For many years now, Indian theatres play the national anthem before the start of every movie show. And for me, this has been one of the best parts of going to the theatres... standing up with the crowd, singing it together, watching the flag fluttering proudly on the screen. E-Square has this wonderful instrumental anthem picturized on our brave soldiers in the Siachen Glacier, and seeing them hoisting the flag on the towering pole in the midst of the swirling icy winds with the chopper flying overhead always tingles my spine.
Yesterday, for the first time in hundreds of shows I have gone to, we encountered a guy who sat through the anthem, inspite of being requested by me, and others, to stand up. His girl friend stood up on request, but the asshole (sorry, but that's what he was) refused. Jerks like him will always exist, I guess, but what was heart-warming and assuring was the support I got from dozens of teenagers, both guys and girls, in the theatre - it's beautiful that so many young Indians truly love and respect the flag, the country, the sentiments associated with the anthem. They didn't have a who cares attitude, they voiced their anger and indignation... and made sure the guy had no place to hide his face in shame.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Movie Review: Johnny English Reborn
Mr Bean meets James Bond. And what you get is some hilarious moments, fast action, super gadgets and loads of laugh-filled entertainment. Called back from his Tibetan monastery to help MI7 (yes, 7) foil a plot to assassinate the Chinese PM, will Johnny English be able to put his hard-learnt lessons from Tibet to use against the determined international assassins?
A must-watch this weekend... Rowan Atkinson at his very best!
A must-watch this weekend... Rowan Atkinson at his very best!
Movie Review: Mausam
Shahid is a happy-go-lucky Punjabi lad in a small village Mallukot, waiting for his acceptance into the Indian Air Force. Sonam is a displaced Kashmiri girl, naughty and shy, who lands up in Mallukot with her bua. And there starts a decade long saga of war, communal tensions and riots, each conspiring to keep the shy lovers away from each other. Across cities, countries and continents, and years, love survives, but will it be too much to cope with in the end?
The first half is beautiful, the cinematography and camera work brings the Punjabi countryside and village life beautifully into the theatres.. the dialogues, the jokes, the ganne-ke-khet, the dusty bylanes of Mallukot, the rain-drenched terraces... simply mesmerizing. Shahid looks great, and Sonal, as always is prettiness defined.
In the second half, though, Pankaj Kapoor completely loses it. The lovers' misses start becoming contrived, the reasons illogical. The change of scenery becomes too fast, too quick. And the last 30 mins goes way into the B grade movies of yesteryears... Shahid rescuing a crying kid beside her dead mother from the top of a stuck ferris wheel with his one paralyzed hand, while riots rage below... a completely irrlevant and ridiculous rescue of a white horse...
Cut 45 min, cut the ending, and Mausam would have been a beautiful movie! What do I suggest? Go watch it till half time - and then you are free to leave.
The first half is beautiful, the cinematography and camera work brings the Punjabi countryside and village life beautifully into the theatres.. the dialogues, the jokes, the ganne-ke-khet, the dusty bylanes of Mallukot, the rain-drenched terraces... simply mesmerizing. Shahid looks great, and Sonal, as always is prettiness defined.
In the second half, though, Pankaj Kapoor completely loses it. The lovers' misses start becoming contrived, the reasons illogical. The change of scenery becomes too fast, too quick. And the last 30 mins goes way into the B grade movies of yesteryears... Shahid rescuing a crying kid beside her dead mother from the top of a stuck ferris wheel with his one paralyzed hand, while riots rage below... a completely irrlevant and ridiculous rescue of a white horse...
Cut 45 min, cut the ending, and Mausam would have been a beautiful movie! What do I suggest? Go watch it till half time - and then you are free to leave.
Movie Review: Abduction
Nathan (Taylor Lautner, better known as the wolf boy from Twilight!) is a typical American teen, his life full of shirtless wild parties by the pool, surrounded by 18 year olds in bikinis and testosterone-driven beer guzzling boys, and a father who loves bashing the hangovers out of him, while his mother smothers him with kisses. While researching on missing kids for a school sociology project with his next-door high school love interest Karen (Lily Collins), he is stunned by a photo of a boy that looks suspiciously like him – he even has the same t-shirt he was wearing in the photo! Is he really who he has been raised up as, or is there a more sinister story to his life?
