Bolt is a cute puppy, and the star of the super-dog TV show - Bolt. He doesn't know he's on TV, he's completely convinced he's a real super hero, always saving his beloved Penny from the "green-eyed" bad guy.
And one day, he gets lost, and is parcelled off to faraway New York. And then begins his journey back to Hollywood, in the company of his enemy-turned-friend, Mittens the Cat, and his big fan, Rhino the Hamster.
The journey is a revelation to him. First the disappointment of finding out he's not a super dog after all - none of his powers are working any more. His super bark is just like any other. He bleeds. He gets hungry. But then, Mittens teaches him to be a real dog. The simple pleasures - sitting by the rug, putting his tongue out, chasing other dogs, fetching the ball... You know why we hate dogs, she asks him. Because we want to be dogs, we have dog-complexes, she says :)
Check out the scene where the two cats try to irritate him. Or when Mittens teaches him to beg, and then tries to beg herself and gets greeted with a flying pan. Or Mitten's introduction with the Godfather music in the background. Just beautiful :)
If you love cats and dogs, you will LOVE this movie. If you have kids, or if you have ever been one, go for it... you will want to see it over and over again!
An amazing animation movie, I believe it's also available in 3D...
Friday, July 03, 2009
Movie Review: While She Was Away
Another of those typical many-people-will-die-before-it-ends movie, with a twist. The "victim" is doing all the killing.
Kim Bassinger is a mother of 2, ill-treated and beaten her husband. It's Christmas night, and she's out of gift wrapping paper for her presents. She goes to the mall, where she runs into a bunch of hooligans. When the mall security guard intervenes to disperse them, he's shot dead. She screeches away, crashes and is trapped.
Will she be able to save herself from her lusty predators?
Not recommended, unless you have nothing else to do. Just one of those nothing-in-it movies...
Kim Bassinger is a mother of 2, ill-treated and beaten her husband. It's Christmas night, and she's out of gift wrapping paper for her presents. She goes to the mall, where she runs into a bunch of hooligans. When the mall security guard intervenes to disperse them, he's shot dead. She screeches away, crashes and is trapped.
Will she be able to save herself from her lusty predators?
Not recommended, unless you have nothing else to do. Just one of those nothing-in-it movies...
Movie Review: Terminator Salvation
The latest in the terminator series, the story gets pretty complicated with the twisted timelines - people from the future sending people from the future back in time so that people back in time can give birth to people in the future who will then get back in time... whatever... it's 2020 something... the machines have destroyed most of the world in nuclear attacks, and only a few humans remain - the Resistance
And the machines are planning the final move...
Will the resistance be able to thwart the final blow?
No Arnold, but trust me, this movie has some of the special special FX action seen in recent times... the opening sequence is great, and the bikes coming out of the mega-robot's knee is a WOW moment..
And the machines are planning the final move...
Will the resistance be able to thwart the final blow?
No Arnold, but trust me, this movie has some of the special special FX action seen in recent times... the opening sequence is great, and the bikes coming out of the mega-robot's knee is a WOW moment..
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Ads)
Bajaj DTSi - The Fastest Indian ad... a very interesting concept, and very nicely executed!
Fiat Punto, Honda Jazz and Maruti Ritz - wierd looking cars, and some very boring ads
And the ugly - undoutedly, the baby, the mom, and the umbilical cord (yucks!) in the Bullet ad.. come on guys, don't make me puke before every movie in the theatres!
Fiat Punto, Honda Jazz and Maruti Ritz - wierd looking cars, and some very boring ads
And the ugly - undoutedly, the baby, the mom, and the umbilical cord (yucks!) in the Bullet ad.. come on guys, don't make me puke before every movie in the theatres!
Movie Review: Hangover
With one of the biggest openings in the US, Hangover has suprised box office pundits with a similar smashing opening in India too.
Hangover is the story of a bunch of friends who sneak away to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, and wake up in their hotel suite in the morning to the company of a hen, a tiger, and a baby, and with one of their friends missing. How did they end up here? No one can remember - courtesy the date drug they've consumed last night. Where's their friend? Who does the tiger belong to, and how did it end up in their suite?
Will they get over and get back in time for their friend's marriage?
An adult comedy, but definitely one of the best!
Hangover is the story of a bunch of friends who sneak away to Las Vegas for a bachelor party, and wake up in their hotel suite in the morning to the company of a hen, a tiger, and a baby, and with one of their friends missing. How did they end up here? No one can remember - courtesy the date drug they've consumed last night. Where's their friend? Who does the tiger belong to, and how did it end up in their suite?
Will they get over and get back in time for their friend's marriage?
An adult comedy, but definitely one of the best!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Changing Times
During my first trip to the US, I was fascinated by things that seemed so common there, and yet, completely new to India - vending machines, for example. Limos were another phenomenon that spellbound me. How in the world could someone drive something that long? And the police - those sexy uniforms, the flashing lights...
Things are changing here now...
On Saturday, I saw my first Merc Limo in Pune. I envy, and pity, the driver! I have problems squeezing my simple sedan in the traffic sometimes - how in the world does he manage his train?
Later in the evening, we were trying to cross this busy junction that was saturated with traffic after a politician's motorcade had just crossed by. Along comes this sexy police bike with lights flashing on its leg guards, tells me to follow him, stops traffic for us, and sees us through! Wow :) Now I know why those politicians love their motorcades!
We went for dinner to Green Park - and guess what, we had this electric buggy picking us up from the parking lot to transport us to the lobby!
And today, Mumbai gets its own icon - the Worli Sea Link. An amazing structure that I have blogged about before - an engineering marvel that will provide all Mumbaikars something to be really proud of. Can't wait to go and check it out for myself!
Things are changing here now...
On Saturday, I saw my first Merc Limo in Pune. I envy, and pity, the driver! I have problems squeezing my simple sedan in the traffic sometimes - how in the world does he manage his train?
Later in the evening, we were trying to cross this busy junction that was saturated with traffic after a politician's motorcade had just crossed by. Along comes this sexy police bike with lights flashing on its leg guards, tells me to follow him, stops traffic for us, and sees us through! Wow :) Now I know why those politicians love their motorcades!
We went for dinner to Green Park - and guess what, we had this electric buggy picking us up from the parking lot to transport us to the lobby!
And today, Mumbai gets its own icon - the Worli Sea Link. An amazing structure that I have blogged about before - an engineering marvel that will provide all Mumbaikars something to be really proud of. Can't wait to go and check it out for myself!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Amazing Coke Ad
Have you checked out the Coke Ad that's on air these days? The one about the girl and the guy in the library, sketching on their arms and having the coke flow from a bottle on one arm to the ice cube filled glass on the other? Coke claims it's about how coke brings people together.. but the fluid flowing from one to the other, he he, that's not really too innocent now, is it?
Either way, the execution of the ad itself is just totally amazing!
You can watch it here.
Either way, the execution of the ad itself is just totally amazing!
You can watch it here.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
This is one of my oldest books, and I picked it up once again after having first read it almost 12 years back... the book really mesmerizes me with Pirsig's philosophical discourses interspersed with some amazingly beautiful descriptions of his 17 day motorcycle journey across the American heartland with his son and a couple of his close friends...
A little heavy, but so definitely worth a read!
A little heavy, but so definitely worth a read!
Friends...
A thought...
Friends come in the dozens, and most of them will share their happy moments with you. They'll love you and talk to you and share with you.
However, only the very true and best friends will stand by you in your worst moments. In your defeats. In your most unreasonable times.
When you are at your worst, look around for the person who stands by you.
Keep that relationship, no matter what it takes. It's the only one worth it.
Friends come in the dozens, and most of them will share their happy moments with you. They'll love you and talk to you and share with you.
However, only the very true and best friends will stand by you in your worst moments. In your defeats. In your most unreasonable times.
When you are at your worst, look around for the person who stands by you.
Keep that relationship, no matter what it takes. It's the only one worth it.
Movie Review: Love... and Other Disasters
Jacks shares an apartment with her gay friend Peter, a screenwriter. Afraid to get into a serious relationship, Jacks prefers to spend her free time with her friends and sleep with her ex-boyfriend, James. It gets more complicated with the entrance of Paolo, a photographer, who loves Jacks, and who Jacks tries to get hooked up with Peter. As the film develops, they come to realize their mistakes and eventually reach their happy endings.
Watch if for the very pretty and very cute Brittany Murphy, one of my favourites.
Watch if for the very pretty and very cute Brittany Murphy, one of my favourites.
Movie Review: Bride Wars
Bride Wars is about two best friends with a common dream - to get married at the Plaza in June. But their relationship is tested when circumstances force them to share the date and the venue, pitting them in an ugly no-holds-barred war against each other...
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway should be reasons enough to watch the movie, but both definitely have looked much better earlier! I guess, as I say, people do look their worst when they are getting married :)
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway should be reasons enough to watch the movie, but both definitely have looked much better earlier! I guess, as I say, people do look their worst when they are getting married :)
Movie Review: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
X-Men Origins is a slightly long, most times boring, at times exciting special effects fare, tracing the birth of the X-Men. People find Hugh Jackman interesting, but I don't like his monkey look at all, and for me, that was a major turn off throughout. The special effects are OK - nothing too special about them. I did like the scene where he jumps off to cut the rotor blades of the chopper...
Watch it before the next weekend comes with it's bouquet of new movies!
Watch it before the next weekend comes with it's bouquet of new movies!
Movie Review: 17 Again
17 Again is about a 40 something guy (Matthew Perry) who's not exactly having the perfect life - in office, he is passed up for promotion every time, at home, his wife is leaving him, his kids ignore him. One day, as he reflects on his past and how he could have pursued his basketball dreams, he meets his "spirit guide" who gives him a chance to be seventeen again.
Will he be a hero again? Will he pursue his basketball dreams? Or will he once again give it all up for his family? What is his true calling?
The movie has its very funny moments, and is a good watch. Thomas Lennon does a great job as the "peacocking father" of the 17 again Mike, played by the absolutely delicious looking Zac Efron. He's a treat for the girls... your girlfriend will love you for taking her to this one :)
Will he be a hero again? Will he pursue his basketball dreams? Or will he once again give it all up for his family? What is his true calling?
The movie has its very funny moments, and is a good watch. Thomas Lennon does a great job as the "peacocking father" of the 17 again Mike, played by the absolutely delicious looking Zac Efron. He's a treat for the girls... your girlfriend will love you for taking her to this one :)
Monday, June 15, 2009
E75 Update
I can say it again - this is an amazing phone; if you looking for a stylish, sexy, easy and effective business phone, look no further. And at barely 22K, it's a steal.
India Crash out of T20 WC
After a string of mediocre outings, India crashed out of the WC T20 last night at Lord's with a 3 run defeat to England. Disappointing as it is, one must admit that India didn't really deserve to win this one. The bowling, batting and fielding was shabby, and a few decisions b y Mahi didn;t make much sense - bringing in Jadeja ahead of Yuvi, himself and Yusuf, for example, when chasing a decent target. Overall, the only take away from the WC - we beat Pakistan in the practice match, keeping our all-wins credentials against them in WCs intact, Yes, right, it's not much of a take away :(
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Cricket, Again!
Today was my second cricket session - and today was awesome! I scored 33 in 3 overs - including 2 towering sixes and a few boundaries. The sound of the ball getting whacked by the meat of the bat is just so, so sweet! I also rolled my arm around and bowled 5-6 fairly decent overs - medium pacers, got a few wickets too, including a couple of clean bowled. Best part was that the ball is now starting to stick in my hands... caught a few catches. And my running has definitely improved from last time.
Overall, an awesome session today. 32 overs in all for around 2.5 hours.
I have a very hurting shoulder right now, and I do hope it's just stiffness and not a tear, but it feels like heaven!
Overall, an awesome session today. 32 overs in all for around 2.5 hours.
I have a very hurting shoulder right now, and I do hope it's just stiffness and not a tear, but it feels like heaven!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Cricket!
Played cricket yesterday. A few of us from office have been playing for the last few Saturdays at the Ideal Colony ground in Kothrud, but my weekends in Goa meant I had not been able to join them.
We met around 615 am, and played from 630 till close to 900. First in pairs, each getting 3 overs, and then a 6 overs match. Positives for me - I hit 2 very beautiful shots down the ground for 4, a few other good middle-of-the-bat hits, bowled a couple of fairly decent overs, got a wicket, and helped in a run out. Things that need to get better - the ball still barely sticks in the hand, and running is still very poor.
After the match, we all met at Durga for its very special cold coffee!
At 34, with a job that keeps you hooked to the laptop 24*7, I had pretty much given up any hope of ever getting back to the sport I loved so much - it had been almost 2 decades since I played a real match, unless you count those stupid one bounce affairs where so much as hitting a ball directly to that silly wall 10 feet away can get you declared out :)
The rains will probably bring in some disruption, but I eagerly look forward to this continuing for ever...
