Chaturthi is big in Goa - a lot bigger than Diwali. This year heavy rains kept lashing the state, but did little to dampen the festive season. There's something very beautiful about the whole thing.. the 3 days of veg food - always the same varan bhaat, batatachi bhaaji, patoli - and then the youngsters trying to bring in some modern menu items like gobi manchurian, to the shock and delight of everyone... the non-stop devotional CDs playing all around you from 5:00 am add tremendously to the atmosphere. All the cousins and kids miling around, visiting each other. Yes, we cannot do the Ritz party, and we cannot venture out much in the evenings, and have to be home for the aartis, but it's time to be with family, have joke sessions, antaksharis, tang and noodles at night.. lay kilometers of beddings and plop down like vehicles in a giant parking lot... tired... but not yet ready to retire for the night.. the stories of Chimulkar's ghost, now part of our family folklore, start making the rounds... and then it's morning, and yet another glorious day
Coming back to Pune today, had to rush to office for a little time, and there I was trying to work, with a Ganesh mandal close by playing aratis on a loud speaker, and I was instantly transported to Goa, to Nerul, to the last 3 beautiful days spent there... and "pudchya varshi lavkar ya" couldn't have been more apt!
We really need to do the 5 day Ganapati next year!
Monday, September 05, 2011
Glory Of Rains In Konkan
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| Waterfalls at Amboli Ghat at their majestic best! |
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| The Aguada shoreline - and notice the "almost gone" River Princess in the background |
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| "Rain showers" in the Nerul aangan |
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Pune-Goa-Pune Again
Just back from an awesome Goa trip in the heavy Konkan rains...
We left early Wed morning, and when we pulled into Sai International for our much-awaited breakfast of tea and misal pav, I noticed a black Scorpio with Team BHP stickers on it. It was fellow BHPian Arun P, and after breakfast, we drove most of the way down to Goa together after running into each other again near Azara. Amboli, even at 11 in the morning, was cloaked in dense fog restricting visibility to less than 5 meters at times. The waterfalls dotting the ghat were in full glory, and we stopped for some pictures with the monkeys too. We loved the drive from Dandeli to Banda through the short cut, and Arun ensured he took a complete video of Samara navigating the twists, turns and pools.
Today, it was time to head back. And the drive was even more exciting. First, a quick drive through the flooded river on the shortcut. (Yes, we took a video and now I cannot find it on my camcorder!) Then, we got stuck for half an hour on the ghat due to a landslide, and had a happy walk up and down while the earthmover went about its job.
Was very clear why an SUV will always beat a Sedan in any road trip. While the sedans crawled and groaned their way through the frequent patches of potholes and non-existent tarmac, Samara simply glided over them leaving speechless sedan owners gawking in disbelief and the only trace of the SUV that had roared past was the spray of muddy brown water on their windshields!
Home by 500, and life's beautiful again! At least my cat thinks so! She can finally go back to snuggling against warm human bodies while the AC cranks up the chill!
We left early Wed morning, and when we pulled into Sai International for our much-awaited breakfast of tea and misal pav, I noticed a black Scorpio with Team BHP stickers on it. It was fellow BHPian Arun P, and after breakfast, we drove most of the way down to Goa together after running into each other again near Azara. Amboli, even at 11 in the morning, was cloaked in dense fog restricting visibility to less than 5 meters at times. The waterfalls dotting the ghat were in full glory, and we stopped for some pictures with the monkeys too. We loved the drive from Dandeli to Banda through the short cut, and Arun ensured he took a complete video of Samara navigating the twists, turns and pools.
Today, it was time to head back. And the drive was even more exciting. First, a quick drive through the flooded river on the shortcut. (Yes, we took a video and now I cannot find it on my camcorder!) Then, we got stuck for half an hour on the ghat due to a landslide, and had a happy walk up and down while the earthmover went about its job.
Was very clear why an SUV will always beat a Sedan in any road trip. While the sedans crawled and groaned their way through the frequent patches of potholes and non-existent tarmac, Samara simply glided over them leaving speechless sedan owners gawking in disbelief and the only trace of the SUV that had roared past was the spray of muddy brown water on their windshields!
Home by 500, and life's beautiful again! At least my cat thinks so! She can finally go back to snuggling against warm human bodies while the AC cranks up the chill!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Joke Of The Day
Rajnikant, when asked about Anna taking over the mantle of India's superhero: I always knew it, that's why I kept saying, "Anna Rascala, Mind It!"
Joke Of The Day
PM's latest letter to Anna: Aapne toh kuch khaaya hi nahin, toh BILL kis baat ka? :)
The Glory Of Indian Democracy
Anna has got his wish, his 12 day long fast is over, and the 1.2 Billion people of this country are celebrating - the Indian Parliament has passed a resolution showing intent to discuss the main tenets of Anna's Jan Lokpal Bill.
And while the campaign has been less than perfect, and while the methods have been debatable, and while some politicians have not exactly covered themselves in glory, if you watched even snippets of the Lokpal debate in Parliament this Saturday, you would have a lot of reasons to feel proud of our much-maligned politicians, who showed unbelievable restraint, maturity and decency in the face of some very rude comments and antics from some members of the Anna team, and got down to some serious debate, showed intent, and proved that when it comes down to the wire, the Parliament and the MPs are more than capable of taking charge of this country and doing something good. Yes, even as a couple of MPs, notably Lalu and Sharad Yadav, poked fun back at Team Anna, the debates were serious, the politics bipartisan, and the speeches impressive.
Kudos guys, you are worthy representatives of our people!
And while the campaign has been less than perfect, and while the methods have been debatable, and while some politicians have not exactly covered themselves in glory, if you watched even snippets of the Lokpal debate in Parliament this Saturday, you would have a lot of reasons to feel proud of our much-maligned politicians, who showed unbelievable restraint, maturity and decency in the face of some very rude comments and antics from some members of the Anna team, and got down to some serious debate, showed intent, and proved that when it comes down to the wire, the Parliament and the MPs are more than capable of taking charge of this country and doing something good. Yes, even as a couple of MPs, notably Lalu and Sharad Yadav, poked fun back at Team Anna, the debates were serious, the politics bipartisan, and the speeches impressive.
Kudos guys, you are worthy representatives of our people!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Movie Review: Morya (Marathi)
Marathi movies have started growing on me over the last few years, and with every movie, I continue to be surprised and impressed at the quality being dished out! Avadhoot Gupte presents the ever-present threat of politics-driven communal tensions and riots against the backdrop of the Ganeshotsav celebrations coming up this week, beautifully building the story from the very true and noble intentions of two rival mandals to put their best Ganapati on show, and how they are manipulated and driven to go for each other's throats, until a "in the system" police officer shows them what really is.
A wonderful cast, excellent screenplay and beautiful performances from every single member make this a must watch movie!
A wonderful cast, excellent screenplay and beautiful performances from every single member make this a must watch movie!
Movie Review: Bad Teacher
After 5 mins of Chiktabrey, any movie would probably be worth it... but I think you will enjoy it nevertheless. Cameron Diaz in another Cameron Diaz role, some cute moments sprinkled with a little adult humour and a feel good ending, one of those countless fuzzy movies that don't stand out but are well worth the time.
Movie Review: Chiktabrey
I have walked out of many a movie, but this one took the cake. It took me all of 5 min to decide to walk out... OK, maybe it gets better (or worse), but when you see a whole bus load of amateurish C grade "actors" mouthing C grade dialogues and attempting to grab your attention with some wannabe X rated action, it really makes me wonder why cinemas would even give the movie the 1-2 shows it's running...
If anyone;s actually sat through it, do let me know if I should try again...
If anyone;s actually sat through it, do let me know if I should try again...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Alter Ego?
I just came across this site siddhesh-k3g.blogpsot.com (notice the spelling blogpsot) and was surprised to find this huge site on Christianity and Gospels and Bible... any explanations???
Movie Review: Aarakshan
OBC reservations, capitation fees, commercialization of education... might seem not very relevant in today's timeline... (although just a few days back the Supreme Court issued a clarification on OBC reservations in institutions)... but Aarakshan takes a pretty unbiased, well rounded view of the problem and proceeds to suggest solutions.
Not pure entertainment, and immature in execution in some places... but an excellent cast and some good performances from Saif, Amitabh, Deepika and Manoj Bajpai make this not that bad an option if you aren't into blood and gore with Final Destination this week.
Not pure entertainment, and immature in execution in some places... but an excellent cast and some good performances from Saif, Amitabh, Deepika and Manoj Bajpai make this not that bad an option if you aren't into blood and gore with Final Destination this week.
Where Is This Headed?
9th day of Anna's fast... and the government, which till yesterday seemed to be ready to give in, has suddenly gone back to taking a rigid stand, almost daring Anna to go ahead with his fast as long as he wants.
Did Team Anna push the government too far? Seeing Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi on the dias last night did very much give me the impression that they had started looking at themselves as being larger than the issue, supreme to the country, the parliament, and getting into a very rigid and no-compromise stand. Would it perhaps be a better idea to give some? Maybe. Maybe not!
Very interesting stage coming up - will Team Anna buckle, will Anna take a step back and secure his health for a bigger fight ahead, will he sacrifice his health and will it lead to a revolution that will consume the politicians, or will it all die down?
India has never rallied behind any issue (except cricket), without being driven by politicians or money. It's heartening to see the youth, the urban middle class - hitherto immune to politics and change - taking a very firm and active stand.
Very interesting days ahead... and irrespective of the immediate outcomes, one thing is certain. Corruption is firmly and definitely in the crosshairs...
Did Team Anna push the government too far? Seeing Prashant Bhushan and Kiran Bedi on the dias last night did very much give me the impression that they had started looking at themselves as being larger than the issue, supreme to the country, the parliament, and getting into a very rigid and no-compromise stand. Would it perhaps be a better idea to give some? Maybe. Maybe not!
Very interesting stage coming up - will Team Anna buckle, will Anna take a step back and secure his health for a bigger fight ahead, will he sacrifice his health and will it lead to a revolution that will consume the politicians, or will it all die down?
India has never rallied behind any issue (except cricket), without being driven by politicians or money. It's heartening to see the youth, the urban middle class - hitherto immune to politics and change - taking a very firm and active stand.
Very interesting days ahead... and irrespective of the immediate outcomes, one thing is certain. Corruption is firmly and definitely in the crosshairs...
Friday, August 12, 2011
Bad Days
The government is struggling to govern with land acquisition stirs, all the scams, and general unrest
Indian team has fallen to the wicked spell of Harry Potter
England is burning
And the world economy has gone to the dogs
Thankfully, the Sun will still rise tomorrow
Indian team has fallen to the wicked spell of Harry Potter
England is burning
And the world economy has gone to the dogs
Thankfully, the Sun will still rise tomorrow
Movie Review: Resident Evil Afterlife (3D)
Saw this on my sexy new Samsung Smart LED 55 inch 3D TV - and it was a truly mesmerizing experience. If the TV was that good, I can only imagine how the theatre experience will be! The action is made for 3D, the special effects take the definition of 3D to a whole new level. MIlla Jovovich looks better than she's ever done, the action is fast paced, and the story keeps you interested till the end.
Not to be missed!
Not to be missed!
Movie Review: Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes
Baby monkeys growing up in a human "family" and growling and chest-thumping apes attacking cops on the Golden Gate bridge - if either of those things excite you, go watch the movie. Wasn't too bad - but I wanted a lot more doomsday action - and felt cheated at the end when the humans made peace with the monkeys :)
The post-credits twist notwitstanding...
The post-credits twist notwitstanding...
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Baby's Day Out
Ah, what a productive and enjoyable Saturday it was...