When his "parents" are killed and his home bombed, he is propelled from his poolside world into a high-action life full of CIA agents, snipers, Serbian gangsters, espionage, bombs and car chases, where "trust needs to be earned"...
Nathan looks better as a wolf, Lily provides some eye candy, the action is good, the BMWs even better, and the story, although a little contrived and unbelievable, keeps you engaged.
Watch it, it's good entertainment.
When his "parents" are killed and his home bombed, he is propelled from his poolside world into a high-action life full of CIA agents, snipers, Serbian gangsters, espionage, bombs and car chases, where "trust needs to be earned"...
Nathan looks better as a wolf, Lily provides some eye candy, the action is good, the BMWs even better, and the story, although a little contrived and unbelievable, keeps you engaged.
Watch it, it's good entertainment.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Movie Review: Fair Game
Based on the real life story of ex-CIA agent Valeria Plame, Fair Game is a riveting political drama that exposes the games played in the corridors of power in the world's most powerful nation. When Val's husband exposes the lies in the President's State of the Union address regarding Saddam's efforts to buy weapons grade uranium from Niger, based on which the US went to war against Iraq, the White House strikes back by exposing Val's role as a covert CIA operative, putting to risk dozens of her field operatives and missions at risk, and bringing her marriage to a breaking point.
Naomi Watts as Val is excellent, while Sean Penn puts in a convincing performance as her husband.
Worth every bit of the 108 min running time!
Naomi Watts as Val is excellent, while Sean Penn puts in a convincing performance as her husband.
Worth every bit of the 108 min running time!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
My Presentation at the CII Conclave
Visit http://www.slideshare.net/siddhesh_bhobe/redefining-employee-engagement for the presentation I used at the CII HR & IR Conclave today. Would love to hear your feedback!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Movie Review: Hanna
There are movies, and then there are movies. The type that stay with you for ever...
Hanna, at least for me, is the second type.
Brought up in the European wilderness near the Arctic circle, Hanna's upbringing by her dad, an ex-CIA agent, has prepared her to be the ultimate fighter and survivor. Barely into adolescence, she journeys across Europe on a mission, fighting for survival against the CIA's rouge agents determined to stop her. As she approaches her final destination, she's confronted with the shocking truth about herself and her dad...
The movie has one of the best action scenes I have enjoyed, foot chase sequences and hand to hand combat combined with a soundtrack that will get your adrenalin pumping like never before. It's fast and gripping and wonderfully shot and executed.
Saoirse Ronan is awesome as Hanna. She's pretty, her innocent looks and unsure gait in the big bad world makes you fall in love with her and makes you want to hold her and protect her, until she suddenly unleashes her energy like a recoiled spring. She's cute, she's demure, her long blonde hair unkempt and free, her jeans and sweatshirt lose and comfortable like she's just woken up from her Sunday slumber... but she's focused, she's fit, and she will stun you with her reflexes and her speed, the way her body moves, as she runs away from the bad guys chasing her.
Stunning film, dying to catch it in the theatres... don't miss it for anything!
Hanna, at least for me, is the second type.
Brought up in the European wilderness near the Arctic circle, Hanna's upbringing by her dad, an ex-CIA agent, has prepared her to be the ultimate fighter and survivor. Barely into adolescence, she journeys across Europe on a mission, fighting for survival against the CIA's rouge agents determined to stop her. As she approaches her final destination, she's confronted with the shocking truth about herself and her dad...
The movie has one of the best action scenes I have enjoyed, foot chase sequences and hand to hand combat combined with a soundtrack that will get your adrenalin pumping like never before. It's fast and gripping and wonderfully shot and executed.
Saoirse Ronan is awesome as Hanna. She's pretty, her innocent looks and unsure gait in the big bad world makes you fall in love with her and makes you want to hold her and protect her, until she suddenly unleashes her energy like a recoiled spring. She's cute, she's demure, her long blonde hair unkempt and free, her jeans and sweatshirt lose and comfortable like she's just woken up from her Sunday slumber... but she's focused, she's fit, and she will stun you with her reflexes and her speed, the way her body moves, as she runs away from the bad guys chasing her.