We met around 615 am, and played from 630 till close to 900. First in pairs, each getting 3 overs, and then a 6 overs match. Positives for me - I hit 2 very beautiful shots down the ground for 4, a few other good middle-of-the-bat hits, bowled a couple of fairly decent overs, got a wicket, and helped in a run out. Things that need to get better - the ball still barely sticks in the hand, and running is still very poor.
After the match, we all met at Durga for its very special cold coffee!
At 34, with a job that keeps you hooked to the laptop 24*7, I had pretty much given up any hope of ever getting back to the sport I loved so much - it had been almost 2 decades since I played a real match, unless you count those stupid one bounce affairs where so much as hitting a ball directly to that silly wall 10 feet away can get you declared out :)
The rains will probably bring in some disruption, but I eagerly look forward to this continuing for ever...
Movie Review: Angels and Demos
Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is at it again - this time, saving the world from the cataclysmic scenario of anti-matter meeting matter, and saving the Vatican from the "Illuminati", a secret organization rumoured to be out for revenge for its persecution by the church for its refusal to toe the church's stand on issues of Goa versus science.
The Pope has been poisoned, and the bishops are in their Conclave to elect the next Pope. Can the symbologist and his attractive physicist partner (but his earlier partner in Da Vinci was a lot better!) win the race against time to find the "path of illumination", the four churches where the Illuminati secretly worshipped the four elements of nature - Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, and where the top 4 bishops will be killed in a very symbolic fashion, the terror culminating at the Church of the Angel, where the anti-matter will finally collapse in a blinding explosion of light, destroying the Vatican and most of Rome with it?
Does the Illuminati exist, or is there a even more sinister plot behind all this?
The movie is extremely fast paced, shot in the beautiful locales of Rome and the Vatican City, and is a treat to mystery buffs. Hear the dialogues carefully, don't question too much, and enjoy the plot.
Not for kids, though.
The Pope has been poisoned, and the bishops are in their Conclave to elect the next Pope. Can the symbologist and his attractive physicist partner (but his earlier partner in Da Vinci was a lot better!) win the race against time to find the "path of illumination", the four churches where the Illuminati secretly worshipped the four elements of nature - Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, and where the top 4 bishops will be killed in a very symbolic fashion, the terror culminating at the Church of the Angel, where the anti-matter will finally collapse in a blinding explosion of light, destroying the Vatican and most of Rome with it?
Does the Illuminati exist, or is there a even more sinister plot behind all this?
The movie is extremely fast paced, shot in the beautiful locales of Rome and the Vatican City, and is a treat to mystery buffs. Hear the dialogues carefully, don't question too much, and enjoy the plot.
Not for kids, though.
Movie Review: 99
Cyrus Broacha (was he really that fat, or was it good make up?) and Kunal Khemu work for a Mumbai don, and are in Delhi to recover money owed to the don by a compulsive gambler, Boman Irani. Soha Ali plays Kunal's love angle, a receptionist at the five star hotel they are put up in. Throw in a few other characters, and what you have is a nice cocktail of fun. I especially liked the goon from Delhi, although I am too tired right now to go searching for his name...
Don't have too many expectations, listen to the dialogues, and you will have a good time. We saw a Hindi movie after ages - given the producer-multiple conflict that was going on for the last few months. And even though there were just 10 people in the theatre, including 5 of us, the movie was a lot of fun...
Oh, and yes, I absolutely loved the opening credits - beautifully done!
Don't have too many expectations, listen to the dialogues, and you will have a good time. We saw a Hindi movie after ages - given the producer-multiple conflict that was going on for the last few months. And even though there were just 10 people in the theatre, including 5 of us, the movie was a lot of fun...
Oh, and yes, I absolutely loved the opening credits - beautifully done!
Cats and Parrots
There seems to be an invasion of animals and birds in Nerul. Apart from the usual culprits like sparrows and crows, and the odd cuckoo, this time there was a huge contingent of parrots - see if you can spot some of them in the picture below (taken from a cell phone so please don't crib about the quality!)
There are also some VERY healthy cats around... none of them belong to us, yet all of them think they live with us! Guess the presence of a large labrador or a guy from Pune who can't resist wanting to pick them up and smother them with kisses, doesn't make much of a difference, going by how much they love to lounge lazily around the house.
There are also some VERY healthy cats around... none of them belong to us, yet all of them think they live with us! Guess the presence of a large labrador or a guy from Pune who can't resist wanting to pick them up and smother them with kisses, doesn't make much of a difference, going by how much they love to lounge lazily around the house.
Metrosexuals :)
Siddha and I had went to the Snip Salon and Spa the other day for 3 hours of heavenly pampering, with a pedicure, a manicure and a 45 min Asian Head Massge :) Never before has someone so lovingly cut my nails, brushed off the dead cells and rough edges, polished my teeth-ravaged nails, and then brutally assaulted my body with elbows in the guise of a massage... transporting me from a deep slumber to terror, and back to slumber... And while at times I did feel like a broiler chicken being cleaned for a tandoori kebab, I would gladly do it again, and again!
And all this for only 1900 :)
And all this for only 1900 :)
First Rains
Everyone should experience the rains in Goa, especially the first showers... when the thirsty earth soaks up the drops, the aroma of the earth spreads arounds, a beautiful smell you just can't get enough of... the plants, the trees and every thing else shakes off the dust and grime and look fresh and happy... the temperature drops, the cold wind blowing in bringing smiles and chills... the pittar patter of the drops on the tiled roof, the undulating rise and drop in intensity of sound in tandem with the force of the rain - a sound so beautiful with its pattern of irregularity...
No, don't even try and imagine experiencing this in the city...
No, don't even try and imagine experiencing this in the city...
First Impressions...
A few years back, a visit to Goa meant being taken in by the natural beauty and cleanliness. Today, ugly haphazard constructions and piles of garbage and plastic bags dotting the landscape meet the eye. Maybe the average Goan has got used to seeing this, day after day. For an outsider though, this is shocking and ugly compared to the beautiful memories we carry. And I have to admit, each time I go back now, it shocks and saddens me, and makes me very sad.
As the bus rolls into Goa and the first light of the sun hits the coconut trees, one starts noticing the piles of garbage and plastic dumped by the side of the road near the Damian De Goa showroom in Porvorim. More plastic all over Porvorim plateau. More ugly, stinking garbage at the Malim fishing jetty. Take the Verem-Nerul road, and it feels like one is passing through a garbage dump near See You bar and restaurant. Ugly concrete structures of Nerul tinto give way to the beautiful Nerul bridge, but the very next moment one passes through yet another garbage dump on both sides of the approach road on the Candolim side.
Some immediate measures we can probably take up in Goa to tackle this:
1)Ban plastic bags of all kinds
2)Ban dumping of construction debris along main roads and highways
3)Make village panchayats responsible/empowered for scientific disposal of garbage
4)Provide plastic collection centers in all cities/villages
5)Conduct urgent and immediate clean up drives along key roads, highways, and in key tourist places to collect and dispose of plastic and garbage that’s accumulated over the years
6)Involve villagers, hoteliers, and other stake holders in the programme to maintain cleanliness
7)Regulate construction to avoid ugly, haphazard concrete eye sores from coming up every where
In contrast, when we reach Pune, we are greeted by broad tree-lined avenues, very clean footpaths and roads, and in general, a beautiful city. I think the PMC and the administration here definitely deserve a round of applause!
As the bus rolls into Goa and the first light of the sun hits the coconut trees, one starts noticing the piles of garbage and plastic dumped by the side of the road near the Damian De Goa showroom in Porvorim. More plastic all over Porvorim plateau. More ugly, stinking garbage at the Malim fishing jetty. Take the Verem-Nerul road, and it feels like one is passing through a garbage dump near See You bar and restaurant. Ugly concrete structures of Nerul tinto give way to the beautiful Nerul bridge, but the very next moment one passes through yet another garbage dump on both sides of the approach road on the Candolim side.
Some immediate measures we can probably take up in Goa to tackle this:
1)Ban plastic bags of all kinds
2)Ban dumping of construction debris along main roads and highways
3)Make village panchayats responsible/empowered for scientific disposal of garbage
4)Provide plastic collection centers in all cities/villages
5)Conduct urgent and immediate clean up drives along key roads, highways, and in key tourist places to collect and dispose of plastic and garbage that’s accumulated over the years
6)Involve villagers, hoteliers, and other stake holders in the programme to maintain cleanliness
7)Regulate construction to avoid ugly, haphazard concrete eye sores from coming up every where
In contrast, when we reach Pune, we are greeted by broad tree-lined avenues, very clean footpaths and roads, and in general, a beautiful city. I think the PMC and the administration here definitely deserve a round of applause!
Ford Ikon
I got a lot of time in this trip and in the last few weekends I have been to Goa to drive my sister's Ford Ikon - and I must say, it continues to be an amazing car. And it's just got better from the 1.3 CLXi I bought 9 years back... the engine growls like a tiger on the prowl, the pick up and manoueuvrebility is better than ever before, and the way it grips the road on tight curves easily beats the Fiesta. When I got my Fiesta, I thought the reason it didn't feel that stable on the turns was because of the power steering, when compared to the manual Ikon. So it's the suspension and the low COG which makes the Ikon such a beautiful driving experience! Of course, with its much higher power, the Fiesta still has a better pickup and acceleration, and of course, is much roomier, and is a lot of fun too... but then, this is a needless comparison :)
Navigator Upgrade
When I bought my MapMyIndia navagator a couple of months back, my first question had been - when will you update the maps? Even though there were extremely detailed maps of over 200 cities and towns in India, I could see that they were at least 2-3 years or more older... places like the University Flyover in Pune were not updated on the maps. They had assured me the maps were to be updated my May/June, and frankly, I did not believe them.
A few days earlier, I got a mail from them saying new maps were available, and all I needed to do was transfer 500 Rs into their ICICI account, and they would dispatch them to me.
I got the SD card the day I left for Goa, and I carried my navigator with me in the bus to check out the changes.
I was left stunned. The maps have been completely redone - this time, they are not vectorized graphics, but satellite based images with amazingly high quality - includes detailed layouts even of traffic islands. In most cases, one way streets are marked out. There's huge content - for example, a search for restaurants in Calangute threw up 99 entries! And everywhere I went in Goa, including when we went to Molem and Tambdi Surla, the navigator knew exactly where I was - and could even point out untarred pathways in many cases!
The applicaiton also has been updated - has much better search functions, is very usable, and is a pleasure to use. Having the navigator on while driving is not just useful when you don't know the road... but is a lot of fun even when you do!
And all this for a 500 Rs upgrade!
I seriously love these guys, and I wish I could do my bit to sell more of their kits!
A few days earlier, I got a mail from them saying new maps were available, and all I needed to do was transfer 500 Rs into their ICICI account, and they would dispatch them to me.
I got the SD card the day I left for Goa, and I carried my navigator with me in the bus to check out the changes.
I was left stunned. The maps have been completely redone - this time, they are not vectorized graphics, but satellite based images with amazingly high quality - includes detailed layouts even of traffic islands. In most cases, one way streets are marked out. There's huge content - for example, a search for restaurants in Calangute threw up 99 entries! And everywhere I went in Goa, including when we went to Molem and Tambdi Surla, the navigator knew exactly where I was - and could even point out untarred pathways in many cases!
The applicaiton also has been updated - has much better search functions, is very usable, and is a pleasure to use. Having the navigator on while driving is not just useful when you don't know the road... but is a lot of fun even when you do!
And all this for a 500 Rs upgrade!
I seriously love these guys, and I wish I could do my bit to sell more of their kits!
Tire Burst
The journey to Goa wasn't that uneventful this time... a few km out of the city, our bus had a tire burst, the front one at that... the vehicle wobbled seriously for a few seconds, but our driver kept his cool, and his control of the vehicle and pulled over. Maybe it was overheating... the tire was pretty new actually, but just burst open in the middle of the side walls. For the record, it was an Apollo, not a Bridgestone :)
We spent 40 mins or so while the crew replaced the burst tire, and were finally on our way... for exactly 2 mins. A few meters down the road was the dinner stop! If only we knew earlier...
We spent 40 mins or so while the crew replaced the burst tire, and were finally on our way... for exactly 2 mins. A few meters down the road was the dinner stop! If only we knew earlier...
Sleeping in the Car...
We had a power cut the other night in Nerul... some kind of overload and tripping, for more than an hour. It was humid and unbearably hot, so Sanam and I found a solution. We went and slept in Shweta's car :) With the AC running, we had an amazing hour or so of sleep before the power came back on and we had to reluctantly return to our bedroom...
