages to its exterior. A damaged facade would prove as a constant reminder to people. This would make the people and the government realise the value of a life, especially the lives of those heroes who sacrificed theirs so that we may live in peace.

Now, the world has to gear up, not against fanatics who know to use guns, but against trained militants, who know the ways and methods of tactical fighting. These terrorists were armed to the teeth but they were not fanatics with guns, they knew how to cover up for each other and they knew their targets very well. What began as a shootout ran into a siege.

Coming to the points made by a certain gentleman on tv last night. He was very angry. His anger resembled the anger of a billion Indian lives. True. Very true. WIth GREAT ministers ruling us at the centre, we CERTAINLY WON'T ve any terror strikes. Politicians would 've swung into action if any of them were hit or killed on Dec 13. Innocent civlians don't matter to politicians till elections are announced. And even then India will remain India. STUPID COMMON MEN like us would vote these very back stabbers back to power,based on our stupid religieon, caste bias and all sorts of nonsense and once again these GREAT LEADERS are happy being self indulgent. At present India is not shining, India is bleeding, people.

Only GOD can save India. Mumbai, our prayers are with you......

Adios Mr. Anil Kumble....

2008-11-02T16:32:00.007+05:30

The 1st thing that comes to my mind when you say Anil Kumble, is the great man's gut and determination. Remember ppl, the test match against the West Indies, when jumbo batted and even bowled with a broken jaw. Eventually getting Prince lara out, in that match.

10/74, the only other bowler in the history of cricket to claim 10 wickets in an innings. Kumble can never be forgotten by players all around the world for the magic and temperament that he brought with him to this game. The leg spinner ranks behind Mutthiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne in terms of number of wickets, his pesence will be sorely missed by India in the years to come.

Honestly, you can't really ask anything more of this man. He has done so much for India that India can never pay him back. A match winner, a gutsy cricketer in his own right. Just imagine, an Indian cricketer who didn't actually do more than a couple of brand endorsements throught his entire career. A man who played with a broken jaw, when younger cricketers around him and also some of his own peers, flew down to australia and england, to get treated for minor bruises. India will miss his services when India play sides like England, Australia and South Africa in the future.

An Indian has to be born again to beat Anil Kumble's record of 6/12, which till date, remains as the best bowling figures in ODIS by an Indian. Anil Kumble took over as captain in 2007, when Rahul Dravid, surprisingly, decided to relinquish his post as captain. Since then, till date, Kumble has captained India in 13 test matches, winning 3, 5 losses and 5 draws. Off the field, Kumble is an avid photographer and there cannot be a tour where Kumble has failed to photograph something or the other.

Anil Kumble, fondly called as "Jumbo", will always be respected by even generations of cricketers to come. He has always been respected all around the world for being the tough cricketer that he is. All the very best for your future. Indian and International cricket will miss you a lot.

Comebacks and comebacks....

2008-10-02T08:58:00.014+05:30

"First on the offside, there's god. Then there's Sourav " -Rahul Dravid

Written off after that infamous chappelgate scandal, where the great guru Greg's "personal, private and confidential"(or whatever you want to call that) leaked to the media, Sourav Ganguly was written off, never to make a comeback.

10 months later, Team India saw its former captain, the man who led them to its 2nd ever world cup final, return to the test team, to play an innings of character against South Africa. Inarguably, India's most successful captain ever, since the days of Kapil Dev, "Dada", as Ganguly is fondly called, has always frustrated rival captains, with an extremely brilliant sense of captaincy. Steve Waugh would never forget the way Ganguly frustrated him during the quest for "the final frontier".

Ever since that comeback against South Africa, Ganguly has led India's scoring pack, becoming India's leading run scorer since then. The stylish left hander had some problems facing Ajantha Mendis and Murali during the last tour of Sri Lanka and failed pretty badly during that tour. However, the entire team performed badly then, including Rahul"the wall"Dravid. The selectors, including Mr. Dilip Vengsarkar, were apparently looking for a reason to drop Sourav and put and end to his career.

There's a saying "Fortune favours the brave." Sourav Ganguly has been one brave cricketer, who has faced and defeated controversies and made his career a glittering one. The Kolkata Knight Riders captain was not named in the teams for the irani trophy, which was an attempt to get him out of the Indian side. No runs to show to the selectors to consider, meant that your career's virtually over. Then, this man's a fighter. He played even for some local league team in Punjab, scored runs and caught the selectors attention.