Stunning film, dying to catch it in the theatres... don't miss it for anything!
Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Cal (Steve Carell) faces the mother of all midlife crises when he finds out his pretty wife Emily (Julianne Moore) has been cheating on him with the guy in her office, and wants a divorce. That's when the irresistible womanizer Jacob (Ryan Gosling) takes him under his wings, and promises to teach him the tricks of his trade. Cal gets on the train, including a wild first encounter with his son's English teacher. Meanwhile his 13 year old son falls for his 17 year old baby-sitter, who in turn has a major crush on Cal. Life gets further complicated when the debonair Jacob falls in love with his beautiful daughter (Emma Stone).
With a lot of (adult) com and some eye candy (especially for the ladies), CSL is definitely recommended this weekend.
With a lot of (adult) com and some eye candy (especially for the ladies), CSL is definitely recommended this weekend.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Movie Review: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
With MBKD, YRF takes a very predictable story, and executes it in a very predictable manner - the usual twists and turns, the first half full of fun, the second half getting just a little complicated, with a happy ending.
But if you are a Katrina fan, this is heaven. Kat shines in every scene, she's sexy, she's sweet, she's cute, she's bubbly, she absolutely grows on you and makes you fall in love with her. Her look in "Dhunki Lagi" will blow you away, and when she slurps her curd, you will wish you were born as milk. If you are not a Kat fan, you are 2.5 hours away from being one!
Imran is good, very understated, very "regular", a role that's perfect for him (although it's the same Imran we have seen half a dozen times before). Zafar Ali is good too, and very commendable that he's the dialogue writer and director too! Farhan, a growing speck in the rearview mirror? The surprise package is Tara D'Souza, she's pretty stunning even when she shares the stage with Kat, and that's very commendable!
The music is interesting, pretty different from what we have heard recently. And some of the songs will grow on you... The soundtrack in general is pretty good!
Do check it out!
But if you are a Katrina fan, this is heaven. Kat shines in every scene, she's sexy, she's sweet, she's cute, she's bubbly, she absolutely grows on you and makes you fall in love with her. Her look in "Dhunki Lagi" will blow you away, and when she slurps her curd, you will wish you were born as milk. If you are not a Kat fan, you are 2.5 hours away from being one!
Imran is good, very understated, very "regular", a role that's perfect for him (although it's the same Imran we have seen half a dozen times before). Zafar Ali is good too, and very commendable that he's the dialogue writer and director too! Farhan, a growing speck in the rearview mirror? The surprise package is Tara D'Souza, she's pretty stunning even when she shares the stage with Kat, and that's very commendable!
The music is interesting, pretty different from what we have heard recently. And some of the songs will grow on you... The soundtrack in general is pretty good!
Do check it out!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Just got a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tab - no, not mine - got it from office for eMee demos :)
First impressions - not impressed. Yes, there's the marketplace with too amny applications for download... and the touch and feel is fine. But it's too heavy and cumbersome. And it's having problems running Flash, while Silverlight is a no no. HTML5 seems OK, but need to really stress it out before I can be sure.
It has a USB connector, but the position and structure makes me sure I am gonna break it soon.
And a case is sorely missed. I will need to buy one, but given the fragile structure of the tab, it's almost criminal not to bundle one.
Overall, I am happy with my Windows Mobile 7 phone, will be some time before I "convert".
First impressions - not impressed. Yes, there's the marketplace with too amny applications for download... and the touch and feel is fine. But it's too heavy and cumbersome. And it's having problems running Flash, while Silverlight is a no no. HTML5 seems OK, but need to really stress it out before I can be sure.
It has a USB connector, but the position and structure makes me sure I am gonna break it soon.
And a case is sorely missed. I will need to buy one, but given the fragile structure of the tab, it's almost criminal not to bundle one.
Overall, I am happy with my Windows Mobile 7 phone, will be some time before I "convert".