Nokia E75 and Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
We bought two very, very sexy phones yesterday, for myself and Madhavi. Mads went for the 5800 for its touch screen, something she was very keen on having. It's a nice phone, pretty sleek too, and has some sweet applications like a touch screen enabled piano and guitar... a good phone for the music inclined. Also, with it's orientation sensor and stuff, some exciting games too.
I bought the E75, one of the best offerings from Nokia in the business phones segment. With a better processor and lots of memory, the performance is super fast. It's sleek, will fit in any pocket, and it's chrome and silver cover elements make it extremely good looking. A full querty keyboard slides out from the side, while the standard alphanumeric keyboard on the front makes it a breeze for smsing. Setting up my office email, and gmail, was extremely smooth and took no more than a few seconds. Amazing.
Both cells support GPS and Wifi, which is really very cool too! And oh, needless to say, automatically switches from landscape to portrait mode, and has extremely effective cameras with flash (in the E75) :)
I hate having to say bye to my loyal and very efficient and effective 6300, but it had really taken a lot of rough use over the last 15 months, and was starting to fall apart... I do have to move on to the E75, but for those who are looking for a basic cellphone in the sub 10K range, the 6300 remains by far the best!
I bought the E75, one of the best offerings from Nokia in the business phones segment. With a better processor and lots of memory, the performance is super fast. It's sleek, will fit in any pocket, and it's chrome and silver cover elements make it extremely good looking. A full querty keyboard slides out from the side, while the standard alphanumeric keyboard on the front makes it a breeze for smsing. Setting up my office email, and gmail, was extremely smooth and took no more than a few seconds. Amazing.
Both cells support GPS and Wifi, which is really very cool too! And oh, needless to say, automatically switches from landscape to portrait mode, and has extremely effective cameras with flash (in the E75) :)
I hate having to say bye to my loyal and very efficient and effective 6300, but it had really taken a lot of rough use over the last 15 months, and was starting to fall apart... I do have to move on to the E75, but for those who are looking for a basic cellphone in the sub 10K range, the 6300 remains by far the best!
Back in Pune... and to the Blog :)
I am back in Pune after a week long vacation in Pune, and I have a few things to say... so watch out for some updates :)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
IPL too!
As IPl 2 comes to a close today, it's interesting that the last two teams last year, Hyderabad and Bangalore, are in the finals this time :)
We saw some good cricket this time, but in my personal opinion, both Pakistan and Australia were sorely missed. And not having the matches in India somehow robbed the tournament of the passion we saw last time... or who knows, maybe it was just the novelty rubbing off... And without Dada, KKR lost it's biggest fan (no, not SRK, me!). And without me, SRK too didn't attend any of the games... oh, guess I got something mixed up there.. anyways, I am sure you got my point...
The final is at 8 tonight, and I don't really have any plan to watch it. Yet.
One good thing came out of IPL being transferred - a super safe Indian elections!
And yes, my office group has started playing cricket on weekends... I need to start joining them, but my Goa contracts hasn't give me the opportunity yet :(
We saw some good cricket this time, but in my personal opinion, both Pakistan and Australia were sorely missed. And not having the matches in India somehow robbed the tournament of the passion we saw last time... or who knows, maybe it was just the novelty rubbing off... And without Dada, KKR lost it's biggest fan (no, not SRK, me!). And without me, SRK too didn't attend any of the games... oh, guess I got something mixed up there.. anyways, I am sure you got my point...
The final is at 8 tonight, and I don't really have any plan to watch it. Yet.
One good thing came out of IPL being transferred - a super safe Indian elections!
And yes, my office group has started playing cricket on weekends... I need to start joining them, but my Goa contracts hasn't give me the opportunity yet :(
Movie Review: Gallit Gondhal Dillit Muzhra
Yet another comedy hit from Makarand Anaspure, the movie is set in a small Maharashtrian town and traces the "struggle" of the village boy Narayan to achieve his politicla aspirations while doing chamchagiri for both the local Sarpanch and the local MLA...
A good laugh, tends to get a little boring towards second half, though.
A good laugh, tends to get a little boring towards second half, though.
Casatta Updates
I love catching the characters on TV!
Zzzzzz... I love it when Sanam puts me to sleep on her shoulder!
See, I told you!!!
I am trained to use the bathroom...
...but sometimes the basin is more fun!
A Bike Takes an Auto!
Apparently, she was too tired riding around and decided to take a ride herself... on Law College Road, some time around midnight
Britto's
Don't miss Britto's when you are in Goa. Anyone will tell you where it is, but if you are the type who doesn't like to ask - just watch out for it a hundred meters from the end of the road on the Calangute Baga beach.
Try anything and everything that used to move. Especially the crab-stuff prawns and the rava fry mussels.
Try anything and everything that used to move. Especially the crab-stuff prawns and the rava fry mussels.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Quote for the Day
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the BJP today sent a clear message to the party saying "Vikas alone is Hindutva"!
Results from Andhra, Orissa and Bihar clearly point to what India wants - development, not divisive politics of caste and religion.
Results from Andhra, Orissa and Bihar clearly point to what India wants - development, not divisive politics of caste and religion.
Interesting Times!
With the UPA coming back to power with a thumping mandate, the Left, SP and BSP out of the way of reforms and development, the stock markets reacted with a never-before rally, gaining more than 2000 points, a rise of 17%, before two successive upper circuits triggered off and halted trading for the day, first time in history. And all this in just one minute of trading!
The Indian stock market, in that one minute, has become the best performing stock market in the world this year.
While all this was happening, Sri Lanka also annouced the end of the 30 year old war with the LTTE, with the killing of Prabhakaran and most of this key leadership.
Will we soon see a similar rout of the Taliban? Are good days here again?
The Indian stock market, in that one minute, has become the best performing stock market in the world this year.
While all this was happening, Sri Lanka also annouced the end of the 30 year old war with the LTTE, with the killing of Prabhakaran and most of this key leadership.
Will we soon see a similar rout of the Taliban? Are good days here again?
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Singh is King... and How!
As the results keep pouring in now, the trends are absolutely clear! The UPA is headed for a mammoth 260+ seats, almost 100 more than the BJP-led NDA, powered by 200+ seats for the Congress itself. Manmohan Singh has proved he's King, the only PM since Nehru to be voted back to power after a 5 year term.
As Naveen Patnaik and Nitish Kumar sweep their states of Orissa and Bihar, the verdict is clear. The Indian voter has rejected divisive politics and voted for governance and stability. Lalu and Paswan have been routed, Mayavati and her bahujan politics have been relegated to third position in UP, irrespective of the number of statues of herself she's got installed all over. The Left has got their lowest ever total in decades in Kerela and West Bengal, their shameless politics of blackmail given a strong thums down.
The Congress has cashed in on the strength of the Gandhi family, Sonia and Rahul's charisma and relentless campaigning turning into a strong positive tide in their favour. But for me, the winner has definitely been the performance and the clean image of our PM, Manmohan Singh, who's truly showed his worth! With many other strong, young leaders like Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Milind Deora, Priya Dutt and NC's Omar Abdullah, the country can finally look forward to a lot more involvement and power to the youth.
What did the BJP get wrong? Everything. Having Advani fly to Mumbai to try and make cheap gains out of 26/11, even while our soldiers were still battling, a few days after having publicly taken on the ATS and its chief Hemant Karkare, was symbolic of the depth the party has sunk to. From opposing the nuclear deal, to infighting between its own cadres, to the absolutely disgusting personal attacks against a man of the stature of Manmohan Singh, the BJP has proved it's complete lack of vision and leadership to run this country!
For me, this is a red letter day in the history of this country. Finally, truly, this country has grown up!
As Naveen Patnaik and Nitish Kumar sweep their states of Orissa and Bihar, the verdict is clear. The Indian voter has rejected divisive politics and voted for governance and stability. Lalu and Paswan have been routed, Mayavati and her bahujan politics have been relegated to third position in UP, irrespective of the number of statues of herself she's got installed all over. The Left has got their lowest ever total in decades in Kerela and West Bengal, their shameless politics of blackmail given a strong thums down.
The Congress has cashed in on the strength of the Gandhi family, Sonia and Rahul's charisma and relentless campaigning turning into a strong positive tide in their favour. But for me, the winner has definitely been the performance and the clean image of our PM, Manmohan Singh, who's truly showed his worth! With many other strong, young leaders like Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Milind Deora, Priya Dutt and NC's Omar Abdullah, the country can finally look forward to a lot more involvement and power to the youth.
What did the BJP get wrong? Everything. Having Advani fly to Mumbai to try and make cheap gains out of 26/11, even while our soldiers were still battling, a few days after having publicly taken on the ATS and its chief Hemant Karkare, was symbolic of the depth the party has sunk to. From opposing the nuclear deal, to infighting between its own cadres, to the absolutely disgusting personal attacks against a man of the stature of Manmohan Singh, the BJP has proved it's complete lack of vision and leadership to run this country!
For me, this is a red letter day in the history of this country. Finally, truly, this country has grown up!
3rd Weekend in Goa...
My third consecutive weekend in Goa :) And no matter how many times I come, and how inconvenient or otherwise the journey is, it's just not enough!
Really looking forward to dry fry crabs, masala squids, and rava fry shinanyo at Ritz tonight :)
Really looking forward to dry fry crabs, masala squids, and rava fry shinanyo at Ritz tonight :)
An Amazing Democracy... Maturing...
Elections 2009 have been an amazing step forward for Indian democracy... a mammoth exercise in the face of terror, a resounding success for the armed forces, for the election commission, for the politicians, and for the ever-maturing Indian voter.
Less than an hour into counting for half a billion votes, and results are already coming in for more than half the seats! Just an amazing testimonial of the maturity of this largest democracy in the world!
And the results... just stunning. Spoilers like Maya and Lalu getting routed, Nitish sweeping Bihar with his results of good governance, Left losing heavily after their politics of convenience. And most interestingly, the two main parties, Congress and the BJP, gaining heavily at the expense of the other smaller parties.
Still early hours... but with gains of around 40 seats, and a difference of almost 60 with the NDA, the UPA seems to be emerging the clear winner...
Less than an hour into counting for half a billion votes, and results are already coming in for more than half the seats! Just an amazing testimonial of the maturity of this largest democracy in the world!
And the results... just stunning. Spoilers like Maya and Lalu getting routed, Nitish sweeping Bihar with his results of good governance, Left losing heavily after their politics of convenience. And most interestingly, the two main parties, Congress and the BJP, gaining heavily at the expense of the other smaller parties.
Still early hours... but with gains of around 40 seats, and a difference of almost 60 with the NDA, the UPA seems to be emerging the clear winner...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Amazing India
Nice piece in the Express today got me thinking...
When the politicians dithered about Nano and IPL, corporate India stood up and showed the world how to do things... fast, decisive thinking, and both projects were back on track!
And when corporate India threw up a Satyam, our politicians stood up, and showed the world how severely screwed up companies can be resurrected - in a matter of 2-3 months!
I guess, it happens only in India... :)
When the politicians dithered about Nano and IPL, corporate India stood up and showed the world how to do things... fast, decisive thinking, and both projects were back on track!
And when corporate India threw up a Satyam, our politicians stood up, and showed the world how severely screwed up companies can be resurrected - in a matter of 2-3 months!
I guess, it happens only in India... :)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (Family)
We did a bit of shopping and a lot of window shopping last night...
First to Twist and Tales. Sanam wanted to read about Shivaji, having been inspired by the movie. When she couldn't find something on him, she tells me, we can buy Secret Seven instead. Lol. Anyway, finally, I found a Shivaji comic in a set, along with 9 others... and had to buy the whole bunch.
Then we went to Croma. We checked out a LCD - Sony Bravia looked great, but the moment they switched from the Hi Def Promo to Tata Sky, it suddenly didnt look as sexy any more! So we'll probably just repair our existing Bazoomba and wait for Tata Sky to deliver HD content before we splurge another fifty grand.
Sanam then wanted to check out an electronic piano/keyboard. She tells me Yamaha is the best. Apparently, she checked out features and prices on Google! Oh, and yes, by the way, she's seven and half years old.
We saw a Tata Nano there, too. Croma belongs to Tata, remember? Pretty sexy car, I must say! Good job, Rattu!
Then to Natekar sports. Some swimwear for Sanam, and a baseball bat for myself. The moment he saw it, he knew - it's to keep in the car, right? he asked me! Yes, I said, surprised. Well, everyone who buys one, does it for the same purpose, he explained!
We also checked out an exercise bike - 5K, with hands and legs support. I was curios. What if it reduced my hands and legs, but left my stomach intact? He smiled and assured me that wouldn't happen. I am not completely convinced.
Then we had some Wazwaan chicken and wazwaan fruit punch, with some other normal sounding assortments, and came back home.
First to Twist and Tales. Sanam wanted to read about Shivaji, having been inspired by the movie. When she couldn't find something on him, she tells me, we can buy Secret Seven instead. Lol. Anyway, finally, I found a Shivaji comic in a set, along with 9 others... and had to buy the whole bunch.