The selection committee change, helped Sourav Ganguly even more. With the "colonel" Vengsarkar now out of the selection committee and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, taking over the reigns of the selection committe, the Royal Bengal Tiger can once again roar on the international scene.

Kangaroos beware, the tiger's back.....

Oh shanti shanti!

2008-09-30T23:01:00.009+05:30

nee indri naanum illai,
en kaathal poiyum illai,
vazhi engum unthan mugam than,
vali kooda inge sugam than,

thoduvaanam sivanthu pogume,
tholaithooram nagarnthu pogume,
karaiginra nodigalil naan nerungi vanthene,
Ini unnai piriya maaten,
thuli thooram nagara maaten,
mugam paarka thavikkiraen,
en iniya poongaatre.

Oh shanti shanti, oh shanti,
en uyirai uyirai nee yenthi,
yen sendrai sendrai, ennai neengi,
naan vanthaen vanthaen, unnai thedi. ohhh...

nee indri naanum illai,
en kaathal poiyum illai,
unnai kaanum neram varuma?
en kangal moksham peruma?

viralodu vizhiyil vaadume,
viraiginra kaathal nogume,
iranthalum varugiraen un madiyil naan thoonga,
ennai vanthu urasum kaatre,
avalodu karaiyum netrey,
kai korthu nerunginaen,
kan adithu nee yenga...

Oh shanti shanti, oh shanti,
en uyirai uyirai nee yenthi,
yen sendrai sendrai, ennai neengi,
naan vanthaen vanthaen, unnai thedi. ohhh...

ppl.. u must be wondering, why the hell this guy's posted something like this... simple reason.. im obsessed with this song... my obsessions with certain songs ve gone overboard at times.. this's one number that's created a rage in my over the last few days... kick ass song.. those of you who can enjoy these lyrics, go on, savour it..

The forgotten breed...

2008-08-17T09:50:00.005+05:30

How many of us remember people who've helped us on our path to success? How many of us still have contacts with them, at the very least?

These questions can't be answered so easily with a simple yes. Truth is most of us don't ve any contact with those people. You may think. My dad and mom are responsible for my success and i'm with them 24*7. You are right and you are wrong. Right- true, they too have been responsible for your success till now. (Mark the word too). Now, you are wrong. WHY?

Think about it for a couple of min...

Thought enough? I'll tell you whom you've missed in that list.

Your first thoughts other than your parents must 've been your girl/boyfriend, if you have one that is. Next in line would 've been your closest circle of friends, ok agreed. Then? some close relatives, then..... The buck would 've stopped right there.

Spare a thought for a breed of people who can be stern and strict at times. Looking at you with piercing eyes and seeing through all your lies and alibis. Those people would 've supported you for the major part of your life. Those people would've taught you so much, drilled so much of things into that hardwood head of yours. They are a forgotten breed of people.

Now, you know whom i'm talking about... yes.. your teachers, mine as well. Be honest.. haven't you forgotten them? all of us may forget most of them, certainly not all of them. Your favourite teacher maybe the one who came on hard on you and yet managed to win your heart at some point of time. For others it would be the softer variant. Now, i think there maybe a bit of nostalgia going on in your head. Anyways, just dont forget them... The forgotten breed.

Dynasty or Die-nasty??

2008-08-03T21:20:00.004+05:30

Ever seen dynasty politics?? or at least heard of it??

Well.. what exactly is Die-nasty or is it dynasty politics? Little too confusing ain't it? Simple, yet so complex.. That's what it's all about. Dynasty politics is a little complex compared to die-nasty politics..

Die-nasty politics.. easy one.. politics in which u get to die in a nasty way.. ugh.. that's die-nasty politics. for eg: You get involved with a tiff with your rivals, and they are out to get you; Make you feel real bad about that tiff, so they put up a really devious plot, which 'll get you killed or at least hurt very badly. Now, that's what you'd say Die-nasty politics.

Toughie- Dynasty politics.... this 's something more delicate than the die-nasty politics. Simply put, a dynasty is a family. So, it 's more often than not called, family politics. Now, family politics, as popularly known, it's basically all the political happenings within a family. Consider a very Indian scenario, to better understand family politics. To understand this deeper, consider a typical, Indian joint family.

