Just back from a trip to Konkan... and specifically wanted to blog about two experiences which were a study in contrast!
First, on the way to Murud Zanzeera, we came to a small village where a holi procession, with dozens of dancers in pulsating circles, swaying to the beating of drums, blocked our way. The constable accompanying the procession stopped us, and asked us to turn back along another road that ran opposite to where we wanted to go. Left we no choice, we were about to take the turn and head back, away from Murud, when we saw an officer and a couple of constables, sitting in the shade of a tapari. I rolled down the window and asked him whether there was another way to Murud, he immediately got up, assured me he would take care of it, and then walked along with us over 200 meters to the procession, asking his constables to make way for us through the crowd, physically pushing people away from the vehicle, ensuring we got through to the other side without trouble. And when I rolled down the window on the other side to say a grateful thanks, he flashed us a big smile and waved us on our way. One officer that made Maharashtra police very proud that day!
Later in the evening, as we were returning to Pune, we were almost mobbed by a boisterous crowd of drunk, indisciplined thugs (and most of them were kids barely in their teens), extorting money in the name of Holi. While Samara's squealing brakes and size scared them away from her path, and allowed us to make a getaway, it wasn't before one of them hurled a bottle at us (thankfully, it was a pet bottle and bounced harmlessly away) and splashed a horrible oily color all over my windshield. I shudder to think of what they could have done, if we had stopped and rolled down our windows!
The best and the worst of behaviour, in a matter of hours.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
4 - 0
And that's it. Without further ado, Pujara has smashed 3 consecutive boundaries to bridge the gap, and as is his habit, Mahi smashes the winning boundary.
What a historic series! 2011's 4-0 has been avenged!
What a historic series! 2011's 4-0 has been avenged!
Guilty As Charged?
The SC has confirmed a 5 year sentence for Sanjay Dutt in the 93 blasts case, and understandably, there is an outpouring of support and sympathy for the ageing star.
I started out in that camp too. After all, Dutt was a young man at that time, and was "impressionable", and in "bad company". He's suffered a lot through the years. Was it fair to put him in jail again, for the "stupidity" of his actions, for which he has already spent 18 months behind bars?
But then I think of the hundreds who lost their lives in the blasts. I think of how the Dutt garage was used to unload the weapons and the grenades. I think of how those weapons could have unleashed even more mayhem post the Mumbai blasts.
I think justice has been served.
I started out in that camp too. After all, Dutt was a young man at that time, and was "impressionable", and in "bad company". He's suffered a lot through the years. Was it fair to put him in jail again, for the "stupidity" of his actions, for which he has already spent 18 months behind bars?
But then I think of the hundreds who lost their lives in the blasts. I think of how the Dutt garage was used to unload the weapons and the grenades. I think of how those weapons could have unleashed even more mayhem post the Mumbai blasts.
I think justice has been served.
While I Was Bathing
So, India was coasting towards 4 - 0 when I decided to take a quick break and a shower... and by the time I am back, India has lost 3 quick wickets... enough though there's barely 25 odd runs to win now, with 4 wickets down, Australia will feel like they might just have a chance.
With Dhoni and Pujara at the crease, India have two cool heads in control, and it should be a cake walk from here on. Hopefully. Unless I take another shower!
Sachin messed up what is possibly his last Test in India. And Ajinkya Rahane, after a very disturbed stay at the wicket in the first innings, showed what a rush of blood can do, stepping out to hit a shot when all he needed to do was hang on, and getting caught for 1. Will he get another chance, when Dhawan is available after his injury? Looks unlikely!
Meanwhile, Dhoni has hit one good shot to the boundary - and India now need less than 20 for a epic win.
With Dhoni and Pujara at the crease, India have two cool heads in control, and it should be a cake walk from here on. Hopefully. Unless I take another shower!
Sachin messed up what is possibly his last Test in India. And Ajinkya Rahane, after a very disturbed stay at the wicket in the first innings, showed what a rush of blood can do, stepping out to hit a shot when all he needed to do was hang on, and getting caught for 1. Will he get another chance, when Dhawan is available after his injury? Looks unlikely!
Meanwhile, Dhoni has hit one good shot to the boundary - and India now need less than 20 for a epic win.
Battery Problem For Samara
Samara had a battery failure the other night, and refused to start up. The Ford RSA crew got us going by using a jumper, but just a few meters down the road, the dead battery meant all my electricals malfunctioned, affecting my engine, braking and steering! Thankfully, I was able to coast it to a stop by the side of the road, and Ford RSA then towed it away on top of a truck to the service station.