Then we went to Croma. We checked out a LCD - Sony Bravia looked great, but the moment they switched from the Hi Def Promo to Tata Sky, it suddenly didnt look as sexy any more! So we'll probably just repair our existing Bazoomba and wait for Tata Sky to deliver HD content before we splurge another fifty grand.
Sanam then wanted to check out an electronic piano/keyboard. She tells me Yamaha is the best. Apparently, she checked out features and prices on Google! Oh, and yes, by the way, she's seven and half years old.
We saw a Tata Nano there, too. Croma belongs to Tata, remember? Pretty sexy car, I must say! Good job, Rattu!
Then to Natekar sports. Some swimwear for Sanam, and a baseball bat for myself. The moment he saw it, he knew - it's to keep in the car, right? he asked me! Yes, I said, surprised. Well, everyone who buys one, does it for the same purpose, he explained!
We also checked out an exercise bike - 5K, with hands and legs support. I was curios. What if it reduced my hands and legs, but left my stomach intact? He smiled and assured me that wouldn't happen. I am not completely convinced.
Then we had some Wazwaan chicken and wazwaan fruit punch, with some other normal sounding assortments, and came back home.
Movie Review: Me Shijaviraje Bhonsale Boltoy
Yet another fantastic Marathi movie! In the last few months, I have enjoyed some really good movies, and MSBB just ups the bar one more level.
Dinkar Rao Bhonsale is a middle aged, middle class Marathi manoos. He wears white formal shirts and trousers, travels by bus, and works in a bank. He buys Bombay Duck (and not the Pomfret) and waits for his arrears to come so he can buy a new shirt. His son is desperate for admission to Engineering college, but Bhonsale cannot afford the donation fees. His daughter wants to change her name to B Kala and then to a Chopra, because she finds Shashikala Bhonsale very down market. He loves to be called Baba, but the kids prefer Dad. And every South Indian and North Indian in Mumbai despises him for being a Ghaati. A typical Marathi manoos, lost in every day life, and incapable of moving in tandem with the fast moving "outsiders" in his own city.
He owns a palatial old bungalow in suburban Mumbai... When a builder eyes it, and offers Dinkar Rao an alternate bungalow in Badlapur, he refuses to move out. He wants to stay here, and he wants an apartment in the complex being built on his land. How can you non-veg fish-eating Ghaati stay in the midst of the rich vegeterian clientele, asks the builder? But Dinkar Rao is adamant. And that's when his troubles start.
From harassment by the BMC to threats and attempts on the lives of his children, will Dinkar Rao be able to fight back? Yes, he will! Because he has the support of the apparition of Shivaji and his loyal followers, who inspire and guide him to fight back, as a true Marathi manoos.
The production quality is pretty good, and for most past, doesn't feel like a movie shot on videocam (except some of the scenes of Shivaji on the horse in the city). Some of the camera angles are shots are pretty outstanding. There're a lot of laughs sprinkled around throughout the movie. The cast is perfect - every character an absolute perfect caricature of people you will meet and interact with every day. Sachin Khedekar does a fantastic job. Mahesh Manjrekar is good as Shivaji, though on close ups, he looks a little drunk and sleep deprived. Makarand Anaspure is fast proving himself to be the king of comedy in Mollywood. And as the daughter, Priya Bapat does a great job, and also lights up the screen whenever she's there!
The movie is a perfect rebuke to the antics of the MNS and other self-styled champions of the Marathi manoos. It has a serious social message, and yet, provides all the thrills and the entertainment of typical comemrcial cinema. One particular scene packs a lot of punch - when Dinkar Rao complains to Shivaji about outsiders, Shivaji retorts back, "Who asked you not to open hotels? Who asked you not to send your kids to IAS? Why do you take so much pride saying "amchi kuthech shakha nahin"?".
Should definitely make some people think...
I'm not a Marathi manoos, and I have no opinions to offer about them (at least not on this blog :)), but I enjoyed the movie, and I would highly recommend it to everyone else... as long as you can understand a bit of Marathi!
Dinkar Rao Bhonsale is a middle aged, middle class Marathi manoos. He wears white formal shirts and trousers, travels by bus, and works in a bank. He buys Bombay Duck (and not the Pomfret) and waits for his arrears to come so he can buy a new shirt. His son is desperate for admission to Engineering college, but Bhonsale cannot afford the donation fees. His daughter wants to change her name to B Kala and then to a Chopra, because she finds Shashikala Bhonsale very down market. He loves to be called Baba, but the kids prefer Dad. And every South Indian and North Indian in Mumbai despises him for being a Ghaati. A typical Marathi manoos, lost in every day life, and incapable of moving in tandem with the fast moving "outsiders" in his own city.
He owns a palatial old bungalow in suburban Mumbai... When a builder eyes it, and offers Dinkar Rao an alternate bungalow in Badlapur, he refuses to move out. He wants to stay here, and he wants an apartment in the complex being built on his land. How can you non-veg fish-eating Ghaati stay in the midst of the rich vegeterian clientele, asks the builder? But Dinkar Rao is adamant. And that's when his troubles start.
From harassment by the BMC to threats and attempts on the lives of his children, will Dinkar Rao be able to fight back? Yes, he will! Because he has the support of the apparition of Shivaji and his loyal followers, who inspire and guide him to fight back, as a true Marathi manoos.
The production quality is pretty good, and for most past, doesn't feel like a movie shot on videocam (except some of the scenes of Shivaji on the horse in the city). Some of the camera angles are shots are pretty outstanding. There're a lot of laughs sprinkled around throughout the movie. The cast is perfect - every character an absolute perfect caricature of people you will meet and interact with every day. Sachin Khedekar does a fantastic job. Mahesh Manjrekar is good as Shivaji, though on close ups, he looks a little drunk and sleep deprived. Makarand Anaspure is fast proving himself to be the king of comedy in Mollywood. And as the daughter, Priya Bapat does a great job, and also lights up the screen whenever she's there!
The movie is a perfect rebuke to the antics of the MNS and other self-styled champions of the Marathi manoos. It has a serious social message, and yet, provides all the thrills and the entertainment of typical comemrcial cinema. One particular scene packs a lot of punch - when Dinkar Rao complains to Shivaji about outsiders, Shivaji retorts back, "Who asked you not to open hotels? Who asked you not to send your kids to IAS? Why do you take so much pride saying "amchi kuthech shakha nahin"?".
Should definitely make some people think...
I'm not a Marathi manoos, and I have no opinions to offer about them (at least not on this blog :)), but I enjoyed the movie, and I would highly recommend it to everyone else... as long as you can understand a bit of Marathi!
IPL 2
IPL 2 kicked of in SA yesterday - pretty sad that it's not in India this time. Was really looking forward to it. And with Dada out as captain, with the Pakis missing, and with my TV conked off... at least as far as I am concerned, the IPL fever's yet to catch on!
Dr Phatak
Yesterday, as part of the BE Project Competition at Persistent, I had the good fortune, once again, to hear Dr D. B. Phatak, from IIT Mumbai speak to us at length about life, learning, values, ethics, India and dreams.
Be like DEW drops he said
Dream big
Enjoy life
Work hard
As always, it was an inspiring, humorous, and very memorable experience.
A piece of unsolicited advice: NEVER miss an opportunity to hear him speak!
Be like DEW drops he said
Dream big
Enjoy life
Work hard
As always, it was an inspiring, humorous, and very memorable experience.
A piece of unsolicited advice: NEVER miss an opportunity to hear him speak!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
26/11 Revisited
Bought a book on 26/11 yesterday from Crossword. A collection of articles and compilations, the book brought back vivid memories of those 60 hours of horror, with some new insights and understanding into what really happened in those hours of horror, bravery and pride. The cold and calculated planning and execution by the ten agents of death, and the unflinching bravery and courage of our officers, the staff of the hotels, and many ordinary citizens.
Do buy it, and read it.
Do buy it, and read it.
Movie Review: Evan Almighty
Saw a pretty interesting (and old) movie yesterday on HBO - Evan Almighty. When God meets and encourages a newly elected Congressman to build an ark, he thinks he's freaking out under stress. But when animals and birds start chasing him in pairs and when his beard refuses to bow to a shave, he realises he has no choice.
Why does God ask him to build the ark? Will there really be a flood on Sept 22nd?
What I liked was the message of the movie: you can change the world by doing "Acts of Random Kindness" - ARK.
Oh yes, and the animals too :)
Why does God ask him to build the ark? Will there really be a flood on Sept 22nd?
What I liked was the message of the movie: you can change the world by doing "Acts of Random Kindness" - ARK.
Oh yes, and the animals too :)
Movie Review: The Fast and The Furious 4
A treat for road action fans, F&F4 is set in the deserts and streets of southern USA and Mexico, with Vin Diesel, out for revenge against the drug lords for the murder of his girl friend (the sultry Michelle Rodriguez), teaming up with an FBI agent, Paul Walker, racing against and with each other in a deadly game of speed. Also watch out for the really hot Jordana Brewster, as the gangster's henchwoman.
The opening sequence is breathtaking, and there are a few cool segements later on, but the movie stretches for most part and could have easily been cut down by another 30 mins.
The opening sequence is breathtaking, and there are a few cool segements later on, but the movie stretches for most part and could have easily been cut down by another 30 mins.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Movie Review: 8 * 10 Tasveer
If you thought a camera clicking the future was innovative, check this out. Akshay Kumar, an Environment Protection Services officer in Canada, has a unique talent - he can stare at a photograph, and get his mind transported into the past where the picture was clicked. And yes, he can even look into the past through the eyes of those present, or not present, there. Every time he does that, he also goes close to death, and needs serious medical attention to stabilize. And yes, if someone burns the photo while he's in the past, he's going to be stuck there forever.
Anyways.
The story is pathetic, very predictable for most part, and the twist at the end is just about OK.
Akshay does a typical Akshay, and he should reasses his candidature to topple the King Khan. Ayesha is roly poly, yet very sweet and sexy. I like this girl. She's done some great movies, and she needs a good director to bring some amazing stuff out of her. Unfortunately, this isn't really one of those movies.
But yes, do watch the movie for some of the most beautiful locales ever captured in a Hindi film. Absolutely mesmerizing. Worth it, just for that.
Anyways.
The story is pathetic, very predictable for most part, and the twist at the end is just about OK.
Akshay does a typical Akshay, and he should reasses his candidature to topple the King Khan. Ayesha is roly poly, yet very sweet and sexy. I like this girl. She's done some great movies, and she needs a good director to bring some amazing stuff out of her. Unfortunately, this isn't really one of those movies.
But yes, do watch the movie for some of the most beautiful locales ever captured in a Hindi film. Absolutely mesmerizing. Worth it, just for that.
Movie Review: Aa Dekhe Zara
A camera that clicks the future. When Ray Acharya's uncle passes it on to his nephew after his death, Ray sees in it a sure fire way to unlimited riches. Just click the Playwin lottery boards, the finish line at the race tracks, the cricket score boards... bet on it, and lo! From a struggling photographer, Ray amasses wealth by the day.
He also meets, dates, and falls in love with a DJ, Simi Chatterjee.
But someone else is on his track, and desperately wants the camera, and will go to any length to get it. And things get even more complicated when the camera returns a black picture of himself - the camera's way of denoting death. And he has less than 6 days to leave.
Can he use the camera to see in to his future, and somehow, turn it around?
Overall, the movie is OK. The story keeps you wondering how it will turn in the end. Some of the locales are interesting too.
The cast, though, leaves you disappointed. Bipasha looks OK, and dances to some typically Bips steps, but Neil Nitin Mukesh is a big disappointment. He has sharp features, alright, and looks OK in good clothes, but he's literally WHITE! He's put any fair and lovely model to shame. His dialogue delivery is terrible, he cannot emote. Interesting and disappointing, also, is his character. Not a hero, not an anti hero, he's just a passer by in the movie.
Overall, OK to get a DVD and go through it when you have nothing else to do.
He also meets, dates, and falls in love with a DJ, Simi Chatterjee.
But someone else is on his track, and desperately wants the camera, and will go to any length to get it. And things get even more complicated when the camera returns a black picture of himself - the camera's way of denoting death. And he has less than 6 days to leave.
Can he use the camera to see in to his future, and somehow, turn it around?
Overall, the movie is OK. The story keeps you wondering how it will turn in the end. Some of the locales are interesting too.
The cast, though, leaves you disappointed. Bipasha looks OK, and dances to some typically Bips steps, but Neil Nitin Mukesh is a big disappointment. He has sharp features, alright, and looks OK in good clothes, but he's literally WHITE! He's put any fair and lovely model to shame. His dialogue delivery is terrible, he cannot emote. Interesting and disappointing, also, is his character. Not a hero, not an anti hero, he's just a passer by in the movie.