In a typical joint family, it's more or less like the elders rule the roost. In the elders itself, in almost 9 out of every 10 families, have the poor male "head" of the family, who happens to be the "head" only as a name. AKA rubber-stamp . This "head" has to obey his wife, who happens to be more or less dominating. She continues to dominate the male, till the poor guy passes away.. that's a bad one.. Then, in the heirarchy, comes the daughters of the "head". These daughters. These daughters are eventually the mother's pet. Obviously, if there are more than one daughters , the last one's bound to be the favourite. And the the last daughter's kids get more attention and care than even the son's kids.

And yes of course, just like their mother, these daughters tend to go after their husbands, reducing their husbands also to the status of their father, the rubber-stamp. Finally, lowest down in the order would come the son, his wife and kids, who do everything for the "head" and his wife, who hardly ever recognise anything done by them. To the "head" and his wife, or to be even more precise, the wife would hardly ever give a shit to what her daughter in law does or says. Then, even if the daughter in law's extremely good, she gets kicked even then. Right from day one, when a girl gets married into a typical Indian joint family, she is looked at with such contempt, like she 's meant for bonded menial labour. Not only does the head's wife irritate her, she draws flak from her sisters in law for being the nice girl that her husband and mother in law want. Apart from all this, she has the additional burden of taking care of her parents and siblings; which is to compound her already existing problems. Final nail in the coffin- she goes to work and has an extremely demanding boss. Bad times befall her everywhere. All in all to sum it up- it's saas vs bahu, everywhere, with all the others playing supporting cast.

Poof.. That's just the outline, and I know, your eyes bleed already. Imagine, if this 's just the trailer, then the movie??? Anyways, it's all a part and parcel of life in an Indian family...

"All the world's a stage,And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts,"

Where do these lines fit in? The rubber-stamp was once upon a time a kid to his mother, then a husband to his wife, a father to his kids and then finally a grandparent to his grandkids. Implied meaning- Males are always dominated by his female counterpart. There may be a few families in which the females are dominated. If you, as a reader are from one of those few families, please forgive me.

Disclaimer: The above post was written from my own observations. Any resemblance to any real life happening is purely coincidence. And, I'm not a chauvinist.

Tell me your dreams...

2008-07-25T21:05:00.003+05:30

Dreams... what are they really? Aspirations? Ambitions? Things that you feel that may or may not happen to you or me?

Well.. you can say that way. 1st.. What's a good dream? varies really.. to me seeing a person i hate getting kicked maybe an OK dream but to see that same person getting killed.. well.. that'll be a very good dream..lols.. Then, a bad dream? err.. seeing myself getting kicked or killed by people whom, i 've trusted my life with all these years...

And when do you normally get such dreams? well... dreams don't normally come unless and until you think of something really seriously. Take this for a situation. When you go to bed, you had a really nice time with your friends that evening. What dreams do you get? Really nice ones. Dreams of you having a nice time with all your friends again. Such dreams are so precious that you'd want to have them over and over again.

Flip side.. You've had a war of words with your best friend. You feel like giving him something back. You start dreaming of that. That's not half as bad as the dream where you and your best friend become enemies for life. ugh.. really nasty..

One thing that's been observed is dreams don't last more than 5-20 min. However, there maybe multiple dreams during the time for which we sleep. Dreams are not an indicator of how well we sleep, but quite the contrary. They indicate how disturbed we are. Be it a good dream or a bad dream, it shows how balanced the mind is. No dreams..?? don't worry, just sleep tight...

One more time- lose control

2008-07-14T21:52:00.003+05:30

Ever felt like losing control over urself? ever felt like going berserk about something?
Ever felt like doing something that u've never ever done before?

There are certain really crazy things that we'd want to do. As kids we'd happily roam the beach in our underwear but now?? As adults we now think of crazier things such as becoming kids again, shedding all responsibilities and happily enjoying life as kids....

That's a paradox... That's life... When we were kids we yearned to grow up but when we grew up we yearn to become kids again....

Somehow, most of us at some point of time or the other must've felt, bruised knees are better than torn hearts. That's what's happening all around us. Strife, Love, Hate.

What's there in our life to lose?? Let's just lose control.. just one more time.. Freak out.. Enjoy life...