Woke up early, got some blood sucked and then spent ten mins sweating on the treadmill with a bunch of wires sticking out from my naked chest... no, I didn't meet a vampire at the gym, I just went for a medical test. Then got some errands done... got my printer back, bought new cartridges. In the afternoon, went looking for some sexy veneer for my home renovation project, and then chilled out a bit with some steaming tea and neer dosa. Shopped for some new shoes at Reliance Footprint, bought an interesting bunch in browns, and black and red :) Then off to the Mariott. Got relaxed just walking through their beautiful spa, shocked at the cost of their yearly membership, then gorged on their absolutely delicious buffet spread. And finally, at 11.00, caught the last show of Singham, in the big screen theatre with a thousand other hooting and clapping blokes - most of them seeing the movie for the nth time, just like us.. dialogues spewing out from us a few seconds before Ajay Devgan gets to say it himself!
This is life.
Woke up early, got some blood sucked and then spent ten mins sweating on the treadmill with a bunch of wires sticking out from my naked chest... no, I didn't meet a vampire at the gym, I just went for a medical test. Then got some errands done... got my printer back, bought new cartridges. In the afternoon, went looking for some sexy veneer for my home renovation project, and then chilled out a bit with some steaming tea and neer dosa. Shopped for some new shoes at Reliance Footprint, bought an interesting bunch in browns, and black and red :) Then off to the Mariott. Got relaxed just walking through their beautiful spa, shocked at the cost of their yearly membership, then gorged on their absolutely delicious buffet spread. And finally, at 11.00, caught the last show of Singham, in the big screen theatre with a thousand other hooting and clapping blokes - most of them seeing the movie for the nth time, just like us.. dialogues spewing out from us a few seconds before Ajay Devgan gets to say it himself!
This is life.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
India One Down
So finally India has lost a Test, going one down against the English side. With Sachin suffering against a viral flu, and Zaheer nursing a hamstring after day 1, and many of the seniors barely acclimatised to the British conditions, the team looked out of sorts. Harbhajan also wasn't impressive, returning only one wicket for 200 runs in the test. Raina showed some guts in the second innings, and Ishant struck with deadly force in the English second innings, but holding out for 130 overs was an uphill task against some quality English bowling, and India fell short by almost 200 runs with 30 oversto go when the last wicket fell.
Look forward to a fight back in the second test!
Look forward to a fight back in the second test!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Norway
The death toll in Norway's deadly terror attack is quickly approaching hundred. How can one man be cold blooded enough to first trigger a bomb blast in a crowded throughfare (aimed at diverting police?), and then proceed to a student summer camp on a nearby island and over a half hour period, calmly go around shooting 100s of young children? Pretending to be a police officer, calling them out from their hiding places, before shooting them once, and then a second time in the head to make sure they were dead? What kind of punishment do you give this guy? Death seems too easy...
In a peaceful country like Norway, where crime and violence is literally unheard of, how does such a monster get created?
In a peaceful country like Norway, where crime and violence is literally unheard of, how does such a monster get created?
2 Decades Of Transformation
It's twenty years since the then FM Manmohan Singh kicked off India's march to economic power and growth by presenting his landmark budget and signing off on landmark reforms that unleashed this sleeping giant...
Time to reflect on those days of Kilbil on DD, Gold Spot, Premier Padminis and Bajaj scooters, and look at how far we have come!
Time to reflect on those days of Kilbil on DD, Gold Spot, Premier Padminis and Bajaj scooters, and look at how far we have come!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Movie Review: Singham
Honest cop, corrupt politicians and a lonely fight for justice. Singham takes one of the most commonly used subjects in our film industry, and dishes out a complete entertainer that will make you laugh, scream, hoot and enjoy to the hilt... from the Rajnikanth-style fight sequences, to the hilarious dialogues, the gorgeous locales of Goa shot in stunning light, the very beautiful and ever-so-brightly-smiling Kajal Aggarwal with the best wardrobe I have seen for a long, long time, to the ever-so-macho Ajay Devgan in a role perfect for him taking on the almost-lovable-yet-sinister Prakash Raj as the goonda-turned-politician... add to that a very charged up mostly-Maratha audience in a packed theatre, entertainment can't get much better!
A must watch movie, for 150 reasons - every minute an enjoyable experience!
And yes, also a good moment to stop and think about the police force that protects and serves, and one we malign due to the actions of a few. Next time, on Diwali night, when you get irritated about the naka bandis and swear at the cops, remember, their family is alone at home, so that you might be safe! Smile, hand over a box of pedhas, and wish them - because they are the reason you are enjoying tonight.
A must watch movie, for 150 reasons - every minute an enjoyable experience!
And yes, also a good moment to stop and think about the police force that protects and serves, and one we malign due to the actions of a few. Next time, on Diwali night, when you get irritated about the naka bandis and swear at the cops, remember, their family is alone at home, so that you might be safe! Smile, hand over a box of pedhas, and wish them - because they are the reason you are enjoying tonight.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Trip to Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora and Mhaismal
Last Tuesday, 7 of us in the Endy, left on a 2 day trip to Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, and Mhaismal. We made Aurangabad in quick time, and decided to press on to Ajanta. We reached at 1230, had lunch at the MTDC restaurant (pretty simple, basic) and then parked at the tourist center and took the bus up to Ajanta. The paintings and caves are breathtaking, although shoddy restoration and repairs in the past have destroyed a lot of the stuff. Interestingly, and happily, things are much better now, and the cleanliness and commitment of the staff there was commendable.
We came back to Aurangabad by late evening, and checked into the Manor Hotel, before going for a friend's marriage reception. The drive was long, and fun, but the terrain is pretty flat and uninteresting, the rains played truant and there wasn't much more to write about.
Note: Bargain like hell with the souvenir sellers, starting prices are typically ten times they actually come down to if you are patient.
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| Manish becomes prasanna! |
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| The lighting brings out the best in the caves |
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| A massive stupa |
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| All of Ajanta |
Note: Bargain like hell with the souvenir sellers, starting prices are typically ten times they actually come down to if you are patient.
Day 2 was a lot more fun. The rains were in flow, the terrain hilly and very beautiful, and the drive, though just 30 odd kms to Ellora, was wonderful.
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| Beauty and the Beast |
We stopped at Daulatabad fort along the way for some pics, then landed at the Kailas hotel for a late breakfast. This place has decent food, and some interesting cottages - perfect for a quiet getaway.
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| At Kailas |
Ellora was simply breathtaking. A lot of people recommended Ajanta over Ellora, but Ellora was far too stunning in the grandiose nature of the caves and the overall wow factor. Some of these structures are 3-4 storied, and took over 200 years to build - imagine starting a project you know only your great grandchildren will get to see completed!
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| Huge, multi-storey cave complexes |
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| Samara poses in front of the waterfall |
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| Breath-taking - unfortunately, the path under the waterfall has now been closed to public |
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| More poses |
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| Beauty and the Beast - Part 2 |
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| More amazing stuff... |
From Ellora, we drove to Mhaismal, a few km away. The road is bad, even for an Endy - and Mhaismal is really a nothing place - a couple of bungalows (literally 2), a TV tower, a bunch of shady dhabas and a small village with a pipal tree. Pretty disappointing actually, and not recommended at all.
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| The rains were so romantic! |
Was a good place for some soft off-roading, but it was already getting late and we decided to head back for Pune.
By the time we left Aurangabad, it was already dark and raining, and boy, was I glad I had my Xenon lights to show the way! We reached home by 10 pm, and it took me 2 hours the next day to wash her up!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Cultural Trends
Came back from an exciting trip to Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora earlier this week - more on that later - but it was interesting to see how certain regions develop their own unique "feel".
For one, every drives on the right, over take from the left. And When you try and over take from the right, you can be guaranteed that the bike or car coming from the opposite direction will flash his lights at you :)
A lot of police presence on the roads.
Bus drivers are polite, will generally pull on the side and wave you by.
A different world, just a couple of hours from Pune!
For one, every drives on the right, over take from the left. And When you try and over take from the right, you can be guaranteed that the bike or car coming from the opposite direction will flash his lights at you :)
A lot of police presence on the roads.
Bus drivers are polite, will generally pull on the side and wave you by.
A different world, just a couple of hours from Pune!
Movie Review: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Three friends, Imran (Farhaan), Kabir (Abhay Deol) and Arjun (Hrithik) set off on a road trip in Spain, a 3 week bachelor party of adventure and discovery before Kabir gets hooked. But each one is also on his personal road trip, a journey of self discovery and a search for meaning in life.
The movie is a treat for the senses - the stunning Spanish countryside is a riot of color. You explore the wonders of the underwater corals in the company of thousands of multi-colored fish, you sky dive and hurtle towards earth... you get red and wet in the tomatino festival, and sweat it out as you run with the bulls. Your feet tap to the passionate beats of the Spanish tango, and your spirits rise with the beautiful compositions from Javed Akhtar. The sound track is passionate, and will grow on you ever so quickly.
The cast is fastastic, and you will be hard pressed to find a favourite. Abhay pulls in yet another admirable performance as the guy confused about the girl he's about to marry. Farhan is lovable as the happy go lucky writer, with his sense of humour and timing, and a secret in his heart. Hrithik looks great, and puts in an awesome performance as the stock broker learning a new way to live after he falls in love with the ever-so-beautiful and effervescent Laila (Katrina). Kalki is her usual unusual self, and Naseeruddin also plays a great cameo.
I loved every second of this new DCH, and can watch this 5 starrer at least a dozen more times without getting tired. Go watch it! Aisa movie na milega dobara :)
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The movie is a treat for the senses - the stunning Spanish countryside is a riot of color. You explore the wonders of the underwater corals in the company of thousands of multi-colored fish, you sky dive and hurtle towards earth... you get red and wet in the tomatino festival, and sweat it out as you run with the bulls. Your feet tap to the passionate beats of the Spanish tango, and your spirits rise with the beautiful compositions from Javed Akhtar. The sound track is passionate, and will grow on you ever so quickly.
The cast is fastastic, and you will be hard pressed to find a favourite. Abhay pulls in yet another admirable performance as the guy confused about the girl he's about to marry. Farhan is lovable as the happy go lucky writer, with his sense of humour and timing, and a secret in his heart. Hrithik looks great, and puts in an awesome performance as the stock broker learning a new way to live after he falls in love with the ever-so-beautiful and effervescent Laila (Katrina). Kalki is her usual unusual self, and Naseeruddin also plays a great cameo.
I loved every second of this new DCH, and can watch this 5 starrer at least a dozen more times without getting tired. Go watch it! Aisa movie na milega dobara :)
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Movie Review: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (3D)
I am not even sure I should be reviewing this movie... because 6 of us went for it, 2 kids and 4 adults, and at half time, all of us were fast asleep. When the lights came up, we decided it would be more comfortable to sleep in our beds and left.
The movie starts with Harry and his gang deciding they need to protect Hogwarts, or whatever, from He Who Cannot Be Named or whoever. I am not much of a Harry follower, and Emma had almost no screen presence in this farewell to Pottermania, and all the darkness and complicated spells, compounded with the weight of the 3D goggle, was too much to cope up with, especially following a week of long drives, walks, and little or no sleep.
The 3D action was much less than I expected, though... with some more light, and all the special effects that a magician's world naturally leads to, this could have been a hell of an entertainer. But it wasn't.
The movie starts with Harry and his gang deciding they need to protect Hogwarts, or whatever, from He Who Cannot Be Named or whoever. I am not much of a Harry follower, and Emma had almost no screen presence in this farewell to Pottermania, and all the darkness and complicated spells, compounded with the weight of the 3D goggle, was too much to cope up with, especially following a week of long drives, walks, and little or no sleep.
The 3D action was much less than I expected, though... with some more light, and all the special effects that a magician's world naturally leads to, this could have been a hell of an entertainer. But it wasn't.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Innovation
Saw this pretty interesting contraption for resting your food-laden plates at a marriage reception - jugaad at its best :)
Pune-Kolhapur-Miraj-Sangli-Pune
Had a nice short trip to Kolhapur, Miraj and Sangli over the weekend. Rained a bit, the weather was perfect and the drive a lot of fun!
Miraj was a dusty small town with one meandering central street with some run down motels, a bus stand and the railway terminus, and a maze of narrow, criss crossing streets between old wadas jostling for space with newer constructions. Lots of bikes, rickshaws and cows jostling for space - and yes, not to forget a couple of Audis and Mercs and BMWs bang in the middle of all that chaos. And yes, nice people!