Overall, OK to get a DVD and go through it when you have nothing else to do.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Virgin Exceeds Expectations... Again
I sent a query about my plan to Virgin customer care late on Sunday evening, and I was pleasantly surprised to receive not an automated acknowledgement, but a very detailed and clear explanation of my plan within a few minutes. I am impressed with the level of customer service. Keep it up, guys!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Buchanan's Lost It!
Buchanan inexplicably announces multiple captains in the KKR team! I mean, hello, does this even make sense? SRK - come on, wake up and look into what's happening, man!
And Dada, I know you will win in the end :) Your fans believe in you!
And Dada, I know you will win in the end :) Your fans believe in you!
NASSCOM Award Ceremony
Finally found pictures of the NASSCOM awards presentation ceremony :) Here I am receiving the award from Jyotiraditya Scindia, MoS for IT with Ganesh Natarajan and Som Mittal looking on.
And here's one of the panel discussion I participated in on "Innovation":
And here's one of the panel discussion I participated in on "Innovation":
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Goa bans the SRS
The Goa government today banned the Sri Ram Sene, even before it set up it's first branch in the state. Even the BJP supported the government step. Thank god, some sense still prevails!
MapMyIndia
I had to visit PICT today, and starting from Sangam Bridge RTO, I knew the general location but had never been there today, and decided to let my MapMyIndia gadget take me there. It took me right through the city, cutting across from Shaniwarwada acrosss Laxmi Road and directly into Swargate, and then took me straight to the gate of the college off Satara road. Pretty neat!
It was fun at PICT, meeting the students, spending time in the canteen... reminded me of my good old days as a carefree student...
But frankly, I prefer it now :)
It was fun at PICT, meeting the students, spending time in the canteen... reminded me of my good old days as a carefree student...
But frankly, I prefer it now :)
3rd in the Family!
My sister bought her very own Ford Ikon yesterday, the 3rd sexy Ford in our family :)
I'm A Virgin :)
Yes, well, I got a Virgin Mobile last week... 1699 for the phone and the pack, with 499 worth of free air/talk time, I thought it was worth a look! Their plan promises 100 free smses every day, after the first 3 are charged. Will help me save around a 1000 bucks from my cellphone bill every month... a good thing during recession :)
Let's see, for now, I am clinging on to my virginity :)
Let's see, for now, I am clinging on to my virginity :)
Movie Review: Straight
Straight - A Tedhi Medhi Love Story is another gem from Vinay Pathak.
Owner of the Gaylord restaurant in London, Vinay's life turns very complicated when a new stand up comedian cum cook joins his restaurant and becomes his best friend, and one day, ends up smooching him. Am I turning gay? How do I tell Renu I love her? Will I ever end up losing my virginity?
The movie is a typical Vinay gig - at times funny, at times serious, but always very real. Very identifiable. I found Anuj Chaudhary as his friend, and Siddharth Makkar as his step-brother pretty likeable too... oops, am I...?
Not a bad option for a weekend...
Owner of the Gaylord restaurant in London, Vinay's life turns very complicated when a new stand up comedian cum cook joins his restaurant and becomes his best friend, and one day, ends up smooching him. Am I turning gay? How do I tell Renu I love her? Will I ever end up losing my virginity?
The movie is a typical Vinay gig - at times funny, at times serious, but always very real. Very identifiable. I found Anuj Chaudhary as his friend, and Siddharth Makkar as his step-brother pretty likeable too... oops, am I...?
Not a bad option for a weekend...
Movie Review: Little Zizou
I quite liked this one. A movie about Parsis, made by Parsis, with Parsis, this is however a universally appealing story about real people and real lives, that will definitely touch you if you like understanding the lives of normal people. Forget the story.. just sit and relax and enjoy the small things that make life so beautiful. Some amazing characters, played by some amazing actors.
Watch it. Worth it.
Watch it. Worth it.
Movie Review: 13B
13B is a suspense thriller rather than the horror movie it is projected to be... and actually gets funny at times.
When a happy joint family moves into their new apartment, their TV behaves rather strangely - forcing them to watch a serial about a happy family that just moves into their new apartment. What is the TV trying to tell them? What message are the spirits trying to pass on?
Interesting story, worth a watch. But don't expect too much.
When a happy joint family moves into their new apartment, their TV behaves rather strangely - forcing them to watch a serial about a happy family that just moves into their new apartment. What is the TV trying to tell them? What message are the spirits trying to pass on?
Interesting story, worth a watch. But don't expect too much.
Movie Review: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Some pending movie reviews coming up.. the first being the Oscar-motivated Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Brad Pitt (thanks to all those who quickly pointed out my mistake when I wrote Matt Damn) does a fantastic job as the man who ages in reverse... being born as a freak kid with the shrivelled look of an old man, he grows into a weak and stumbling fellow, then slowly gets strength in his feet, his features become younger... becomes a handsome young man, then a kid...
What does this do to his love life? How do you handle your daughter being the same age as you, and then elder to you? What do you do when the woman you love grows older, while you grown younger and smarter...?
Interesting story, some fantastic make up. Matt is top class.
However, the movie is slwo and stretched, and you come out feeling drained and bored. Definitely not worth wasting time in a theatre on a good weekend, might be better to just get a DVD and keep the remote handy to push through those boring parts... well, most of the movie, actually!
Brad Pitt (thanks to all those who quickly pointed out my mistake when I wrote Matt Damn) does a fantastic job as the man who ages in reverse... being born as a freak kid with the shrivelled look of an old man, he grows into a weak and stumbling fellow, then slowly gets strength in his feet, his features become younger... becomes a handsome young man, then a kid...
What does this do to his love life? How do you handle your daughter being the same age as you, and then elder to you? What do you do when the woman you love grows older, while you grown younger and smarter...?
Interesting story, some fantastic make up. Matt is top class.
However, the movie is slwo and stretched, and you come out feeling drained and bored. Definitely not worth wasting time in a theatre on a good weekend, might be better to just get a DVD and keep the remote handy to push through those boring parts... well, most of the movie, actually!
India Breaks the Kiwi Jinx
With a well-deserved 10 wicket victory, Team India proved to be too strong for the Kiwis in the first test. With Sachin's 150+, a fascinating spell of swing bowling in the first innings and Harbhajan's 6 wicket haul in the second, India completely outplayed their counterparts to take a 1-0 lead.
Meanwhile, still on cricket, Vijay Mallya dropped Dravid as the captain of his IPL team, putting Kevin Pieterson (to be followed by Jacques Kallis) in his place.
Meanwhile, still on cricket, Vijay Mallya dropped Dravid as the captain of his IPL team, putting Kevin Pieterson (to be followed by Jacques Kallis) in his place.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sun Outage!
Something really cool happened today while watching cricket - check the screen grab from my TV! Never knew such things happened :)
India on the Offensive...
After giving a drubbing to the Kiwis in the first one dayer, and having to let go of a good start in the second to rain, India set a target of just less than 400 for the Kiwis in the third one dayer at Christchurch.
At the time of writing this blog, NZ was fighting a losing battle, having lost 7 wickets and still needing 153 from 77.
Rock On, India!
At the time of writing this blog, NZ was fighting a losing battle, having lost 7 wickets and still needing 153 from 77.
Rock On, India!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Study in Contrasts...
NSG commandos storming the Taj. The army surrounding the Trident. Braves heroes giving up their lives for our countrymen. 9 terrorists shot dead. One captured. Memories and visuals that bring tears to the eyes, while the heart swells with pride.
Contrast this with the shame of Lahore. The world stinging in its criticism. Terrorists calmly walking away in full glare of cameras (and how did they get there?) and police vans.
That's the difference, isn't it?
Contrast this with the shame of Lahore. The world stinging in its criticism. Terrorists calmly walking away in full glare of cameras (and how did they get there?) and police vans.
That's the difference, isn't it?
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Tribute To Friendship
Got this beautiful collage from a friend, as my birthday gift... a tribute to the awesome times we've shared as friends and colleagues. It's been awesome having you guys around... and I look forward to many more such great moments!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Obama and Kasav
Mumbai police filed a 11000 page chargesheet against Kasav and 40 or so more in the 26/11 case... sigh, when will I get time to read it yaar?
Oh, and Obama declared today that he will hold back tax breaks for American companies that outsource... Hmmm... let me get this right. With the economy in recession and companies going bankrupt, they will now have to hire employees who are two to three times as expensive... ? Hmmm... pretty stimulating!
Oh, and Obama declared today that he will hold back tax breaks for American companies that outsource... Hmmm... let me get this right. With the economy in recession and companies going bankrupt, they will now have to hire employees who are two to three times as expensive... ? Hmmm... pretty stimulating!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Limca
One of the best ever ads... thanks to Jeetesh, I finally found the full version of the ad!
Which reminds me, Limca has always had some of the best commercials, very much in tune with their brand!
Which reminds me, Limca has always had some of the best commercials, very much in tune with their brand!
Monday, February 23, 2009
MapmyIndia Navigator
I bought a really cool GPS-based navigator yesterday for my car from MapmyIndia. I never expected it to be so awesome, but it has to be experienced to be believed. While I had seen this earlier in Europe, given that the real value of such a product lies in the quality of data, I must say I am very impressed! Not only does it give extremely relevant directions, it also recalculates, gives excellent voice-enabled directions, has a lot of cool features including ability to specify which roads to avoid, and a whole bunch of very smart algorithms. I have been trying to drive it crazy, but so far it's persisted in gently bringing me back on track :)
At a discount price of 10K, it's a steal!
For more, check out http://www.mapmyindia.com/
At a discount price of 10K, it's a steal!
For more, check out http://www.mapmyindia.com/
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Movie Review: Delhi 6
Delhi 6 is about Roshan, the younger brother who takes the responsibility of getting his dying grand mom back to India from New York, and ends up falling in love with the by lanes and the joys and complexities of community living in India.
Top Reasons to Watch it:
1) A fantastic representation of life and experiences in the by lanes old Delhi, some sweet some sour
2) An amazingly beautiful Sonam Kapoor with a million dollar smile
3) Couple of good songs - one devoted to the city (Rehna Tu) and one to a pigeon (Mashakalli)
4) A funny surrogate sex scene, no longer using the parrots and the roses, this time it's Chandrayaan and the sensex :)
But, be prepared for:
A very boring and uninspiring second half that preaches communal harmony through a pretty long drawn drama and a sreenplay that takes the movie from a very pleasant experience to something that leaves you uneasy and restless. The scenes of burning and looting shock you, which was probably the intention a la Rang De, but does nothing positive to the movie and to you as the audience.
The characters are either stereotypes - evil old money lenders (Prem Chopra), for example - that take you back to the movies of the 80s, or completely undeveloped like Roshan, who seems to have no past and definitely no future and only hangs around in his shades and jacket-jeans wear on the terrace of his home in the by lanes of old Delhi doing nothing but messing around in the private lives of his neighbours, with a constant expressionless look on his face - wouldn't you have expected him to at least hang around in a coffee shop and malls around Connaught Place instead, given that he's a guy from America on a visit here to drop his grand mom off? Sonam is very, very beautiful, and will mesmerize you with her smile, but is used only as a prop, with a role hardly worth mention. She wants to be an Indian Idol, and that's all. She doesn't want to get married and plans to run away, and then inexplicably falls in love with Roshan - inexplicable, because they've hardly spent any time together, unless loving him for his US citizenship is a valid reason.
Overall, movies need to touch, inspire, thrill, entertain, motivate, make you laugh and cry... and while Delhi 6 did a great job of entertaining and making me laugh in the first half, the second half was pretty much a waste of time.
Top Reasons to Watch it:
1) A fantastic representation of life and experiences in the by lanes old Delhi, some sweet some sour
2) An amazingly beautiful Sonam Kapoor with a million dollar smile
3) Couple of good songs - one devoted to the city (Rehna Tu) and one to a pigeon (Mashakalli)
4) A funny surrogate sex scene, no longer using the parrots and the roses, this time it's Chandrayaan and the sensex :)
But, be prepared for:
A very boring and uninspiring second half that preaches communal harmony through a pretty long drawn drama and a sreenplay that takes the movie from a very pleasant experience to something that leaves you uneasy and restless. The scenes of burning and looting shock you, which was probably the intention a la Rang De, but does nothing positive to the movie and to you as the audience.
The characters are either stereotypes - evil old money lenders (Prem Chopra), for example - that take you back to the movies of the 80s, or completely undeveloped like Roshan, who seems to have no past and definitely no future and only hangs around in his shades and jacket-jeans wear on the terrace of his home in the by lanes of old Delhi doing nothing but messing around in the private lives of his neighbours, with a constant expressionless look on his face - wouldn't you have expected him to at least hang around in a coffee shop and malls around Connaught Place instead, given that he's a guy from America on a visit here to drop his grand mom off? Sonam is very, very beautiful, and will mesmerize you with her smile, but is used only as a prop, with a role hardly worth mention. She wants to be an Indian Idol, and that's all. She doesn't want to get married and plans to run away, and then inexplicably falls in love with Roshan - inexplicable, because they've hardly spent any time together, unless loving him for his US citizenship is a valid reason.