What is it that you want the most?

2008-06-24T19:01:00.004+05:30

See the compass there? That is a magical compass, in the movie series, Pirates of the Caribbean, used by Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp)... What is this about a compass, people might ask.. Specially those who haven't seen or even heard of Capt. Jack Sparrow's exploits in the movie.

Well, this compass aint an ordinary compass mate. It points to what the holder desires the most at that very point of time. Using this compass, one could find out what they desired the most. The effect of the compass was not limited to locations and objects, but could also indicate the user's desire towards another person.

Now, what's the connection between this and our lives? Well, won't everyone of us like to have such a compass. Say someone wants to have PEACE the most. Oohh.. Tricky one. Now where on earth do you go for peace? U.S.? No, India? No, South Africa? No. It's there within each and everyone of us. Only thing, we fail to search for it.

Just for kicks, lets see what some of these people would desire the most:

George.W.Bush - Another term in the white house... Sorry bub, the compass points straight back to your own house, wherever it maybe.

Laloo Prasad Yadav - The prime minister's office... Ofcourse, rail mantriji, You are most welcome to visit the Prime Minister, whenever he feels comfortable.

Australian Cricket team - No one else should win another world cup, a knockout or any major ICC tournament... Certainly, that'll happen, only in your dreams.

Jose Mourinho - A silent winning season with once again Chelsea... Stop kidding Jose, you can't keep your mouth shut for 5 minutes.

Rahul Dravid - To play a test match for the Bangalore Royal Challengers against a rest of the IPL team and win it... Quite possible, provided all other teams agree and Dravid wakes up from his sleep.

Well, those are just a few of those. However absurd it may seem, all of us do yearn and all of us do want, maybe not in tons, but just maybe a few milligrams of it... Love, Affection and Someone to give us all this and remember us throughout their lives. That's what most of us would want rather than money, fame and power, things which we cant take to our graves.

The real theme..

2008-06-23T21:03:00.005+05:30

What are the first thoughts that come to your mind when you see those words... 2 sides of a coin?

Well, the real theme, is in showcasing human nature. We, generally tend to be good to one person n maybe, at times, bad to another person. No one can be good to everyone, nor can anyone be bad to everyone.

To make things crisp, it can also be said that, "One man's hero, is another man's terrorist." This very line itself simplifies the theme. "Hmmm.. I still can't understand, how come people like me and yet I am being disliked by almost the same people", this is one other question that'll form in the minds of people who read this blog. Simply put, consider these points:
1. You are genuinely liked by people, dislike is feigned
2. Opposite to scenario 1, liking is feigned and dislike rules the roost.
3. People like you and dislike you according to situations.

Scenario 3, is the most interesting thing to consider. You support someone depending on a situation or an issue. This will create a sense of liking to the person whom you support and maybe, in most cases a sense of dislike lies with the person whom, you are against. Now, this showcases the 2 sides of a human mind.

One other way of explaining this theme- consider the story of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde. To be really precise, that is the perfect example for this theme. Everyone of us have a bit of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde in each and everyone of us. We are a Dr. Jekyll, in the eyes of the ones who love us and a Mr. Hyde, to the ones who don't like us as much.

There do exist certain bad elements in all of us, no one is perfect and hence, each one of us have a head and a tail, just like a coin. Have you ever wondered, why it's a head and a tail and not something else?? Heads- because as a human, we can think and act accordingly, showcases the good side of our human nature. Tails- well, it's pretty obvious, we do have our own shortcomings, our own nasty little side, which may at times show our devilish features, in a rather ugly manner at that.

Well, i guess i must 've clearly confused people who 've read this once, read it again, maybe you'll feel better then.

First Innings...

2008-06-22T21:12:00.000+05:30

After giving some really serious thoughts about blogging, I've finally decided to start my own blog. My innings starts here...

Well, basically, my blogs may become a bit too redundant with time, but i will do my best to show up a few interesting things every now and then.

First Innings- now that's something very important for any cricketer. Batsman or bowler, neither would want to give an opponent the upper hand in the contest very early. Here in my case, there's no opponent but just the presence of my wariness( or should i label it as laziness) to blog.

Argh! Never thought so much to write just a few lines of words. Last time i did think so much to write something was in an exam where i knew absolutely nothing in the paper. Lol...