Sangli seemed a larger, more organized town, but we just passed through - would have loved to and should have taken a misal pav break there!
Miraj was a dusty small town with one meandering central street with some run down motels, a bus stand and the railway terminus, and a maze of narrow, criss crossing streets between old wadas jostling for space with newer constructions. Lots of bikes, rickshaws and cows jostling for space - and yes, not to forget a couple of Audis and Mercs and BMWs bang in the middle of all that chaos. And yes, nice people!
Sangli seemed a larger, more organized town, but we just passed through - would have loved to and should have taken a misal pav break there!
Ice Magic
Went to this interesting ice cream parlour in Kolhapur over the weekend - Ice MAgic - with over 100 ice cream cocktails, some of them really pretty and innovative to look at, adults and children alike will love to chill out here. And pretty cheap too - at around Rs 70 per treat! Do check it out if you are in the area!
This is one of the simplest stuff we ended up ordering. Others in the know had ordered much more interesting creations, but gobbled them up before I could click them :)
This is one of the simplest stuff we ended up ordering. Others in the know had ordered much more interesting creations, but gobbled them up before I could click them :)
Games For Generation C!
At one time, we played cricket and football, hide and seek, and generally did danga masti whenever more than one kid hooked up :) The cell generation obviously has far more exciting things to do - on their parents' cell!
The good news is, they don't break window panes any more!
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Travel Time!
Miraj, Sangli, Aurangabad... a lot of travel coming up this weekend and in the following days, to cities I haven't been to before.. really looking forward to it.. hope the rains come down well, would be a fantastic bunch of drives!
Interesting Trivia
India's 2 most successful captains, Mahi and Dada, have birthdays one after the other! Mahi celebrated his birthday on 7th July, and Dada yesterday on the 8th!
My dad and his brother too.. 4th and 5th... unfortunately, they never played for India :)
My dad and his brother too.. 4th and 5th... unfortunately, they never played for India :)
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Give Way
Imagine you live in a tiny house bang in the middle of a huge grid of expressways... with multi-axle trucks roaring down the road at breakneck speed.. you don't have pedestrian crossings, no subways, no over bridges. Every time you step out of your house to get any where, you got to take your chances and try and walk through the multi-lane expressway traffic.
That's how dogs and cats feel every day in our cities.
Next time you see a forlorn dog waiting by the side of the road to cross over, slow down and give way.
That's how dogs and cats feel every day in our cities.
Next time you see a forlorn dog waiting by the side of the road to cross over, slow down and give way.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
Movie Review: Delhi Belly
For a glorious exploration of the choicest cuss words, vistas of hairy men's asses, and a complete repertoire of fart sounds doubling as the sound track (not to forget the oh so hummable Bose DK, sorry, DK Bose.. ), watch Delhi Belly. Aah, not to forget humping and some between the legs action on the bed, an uninhibited boob show, shit on the table, cockroaches on pizza and all other kinds of belly-crunching action. And then to top it all, you finish with the AK himself doing some pelvic thrusts as the credits roll along.
For me, Poorna Jagannathan as Menaka stole the show with a standout although understated performance. And Shehnaz provides some eye candy.
Other than that, nothing worked for me. But hell, the theatres are full... so go ahead, you might enjoy it. I think I am just a different generation.
For me, Poorna Jagannathan as Menaka stole the show with a standout although understated performance. And Shehnaz provides some eye candy.
Other than that, nothing worked for me. But hell, the theatres are full... so go ahead, you might enjoy it. I think I am just a different generation.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Nokia Care Disappoints - Again
Yet another terribly disappointing experience with Nokia Care - my E75 has been at the service center for more than two months now. I have been called 5 times to the center to take delivery of the "ready, tested and perfectly fine now" phone, and it has taken me less than 15 seconds to find out that it is not so. Not only that, now the entire body/case is spoilt, and after having paid 4500 to get it repaired, it's probably not even worth half of that. I have been promised a replacement/repair on Monday, but frankly, I have already run out of patience and hope...
No wonder Nokia is on the way out, Microsoft or not...
No wonder Nokia is on the way out, Microsoft or not...
The Joys Of Summer
The monstrous Mango with Cream at Juice World on East Street in Pune Camp is an absolute must-have every summer.
Ps: While Alphonso is the accepted King of Mangoes, the Goan Mankurad is a much tastier and exciting Mango. And even better than that is the very rare (but available in our garden in Goa) and absolutely stunning Malgaze. It's golden yellow streaks in orange, absolutely threadfree, and has a tinge of sour mixed with absolutely amazing sweet mangoness. Truly outstanding.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Movie Review: Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap
A tribute to Amitabh Bacchan... we grew up watching you this way... scream the rolling credits at the end of the movie.
Unfortunately, it's a very unflattering tribute. The direction sucks, the story is ghisi piti amateurish, there is a lot more glecerine than there is acting and the costumes strangle you when they don't dazzle you into temporary blindness. Hema Malini was never my favourite, but she's given much better performances in her second stint - but when all you are asked to do is pour glycerine in your eyes, what else can you deliver? Sonu Sood looks good, and Sonal Chauhan is eye candy although she should stop acting and be a model. Raveena Tandon erased all the awesome memories I had of her as the Mast Mast girl in one image shattering, regrettable performance. And who was that over grown, cry baby trying to be sweet and kiddish? Girl, whoever recommended you do this role, is not your best friend in the industry!
And AB himself. Well, he wears three watches with yellow, red and green straps. He chokes himself with mufflers under white suits. He drives a big mean machine, and some sexy convertibles. He has a reddish-brown shock of hair, a white French beard. And a paunch that's exposed in all its glory under satin Hawaii shirts. He gets PYTs to call him sexy, gives us a 5 min remix cocktail of all his songs while dancing with some scantily clad firangs, shoots bullets like Beckham, kills off an entire army of gangsters with one revolver, plays match maker, and then walks off into the sunset.
Got to hand one thing to AB though - no one can beat his voice.
Tribute? Really? Avoid it if you are a AB fan!
PS: And what's with the spellings?
Unfortunately, it's a very unflattering tribute. The direction sucks, the story is ghisi piti amateurish, there is a lot more glecerine than there is acting and the costumes strangle you when they don't dazzle you into temporary blindness. Hema Malini was never my favourite, but she's given much better performances in her second stint - but when all you are asked to do is pour glycerine in your eyes, what else can you deliver? Sonu Sood looks good, and Sonal Chauhan is eye candy although she should stop acting and be a model. Raveena Tandon erased all the awesome memories I had of her as the Mast Mast girl in one image shattering, regrettable performance. And who was that over grown, cry baby trying to be sweet and kiddish? Girl, whoever recommended you do this role, is not your best friend in the industry!
And AB himself. Well, he wears three watches with yellow, red and green straps. He chokes himself with mufflers under white suits. He drives a big mean machine, and some sexy convertibles. He has a reddish-brown shock of hair, a white French beard. And a paunch that's exposed in all its glory under satin Hawaii shirts. He gets PYTs to call him sexy, gives us a 5 min remix cocktail of all his songs while dancing with some scantily clad firangs, shoots bullets like Beckham, kills off an entire army of gangsters with one revolver, plays match maker, and then walks off into the sunset.
Got to hand one thing to AB though - no one can beat his voice.
Tribute? Really? Avoid it if you are a AB fan!
PS: And what's with the spellings?
Friday, July 01, 2011
Movie Review: Transformers: Dark Of The Moon (3D)
This time, the Decepticons have a devious plan to bring Cybertron to Earth, and enslave the humans. In return for promised peace, the humans are asked to extern the Autobots. But when the Decepticons attack Earth and all hell breaks loose, the Autobots make a grand re-entry and fight alongside their human "brothers" to defeat the Decepticons.
Positives: Some truly outstanding action, amazing 3D experiences, stunning visuals
Negatives: No Megan Fox, 30 min too long
Recommendation: Watch the 3D version, and sit as close to the screen as possible. Immerse yourself in a way that all you can see is the screen, nothing else. Trust me, it is something.
Positives: Some truly outstanding action, amazing 3D experiences, stunning visuals
Negatives: No Megan Fox, 30 min too long
Recommendation: Watch the 3D version, and sit as close to the screen as possible. Immerse yourself in a way that all you can see is the screen, nothing else. Trust me, it is something.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World
Sample this from today's newspapers..
Pune based don-turned-corporator Anya Don gifts 35 CCTV cameras to the police for securing his ward and protecting women from chain snatchers.
Iran outlaws pet dogs, saying it is unIslamic. Jeans are also discouraged because 1) the resultant overheating of testicles make you infertile and 2) the word jeans comes from jinn, meaning spirits able to take human or animal form.
The winning dishes at the World Testicle & Aphrodisiac Cooking Championship to be dedicated to William and Kate (that's 2 items today in favour of the lowly balls)
Woman at a yoga festival in the US got the shock of her life when she lifted the lid of the portable toilet, and found a pervert hidden inside the tank, nude and covered in faeces. He ran off before the police could flush him.
US airport authorities ask 95 year old granny to take off adult diapers, scared that it could hide a weapon. You bet!
After asking his wife (married to him against her wishes by the family) to tie him a rakhi, so that he could reunite her with her lover, the wife gets a shock to discover that the lover is no longer interested in her. Ever heard about "dhobi ka kutta"?
Anti-Narcotics cop arrested with 300 other youngsters at rave party.
Study in Pune says handling large amounts of cash can make you obese.
20000 visitors this year in the small French village of Bugarach, population 194, believing it's the only place that will save them when the world ends on Apocalypse Day in 2012.
5 UFOs spotted zipping through the sky above the BBC building, by a passerby.
Fungus that turns ants into zombies discovered in Brazil.
Like humans, Bengal Finches (birds) use grammar when communicating with each other.
Cars 2 tops the US box office last weekend. Salman Khan movies do the same in India.
All this in a 15 min round up of the day's newspapers! And I am yet to go through half of them... God save the Queen!
Pune based don-turned-corporator Anya Don gifts 35 CCTV cameras to the police for securing his ward and protecting women from chain snatchers.
Iran outlaws pet dogs, saying it is unIslamic. Jeans are also discouraged because 1) the resultant overheating of testicles make you infertile and 2) the word jeans comes from jinn, meaning spirits able to take human or animal form.
The winning dishes at the World Testicle & Aphrodisiac Cooking Championship to be dedicated to William and Kate (that's 2 items today in favour of the lowly balls)
Woman at a yoga festival in the US got the shock of her life when she lifted the lid of the portable toilet, and found a pervert hidden inside the tank, nude and covered in faeces. He ran off before the police could flush him.
US airport authorities ask 95 year old granny to take off adult diapers, scared that it could hide a weapon. You bet!
After asking his wife (married to him against her wishes by the family) to tie him a rakhi, so that he could reunite her with her lover, the wife gets a shock to discover that the lover is no longer interested in her. Ever heard about "dhobi ka kutta"?
Anti-Narcotics cop arrested with 300 other youngsters at rave party.
Study in Pune says handling large amounts of cash can make you obese.
20000 visitors this year in the small French village of Bugarach, population 194, believing it's the only place that will save them when the world ends on Apocalypse Day in 2012.
5 UFOs spotted zipping through the sky above the BBC building, by a passerby.
Fungus that turns ants into zombies discovered in Brazil.
Like humans, Bengal Finches (birds) use grammar when communicating with each other.
Cars 2 tops the US box office last weekend. Salman Khan movies do the same in India.
All this in a 15 min round up of the day's newspapers! And I am yet to go through half of them... God save the Queen!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Movie Review: Cars 2 (3D)
This time, the cars go international... Lightning McQueen takes on the sexy 300 kmph Formala racer with "exposed fenders" Francesco, in a best of 3 "clean fuel" races in Japan, Italy and England. But a sinister plan has been set in motion by the lemons (old oil-guzzling cars that are scrapped from production) to sabotage the race so that oil can be back in fashion again, benefitting their secret "master" who owns huge secret reserves of oil in the oceans. It is up to McQueen's bumbing idiot friend, Mater the rusty tow truck, who finds himself smack in the middle of the baddies and the English agents, to rise to the occasion and save his friend.