Overall, movies need to touch, inspire, thrill, entertain, motivate, make you laugh and cry... and while Delhi 6 did a great job of entertaining and making me laugh in the first half, the second half was pretty much a waste of time.
Movie Review: Dasvidaniya
This movie was long overdue, and I finally got a chance to catch it on DVD.
Dasvidaniya (Russian for goodbye) is the story of Amar, a "simple" guy in his late thirties living his "normal, middle class" life, until he's diagnosed with stomach cancer and given three months to live. What does one do when faced with death? Give up, or fight it? Amar decides to fight it - with a list of "ten things to do before I die". This includes buying a car, learning guitar, finding love, going on a foreign trip and getting on the front page of a news paper.
Vinay Pathak once again excels in his role. This guy is one amazing actor, and completely gets into his character, whether it's the sad, simple Amar of Dadvidaniya, the irritatingly funny character from Bheja Fry or the brash, loud Bobby yaara from Rab Ne... watch the movie for him!
The movie is touching, but somehow doesn't make you cry. Amar goes through a lot of emotional pain, but for some reason, that doesn't hit you as much. And maybe that's where Amar's victory lies. He takes out the pain of death, and leaves in its place sweet memories of a life that's left us.
Much like my cousin, Rajiv, who died of leukemia a couple of years back, leaving some beautiful memories for us to remember him by...
Dasvidaniya (Russian for goodbye) is the story of Amar, a "simple" guy in his late thirties living his "normal, middle class" life, until he's diagnosed with stomach cancer and given three months to live. What does one do when faced with death? Give up, or fight it? Amar decides to fight it - with a list of "ten things to do before I die". This includes buying a car, learning guitar, finding love, going on a foreign trip and getting on the front page of a news paper.
Vinay Pathak once again excels in his role. This guy is one amazing actor, and completely gets into his character, whether it's the sad, simple Amar of Dadvidaniya, the irritatingly funny character from Bheja Fry or the brash, loud Bobby yaara from Rab Ne... watch the movie for him!
The movie is touching, but somehow doesn't make you cry. Amar goes through a lot of emotional pain, but for some reason, that doesn't hit you as much. And maybe that's where Amar's victory lies. He takes out the pain of death, and leaves in its place sweet memories of a life that's left us.
Much like my cousin, Rajiv, who died of leukemia a couple of years back, leaving some beautiful memories for us to remember him by...
Mumbai Meri Jaan
A random thought, I know... but I had to say this. The people in Mumbai are just awesome! Last week when I was in Mumbai, every time I stopped to ask for directions, I was touched by the way people came forward to help. People didn't dismiss me - they didn't get me out of their way. They stopped what they were doing to give me directions, making sure I understood. They wanted to help me, they wanted to see me succeed.
In the city of dreams, which are broken more often than realised, where life is usually a struggle, people standing in the sun, in the smoke and grime, slogging hard to earn the day's meal, still wanted to help this stranger in an AC car.
In his success, they took genuine interest and happiness.
I can never stop loving this city.
In the city of dreams, which are broken more often than realised, where life is usually a struggle, people standing in the sun, in the smoke and grime, slogging hard to earn the day's meal, still wanted to help this stranger in an AC car.
In his success, they took genuine interest and happiness.
I can never stop loving this city.
PJ Time
What's the difference between a fly and a mosquito? A fly can fly but a mosquito cannot mosquito :)
OK, tell me another difference...
A mosquito can fly, but a fly cannot mosquito :)
Lol
OK, tell me another difference...
A mosquito can fly, but a fly cannot mosquito :)
Lol
Quote for the Day
From Rocky Balboa...
It's not important how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit, and then be able to get up and carry on.
So true!
It's not important how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit, and then be able to get up and carry on.
So true!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire, The Book
Just finished reading Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup (it says, earlier called Q&A!). And while I wouldn't really rave about it, compared to what Danny made out of it, I must say the book's fanatstic!
The situations and the questions fall in place so beautifully, each story having an interesting twist at the end. The story itself ends beautifully...
Now THAT's a story about hope for the millions of poor in third world countries...
The situations and the questions fall in place so beautifully, each story having an interesting twist at the end. The story itself ends beautifully...
Now THAT's a story about hope for the millions of poor in third world countries...
Osama Tracked?
Every TV channel is now carrying a story on how geographers at UCLA have tracked Osama in a Pakistani town. How did they go about it? They used some complex algorithms to narrow down to the town, and then using high resolution imagery tracked THE house based on the parameters he would need to have satisfied: tall house, with a wall around it, and electricity connection! Wow!
Are you freaking kidding me?
And now you are going on TV applauding yourself for tracking the most wanted man in the world, and you expect him to sit there and receive you with a red carpet?
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?
Are you freaking kidding me?
And now you are going on TV applauding yourself for tracking the most wanted man in the world, and you expect him to sit there and receive you with a red carpet?
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Virgin Mobile
Just checked out http://www.virginmobile.in/. Extremely impressive - awesome branding, exciting look, easy to navigate and lightening fast. Amazing... check it out!
Collisions...
After a Russian and American satellite crashed in space, leaving debris flying into Texas, we have news today of French and British nuclear subs armed with ballistic missiles colliding in the Atlantic! I thought these things had eyes...?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Young Indians...
Found this on Sanam's blog...
"But do you know the best visit this time? We went to see the TAJ and Trident Hotel where terrorist had attacked. I could not make out the difference but had seen on TV that it was burnt and lots of bullets being shot. I do not understand this much but felt proud about INDIA.
Kehte hai na I am proud to be an Indian !!!! Jai hind!!!"
"But do you know the best visit this time? We went to see the TAJ and Trident Hotel where terrorist had attacked. I could not make out the difference but had seen on TV that it was burnt and lots of bullets being shot. I do not understand this much but felt proud about INDIA.
Kehte hai na I am proud to be an Indian !!!! Jai hind!!!"
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tata Sky Plus
We got our Tata Sky Plus today - we can now pause and rewind live TV, record two programs simultaneously and watch a previously recorded one, or record one while watching another, and lots of other cool things that weren't possible before. The best use I see of this is to be able to record movies and then watch them without having to suffer endless ads - which I can now simply forward. Or, record those cricket matches and then skip the boring phases...
The Tata Sky digicom actually also has hardware support for a whole lot of things including Ethernet, but the platform doesn't support it yet.
Go for it, don't deny yourself the pleasure :)
The Tata Sky digicom actually also has hardware support for a whole lot of things including Ethernet, but the platform doesn't support it yet.
Go for it, don't deny yourself the pleasure :)
Getting High
Driving through 4 lanes of high speed expressway traffic in Mumbai is an absolute high... an exercise that pushes your body and your mind, an adrenalin rush that also makes you think hard every milli second... always calculating distances, speed, angles, direction, anticipating the moves of another twenty vehicles and their drivers around you, all while zooming along at hundred km per hour...
That's when you really appreciate the passion behind owning a Ford. No other car comes close... yes, yes, don't tell me about the Beemers and the Porches... I am not there yet :)
That's when you really appreciate the passion behind owning a Ford. No other car comes close... yes, yes, don't tell me about the Beemers and the Porches... I am not there yet :)
The 3rd Ford Baby :)
My sister just booked her first Ikon - we'll now have the 3rd Ford baby in our family :) Ye Ye Ye
PJs
Why did Bunty eat the delicious chicken his mom made and then throw it up?
Because his mom said, Arre Bunty, chicken khaoon bagh!
Why did Jitendar Singh go to Delhi to fill up his form?
Because the form clearly said, Write in Capital
Sita and Gita came to a river. Gita took the bridge, while Sita swam across. All the villagers who saw this applauded Sita as the smart girl. Why?
Because she got more marks in her tenth exams.
My brother in law's answer: They came to applaud Sita because she was the one drenched.... lol...
Because his mom said, Arre Bunty, chicken khaoon bagh!
Why did Jitendar Singh go to Delhi to fill up his form?
Because the form clearly said, Write in Capital
Sita and Gita came to a river. Gita took the bridge, while Sita swam across. All the villagers who saw this applauded Sita as the smart girl. Why?
Because she got more marks in her tenth exams.
My brother in law's answer: They came to applaud Sita because she was the one drenched.... lol...
Movie Review: The Stoneman Murders
Probably the first in its genre, The Stoneman Murders is based on a true serial murder streak in Mumbai in the early eighties, which were then repeated in Calcutta a few years later, and remains one of the unsolved mysteries in Indian crime history. The serial murderer was called the Stoneman because of his modus operandi - using a stone to crush the head of poor roadside homeless beggars while they were sleeping.
Kaykay does a fantastic job - these roles are like made for him. He's so good that the others don't matter. But do check out the beggar (his informer) on the railway bridge.
The story is interesting and well developed, and the suspense gripping. The screenplay is absolutely rivetting, the camera, lights and sounds play with your senses, keeping you at the edge of your seats. The climax is well done too, and shocks you with the cover up it offers as the reason behind why the Stoneman case never got "solved".
Overall, a good movie. And yes, it's just 90 mins or so... so you can always catch a good dinner afterwards!
Kaykay does a fantastic job - these roles are like made for him. He's so good that the others don't matter. But do check out the beggar (his informer) on the railway bridge.
The story is interesting and well developed, and the suspense gripping. The screenplay is absolutely rivetting, the camera, lights and sounds play with your senses, keeping you at the edge of your seats. The climax is well done too, and shocks you with the cover up it offers as the reason behind why the Stoneman case never got "solved".
Overall, a good movie. And yes, it's just 90 mins or so... so you can always catch a good dinner afterwards!
Movie Review: Billu Barber
Billu (Barber) is a sweet, simple story of two friends back together after years of separation, during which one ends up going to Mumbai and becoming a super star, while the other barely manages to make ends meet as a barber in a small town in UP.
The super star Sahir Khan, played by SRK, comes to the small village (town) of Budbuda for shooting of his next film, and word quickly spreads that he's an old friend of Billu the Barber. From a non-entity, Billu and his family suddenly becomes the darling of the town, everyone pampering him with gifts and attention, for one small favour - an introduction with his friend, the King Khan. But Billu is not interested - it's been far too long, and he's not sure Sahir will care to even recognize him now. Sahir is too busy with his shooting, and surrounded by Z security to keep him away from the thousands of teeming fans. He's not even aware that Billu is in this town. For that matter, one isn't even sure if he indeed is Billu's childhood friend. Will they finally get together?
The movie is a treat for SRK's fans - he looks simply awesome playing the King Khan. The movie is a tribute to the star entertainer he is - peppered with visuals from his earlier movies, some great song and dance sequences with the stunning Deepika, Priyanka and a never-looked-better-before Kareena, and some very naughty and smart one liners - watch out for the closing comment on Pappu Can't Dance - and see the smile on the King Khan's face and the twinkle in his eyes :)
Irrfan plays Billu with aplomb, delivering some high quality stuff. Lara as his wife is surprisingly good too. So are the kids. They make up a family that you will instantly relate to. The headmistress is fun, and a couple of other characters are well done - but many others are noticeably amateurish.
The dialogues are good, streaked with humour. The Inspector acting scene got the audience in splits. The songs grow on you over time, and I particularly liked Marjaani, Love Mera Hit Hit, Khudaya Khair and Ae Ya O for their energy and beats. Khudaya Khair is also extremely well picturized and executed - starting with a innocent village setting and morphing into a hip and sexy number half way through. Deepika looks super stunning in Love Mera Hit Hit, and SRK executes one of the best dance moves I have seen - when he moves back while tapping his feet.
The locales are fantastic, the night sequences with the dark blueish tinged photo filters and the mist covered mountains in the background brings a magical hue to the setting. The town itself is represented by a minutely thought out set - check the characters and happenings in the backgrounds when the story shifts to the town square. The only problem - it's too well off to be a small town in UP, and everyone wears brightly starched, clean white kurtas and pyjamas.
Overall, if you are not a SRK fan, this is one of those movies you can check out over the weekend. If you are a SRK fan like I am, this one will take you to heaven.
The super star Sahir Khan, played by SRK, comes to the small village (town) of Budbuda for shooting of his next film, and word quickly spreads that he's an old friend of Billu the Barber. From a non-entity, Billu and his family suddenly becomes the darling of the town, everyone pampering him with gifts and attention, for one small favour - an introduction with his friend, the King Khan. But Billu is not interested - it's been far too long, and he's not sure Sahir will care to even recognize him now. Sahir is too busy with his shooting, and surrounded by Z security to keep him away from the thousands of teeming fans. He's not even aware that Billu is in this town. For that matter, one isn't even sure if he indeed is Billu's childhood friend. Will they finally get together?