Movie Review: Assassination Games
Two assassins are after a dreaded drug dealer - one for the money, one for revenge. With crooked Interpol agents and the underworld on their hunt, the two reluctantly join forces to take out their target, before they get taken out themselves.
Some hard core hand to hand combat, a lot of graphic violence, and a sepia toned feel, the movie is pretty gripping, if you can live with the cut throats.
Saw it on DVD, might be a treat in a theatre for the right-minded!
Some hard core hand to hand combat, a lot of graphic violence, and a sepia toned feel, the movie is pretty gripping, if you can live with the cut throats.
Saw it on DVD, might be a treat in a theatre for the right-minded!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Nano PCR
Here's a cute little PCR "van" being contemplated for use by the Mumbai Police, as a replacement for the police mobikes...
Me thinks this is a great idea!
Me thinks this is a great idea!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Movie Review: Lions For Lambs
Interesting movie... revolving around 3 scenes, 3 conversations. A Professor (Robert Redford) trying to goad one of his "brat" students to realise his potential and join the US Army. A Congressman (Tom Cruise) talking a journalist (Meryl Streep) into supporting his latest strategy for a win in Afghanistan. And two of the Professor's former students fighting a losing battle for survival in the cold reaches of an Afghan hilltop.
A good movie, but somehow, left me wanting more..
A good movie, but somehow, left me wanting more..
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Bhartiya Anna Party?
TOI reports that Kiran Bedi wants Team Anna to support Advani's new Rath Yatra. Really? Is this where all that civil society against politicians activism is coming down to? Ms Bedi, RS seat in your sights?
10 Years of 9/11
In My Name is Khan, Rizwan Khan points out that there is a now an additional way in which we partition time 9/11. The world changed completely after that fateful day in which almost 3000 people died in the terrible attacks on America.
I was in Goa, my wife pregnant with Sanam, and we had all met for a party at home... it was early night... when the shocking images were playing out live on TV. My cousin working in the WTC area had had a narrow escape, which was a relief. But we were still coming to terms with how the world's superpower had been brought down to its knees. Next morning, I drove back to Pune... and a few weeks later, my daughter was born. In a world very different from the one in which she was conceived.
Today, America is a much more secure place... and no terror attacks have taken place since... but the billions of dollars spent on internal security, and the trillions spent in the war on terror have crippled the economy. The country is paranoid, privacy rights are severely compromised, and after all that... one small mistake, one incident, and it will all come crashing down.
Iraq and "Afghanistan" have been "liberated" but dozens still die, Pakistan suffers the scourge of terror almost on a daily basis. India also continues to face terror, and while things are much better after 26/11, more needs to be and can be done.
But one thing is sure. Terror no longer has a purpose. People have been numbed, and just like other random acts of violence that have a shelf life of 2 days in the local newspapers, a similar fate befalls any terror attack. People do not sympathize with the terrorists any more. While outfits like the Khalistanis, the Palestinians and the LTTE had a mission, and sympathizers to their "cause", whether their methods were right or wrong, terror attacks today have a single goal - destruction of peace and human rights every where, and it is exactly this reason why they will never succeed. Because the human spirit will never be defeated.
I was in Goa, my wife pregnant with Sanam, and we had all met for a party at home... it was early night... when the shocking images were playing out live on TV. My cousin working in the WTC area had had a narrow escape, which was a relief. But we were still coming to terms with how the world's superpower had been brought down to its knees. Next morning, I drove back to Pune... and a few weeks later, my daughter was born. In a world very different from the one in which she was conceived.
Today, America is a much more secure place... and no terror attacks have taken place since... but the billions of dollars spent on internal security, and the trillions spent in the war on terror have crippled the economy. The country is paranoid, privacy rights are severely compromised, and after all that... one small mistake, one incident, and it will all come crashing down.
Iraq and "Afghanistan" have been "liberated" but dozens still die, Pakistan suffers the scourge of terror almost on a daily basis. India also continues to face terror, and while things are much better after 26/11, more needs to be and can be done.