The characters no longer have the lovable innocence and sweetness of the small town cars from part one. McQueen is very uninspiring, Mater gets on your nerves with the overdone idiot gig and rants, and except for the British agents, the dialogue is boring and uninteresting. You have to take an effort to keep from falling asleep after the interesting and impressive opening scenes. And the heavy 3D goggles do not help either.
What you will love and admire though, is the amazing detail and quality of the animation, especially when you go outdoors in Italy and England. Simply breathtaking.
Kids might like it, but this is definitely avoidable.
The characters no longer have the lovable innocence and sweetness of the small town cars from part one. McQueen is very uninspiring, Mater gets on your nerves with the overdone idiot gig and rants, and except for the British agents, the dialogue is boring and uninteresting. You have to take an effort to keep from falling asleep after the interesting and impressive opening scenes. And the heavy 3D goggles do not help either.
What you will love and admire though, is the amazing detail and quality of the animation, especially when you go outdoors in Italy and England. Simply breathtaking.
Kids might like it, but this is definitely avoidable.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Moview Review: Shaitan
Amy (Kalki Koechlin) is new to Mumbai with her rich NRI dad (Rajat Kapoor) and step mom, trying to shake off the memory of her mother, who died 12 years ago in a mental asylum. The troubled teen easily bonds with her new gang members, and life turns into a continuous high full of drugs, drinks, Hummers and yatches, until one day, it all comes to a crashing halt when one such race ends with them crushing two helpless scooter riders to death.
They bolt from the scene, and fall into the trap of a corrupt police officer (Yadav continuing from Ragini) who demands 25 lakhs to suppress the evidence he has against them. Things get worse when their staged kidnapping goes horribly wrong, all sense of morality and reason is lost, trust is at a premium, and all hell breaks loose. As one plan fails after another, they get sucked into an unyielding cesspool of violence, despair, and helplessness, and all you can do, really, is feel sorry for the Shaitan in them.
The movie is very dark, and stays with you long after you have exited the theatre. Interestingly though, inspite of all the negativity and despair, the movie leaves you with a glimmer of hope and a tinge of relief.
The camera work is superb, the screenplay and cinematography is top notch, with the high speed shots leaving you gasping for more. The background score is superb, and adds tremendously to the experience. The chase, the shooting sequence with the girl dead on the cot, and the Hummer accident will shock you and stay with you for days to come.
The cast of the film is superb. Rajeev Khandelwal gives a tremendous performance as the ruthless cop fighting his own Shaitan. Kalki is mind-blowing, carrying over the excellent work she did in Dev D. Neil Bhoopalam, Shiv Pandit, Kirti Kulhari and Gulshan Deviah are also perfectly cast as her friends, and deliver outstanding performances. Nikhil Chinappa also makes an impression.
The movie starts slowly, and meanders just a little bit with Rajeev's marital problems, but sets up amazingly well for the second half.
Hard-hitting, contemporary and effective, this is one movie you definitely cannot afford to miss. Five stars from me.
They bolt from the scene, and fall into the trap of a corrupt police officer (Yadav continuing from Ragini) who demands 25 lakhs to suppress the evidence he has against them. Things get worse when their staged kidnapping goes horribly wrong, all sense of morality and reason is lost, trust is at a premium, and all hell breaks loose. As one plan fails after another, they get sucked into an unyielding cesspool of violence, despair, and helplessness, and all you can do, really, is feel sorry for the Shaitan in them.
The movie is very dark, and stays with you long after you have exited the theatre. Interestingly though, inspite of all the negativity and despair, the movie leaves you with a glimmer of hope and a tinge of relief.
The camera work is superb, the screenplay and cinematography is top notch, with the high speed shots leaving you gasping for more. The background score is superb, and adds tremendously to the experience. The chase, the shooting sequence with the girl dead on the cot, and the Hummer accident will shock you and stay with you for days to come.
The cast of the film is superb. Rajeev Khandelwal gives a tremendous performance as the ruthless cop fighting his own Shaitan. Kalki is mind-blowing, carrying over the excellent work she did in Dev D. Neil Bhoopalam, Shiv Pandit, Kirti Kulhari and Gulshan Deviah are also perfectly cast as her friends, and deliver outstanding performances. Nikhil Chinappa also makes an impression.
The movie starts slowly, and meanders just a little bit with Rajeev's marital problems, but sets up amazingly well for the second half.
Hard-hitting, contemporary and effective, this is one movie you definitely cannot afford to miss. Five stars from me.
Movie Review: Double Dhamaal
The Dhamaal team (Arshad, Ritesh, Javed and Ashish Chaudhary) is back, with a lot more crass, below the belt, slapstick humour. This time, they spend the first half of the movie trying to get into the good books of the super rich Kabir (Sanjay Dutt) and his wife (Mallika Sherawat) and sister (Kangana), and the second half trying to destroy him and steal his money.
There's a lot of focus on body parts, both in the jokes and through the camera, with Mallika and Kangana giving more than glimpses of their hidden talents, while the guys keep getting hit where it hurts. The sound track is jarring, the makeups and costumes sure to give you an epileptic fit if the flashing visuals don't.
Arshad is mostly good, Ritesh does his bit with the spoofs, but both Ashish and Javed are wasted. Mallika and Kangana play their parts (pun intended), Sanjay Dutt lumbers around like only he can.
But for all the negative stuff I have written, frankly, it wasn't such a bad start to the weekend. If nothing else, go watch the hiding in the overcoats scene, and to top it, the Murder scene with the gorillas.
There's a lot of focus on body parts, both in the jokes and through the camera, with Mallika and Kangana giving more than glimpses of their hidden talents, while the guys keep getting hit where it hurts. The sound track is jarring, the makeups and costumes sure to give you an epileptic fit if the flashing visuals don't.
Arshad is mostly good, Ritesh does his bit with the spoofs, but both Ashish and Javed are wasted. Mallika and Kangana play their parts (pun intended), Sanjay Dutt lumbers around like only he can.
But for all the negative stuff I have written, frankly, it wasn't such a bad start to the weekend. If nothing else, go watch the hiding in the overcoats scene, and to top it, the Murder scene with the gorillas.
Friday, June 24, 2011
India Beat West Indies
After winning the one-off T20, and making it 3-2 in the ODIs, the slightly strengthened (with Dhoni, Laxman and Dravid) but still very depleted (no Sachin, Yuvi, Sehwag, Zaheer, Gautam) Indian team comfortably beat the Windies in the first test, going up 1 - 0 in the 3 Test series. This Indian team has forgotten how to lose. :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Proudly Launching eMee
It gives me tremendous pride and pleasure to announce that we have formally launched eMee, our very innovative social networking and gaming based offering for employees, giving them a unique platform to showcase their skills and achievements and get the recognition they deserve! While I do not want to disclose too much here at this time, look out for our website coming up soon.
With more than 6000 users at Persistent already thrilled by eMee, and at least half a dozen customers lined up eager to get it deployed, this is definitely something you should sign up for :)
So what is eMee trying to achieve? Well, for most of us, Facebook has made it necessary to get recognized and appreciated for everything, whether it is for a haircut, or our latest Beemer. We want to be "liked" and commented on. But what happens in our professional life? We do a good job, maybe our customer or boss sends a congratulatory mail - maybe we get some kinda medallion. But how do I show it off? That's the problem eMee tries to address.
For more, drop me a note! :)
With more than 6000 users at Persistent already thrilled by eMee, and at least half a dozen customers lined up eager to get it deployed, this is definitely something you should sign up for :)
So what is eMee trying to achieve? Well, for most of us, Facebook has made it necessary to get recognized and appreciated for everything, whether it is for a haircut, or our latest Beemer. We want to be "liked" and commented on. But what happens in our professional life? We do a good job, maybe our customer or boss sends a congratulatory mail - maybe we get some kinda medallion. But how do I show it off? That's the problem eMee tries to address.
For more, drop me a note! :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Movie Review: Bheja Fry 2
Bheja Fry was simply awesome, Vinay and Rajat Kapoor subtle and very effective. Bheja Fry 2 has KK Menon joining Vinay, with Minissha (providing the eye-candy) along with (the rarely used) Aditi Govitrikar, and (the completely wasted in a loud role) Amole Gupte, but it just doesn't hold its own. It has its moments, but these are few and far between.
Completely avoidable.
Completely avoidable.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Moview Review: Green Lantern (3D)
The Green Lanterns are an elite group (based on planet Oa in Sector so and so) tasked with the protection of the universe from all evil, drawing their "green" power from the indomitable force of will power. However, the universe is now threatened by the evil Paralax (having escaped from its prison in the Lost Sector), drawing its strength from the fear of those it fights. And the one person who can stop it is the newest recruit to the Geeen Lanterns, the first human on the team, Hal Jordan, an irresponsible fighter pilot. But will he be able to overcome his fear and before it destroys our very own Planet Earth?
The film has its moments,some times funny, and the action is good in parts too - but the best part was the quality of 3D, which seems to get better with every movie I see. This one also seemed to use "active 3D glasses", almost like the ones you get with 3D TVs with Bluetooth syncing - unlike the plain and simple fare I have been handed over before. Also, interestingly, the first pair I got developed reverse 3D - the depths were inverted... and I got them changed :)
Ryan Reynolds looks like a silly clone of Hrithik Roshan in his green suit and eye mask, his very reluctant girl friend (Blake Lively) was much prettier (and looked a lot like Perizaad), but their romance seemed forced and unnecessary to the storyline, especially given the complete lack of chemistry between them. A lot like the rest of the movie, which had potential to do more, but both the plots and the characters came across as having been left still born.
Instead of worrying about Oa, then, spend this weekend checking out Zoa in Always Kabhi Kabhi!
The film has its moments,some times funny, and the action is good in parts too - but the best part was the quality of 3D, which seems to get better with every movie I see. This one also seemed to use "active 3D glasses", almost like the ones you get with 3D TVs with Bluetooth syncing - unlike the plain and simple fare I have been handed over before. Also, interestingly, the first pair I got developed reverse 3D - the depths were inverted... and I got them changed :)
Ryan Reynolds looks like a silly clone of Hrithik Roshan in his green suit and eye mask, his very reluctant girl friend (Blake Lively) was much prettier (and looked a lot like Perizaad), but their romance seemed forced and unnecessary to the storyline, especially given the complete lack of chemistry between them. A lot like the rest of the movie, which had potential to do more, but both the plots and the characters came across as having been left still born.
Instead of worrying about Oa, then, spend this weekend checking out Zoa in Always Kabhi Kabhi!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Movie Review: Always Kabhi Kabhi
AKK is a fresh attempt at an old subject - growing up pangs of college kids. And as with everything else that SRK is involved in, you can expect it to be a little hatke.
The movie revolves around four friends in a lively and colorful high school where pretty girls with short skirts sing and dance outside class with their juvenile lovers by day and head off to the disc for dance and drinks at night. But all is not rosy beneath the surface. Nandini (fresh, attractive, sexy and extremely competent as an actress in her debut movie, Zoa Morani) gets all her credit card bills taken care of, but never gets quality time from her busy parents, Aishwarya (Giselle, OK with her dubbed Hindi, but desperately needing more spunk) is forced into plastic surgery and swimsuit modeling by her mother, Tariq (Satyajeet Dubey) is under pressure from his father to join MIT at the cost of his acting dreams, and Sameer (Ali) is in trouble with corrupt cops and a father who handles him with an iron fist.
The movie starts off very raw, and you immediately start to regret spending on your tickets... but after the initial few minutes, the characters start growing on you. You get immersed in a screenplay that comes across as very real, very believable. You identify with the kids, their feelings, their trials and tribulations. You see yourself and your friends in them. You love the way Nandini updates her status and uploads her photos for you to indulge in. The soundtrack peps you up, with some numbers that are sure to go up your fav charts after a few listens. And you fall in love with Nandini.