The movie is a treat for SRK's fans - he looks simply awesome playing the King Khan. The movie is a tribute to the star entertainer he is - peppered with visuals from his earlier movies, some great song and dance sequences with the stunning Deepika, Priyanka and a never-looked-better-before Kareena, and some very naughty and smart one liners - watch out for the closing comment on Pappu Can't Dance - and see the smile on the King Khan's face and the twinkle in his eyes :)
Irrfan plays Billu with aplomb, delivering some high quality stuff. Lara as his wife is surprisingly good too. So are the kids. They make up a family that you will instantly relate to. The headmistress is fun, and a couple of other characters are well done - but many others are noticeably amateurish.
The dialogues are good, streaked with humour. The Inspector acting scene got the audience in splits. The songs grow on you over time, and I particularly liked Marjaani, Love Mera Hit Hit, Khudaya Khair and Ae Ya O for their energy and beats. Khudaya Khair is also extremely well picturized and executed - starting with a innocent village setting and morphing into a hip and sexy number half way through. Deepika looks super stunning in Love Mera Hit Hit, and SRK executes one of the best dance moves I have seen - when he moves back while tapping his feet.
The locales are fantastic, the night sequences with the dark blueish tinged photo filters and the mist covered mountains in the background brings a magical hue to the setting. The town itself is represented by a minutely thought out set - check the characters and happenings in the backgrounds when the story shifts to the town square. The only problem - it's too well off to be a small town in UP, and everyone wears brightly starched, clean white kurtas and pyjamas.
Overall, if you are not a SRK fan, this is one of those movies you can check out over the weekend. If you are a SRK fan like I am, this one will take you to heaven.
NASSCOM - Last Day Updates
Yesterday I had to participate in a 5 member panel discussion on Innovation, as part of the NASSCOM National Leadership Forum. The topic was – how did we innovate, what drove us to it, what were the challenges and so on. It was held in a Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt, and attended by over two hundred guests. The panel was chaired by a partner of the Boston Consulting Group, who were the “knowledge managers” for the leadership awards exercise. My co-panelists were CEOs of their respective companies – one a 32000 strong BPO, the other two startups around 200 in strength. We started with a 5 min presentation on our innovation, and then there was a panel discussion including questions from the audience.
The crowning moment of glory though, came during the showstopper session of the 3 day conference – a talk by management guru CK Prahalad on how to handle volatility in the market and what companies need to do to survive the economic climate today. There were easily over a thousand attendees, in a huge cavernous ballroom. And all through his talk, CK referred to only one example of how companies have used IT to propagate new business models that allow them to do more for their customer, moving from a traditional seller of product to a service partner – Bridgestone! He mentioned that the company doing this for them in Europe was based right here in India, but said he couldn’t name them because he didn’t have explicit permission from them :) A few mins later, when the talk ended, NASSCOM released a DVD of the case studies, and at that time Som Mittal, President of NASSCOM, told him that one of the winners of the Innovation awards was a company that had enabled the work he mentioned in his book, “our very own Persistent Systems”. And CK said, “Oh, it’s good that they have given you permission finally to mention their name, because they really deserve the credit!” Without doubt, it was the most rewarding moment of my professional life.
The crowning moment of glory though, came during the showstopper session of the 3 day conference – a talk by management guru CK Prahalad on how to handle volatility in the market and what companies need to do to survive the economic climate today. There were easily over a thousand attendees, in a huge cavernous ballroom. And all through his talk, CK referred to only one example of how companies have used IT to propagate new business models that allow them to do more for their customer, moving from a traditional seller of product to a service partner – Bridgestone! He mentioned that the company doing this for them in Europe was based right here in India, but said he couldn’t name them because he didn’t have explicit permission from them :) A few mins later, when the talk ended, NASSCOM released a DVD of the case studies, and at that time Som Mittal, President of NASSCOM, told him that one of the winners of the Innovation awards was a company that had enabled the work he mentioned in his book, “our very own Persistent Systems”. And CK said, “Oh, it’s good that they have given you permission finally to mention their name, because they really deserve the credit!” Without doubt, it was the most rewarding moment of my professional life.
Friday, February 13, 2009
NASSCOM Award :)
Was at the glittering NASSCOM India Leadership Forum night at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai today... as a winner of the award for market facing business innovation for the work we did for Bridgetone.
The award was presented by a very handsome, smart and dynamic Jyotiraditya Scindia, the MoS for IT, all of 38 years old - the perfect representative for young India. If our government has people like him, we are in safe hands! He talked about the eGov plan to put a broadband Internet kiosk in every one of India's 600,000 villages, an Information Highway that will connect the length and breadth of this beautiful country.
Among the attendees were Madhavan Nair, Chairman of ISRO, the man who put our Chandrayan on the surface of the moon. What an honour it was to be on the same stage as him!
The function ended with a "green" fashion show - Anita Dongre's Grassroots collection, which uses only organic textiles made with traditional, rural processes and materials like cotton.
The award was presented by a very handsome, smart and dynamic Jyotiraditya Scindia, the MoS for IT, all of 38 years old - the perfect representative for young India. If our government has people like him, we are in safe hands! He talked about the eGov plan to put a broadband Internet kiosk in every one of India's 600,000 villages, an Information Highway that will connect the length and breadth of this beautiful country.
Among the attendees were Madhavan Nair, Chairman of ISRO, the man who put our Chandrayan on the surface of the moon. What an honour it was to be on the same stage as him!
The function ended with a "green" fashion show - Anita Dongre's Grassroots collection, which uses only organic textiles made with traditional, rural processes and materials like cotton.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Movie Previews :)
Three movies I am eagerly waiting for...
Billu (Barber now hidden behind a strip of paper on all billboards!) will be a treat for SRK fans with his multiple special appearances with some of Bollywood's sexiest ladies. If promos are anything to go by, it will be a simple, light movie with some good natured humour in the first half, getting a little senti in the second half.
Dilli 6 will be all Sonam Kapoor. She's looking really awesome. Inside Info: Mashakkali is the dove, and the star of the movie :)
Stoneman Murders should be good, probably a first in this genre. KK Menon can be expected to deliver, and from what I have seen, should have some stunning action too.
Billu (Barber now hidden behind a strip of paper on all billboards!) will be a treat for SRK fans with his multiple special appearances with some of Bollywood's sexiest ladies. If promos are anything to go by, it will be a simple, light movie with some good natured humour in the first half, getting a little senti in the second half.
Dilli 6 will be all Sonam Kapoor. She's looking really awesome. Inside Info: Mashakkali is the dove, and the star of the movie :)
Stoneman Murders should be good, probably a first in this genre. KK Menon can be expected to deliver, and from what I have seen, should have some stunning action too.
Happy Brothers Day!
India beat Sri Lanka in a nail biting T20 encounter. Chasing 172 to win, India had lost 7 wickets with just 127 on the board, when the Pathan brothers showed what the new India is all about... a smashing six at long off bringing the winning runs with couple of balls to spare.
Jai Ho Slum Dogs :)
Jai Ho Slum Dogs :)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire isn't just another movie. With the amount of attention its got globally, along with its Oscar nominations and hundreds of other awards in the West, its been the talk of everyone remotely interested in movies. From Amitabh to SRK, everyone has an opinion, and countless Indians have swelled their chests with pride at its Oscar nominations. People have talked about how it reflects the true India, and commented on how it has given hope and courage to countless slum dwellers all over the "real India".
That's what pisses me and upsets me.
But more on that later. Let's just stay with the movie for now, and treat it like just another movie. For me a movie is about a good story, innovative treatment of the subject, technical brilliance, an ability to touch your heart, to inspire you, to wake you up. It's about beauty, glamour, songs, dances. It's about energy. It's about tears and smiles. It's finally about either making you laugh and forget your troubles, or inspire you to think about what you can do for this world, and if not one of those two extremes, at least just let you spend a couple of hours letting your idle mind wander around somewhere else.
Slumdog did none of that.
First the story and screenplay. I read the book before I saw the movie - the first few chapters. The movie makes a complete hash of the interesting plot of the book. While the book beautifully lays out the circumstances under which the slum boy gets to know the answers to the quiz show's questions, the movie invents its own circumstances which 1) serve to further the director's agenda of bringing out the worst in the REAL India and 2) don't really explain the slum boy's success at the quiz. And what's this real India all about? A slum child, oops, sorry, a slum dog jumping in a pool of shit and being plastered head to toe in the goey to be able to get a glimpse of Amitabh Bacchan who, for some reason, decides to land his chopper in the middle of the filth. Police men standing by and watching with bored expressions as a communal riot goes on nearby and a man runs down the street by them while burning alive, while other people cooly go around their ways - to their offices and schools. Slum dogs playing cricket on the airport runway, before pot bellied policemen chase them into the slums. The chaiwallah taking over duties from one of the call center operators. And the icing on the cake is this firang tourist saying, now you see the REAL America, and handing over a hundred dollar bill to the slum dog! Wow, what would we do without their aid? You have a quiz show host insulting the participant because he's a chaiwalla.
The inconsistencies in the story are far too inconsequential given everything else. The police arresting him at the end of the penultimate question, torturing him through the night with third degree, and then surprisingly getting him back for the final question - a free man. Free enough to be a millionaire (which, by the way is 2 million), and then go to the railway station alone to meet his premika. And of course, the show's telecast live - including the "phone a friend" bit. But as I said, there are a lot more things to worry about.
Technical brilliance includes panning shots of large slums, of flies buzzing around kids sleeping in garbage.
AR Rahman's brilliant music wasn't even noticeable till the end credits rolled in, when it probably became noticeable because there were no slums on the screen at that time.
Dev Patel is pathetic in his rendition of the Slum Dog. I heard that in an interview he said his big achievement was peeing with SRK in the same loo! I'm not surprised. I have no clue why Frieda thinks she's achieved stardom, because her 15 min role can be described in only one word - forgettable. And Anil Kapoor - I am sorry boss, was there nothing else you could do to justify that role? I wonder how Amitabh and SRK would have felt seeing you play the host. And to imagine people criticized the Khan for refusing the role. I mean, come on, you think that guy has nothing in his upper storey?
On a scale of one to ten, I guess Slum Dog would come a close 0.
But now I come to the larger picture. I don't fault Danny Boyle for making this movie. I don't fault Western audiences for applauding it. After all, with the recession screwing them up, and India's resurgence as a global nuclear power, with a vibrant democracy, a thriving middle class, a strong army, an impartial judiciary, a free press, and an extremely happy and confident populace, giving them a billion reasons to feel threatened, anything that helps them stay in the denial mode and reaffirm their confidence that the Chandrayaan on the moon is just an illusion hiding the real India with its slum dogs. Their jobs are safe, no slum dogs can take them away! The movie is an out and out attempt to reinforce those beliefs, the original story completely twisted to suit the director's agenda, the dialogues almost a kiddish attempt to further that agenda. The references to the chaiwallah as the call center worker, the dialogue between the slum dogs looking out over the high rises, the incident at the Taj... how cheap can you get in the pursuit of your agenda, man?
My problem is with Indians who are feeling proud at the movie being nominated for the Oscars. Indians abroad who will use this movie to reaffirm their belief that they did the right thing running away from their country and their responsibilities towards their motherland. I am worried about those in this beautiful country who ask me why I am upset. I am upset at people who tell me it's just a movie. If it's just a movie, then why feel proud at "just a movie" yaar? You say a firang showed me the real India? Well, I have seen the real India. I have seen some beautiful movies that showed me the real India. But there was elegance too, there was real hope, real emotions. Black Friday, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Traffic Signal, Page 3. These were about the real India too. But they made me cry, They gave me goose bumps. They inspired me, motivated me. Shocked me. But I don't remember you calling me to ask me to watch those movies!
Yes, I am terribly upset. I feel insulted by Danny Boyle. Not because he made a disgusting movie. But because he did it on purpose. He wanted to insult me. He wanted to call me and my countrymen slum dogs. But then Danny, I don't blame you.
As I said, I am only worried about my fellow Indians. Frankly, if you take pride in this movie, I don't think you deserve to be Indian.
That's what pisses me and upsets me.
But more on that later. Let's just stay with the movie for now, and treat it like just another movie. For me a movie is about a good story, innovative treatment of the subject, technical brilliance, an ability to touch your heart, to inspire you, to wake you up. It's about beauty, glamour, songs, dances. It's about energy. It's about tears and smiles. It's finally about either making you laugh and forget your troubles, or inspire you to think about what you can do for this world, and if not one of those two extremes, at least just let you spend a couple of hours letting your idle mind wander around somewhere else.
Slumdog did none of that.