But one thing is sure. Terror no longer has a purpose. People have been numbed, and just like other random acts of violence that have a shelf life of 2 days in the local newspapers, a similar fate befalls any terror attack. People do not sympathize with the terrorists any more. While outfits like the Khalistanis, the Palestinians and the LTTE had a mission, and sympathizers to their "cause", whether their methods were right or wrong, terror attacks today have a single goal - destruction of peace and human rights every where, and it is exactly this reason why they will never succeed. Because the human spirit will never be defeated.
Movie Review: Friends With Benefits
Mila Kunis looks great, fresh and sexy. I didn't get a good look at the guy, sorry. Lots of skin, but the censors seem to have been in a really sadistic mood.... promises a lot, delivers very little. Dialogue is witty, but the movie is predictable, and doesn't stay with you for long.
Avoidable.
Avoidable.
Cat Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For window sills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule
To NEVER tell a human that
The world is really ruled by CATS!
I pray this cushy life to keep.
I pray for toys that look like mice,
And sofa cushions, soft and nice.
I pray for gourmet kitty snacks,
And someone nice to scratch my back,
For window sills all warm and bright,
For shadows to explore at night.
I pray I'll always stay real cool
And keep the secret feline rule
To NEVER tell a human that
The world is really ruled by CATS!
How To Clean A Cat
1.Thoroughly clean the toilet.
2.Add the required amount of shampoo to the toilet water, and have both lids lifted.
3.Obtain the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
4.In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids.
Note: You may need to stand on the lid so that he cannot escape.
CAUTION: Do not get any part of your body too close to the edge, as his paws will be reaching out for any surface they can find.
5.Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power wash and rinse" which I have found to be quite effective.
6.Have someone to open the door to the outside and ensure that there are no people between the toilet and the outside door.
7.Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
8.The now-clean cat will rocket out of the toilet, and run outside where he will dry himself.
Sincerely,
the Dog
2.Add the required amount of shampoo to the toilet water, and have both lids lifted.
3.Obtain the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.
4.In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids.
Note: You may need to stand on the lid so that he cannot escape.
CAUTION: Do not get any part of your body too close to the edge, as his paws will be reaching out for any surface they can find.
5.Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power wash and rinse" which I have found to be quite effective.
6.Have someone to open the door to the outside and ensure that there are no people between the toilet and the outside door.
7.Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.
8.The now-clean cat will rocket out of the toilet, and run outside where he will dry himself.
Sincerely,
the Dog
Catonama
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast."
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this."
"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats."
"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."
"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later."
"People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."
"There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats."
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this."
"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats."
"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."
"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later."
"People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."
"There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats."
International Cat Day
Today, my daughter and I are celebrating International Cat Day... so here's a joke to get started:
A man absolutely hated his wife's cat and decided to get rid of him one day by driving him 20 blocks from his home and leaving him at the park. As he arrived home, the cat was walking up the driveway. The next day he decided to drive the cat 40 blocks away. He put the beast out and headed home. Driving back up his driveway, there was the cat! He kept taking the cat further and further, and the cat would always beat him home.
At last he decided to drive a few miles away, turn right, then left, past the bridge, then right again and another right until he reached what he thought was a safe distance from his home and left the cat there.
Hours later the man calls home to his wife: "Jen, is the cat there?" "Yes", the wife answers, "why do you ask?" Frustrated, the man answered, "Put the little thing on the phone, I'm lost and need directions."
A man absolutely hated his wife's cat and decided to get rid of him one day by driving him 20 blocks from his home and leaving him at the park. As he arrived home, the cat was walking up the driveway. The next day he decided to drive the cat 40 blocks away. He put the beast out and headed home. Driving back up his driveway, there was the cat! He kept taking the cat further and further, and the cat would always beat him home.
At last he decided to drive a few miles away, turn right, then left, past the bridge, then right again and another right until he reached what he thought was a safe distance from his home and left the cat there.
Hours later the man calls home to his wife: "Jen, is the cat there?" "Yes", the wife answers, "why do you ask?" Frustrated, the man answered, "Put the little thing on the phone, I'm lost and need directions."
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