Yes the story meanders like a toy train in the Nilgiris, the seriousness replaced suddenly by the nonchalent carelessness of teens - but then, isn't that how it is with most of us? The end is juvenile, but the point is made, isn't it? And when the magix box opens with a super delicious SRK popping out for an item song when the credits start to roll, what more can you ask for to liven up your weekend?
Not the best movie, for sure, but a definite yes for me this weekend.
If nothing else, then for Zoa.
PS: Zoa's dad was arrested in the 2G scam just a few days back - feel really bad for the girl who's had to travel around the country for the promos of her first film, while shuttling to Delhi to see her dad in court. Hope is all falls in place for her soon
The movie revolves around four friends in a lively and colorful high school where pretty girls with short skirts sing and dance outside class with their juvenile lovers by day and head off to the disc for dance and drinks at night. But all is not rosy beneath the surface. Nandini (fresh, attractive, sexy and extremely competent as an actress in her debut movie, Zoa Morani) gets all her credit card bills taken care of, but never gets quality time from her busy parents, Aishwarya (Giselle, OK with her dubbed Hindi, but desperately needing more spunk) is forced into plastic surgery and swimsuit modeling by her mother, Tariq (Satyajeet Dubey) is under pressure from his father to join MIT at the cost of his acting dreams, and Sameer (Ali) is in trouble with corrupt cops and a father who handles him with an iron fist.
The movie starts off very raw, and you immediately start to regret spending on your tickets... but after the initial few minutes, the characters start growing on you. You get immersed in a screenplay that comes across as very real, very believable. You identify with the kids, their feelings, their trials and tribulations. You see yourself and your friends in them. You love the way Nandini updates her status and uploads her photos for you to indulge in. The soundtrack peps you up, with some numbers that are sure to go up your fav charts after a few listens. And you fall in love with Nandini.
Yes the story meanders like a toy train in the Nilgiris, the seriousness replaced suddenly by the nonchalent carelessness of teens - but then, isn't that how it is with most of us? The end is juvenile, but the point is made, isn't it? And when the magix box opens with a super delicious SRK popping out for an item song when the credits start to roll, what more can you ask for to liven up your weekend?
Not the best movie, for sure, but a definite yes for me this weekend.
If nothing else, then for Zoa.
PS: Zoa's dad was arrested in the 2G scam just a few days back - feel really bad for the girl who's had to travel around the country for the promos of her first film, while shuttling to Delhi to see her dad in court. Hope is all falls in place for her soon
Monday, June 13, 2011
Movie Review: The Other Woman
Another family/love drama, but this is a must see for one and only one reason - the absolutely ravishingly beeautiful Natalie Portman. Wow.
Movie Review: Triage
An intense drama about a photo-journalist (Colin Farell) back from strife-torn Kurdistaan, and his fight to retain his sanity in the face of tragedy. Interesting movie, but not very entertaining, if that's what you are looking for in a movie.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Movie Review: X-Men First Class
And while on the topic of sequels and prequels, here is one that is a must see!
The movie begins in a Nazi concentration camp in occupied Poland where young Erik is subjected to the horror of watching his mother shot dead when he is unable to bring his mutant magnetic powers to bear in front of the Nazi mutant Sebastian Shaw. While Erik avows to avenge his mother's death, in other parts of the world, other mutants are being born too - their genetic evolution hastened by the nuclearization of the world.
Years later, Erik teams up with Charles Xavier, and a bunch of assorted mutants, to save the world from Shaw's sinister plans for an all-out nuclear war between the US and Russia, against the backdrop of the Cuban missile crisis. Shaw dreams of the elimination of the human race and the evolution of the mutants as the only humanoid life form on Earth, the next stage in the evolution of man. And while Shaw is defeated, and the world saved from a nuclear holocaust, the mutants realise that they will never be accepted in human society. And that is where the once close friends Erik and Charles Xavier part ways. Erik assumes the name Magneto and wows to defeat the humans to rule the world with his Brotherhood, while Charles Xavier retires to his secret abode as Professor X, with a mission to unite mutants and assimilate them in human society. And the X-Men are born.
A fantastic cast with well developed characters (my personal favourite, Jeniffer Lawrence as the beautiful Raven), super special effects and a well developed story line differentiate this one from the slam bam nature of some of the other action movies.
Mutant and Proud! An absolute entertainer and a must watch this weekend.
The movie begins in a Nazi concentration camp in occupied Poland where young Erik is subjected to the horror of watching his mother shot dead when he is unable to bring his mutant magnetic powers to bear in front of the Nazi mutant Sebastian Shaw. While Erik avows to avenge his mother's death, in other parts of the world, other mutants are being born too - their genetic evolution hastened by the nuclearization of the world.
Years later, Erik teams up with Charles Xavier, and a bunch of assorted mutants, to save the world from Shaw's sinister plans for an all-out nuclear war between the US and Russia, against the backdrop of the Cuban missile crisis. Shaw dreams of the elimination of the human race and the evolution of the mutants as the only humanoid life form on Earth, the next stage in the evolution of man. And while Shaw is defeated, and the world saved from a nuclear holocaust, the mutants realise that they will never be accepted in human society. And that is where the once close friends Erik and Charles Xavier part ways. Erik assumes the name Magneto and wows to defeat the humans to rule the world with his Brotherhood, while Charles Xavier retires to his secret abode as Professor X, with a mission to unite mutants and assimilate them in human society. And the X-Men are born.
A fantastic cast with well developed characters (my personal favourite, Jeniffer Lawrence as the beautiful Raven), super special effects and a well developed story line differentiate this one from the slam bam nature of some of the other action movies.
Mutant and Proud! An absolute entertainer and a must watch this weekend.
Movie Review: Hangover 2
There are good sequels and bad sequels. And there are the Hangovers. A state of mind (or movie) where everything is dull, the throbbing pain in the temples making the day painfully slow, a state you want to get out of, but cannot, and you just need to sleep it out.
Hangover 2 is such an experience.
You cannot just take a very successful movie, and then repeat the formula in search of similar success, when the newness of it was what made it work in the first place! This time, the friends have the hangover in Bangkok, not in Vegas. And yes, instead of a tiger they pick up a monkey. A monk with a maun-vrat instead of a baby. A bunch of semi-naked pole dancers instead of the sexy Heather Graham. And a gay encounter for Stu this time, described in all its gory details. And yes, the cake on the icing - a cut finger instead of a pulled out tooth. And if you still sat through it, you would be greeted with blurred out porn when the credits start rolling.
Get drunk. You will enjoy a much better hangover.
Hangover 2 is such an experience.
You cannot just take a very successful movie, and then repeat the formula in search of similar success, when the newness of it was what made it work in the first place! This time, the friends have the hangover in Bangkok, not in Vegas. And yes, instead of a tiger they pick up a monkey. A monk with a maun-vrat instead of a baby. A bunch of semi-naked pole dancers instead of the sexy Heather Graham. And a gay encounter for Stu this time, described in all its gory details. And yes, the cake on the icing - a cut finger instead of a pulled out tooth. And if you still sat through it, you would be greeted with blurred out porn when the credits start rolling.
Get drunk. You will enjoy a much better hangover.
India Win Against WI
Absence of most of the senior players, absence of the regular captain or the vice captain, no star performances - and yet, once again, the 3rd string Indian side pulled off the 4th consecutive victory of the tour beating a helpless Windies by 3 wickets, to win the 5 match series 3-0 (the first victory was in the one off T20 encounter).
With most of the seniors missing, this tour has been a god-sent opportunity for players like Badrinath, Shikhar Dhavan, and Rohit Sharma to come into their own. And they are not letting the country down!
India had the WI on the mat at 96-7 before Russell's unbeaten 92 off 64 balls lifted West Indies to a competitive 225-8 off 50 overs. India got off to a bad start, with most of the top order going down to poor shot selection and careless batting, before Rohit Sharma steadied the ship with an unbeaten 86. He got good support from Harbhajan (41) and Praveen Kumar (25 no) down the order, and led India to victory with 22 balls to spare. And this is where this Indian team is proving to be the real champions - a never say die, never give up attitude that has rescued us from certain defeat umpteen times in the past few months.
With most of the seniors missing, this tour has been a god-sent opportunity for players like Badrinath, Shikhar Dhavan, and Rohit Sharma to come into their own. And they are not letting the country down!
India had the WI on the mat at 96-7 before Russell's unbeaten 92 off 64 balls lifted West Indies to a competitive 225-8 off 50 overs. India got off to a bad start, with most of the top order going down to poor shot selection and careless batting, before Rohit Sharma steadied the ship with an unbeaten 86. He got good support from Harbhajan (41) and Praveen Kumar (25 no) down the order, and led India to victory with 22 balls to spare. And this is where this Indian team is proving to be the real champions - a never say die, never give up attitude that has rescued us from certain defeat umpteen times in the past few months.
Baba's Lost The Plot
After being handed all the opportunities he could wish for on a silver platter by the government in the form of the midnight police raid, the Baba and his followers seem to have completely lost the plot. After being bundled out of Delhi, and refused permission to enter Noida by the Mayavati government, the Baba continued his fast at his ashram in Haridwar, away from the center of action. With the central government refusing to engage him in talks, and with the state BJP government in a fix on how to handle his "fast", there seemed no honourable way out but to be "hospitalized". And with the media now training the spotlight on his dubious multi-thousand crore empire, details of which the Baba refused to give, instead going on a maun vrat, and his ridiculous annoucement of raising a private army raising the hackles of every sane Indian, thankfully, the hijacking of Indian democracy by a maverick yoga teacher seems to have come to a tame end.
For that matter, through this farcical episode, even Anna Hazare's campaign seems to have been suffered a huge jolt. The wisdom of letting a well-meaning but ultimately non-constitutional and unelected individual "authority" dictate terms to the government is something that needs to be seriously debated over!
From an unenviable position, the central government has fought back and turned the tables on their opponents, and once again, the BJP led opposition finds itself clueless on how to gain from this public backlash against opposition, not only letting the government off the hook, but on top of that, literally delivering a crushing blow to the credibility and effectiveness of the very spirited and effective social movement against corruption.
For that matter, through this farcical episode, even Anna Hazare's campaign seems to have been suffered a huge jolt. The wisdom of letting a well-meaning but ultimately non-constitutional and unelected individual "authority" dictate terms to the government is something that needs to be seriously debated over!
From an unenviable position, the central government has fought back and turned the tables on their opponents, and once again, the BJP led opposition finds itself clueless on how to gain from this public backlash against opposition, not only letting the government off the hook, but on top of that, literally delivering a crushing blow to the credibility and effectiveness of the very spirited and effective social movement against corruption.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Enough Re Baba!
After Anna, it's Baba's turn. And if the all-powerful Lokpal wasn't bad enough for true democracy, the Baba now has even more dangerous and impractical demands - declaring black money as national asset, death penalty for the corrupt, taking 500 and 1000 rupee notes out of circulation, teaching medicine and engineering in local and vernacular languages, etc etc
Politicians have ruined us, now let the sants take over, he says.
Yes, coming from a guy who owns property in the UK, travels by private jets, and spent a few tens of crores on his "fast", the Baba really must see some future for this country.
And poor Anna, he's really feeling left out... no minister came to receive him at the airport, you see!
As far as I am concerned, it's time the government digged in its heels and said, "enough re baba"! And after last night's action against him, finally, it looks like sense will prevail!
Politicians have ruined us, now let the sants take over, he says.
Yes, coming from a guy who owns property in the UK, travels by private jets, and spent a few tens of crores on his "fast", the Baba really must see some future for this country.
And poor Anna, he's really feeling left out... no minister came to receive him at the airport, you see!
As far as I am concerned, it's time the government digged in its heels and said, "enough re baba"! And after last night's action against him, finally, it looks like sense will prevail!
The Monsoons Are Here!