155 To Win
It's just the 3rd day of the fourth and final Test at Kotla, and India will soon take the field, chasing 155 to win 4 - 0. What a match this has been! After India bowled out Australia on the 2nd day for a little over 250, Australia hit back with an unlikely Lyon snapping 7 wickets, to hand India a slender 10 run lead after the first innings. On the third day (today), India lost its last 2 wickets for almost no additional runs on the board, but then hit back immediately to bowl out the Aussies in just about 3 hours.
We should see a result today itself! And unless India are terribly outplayed, a 4 - 0 brownwash is on the cards!
We should see a result today itself! And unless India are terribly outplayed, a 4 - 0 brownwash is on the cards!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Movie Review: We Bought A Zoo
If the reasons are right, you will succeed. All it takes is 20 seconds of crazy courage.
After the death of their mom, the dad leaves the city with his teenage son and seven year old daughter, and ends up buying a zoo in the countryside, 9 miles from the nearest Target store. They must race against time and expenses to win the approval of the authorities, or risk having to close the zoo and have the animals put to sleep.
A beautiful family movie, it will make you cry with happiness as the dad, the kids, and the zoo staff fight against all odds. You will marvel at the animals, and be gladdened at the triumph of the human spirit.
Matt Damon is great as always. Scarlette Johansson looks absolutely stunning, and does a great job as the young, fiesty zoo keeper. But the real star is the seven year old Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie.
A must see movie.
After the death of their mom, the dad leaves the city with his teenage son and seven year old daughter, and ends up buying a zoo in the countryside, 9 miles from the nearest Target store. They must race against time and expenses to win the approval of the authorities, or risk having to close the zoo and have the animals put to sleep.
A beautiful family movie, it will make you cry with happiness as the dad, the kids, and the zoo staff fight against all odds. You will marvel at the animals, and be gladdened at the triumph of the human spirit.
Matt Damon is great as always. Scarlette Johansson looks absolutely stunning, and does a great job as the young, fiesty zoo keeper. But the real star is the seven year old Maggie Elizabeth Jones as Rosie.
A must see movie.
Movie Review: Olympus Has Fallen
It's an all too familiar script. America is under attack - this time by a mob of fanatical Korean terrorists, who take over the White House in an outrageous land and air attack, holding the President hostage, and demanding, along other things, the withdrawal of American forces from the Korean theatre. Only one man, an ex Special Forces commando (Gerard Butler) on the Presidential security detail, is inside the White House. Will he be able to save the world from the deadly designs of the terrorists?
A very predictable movie, of course. Some of the SFX in the first half of the movie are decent, but in today's world, nothing to write home about.
Watch if you are a Butler fan, else this is something you can pass on and not miss much.
A very predictable movie, of course. Some of the SFX in the first half of the movie are decent, but in today's world, nothing to write home about.
Watch if you are a Butler fan, else this is something you can pass on and not miss much.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Movie Review: Rangrezz
The first thing I loved about this movie is its name. Rangrezz. Sounds cool! Wonder what it means, though!
Rishi and his 2 closest friends live in the fishermen's colony in Mahim. Each with his own dream of making it big, each with his own love story, trials and tribulations. They put everything on the line when Rishi's childhood friend Joy turns up one day, in need of help. His girlfriend is under house arrest in a small town in UP, their love a victim of oneupmanship between two local politicians.
Rishi and his friends hatch a daring plan to "kidnap" the girl. While their plan works, and Joy and his girl escape to Goa for a fun-filled honeymoon, the friends pay a deadly price. Rishi loses his grandmom in an attack on their home by the politician's goons. His engagement to his childhood sweetheart also breaks down. One friend loses his leg, the other his hearing. But they bear it with a grin - anything for a friend!
But the good news doesn't last long - once their hormones get tired, Joy and his new bride face the reality of life together, and break off, returning to their politician parents, sick of each other.
Jackky Bhagnani is not bad. Not great at acting, but does decently well. A good dancer too. Comes across as sincere. Priya Anand delighted in English Vinglish, and has her moments here too, but her stylist and dress designer really needed to go up one level. The supporting cast, especially Vijay Verma as Pakkya, is good.
The movie has a great first half - good action, good humour, and a promising story. The kidnap sequence is high quality adrenalin, the sound track and action totally pumps up the tempo, building to a crescendo that just doesn't let go. Amazing. Post interval, though, the movie falters. The messaging is confused, and there are too many parallel tracks. The end is a little disappointing, but overall, not a bad watch.