First the story and screenplay. I read the book before I saw the movie - the first few chapters. The movie makes a complete hash of the interesting plot of the book. While the book beautifully lays out the circumstances under which the slum boy gets to know the answers to the quiz show's questions, the movie invents its own circumstances which 1) serve to further the director's agenda of bringing out the worst in the REAL India and 2) don't really explain the slum boy's success at the quiz. And what's this real India all about? A slum child, oops, sorry, a slum dog jumping in a pool of shit and being plastered head to toe in the goey to be able to get a glimpse of Amitabh Bacchan who, for some reason, decides to land his chopper in the middle of the filth. Police men standing by and watching with bored expressions as a communal riot goes on nearby and a man runs down the street by them while burning alive, while other people cooly go around their ways - to their offices and schools. Slum dogs playing cricket on the airport runway, before pot bellied policemen chase them into the slums. The chaiwallah taking over duties from one of the call center operators. And the icing on the cake is this firang tourist saying, now you see the REAL America, and handing over a hundred dollar bill to the slum dog! Wow, what would we do without their aid? You have a quiz show host insulting the participant because he's a chaiwalla.
The inconsistencies in the story are far too inconsequential given everything else. The police arresting him at the end of the penultimate question, torturing him through the night with third degree, and then surprisingly getting him back for the final question - a free man. Free enough to be a millionaire (which, by the way is 2 million), and then go to the railway station alone to meet his premika. And of course, the show's telecast live - including the "phone a friend" bit. But as I said, there are a lot more things to worry about.
Technical brilliance includes panning shots of large slums, of flies buzzing around kids sleeping in garbage.
AR Rahman's brilliant music wasn't even noticeable till the end credits rolled in, when it probably became noticeable because there were no slums on the screen at that time.
Dev Patel is pathetic in his rendition of the Slum Dog. I heard that in an interview he said his big achievement was peeing with SRK in the same loo! I'm not surprised. I have no clue why Frieda thinks she's achieved stardom, because her 15 min role can be described in only one word - forgettable. And Anil Kapoor - I am sorry boss, was there nothing else you could do to justify that role? I wonder how Amitabh and SRK would have felt seeing you play the host. And to imagine people criticized the Khan for refusing the role. I mean, come on, you think that guy has nothing in his upper storey?
On a scale of one to ten, I guess Slum Dog would come a close 0.
But now I come to the larger picture. I don't fault Danny Boyle for making this movie. I don't fault Western audiences for applauding it. After all, with the recession screwing them up, and India's resurgence as a global nuclear power, with a vibrant democracy, a thriving middle class, a strong army, an impartial judiciary, a free press, and an extremely happy and confident populace, giving them a billion reasons to feel threatened, anything that helps them stay in the denial mode and reaffirm their confidence that the Chandrayaan on the moon is just an illusion hiding the real India with its slum dogs. Their jobs are safe, no slum dogs can take them away! The movie is an out and out attempt to reinforce those beliefs, the original story completely twisted to suit the director's agenda, the dialogues almost a kiddish attempt to further that agenda. The references to the chaiwallah as the call center worker, the dialogue between the slum dogs looking out over the high rises, the incident at the Taj... how cheap can you get in the pursuit of your agenda, man?
My problem is with Indians who are feeling proud at the movie being nominated for the Oscars. Indians abroad who will use this movie to reaffirm their belief that they did the right thing running away from their country and their responsibilities towards their motherland. I am worried about those in this beautiful country who ask me why I am upset. I am upset at people who tell me it's just a movie. If it's just a movie, then why feel proud at "just a movie" yaar? You say a firang showed me the real India? Well, I have seen the real India. I have seen some beautiful movies that showed me the real India. But there was elegance too, there was real hope, real emotions. Black Friday, Mumbai Meri Jaan, Traffic Signal, Page 3. These were about the real India too. But they made me cry, They gave me goose bumps. They inspired me, motivated me. Shocked me. But I don't remember you calling me to ask me to watch those movies!
Yes, I am terribly upset. I feel insulted by Danny Boyle. Not because he made a disgusting movie. But because he did it on purpose. He wanted to insult me. He wanted to call me and my countrymen slum dogs. But then Danny, I don't blame you.
As I said, I am only worried about my fellow Indians. Frankly, if you take pride in this movie, I don't think you deserve to be Indian.
Movie Review: Dev D
Dev D is one movie I can't really make up my mind about! We went for a team movie, and the dominant feeling was - what the f*&^ was the director thinking??? On the other hand, Times Of India gave it 5 stars (out of 5!), and Bani J on MTV gave it a double thumbs up.
But let me do an independent review.
Hmmm, it's a bold movie, going where very few mainstream Hindi movies have dared to. It's an interesting and very in-with-the-times version of Devdas. The dialogues and situations are very contemporary, and the first half will shock and thrill you, in a nice sort of way. The Emotional Atyachaar song was a lot of fun too! But it gets a little dark, then a little darker, and then pretty much gets on your nerves by the time it enters the late second half.
Abhay Deol is fantastic - so, so different from his other clan members! He's effortless in the role of the modern sex-and-drugs crazy and emotionally devastated Devdas. Paro (Mahi Gill) looks sweet in parts, and very ordinary in others. But the revelation was Kalki Koechlin, in the role of the half-foreigner Chandramukhi. She has the world's most beautiful smile, a fantastic figure, and had done a superb job in her role, with some really touching moments. Something about her character makes you love her, and even when she's in deep trouble, something tells you she doesn't need your support as much as you need hers!
My recommendation - watch it once. Watch it a second time. But look out for the positives. Else there'll be plenty to regret.
But let me do an independent review.
Hmmm, it's a bold movie, going where very few mainstream Hindi movies have dared to. It's an interesting and very in-with-the-times version of Devdas. The dialogues and situations are very contemporary, and the first half will shock and thrill you, in a nice sort of way. The Emotional Atyachaar song was a lot of fun too! But it gets a little dark, then a little darker, and then pretty much gets on your nerves by the time it enters the late second half.
Abhay Deol is fantastic - so, so different from his other clan members! He's effortless in the role of the modern sex-and-drugs crazy and emotionally devastated Devdas. Paro (Mahi Gill) looks sweet in parts, and very ordinary in others. But the revelation was Kalki Koechlin, in the role of the half-foreigner Chandramukhi. She has the world's most beautiful smile, a fantastic figure, and had done a superb job in her role, with some really touching moments. Something about her character makes you love her, and even when she's in deep trouble, something tells you she doesn't need your support as much as you need hers!
My recommendation - watch it once. Watch it a second time. But look out for the positives. Else there'll be plenty to regret.
Movie Review: Luck By Chance
Luck By Chance is Farhaan's second movie as actor, and after Rock On, I did expect a lot. And while it's a good movie to catch, somehow, it leaves you dissatisfied. Something's missing, and you can't really figure out what. One thing's sure - you won't want to catch it a second time.
The movie is about two characters, Farhaan and Konkona, and their struggles in Bollywood. While one makes it as a super star, the other finally realises it's not going to work. What does this do to their relationship? Will they overcome the differences and stay together, or will they tear apart?
The movie starts off extremely well, the opening credits are a cinematic treat by themselves! Some of the songs are fun, and you are treated to glimpes and special appearences by who's who of Bollywood including John, Aamir, Hrithik, Kareena, Rani, and of course, the King Khan himself! But somewhere in the second half, the movie starts dragging. And then comes to an end, leaving you with an empty feeling.
It doesn't really touch you. It doesn't influence you. It does entertain for some time, but the dominant feeling is definitely one of incompleteness.
Anyway, Farhan's good. For me, the find of the movie was the sexy, sweet and very, very pretty Isha Sharwani. She took my breath away.
And yes, The King Khan :)
Do not miss it, but if you do, don't fret over it!
The movie is about two characters, Farhaan and Konkona, and their struggles in Bollywood. While one makes it as a super star, the other finally realises it's not going to work. What does this do to their relationship? Will they overcome the differences and stay together, or will they tear apart?
The movie starts off extremely well, the opening credits are a cinematic treat by themselves! Some of the songs are fun, and you are treated to glimpes and special appearences by who's who of Bollywood including John, Aamir, Hrithik, Kareena, Rani, and of course, the King Khan himself! But somewhere in the second half, the movie starts dragging. And then comes to an end, leaving you with an empty feeling.
It doesn't really touch you. It doesn't influence you. It does entertain for some time, but the dominant feeling is definitely one of incompleteness.
Anyway, Farhan's good. For me, the find of the movie was the sexy, sweet and very, very pretty Isha Sharwani. She took my breath away.
And yes, The King Khan :)
Do not miss it, but if you do, don't fret over it!
Movie Review: Veer Zaara
OK, this is a OLD movie, I know :) But I'd never seen it before, and I was feeling very SRKaish the other day, and ended up getting the DVD.
Let's not get into details, but frankly, SRK looked handsome but also felt very raw - definitely not the King Khan he's now :) Preity is OK, Rani is OK too. A couple of songs are nice, but the others are extremely forgettable. There are a few extremely touching scenes, especially when Amitabh blesses Preity before she leaves for Pakistan after her India trip. The ending made me cry a lot, and I was glad I was watching it alone :)
Overall, must have been a great movie back then, but it's a little out of the league now...
Let's not get into details, but frankly, SRK looked handsome but also felt very raw - definitely not the King Khan he's now :) Preity is OK, Rani is OK too. A couple of songs are nice, but the others are extremely forgettable. There are a few extremely touching scenes, especially when Amitabh blesses Preity before she leaves for Pakistan after her India trip. The ending made me cry a lot, and I was glad I was watching it alone :)
Overall, must have been a great movie back then, but it's a little out of the league now...
IPL and Movies...
I have quite a lot of movies to review, but before I get down to that, a quick question... why would two great friends, SRK and Preity Zinta, fight between themselves at an auction to go ahead and end up spending 600K USD for an unknown Bangladeshi bowler, at ten or more times his base price? I mean, I am not complaining about how much he's worth - but hello, you could have just discussed between yourselves and saved so much money!
But then, well, it's ONLY 600K USD yaar... and it was good fun for the pretty Preity and SRK's representative, a certain ex Ms Chawla, I guess!
But then, well, it's ONLY 600K USD yaar... and it was good fun for the pretty Preity and SRK's representative, a certain ex Ms Chawla, I guess!
India's No 2 in ODI Rankings...
It's the Proteas at 1, with the Men in Blue close on their heels... with the Kangoos at 3. Come on Maahi, we want the crown now :)
Thursday, February 05, 2009
It's Now 4-0, and 9 in a Row!
Another smashing victory... Gautam contributed with a chanceless 150. Will it be 5-0 next? :)
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Customer Service After All!
We always crib about poor service all the time, but trust me, there are a lot of great examples of great customer service too!
A few days back, we had a pretty poor experience at the new, renovated Flags. After a couple of days, I got a mail from them asking for feedback, and I took the opportunity to crib, and made some suggestions. Surprisingly, I soon received a mail from their Corporate Head, Kedar Partagalkar, apologizing and thanking me for my suggestions. Nice!
More interesting, some time back we had visited Ecoscapes at Ishanya Mall. I gace my card for swiping, but the machine screwed up and finally I paid in cash and left. A few mins back, I got a call from the lady at the counter that the machine had actually swiped my card successfully after all, not once but twice, and could I please come and collect the cash refund? I went back to her, told her it wouldnt matter even it it swiped, since I had not actually signed any receipt and hence she wouldn't really be able to charge me anyway. She said OK, and said I could always come back a few days later once I got confirmation from my bank. A few days later, I got a call from her, confirming that the machine had actually swiped - again, I told her the same story, and promised her I would come back to collect the refund if the bank did at all charge me. Very, very sweet!
A few days back, we had a pretty poor experience at the new, renovated Flags. After a couple of days, I got a mail from them asking for feedback, and I took the opportunity to crib, and made some suggestions. Surprisingly, I soon received a mail from their Corporate Head, Kedar Partagalkar, apologizing and thanking me for my suggestions. Nice!
More interesting, some time back we had visited Ecoscapes at Ishanya Mall. I gace my card for swiping, but the machine screwed up and finally I paid in cash and left. A few mins back, I got a call from the lady at the counter that the machine had actually swiped my card successfully after all, not once but twice, and could I please come and collect the cash refund? I went back to her, told her it wouldnt matter even it it swiped, since I had not actually signed any receipt and hence she wouldn't really be able to charge me anyway. She said OK, and said I could always come back a few days later once I got confirmation from my bank. A few days later, I got a call from her, confirming that the machine had actually swiped - again, I told her the same story, and promised her I would come back to collect the refund if the bank did at all charge me. Very, very sweet!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Eight in a Row
India have now won 8 one days in a row, with a crushing 150 odd run victory over Sri Lanka today, taking the 5 match series 3-0. It just gets better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)