The monsoons have struck Pune with a vengeance... there was very little of summer this time, the temperatures hardly got to the 40s, the dams stayed comfortably filled, and there were none of the customary pre-monsoon showers - instead, the rains have struck in earnest, and the monsoon is on!
Dark clouds, the sun barely making an impact, the crash of thunder and the pouring rain... simply irresistible. We took out Samara, went for a round, splashing through water logged roads, sending huge wings of water soaring high in the air on both sides... aaah, what a life...
Dark clouds, the sun barely making an impact, the crash of thunder and the pouring rain... simply irresistible. We took out Samara, went for a round, splashing through water logged roads, sending huge wings of water soaring high in the air on both sides... aaah, what a life...
Movie Review: Bal Gandharva (Marathi)
Bal Gandharva is a peep into the life of Maharashtra's undisputed cultural icon, from his early beginnings as a child prodigy, his rise as the king (queen?) of theatre, where he specialized in playing female roles in an era where women were banned from the stage, his inability to cope with the advent and rise of the silver screen, and ultimately, his lack of business acumen, naive trust and beliefs, and his affair with a beautiful fan, Gohar, which led him to his sad and penniless end.
Might be an overdose of sangeet natak for most of us, but for the musical inclined, and for history buffs, this is a not-to-miss movie. And yes, the performance from each and every one of the cast are simply top notch!
Might be an overdose of sangeet natak for most of us, but for the musical inclined, and for history buffs, this is a not-to-miss movie. And yes, the performance from each and every one of the cast are simply top notch!
Movie Review: Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (3D)
The irresistible, delicious Jack Sparrow is back, and since the wormy, slimy creatures on the faces of dead-long-ago pirates are replaced by sexy, pretty mermaids (though deadly and man-eating), along with some incredible 3D, wittty-as-ever dialogues and some outrageous action, POTC 4 is sure to make a splash. Johnny Depp is really a master at work, and is ably supported by the beautiful Penelope Cruz, and well as a very pretty mermaid Astrid Berges-Frisbey, as they try and beat the Spanish in the search for the Fountain of Youth.
I do wish I had seen the 2D version though - perching the glasses on top of the nose, already burdened by one set, is simply cruel.
I do wish I had seen the 2D version though - perching the glasses on top of the nose, already burdened by one set, is simply cruel.
Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda 2 (3D)
The Kung Fu Panda, Po and his five friends including the very sexy Tigress are now fighting the villainous Peacock who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy Kung Fu. But can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? For that, Po needs to find a way to harness his inner peace. And along the way, find the answer to the question - who am I?
Some incredible martial arts action, some cute dialogs, and some very effective 3D is what makes FGP 2 a very watchable movie. Especially for the kids.
Some incredible martial arts action, some cute dialogs, and some very effective 3D is what makes FGP 2 a very watchable movie. Especially for the kids.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cricket Burnout
With most of the seniors dropping out from the WI trip - Sachin wants to spend time with family, Dhoni and Zaheer need rest, Yuvraj has a lung infection, and Gambhir and Sehwag are injured - a very depleted squad will be travelling next week to the Carribean... Golden opportunity though for the young caps...
Sachin meanwhile blundered major time, first opting to bowl against Bangalore and then putting in his weakest bowler to open againt Gayle, ending the first over at 27, and Mumbai were blown out of the semis.
It's Bangalore vs Chennai tomorrow in the finals, and thankfully, the never-ending IPL4 will be over..
Sachin meanwhile blundered major time, first opting to bowl against Bangalore and then putting in his weakest bowler to open againt Gayle, ending the first over at 27, and Mumbai were blown out of the semis.
It's Bangalore vs Chennai tomorrow in the finals, and thankfully, the never-ending IPL4 will be over..
Movie Review: Drive Angry
A dead father on a mission to save his dead daughter's child from being sacrificed at the altar of the devil's cult... a curious but wonderful mix of the super natural and the blood, dirt and grime of the road side gang wars... shot in 3D, but enjoyed by me on DVD at home, Drive Angry is one of those strange concoctions that drain you but actually make you wish the end was just a little later...
Nicolas Cage is at his immortal best, while Amber Heard provides fresh eye candy untouched and unspoilt by the flying limbs and guts...
Watch it only if you have the stomach for it
Nicolas Cage is at his immortal best, while Amber Heard provides fresh eye candy untouched and unspoilt by the flying limbs and guts...
Watch it only if you have the stomach for it
First Showers
Pune got it's first showers of the season today. The clouds had been building up last couple of days, and today the sky turned heavy, the uneasy wind and the orange sky of the late evening finally giving way to the amazing first rains...
There's something terribly romantic about the first rains.. the smell of the earth.. aaah so refreshing... the puddles, the slushy roads... sexy cars preening away to glory, wet and wild... the lonely stray dog, wet but happy... and the countless twigs and broken branches, the trees swaying happily, fresh and green, washing away the dust of the endless summer...
Life is beautiful.
There's something terribly romantic about the first rains.. the smell of the earth.. aaah so refreshing... the puddles, the slushy roads... sexy cars preening away to glory, wet and wild... the lonely stray dog, wet but happy... and the countless twigs and broken branches, the trees swaying happily, fresh and green, washing away the dust of the endless summer...
Life is beautiful.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Criminal Intent Under Scanner
All this while, financial consultants made a killing teaching corporate bigwigs, politicians and scamsters to exploit the loopholes in the company finance, tax and accounting laws, aiding and abetting corruption and malpractices while using the garb of "consulting" to absolve themselves of any wrong doing. However, recent prosecutions and arrests in the 2G and CWG scams have turned the tables on these "experts", with the authorities slamming charges of criminal intent and participation in conspiracy on them, under the approval of the courts. This is a major turning point in our battle against corruption and is bound to have a major positive impact.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Joke For The Day
Broccoli: I'm not happy with my looks I look like a tree
Walnut: I look like a brain
Mushroom: That's not bad, I look like an umbrella
Banana: Can we please change the topic??!!
Walnut: I look like a brain
Mushroom: That's not bad, I look like an umbrella
Banana: Can we please change the topic??!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
"Gurubhai" Ambani
Was switching channels when I came across "Guru"... last few minutes of the movie, when Gurukanth Desai's Shakti Industries is under investigation by a commission of inquiry on various charges, and is given a last chance to speak up in his defence in front of the press and the shareholders. Just as he enters court, a taxi driver walks up to him and tells him he's got his three daughters married on the basis of the profit he made by investing in Shakti Industries shares. Standing up to speak, an angry Gurukanth Desai asks the commission whether he needs a license for standing up too! What are they really upset about? His progress, or the speed of his progress? Why do you blame me for kicking and saluting my way through to the top, when that is what you asked me to do when I came to Mumbai? Why do we always want to be called Third World? Why can't we aim to be the First World?
A few days back, Ratan Tata criticized Mukesh for building his billion dollar mansion, Antilla. A lot of others have accused Reliance of everything from corruption to unfair business practices...
But at the end of the day, hasn't Reliance taught this country to dream big? To believe? The Tatas, the Birlas, the Infys... Indian companies are finally right up there, and to a large extent, I believe the credit goes to Dhirubhai for taking on the license raj and showing this country what we are capable of...
My salute to you, Dhirubhai!
A few days back, Ratan Tata criticized Mukesh for building his billion dollar mansion, Antilla. A lot of others have accused Reliance of everything from corruption to unfair business practices...
But at the end of the day, hasn't Reliance taught this country to dream big? To believe? The Tatas, the Birlas, the Infys... Indian companies are finally right up there, and to a large extent, I believe the credit goes to Dhirubhai for taking on the license raj and showing this country what we are capable of...
My salute to you, Dhirubhai!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Movie Review: Ragini MMS
Paranormal meets DPS MMS... two lovers weekend out at a secluded bungalow, but the guy has a sinister plan. A clandestine sex tape in return for a shot at stardom. Little do they know that their sexapede is going to turn into a threesome. A chudail resides in the bungalow, and she wants company. Not a bad movie, builds well and moves fast to the meat (pun unintended) although the end stretches a bit. 15 lesser min would have made it just about perfect.
But, watch the movie for one and only one reason. Kainaz Motivala. Simply stunningly cute, sizzling hot and lots of oomph and character, this girl can go places if she plans her moves well. Looking forward to a lot more from her (this time, pun intended!)!
But, watch the movie for one and only one reason. Kainaz Motivala. Simply stunningly cute, sizzling hot and lots of oomph and character, this girl can go places if she plans her moves well. Looking forward to a lot more from her (this time, pun intended!)!
Movie Review: Haunted (3D)
Haunted (it's a Hindi movie, by the way) has all the incredients of a typical B grade horror movie: one ghost raping another for 80 years in an old mansion, cobras, wells, priests, babas, and a lot of gyaan that can be invaluable for the audience - spirits should never be referred to by their name as it gives them strength and they are strongest at 300 am and weakest at 300 pm.
The cast is poor. Mithun's son Makaakshay should put his name to use in fighting the spirits, and find a better way to exploit his dancing "skills" - his routine brings tears of laughter to his lover's face, and most of the audience reacted similarly to his attempt at wowing us with his skills on the floor. Tia Bajpai is cute in parts, but sadly seems to have nothing special going for her and is likely to join the dozens of one-film starlets.
What's interesting is the high quality of 3D. Although, I think, the real fun is when stuff pops out of the screen towards you - the closeup of the baba's face with the strands of white hair blowing in the wind tantalizingly close to you was awesome :) We need more of it.
Completely avoidable.
The cast is poor. Mithun's son Makaakshay should put his name to use in fighting the spirits, and find a better way to exploit his dancing "skills" - his routine brings tears of laughter to his lover's face, and most of the audience reacted similarly to his attempt at wowing us with his skills on the floor. Tia Bajpai is cute in parts, but sadly seems to have nothing special going for her and is likely to join the dozens of one-film starlets.
What's interesting is the high quality of 3D. Although, I think, the real fun is when stuff pops out of the screen towards you - the closeup of the baba's face with the strands of white hair blowing in the wind tantalizingly close to you was awesome :) We need more of it.
Completely avoidable.
Car Drained Out?
If you think your car has lost its juice and feels drained out, here's a possible explanation... a man in the US has admitted to having sex with 1000 cars! Edward Smith is living with his current "girlfriend" - a white Volkswagen Beetle named Vanilla. Apart from Vanilla, he regularly spends time with his other vehicles - a 1973 Opal GT, named Cinnamon, and 1993 Ford Ranger Splash, named Ginger.
Must admit, that's quite a "carnama"!
Must admit, that's quite a "carnama"!
Random Ramblings...
Morning papers...
Didi has packed her cabinet with professionals, with little or no previous political experence. Will they deliver? Is it possible in a democracy like India to be professional about decisions as ministers, if you do not have aneye on vote banks? Interesting times for West Bengal and India...
Didi has refused state security, and her bullet proof car.. and continues to drive her black Santro. She's also instructed police not to give her an escort car, and not stop traffic, and continues to drive to office like a lay person. Humble and worthy of appreciation, but what about the threat to her life... from terrorists or from life's twists? Is it fair for West Bengal to lose her to a stupid car accident, for example, when it could be easily avoided? I think politicians and leaders have the added responsibility to be safe and secure for the sake of their people, and the security measures are a must. Yes, do not over do it. But do it.
An Israeli gay couple have become proud "parents" of "twins" - two babies born from their sperms fertilizing two eggs from two different surrogate Indian mothers, whose pregnancies were carefully synchronized to deliver on the same date. Because the father-parents want their kids to go to kindergarten together... The fathers, the mothers and the doctors are all adults and have taken their choices, but has anyone wondered what the kids will go through, growing up to two "fathers".. will they feel mother's love, will they be "normal"? I guess it's worse than abortion... for those who believe unborn foetuses have rights. Born foetuses have even more so, right?