Rishi and his 2 closest friends live in the fishermen's colony in Mahim. Each with his own dream of making it big, each with his own love story, trials and tribulations. They put everything on the line when Rishi's childhood friend Joy turns up one day, in need of help. His girlfriend is under house arrest in a small town in UP, their love a victim of oneupmanship between two local politicians.
Rishi and his friends hatch a daring plan to "kidnap" the girl. While their plan works, and Joy and his girl escape to Goa for a fun-filled honeymoon, the friends pay a deadly price. Rishi loses his grandmom in an attack on their home by the politician's goons. His engagement to his childhood sweetheart also breaks down. One friend loses his leg, the other his hearing. But they bear it with a grin - anything for a friend!
But the good news doesn't last long - once their hormones get tired, Joy and his new bride face the reality of life together, and break off, returning to their politician parents, sick of each other.
Jackky Bhagnani is not bad. Not great at acting, but does decently well. A good dancer too. Comes across as sincere. Priya Anand delighted in English Vinglish, and has her moments here too, but her stylist and dress designer really needed to go up one level. The supporting cast, especially Vijay Verma as Pakkya, is good.
The movie has a great first half - good action, good humour, and a promising story. The kidnap sequence is high quality adrenalin, the sound track and action totally pumps up the tempo, building to a crescendo that just doesn't let go. Amazing. Post interval, though, the movie falters. The messaging is confused, and there are too many parallel tracks. The end is a little disappointing, but overall, not a bad watch.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Movie Review: Jolly LLB
A struggling lawyer from Meerut comes to Delhi to make his career, and ends up taking on the country's most reputed and ruthless lawyer when he takes up the case of the poor foothpath dwelling victims of a rich spoilt brat.
The movie has its weak moments, especially the romance angle and the needless song sequences, but picks up pretty well in the court room scenes. The cast is wonderful, with Arshad, Boman and Sourabh Shukla as the judge putting in first rate performances. A couple of scenes between them are truly outstanding, and will make you beg for more.
A good movie overall, not a bad watch at all!
The movie has its weak moments, especially the romance angle and the needless song sequences, but picks up pretty well in the court room scenes. The cast is wonderful, with Arshad, Boman and Sourabh Shukla as the judge putting in first rate performances. A couple of scenes between them are truly outstanding, and will make you beg for more.
A good movie overall, not a bad watch at all!
Movie Review: The Next Three Days
Came across this beautiful movie on Star Movies tonight, wonder how I missed it earlier.
The father (Russel Crowe) of a young boy fights to get the mom, accused of murder, out of prison. Will the outrageous plan of a school teacher work against the might of the authorities? A fast paced action thriller, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seats till the very end, as you root for the family to make good their escape. As the plot unravels, you realize it's not so simple after all!
Awesome movie! Do watch it on DVD!
The father (Russel Crowe) of a young boy fights to get the mom, accused of murder, out of prison. Will the outrageous plan of a school teacher work against the might of the authorities? A fast paced action thriller, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seats till the very end, as you root for the family to make good their escape. As the plot unravels, you realize it's not so simple after all!
Awesome movie! Do watch it on DVD!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Moments
When we were in school, the holiday season always brought some sort of closure and growth - old books were discarded, new uniforms were stitched. Classrooms changed, teachers changed, friends changed.
But once you start a job, life becomes one long story with no breaks. Each day is like the net, and there is very little in terms of change, very little to distinguish one phase of life from another.
Which is why it is important to create moments. Plan for holidays. Plan something, and then live those moments greedily. Blog about it, take pictures, share the experiences. Unless you consciously do that, life will quickly pass you by!
But once you start a job, life becomes one long story with no breaks. Each day is like the net, and there is very little in terms of change, very little to distinguish one phase of life from another.
Which is why it is important to create moments. Plan for holidays. Plan something, and then live those moments greedily. Blog about it, take pictures, share the experiences. Unless you consciously do that, life will quickly pass you by!
Tata Ace
Reading a nice book on the Nano story - but what is pretty interesting is how the Ace was actually, in any ways, the precursor to this amazing vehicle.
When the Tata engineers went out into the market, asking customers what they really wanted, they found out that there was a huge market opportunity between the three wheeler rickshaw and the bigger trucks. Small enterpreneurs in the towns and villages wanted a four wheeler as a status symbol, and were willing to pay more to upgrade from the three wheelers. Besides, the middle option provided them the opportunity to grow, carry their family members safely around, without the inconveniences and expense of the larger 407 and similar trucks.