Kanimozhi has now spent two days in her cell. She's reading Tamil books and watching 27 channels on TV. She's asking her guards if they can do something about the mosquitoes. Shahid Balwa, Unitech MD, was reportedly asking whether it was possible to get an AC fitted. Suresh Kalmadi is probably worried about dyeing his beard which is suddenly making him look aged and despondent. And I wonder what Raja is worrying about... After all the crores "earned" through corruption and deceit, this is all it came down to, didn't it? Yes, a couple of weeks, months or years later, they'll probably get released... but has it been worth the humiliation and shame?
And finally, KKR have made it to the semis, for the first time in the 4 year IPL journey. After the fairy tale SRK-Dada combination failed to click for 3 years, KKR fans were aghast at the thought of KKR without their icon, but interestingly, it worked! It has created an interesting moral dilemma for the Dada fans... do they continue to support him (and Pune) or KKR and SRK? Like in many friendships and partnerships, the idea of change, new alliances and break ups are upsetting, but I guess sometimes it's the best and only way?
Didi has packed her cabinet with professionals, with little or no previous political experence. Will they deliver? Is it possible in a democracy like India to be professional about decisions as ministers, if you do not have aneye on vote banks? Interesting times for West Bengal and India...
Didi has refused state security, and her bullet proof car.. and continues to drive her black Santro. She's also instructed police not to give her an escort car, and not stop traffic, and continues to drive to office like a lay person. Humble and worthy of appreciation, but what about the threat to her life... from terrorists or from life's twists? Is it fair for West Bengal to lose her to a stupid car accident, for example, when it could be easily avoided? I think politicians and leaders have the added responsibility to be safe and secure for the sake of their people, and the security measures are a must. Yes, do not over do it. But do it.
An Israeli gay couple have become proud "parents" of "twins" - two babies born from their sperms fertilizing two eggs from two different surrogate Indian mothers, whose pregnancies were carefully synchronized to deliver on the same date. Because the father-parents want their kids to go to kindergarten together... The fathers, the mothers and the doctors are all adults and have taken their choices, but has anyone wondered what the kids will go through, growing up to two "fathers".. will they feel mother's love, will they be "normal"? I guess it's worse than abortion... for those who believe unborn foetuses have rights. Born foetuses have even more so, right?
Kanimozhi has now spent two days in her cell. She's reading Tamil books and watching 27 channels on TV. She's asking her guards if they can do something about the mosquitoes. Shahid Balwa, Unitech MD, was reportedly asking whether it was possible to get an AC fitted. Suresh Kalmadi is probably worried about dyeing his beard which is suddenly making him look aged and despondent. And I wonder what Raja is worrying about... After all the crores "earned" through corruption and deceit, this is all it came down to, didn't it? Yes, a couple of weeks, months or years later, they'll probably get released... but has it been worth the humiliation and shame?
And finally, KKR have made it to the semis, for the first time in the 4 year IPL journey. After the fairy tale SRK-Dada combination failed to click for 3 years, KKR fans were aghast at the thought of KKR without their icon, but interestingly, it worked! It has created an interesting moral dilemma for the Dada fans... do they continue to support him (and Pune) or KKR and SRK? Like in many friendships and partnerships, the idea of change, new alliances and break ups are upsetting, but I guess sometimes it's the best and only way?
Friday, May 20, 2011
One More Down
With the court rejecting the bail plea of DMK chief's daughter Kanimozhi, the 2G scam has claimed yet another heavyweight. Cheers!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Movie Review: Game
Had heard good reviews, liked the trailers, and Kangana is one of my favourites, so having missed Game in the theatres, I caught it on DVD last night. Aaah, big disappointment.
An actor (completely wasted Jimmy Shergill), a casino owner (a stale AB Baby), a Thai PM-in-waiting (again completely wasted Boman Irani) and a crime journalist (always attractive but totally wasted Shahan Goswami) are called to the island of Samos (without the last a, it doesn't really fill your hunger pangs) by the billionaire tycoon Malhotra (Anupam Kher, yes, wasted too). Why? Don't bother to think about it. When he is found shot dead in his room, along with a burning will, the International Crime Force something something Kangana Ranaut knows there's a lot more to it than meets the eye... by this time, I was dropping asleep, so maybe it did miss my eye...
Anyway, the point is, someone's playing games, and you are welcome to watch... the good news is, it ends pretty quick.
Kangana, you are better off playing the slightly crazy lover... the smart and sexy policing can be left to the Priyankas and the Deepikas... too much image at stake here, you see?
An actor (completely wasted Jimmy Shergill), a casino owner (a stale AB Baby), a Thai PM-in-waiting (again completely wasted Boman Irani) and a crime journalist (always attractive but totally wasted Shahan Goswami) are called to the island of Samos (without the last a, it doesn't really fill your hunger pangs) by the billionaire tycoon Malhotra (Anupam Kher, yes, wasted too). Why? Don't bother to think about it. When he is found shot dead in his room, along with a burning will, the International Crime Force something something Kangana Ranaut knows there's a lot more to it than meets the eye... by this time, I was dropping asleep, so maybe it did miss my eye...
Anyway, the point is, someone's playing games, and you are welcome to watch... the good news is, it ends pretty quick.
Kangana, you are better off playing the slightly crazy lover... the smart and sexy policing can be left to the Priyankas and the Deepikas... too much image at stake here, you see?
Movie Review: Priest (3D)
The world has escaped doom, the vampires have been defeated after a bloody battle that's left cities in dusty ruins... but finally, there's peace. Or is there? Have we really seen the last of the vampires? Or have the Priests, the knights in shining armour chosen by the Church to save the world, left the task unfinished?
Some high quality 3D, but really nothing beyond that, this is one movie you can definitely choose to miss and not miss much.
ps: Wish someone would come up with a way to see 3D without having to perch those heavy goggles on the nose, already burdened by specs!
Some high quality 3D, but really nothing beyond that, this is one movie you can definitely choose to miss and not miss much.
ps: Wish someone would come up with a way to see 3D without having to perch those heavy goggles on the nose, already burdened by specs!
Rambo 3
Interesting to watch Rambo 3 - Stallone fighting alongside the Afghan (Taliban) against the Russians, with his best friend in the movie, a very Osama-look-alike!
How times have changed...
How times have changed...
Monday, May 16, 2011
Siddhesh 1 Sanam 0
Ye ye ye, I beat Sanam at our first chess game... took me an hour, and I was down to my Queen and elephant, but I won :)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Turning Point
With every successive elections, Indian democracy is showing its maturity and coming of age. No longer can politicians get away with doling out cash and booze on the eve of polls, no longer will corruption be accepted, no longer will the people vote for mandir or masjid, and if you do not deliver growth and development, you can get out.
Results in the 4 key states (ignore Pondicherry for now) of TN, Assam, Kerela and West Bengal, with around 150m people involved in the exercise throw up some exciting new developments for the country, which cannot be ignored.
The Left has been decimated in WB by Didi's Trinamul Congress, and though it rallied in Kerela under Hindu votes, is without power any where in the country now. After the washout in the LS elections, which was attributed by the politburo to Karat's stand on the US Nuclear deal rather than a popular vote against the Left itself, this defeat clearly signals the end of the Left, and with the sex appeal of the Marxists on a major downturn, it remains to be seen if the Left ever recovers from here. Karat will have tough questions to answer to, especially since the only little success they have had recently is in Kerela, which can only be attributed to VS Achutanand, who Karat wanted out. Although it is unclear whether anyone will care enough to want to hear his answers!
The DMK is in deep trouble too. While anti-incumbency has always played a role in TN, it is the huge margin and 5/6th majority Amma got in TN that makes the difference. The people have clearly been disgusted by the 2G scam, and last minute attempts by the DMK to buy out voters fell flat. Amma isn't known to be generous to her rivals, and with the Congress facing tough questions over its stand on corruption, it will now feel emboldened to take on Raja, Kanimozhi and others in the 2G scam, to give it some breathing space in next year's polls. This can only be very bad news for Kani and her band of scamsters.
Assam showed that anti-incumbency is not a rule. Tarun Gogoi's huge vistory and hat-trick shows that when local leaders are allowed to focus on development, it pays back handsomely. Tarun joins other stalwarts like Modi and Nishit, who have learnt to drop communal and populist agendas and instead focus on real growth and development, and have been heavily rewarded. The Congress would do well to learn from Tarun and encourage more such leaders.
The Congress would be unsure of which side they find themselves on after this election. Good news for them in West Bengal, where Didi has welcomed the Congress in the government, and her need as CM to have a helpful center will buffer them a bit against her demands. In TN, they suffered heavy collateral damage because of the DMK, but there is always a of tying up with Amma, and the DMK's loss definitely frees the Congress to take strong action and redeem itself in the 2G scam. In Kerela, they have managed to win albeit by a thin majority, with the Left rallying well primarily due to VS Achutanand's clean image. Assam is great news, but the loss in Pondicherry will be disappointing.
However, Rahul Gandhi's experiments of intra-party democracy and focus on youth, most forcefully implemented in Kerela have bombed miserably, with most of his hand-picked "Amul babies" losing convincingly at the polls. For a 125 year old party, I guess it's too early to change!
Oh, and yes, the Congress lost even the security deposit in the Andhra (Kadapa) LS by-election to YSR's son Jagan Reddy who contested as a rebel and won by a margin of almost 6 lakh votes, and while one can attribute this to sympathy and dismiss it as a one-off, Jagan's next steps and rise in Andhra can be pretty scary for the Congress, which has a substantial number of MPs from Andhra at the center.
And finally, the BJP. The BJP who? In a 5 state election with over 150m voters involved, the BJP did not even have a shadow of relevance. Desperate times for the party, which finds itself increasingly ditched by its allies (now down to barely 5 from a one-time 22 in the NDA), irrelevant to voters, leaderless, and without an agenda except maybe the "sensational" piss-in-panipuri episodes in Thane!
With the Left front no longer viable, the BJP toothless, and the possibilities of a Third front becoming increasingly remote, the future elections are expected to be about the Congress, how it takes on regional parties, and the coalition it can cobble together at the center.
Irrespective of how the landscape changes from here on, corruption and populism has lost, development and sincerity has won, and Indian democracy comes through yet another election, a shining example to the rest of the world. Especially when in contrast to the mess around our boundaries!
Results in the 4 key states (ignore Pondicherry for now) of TN, Assam, Kerela and West Bengal, with around 150m people involved in the exercise throw up some exciting new developments for the country, which cannot be ignored.
The Left has been decimated in WB by Didi's Trinamul Congress, and though it rallied in Kerela under Hindu votes, is without power any where in the country now. After the washout in the LS elections, which was attributed by the politburo to Karat's stand on the US Nuclear deal rather than a popular vote against the Left itself, this defeat clearly signals the end of the Left, and with the sex appeal of the Marxists on a major downturn, it remains to be seen if the Left ever recovers from here. Karat will have tough questions to answer to, especially since the only little success they have had recently is in Kerela, which can only be attributed to VS Achutanand, who Karat wanted out. Although it is unclear whether anyone will care enough to want to hear his answers!
The DMK is in deep trouble too. While anti-incumbency has always played a role in TN, it is the huge margin and 5/6th majority Amma got in TN that makes the difference. The people have clearly been disgusted by the 2G scam, and last minute attempts by the DMK to buy out voters fell flat. Amma isn't known to be generous to her rivals, and with the Congress facing tough questions over its stand on corruption, it will now feel emboldened to take on Raja, Kanimozhi and others in the 2G scam, to give it some breathing space in next year's polls. This can only be very bad news for Kani and her band of scamsters.
Assam showed that anti-incumbency is not a rule. Tarun Gogoi's huge vistory and hat-trick shows that when local leaders are allowed to focus on development, it pays back handsomely. Tarun joins other stalwarts like Modi and Nishit, who have learnt to drop communal and populist agendas and instead focus on real growth and development, and have been heavily rewarded. The Congress would do well to learn from Tarun and encourage more such leaders.
The Congress would be unsure of which side they find themselves on after this election. Good news for them in West Bengal, where Didi has welcomed the Congress in the government, and her need as CM to have a helpful center will buffer them a bit against her demands. In TN, they suffered heavy collateral damage because of the DMK, but there is always a of tying up with Amma, and the DMK's loss definitely frees the Congress to take strong action and redeem itself in the 2G scam. In Kerela, they have managed to win albeit by a thin majority, with the Left rallying well primarily due to VS Achutanand's clean image. Assam is great news, but the loss in Pondicherry will be disappointing.
However, Rahul Gandhi's experiments of intra-party democracy and focus on youth, most forcefully implemented in Kerela have bombed miserably, with most of his hand-picked "Amul babies" losing convincingly at the polls. For a 125 year old party, I guess it's too early to change!
Oh, and yes, the Congress lost even the security deposit in the Andhra (Kadapa) LS by-election to YSR's son Jagan Reddy who contested as a rebel and won by a margin of almost 6 lakh votes, and while one can attribute this to sympathy and dismiss it as a one-off, Jagan's next steps and rise in Andhra can be pretty scary for the Congress, which has a substantial number of MPs from Andhra at the center.
And finally, the BJP. The BJP who? In a 5 state election with over 150m voters involved, the BJP did not even have a shadow of relevance. Desperate times for the party, which finds itself increasingly ditched by its allies (now down to barely 5 from a one-time 22 in the NDA), irrelevant to voters, leaderless, and without an agenda except maybe the "sensational" piss-in-panipuri episodes in Thane!
With the Left front no longer viable, the BJP toothless, and the possibilities of a Third front becoming increasingly remote, the future elections are expected to be about the Congress, how it takes on regional parties, and the coalition it can cobble together at the center.
Irrespective of how the landscape changes from here on, corruption and populism has lost, development and sincerity has won, and Indian democracy comes through yet another election, a shining example to the rest of the world. Especially when in contrast to the mess around our boundaries!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
And, Me Too!
And I am back too, in Pune, after a relaxing long weekend in Goa. Missed my spa session this time though, and Samara took a few scratches, but overall we were good, and very happy to be back, just as we were sad to leave from Goa today morning...
Dada's Back
What a happy sight... seeing the god of offside back in the middle. Dada took the field for the Pune Warriors, and played a beautiful innings of 30 odd at more than a run a ball, including a fantastic six... way to go, Dada!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
King Of Comebacks
Yet again! Dada does it again! Sourav is back into the thick of action, and guess what, he will be playing for Pune Warriors! If ever there was heartache and dilemma, this is it... SRK or Dada? :)
SRK's KKR is on top of the table right now, and PW is at the bottom.
I guess, from a cricketing perspective, I will support Dada and PW, but in my heart, I will still want KKR to win.
Wait a min, I forgot all about Mahi's CSK!
AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
SRK's KKR is on top of the table right now, and PW is at the bottom.
I guess, from a cricketing perspective, I will support Dada and PW, but in my heart, I will still want KKR to win.
Wait a min, I forgot all about Mahi's CSK!
AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Safe Haven?
An American Indian friend sent this to me: "No one is safe in Pakistan, not even Osama........Everyone is safe in India, even Kasab. Isn't it true?"
Usually, I would not even bother to reply, but let me try this time…
Osama lived safely in Pakistan for 10 years. And today even a known terrorist like Hafiz Sayeed, and Dawood and dozens of others, are safe and sound.
Osama was killed without trial by a country that believes it owns the world.
Kasab was captured alive at the cost of the life of a brave constable who snatched his AK47. Kasab was given a fair trial. His capture and trial also, once and for all, showed the world the reality of Pakistan, putting tremendous pressure on them to at least at the face of it, mend their ways to some extent.
Kasab is on death row. He will be hanged at the right time. And frankly, for him, a life in the Anda cell is a much fitter punishment than a bullet in the head.
I prefer living in a country that respects its laws and the right of a human being for a fair trial. Even if he is the incarnation of the devil.
Usually, I would not even bother to reply, but let me try this time…
Osama lived safely in Pakistan for 10 years. And today even a known terrorist like Hafiz Sayeed, and Dawood and dozens of others, are safe and sound.
Osama was killed without trial by a country that believes it owns the world.
Kasab was captured alive at the cost of the life of a brave constable who snatched his AK47. Kasab was given a fair trial. His capture and trial also, once and for all, showed the world the reality of Pakistan, putting tremendous pressure on them to at least at the face of it, mend their ways to some extent.
Kasab is on death row. He will be hanged at the right time. And frankly, for him, a life in the Anda cell is a much fitter punishment than a bullet in the head.
I prefer living in a country that respects its laws and the right of a human being for a fair trial. Even if he is the incarnation of the devil.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Movie Review: Shor In The City
Last night, we went in for back to back movies.. and just when we thought movies couldn't get much better than the five starrer Limitless, we were treated to another fantastic movie, Shor In The City.
The city is just an excuse to be good or bad. Especially bad. And when that city is Mumbai, you can only expect the maximum. Three taporis struggle to make money, their trials and tribulations providing some heart warming moments, until they stumble upon a treasure - a bag full of guns and a bomb. And when need meets need, when supply meets demand, things can change very quickly! Or does it, really?
SITC is a wonderful mosiac of experiences and emotions that define life in Mumbai. The foreign returned accented desi and his model girlfriend's struggle with extortionists for protection money. The frustration of a middle class girl with countless marriage proposals, while her cricketer boyfriend struggles to get "selected" on the merit of his game. The shy new bride who waits every night for her marriage to be consummated. The MMS culture, the road side Romeo, the couples on Marina Drive. Every frame, every dialogue real as can be. You will laugh, you will worry, you will identify with every character - you know these people. You meet them every day.
A simply stunning cinematic experience, this is a gem of a movie that any serious movie buff would be loath to miss!
The city is just an excuse to be good or bad. Especially bad. And when that city is Mumbai, you can only expect the maximum. Three taporis struggle to make money, their trials and tribulations providing some heart warming moments, until they stumble upon a treasure - a bag full of guns and a bomb. And when need meets need, when supply meets demand, things can change very quickly! Or does it, really?
SITC is a wonderful mosiac of experiences and emotions that define life in Mumbai. The foreign returned accented desi and his model girlfriend's struggle with extortionists for protection money. The frustration of a middle class girl with countless marriage proposals, while her cricketer boyfriend struggles to get "selected" on the merit of his game. The shy new bride who waits every night for her marriage to be consummated. The MMS culture, the road side Romeo, the couples on Marina Drive. Every frame, every dialogue real as can be. You will laugh, you will worry, you will identify with every character - you know these people. You meet them every day.
A simply stunning cinematic experience, this is a gem of a movie that any serious movie buff would be loath to miss!
Osama Vs Obama
Finally, he's gone. American special forces raided his luxury compound in a Pakistan hill station, just 100 miles from Islamabad and less than a km away from a major Pakistani military academy, and shot him in the head, before "burying" his mortal remains in the Arabian Sea.
But this also raises some very loud concerns and questions about Pakistan, its military and its seriousness in combating terror. It is terribly humiliating for a country to end up in a position where a foreign country not only carries out drone strikes in its territory, but now sends in choppers with special forces inside its cities. It is even more shameful that American did not even let the Pakistanis know about the impending operation. The next few days will show how much the world is willing to overlook the disturbing facts behind all this.
A decade long chapter is closed, and while the war on terror is really not over yet, one hopes this is just the beginning of the end of Al Qaeda.
But this also raises some very loud concerns and questions about Pakistan, its military and its seriousness in combating terror. It is terribly humiliating for a country to end up in a position where a foreign country not only carries out drone strikes in its territory, but now sends in choppers with special forces inside its cities. It is even more shameful that American did not even let the Pakistanis know about the impending operation. The next few days will show how much the world is willing to overlook the disturbing facts behind all this.
A decade long chapter is closed, and while the war on terror is really not over yet, one hopes this is just the beginning of the end of Al Qaeda.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Back To Back!
Into the second movie of the night now, the third of the weekend... and all shows have been full :)
Movie Review: Limitless
A typical human uses only twenty percent of his brain. What could you do if you could access all hundred percent of it? Edward Morra is a loser, with no money, no work and no girl friend. But when he ends up with a cache of the wonder drug NZT, the possibilities are limitless. But success comes at a terrible price. Will Eddy beat the odds?
An absolutely stunning movie, a true five starrer. And girls, if the gripping story, the superb camera work and the pace is not enough, go watch it just for the delicious Bradley Cooper!
You just cannot miss this one.
An absolutely stunning movie, a true five starrer. And girls, if the gripping story, the superb camera work and the pace is not enough, go watch it just for the delicious Bradley Cooper!
You just cannot miss this one.
Democracy?
A few months back, the world looked on amazed as the power of a people's movement brought down the powerful Mubarak regime. Just a few days later, Libya erupted against Gadhaffi, and it seemed the rebels would overthrow the dictator in a matter of days, even as Nato brought in its jets to shoulder whatever hardware the regime could use against the civilians. Iran, Bahrain, Tunisia, Syria, Oman, even China seemed to be caught up in the "Internet driven democratic movement".
But reality is now hitting back. Egypt recently saw protestors back in Tahrir Square, this time protesting against the same "heroic" army they were counting on as their country's saviour a few months back. Gadhaffi is still bombing his civilians, killing them when the misguided Nato bombs don't. Democracy is still possible only in a parallel virtual reality, whose time has not yet come in this world.
Indian democracy seems to only get stronger, day by day, though. Anna brought the powerful political class to its knees through a simple Satyagraha that found tremendous support from an usually vocal and concerned urban middle class, that is waking up to its responsibilities. The Lokpal might be the beginning of a serious crackdown on corruption, and Raja, Kalmadi and their cronies will not be breathing easy for a long time. Terrorism has failed to achieve any of its goals, and recent elections in Kashmir, and the way life has moved on in cities like Mumbai and Pune show that bombs can kill the body, but never the spirit and soul of this nation.
Indians need to be proud of themselves. Self-sufficient villages, powerful castes and joint families decide how the country governs itself, not an all-powerful political class, and therein lies the true essence of our successful democracy!
But reality is now hitting back. Egypt recently saw protestors back in Tahrir Square, this time protesting against the same "heroic" army they were counting on as their country's saviour a few months back. Gadhaffi is still bombing his civilians, killing them when the misguided Nato bombs don't. Democracy is still possible only in a parallel virtual reality, whose time has not yet come in this world.
Indian democracy seems to only get stronger, day by day, though. Anna brought the powerful political class to its knees through a simple Satyagraha that found tremendous support from an usually vocal and concerned urban middle class, that is waking up to its responsibilities. The Lokpal might be the beginning of a serious crackdown on corruption, and Raja, Kalmadi and their cronies will not be breathing easy for a long time. Terrorism has failed to achieve any of its goals, and recent elections in Kashmir, and the way life has moved on in cities like Mumbai and Pune show that bombs can kill the body, but never the spirit and soul of this nation.
Indians need to be proud of themselves. Self-sufficient villages, powerful castes and joint families decide how the country governs itself, not an all-powerful political class, and therein lies the true essence of our successful democracy!
Movie Review: Source Code
The Source Code project aims to map the last eight minutes of residual memory from a train bombing victim's brain into the brain of a barely alive officer to unlock the identity of the bomber and prevent a follow up dirty bomb. In attempting to change the future, will they end up changing the past? An interesting plot, but the movie does drag a bit, and some of the science fiction is too complicated if you try and reason it out.
The cast is good, but the hottie Vera Farmiga is wasted. Jake and Michelle have their moments too, but their characters don't have much of a chance to develop, which is a shame. Some excellent photography in the opening credits, for me, was the best part of the movie!
The 1140 pm show in the big theatre was house full, but it is one of those movies you could give a miss if you have better plans for the weekend.
The cast is good, but the hottie Vera Farmiga is wasted. Jake and Michelle have their moments too, but their characters don't have much of a chance to develop, which is a shame. Some excellent photography in the opening credits, for me, was the best part of the movie!
The 1140 pm show in the big theatre was house full, but it is one of those movies you could give a miss if you have better plans for the weekend.
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