The Magic, another vehicle I absolutely love from the Tata stable, must have had a similar wonderful customer need behind it - upgrading from the six seater rickshaw!
When the Tata engineers went out into the market, asking customers what they really wanted, they found out that there was a huge market opportunity between the three wheeler rickshaw and the bigger trucks. Small enterpreneurs in the towns and villages wanted a four wheeler as a status symbol, and were willing to pay more to upgrade from the three wheelers. Besides, the middle option provided them the opportunity to grow, carry their family members safely around, without the inconveniences and expense of the larger 407 and similar trucks.
The Magic, another vehicle I absolutely love from the Tata stable, must have had a similar wonderful customer need behind it - upgrading from the six seater rickshaw!
Movie Review: Mere Dad Ki Maruti
Shaadi ka ghar. Shor sharaba. Celebrations. A proud dad takes delivery of a spanking new red Maruti Ertiga, a gift for his daughter and son-in-law. Later that night, the son "borrows" the car for a spin, to take his just-met girl on a date. When the party is over, the car is gone. Lost. What follows is a hilarious adventure, as the son, his friend, and his girl, desperately try every trick in the book to keep the secret from the dad, and get back the car in time for the bidai.
The beauty of the movie is in the simplicity. The characters. The story. The wonderful dialogues, the subtle humour, the small, simple things.
Ram Kapoor as the dad is brilliant. Rhea Chakraborty is pure eye candy and looks great, although she's found wanting in her acting (although, to be frank, she doesn't have much to do beyond being a hot bimbo). Saqib Saleem has a good debut as the lead character, Ram's son, Sameer. But the real find is Prabal Punjabi, as his friend Gattu. Just brilliant.
Do not miss this one, this is a real gem of an entertainer. And yes, take your family along.
The beauty of the movie is in the simplicity. The characters. The story. The wonderful dialogues, the subtle humour, the small, simple things.
Ram Kapoor as the dad is brilliant. Rhea Chakraborty is pure eye candy and looks great, although she's found wanting in her acting (although, to be frank, she doesn't have much to do beyond being a hot bimbo). Saqib Saleem has a good debut as the lead character, Ram's son, Sameer. But the real find is Prabal Punjabi, as his friend Gattu. Just brilliant.
Do not miss this one, this is a real gem of an entertainer. And yes, take your family along.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Dazzling Debut
Pujara. Murali. And now Shikhar Dhavan,
Just when one thought Indian cricket was in shambles with the retirement of the oldies, the young men are out to prove that Indian cricket is in very good hands.
Sehwag was dropped for the 3rd Test, and Shikhar Dhavan grabbed the opportunity. And how! The fastest century on debut by an opener, an unbeaten more than run a ball 185, a chanceless, masterful display of stroke making, that made the Aussies look pedestrian. In response to Australia's 400 odd in the first innings, India closed the day at almost 300, in barely 60 overs, and the Aussie bowlers have a huge task on their hand tomorrow. Unless there is a miracle, an Indian 600 isn't far fetched. In spite of the washed out first day, this test match might have a result after all!
Just when one thought Indian cricket was in shambles with the retirement of the oldies, the young men are out to prove that Indian cricket is in very good hands.
Sehwag was dropped for the 3rd Test, and Shikhar Dhavan grabbed the opportunity. And how! The fastest century on debut by an opener, an unbeaten more than run a ball 185, a chanceless, masterful display of stroke making, that made the Aussies look pedestrian. In response to Australia's 400 odd in the first innings, India closed the day at almost 300, in barely 60 overs, and the Aussie bowlers have a huge task on their hand tomorrow. Unless there is a miracle, an Indian 600 isn't far fetched. In spite of the washed out first day, this test match might have a result after all!
Movie Review: 3G
Dead people connecting through a 3G connection for revenge. This story is truly "in with the times". Unfortunately, the network's down and nothing really connects with the audience. I know how the movie starts - dead people calling Neil Nitin Mukesh on his recently purchased second hand phone. I don't know how it ends, because I was busy tracking Shikhar Dhavan's crackling innings when not sleeping on the couch.
The only reason to watch the movie - Sonal Chauhan, because she is smoking hot, especially in the first half. The opening credits and well done, and the movie opens with a sizzling red bikini sequence with Sonal Chauhan. And some shots of Fiji are breathtaking.
Zero marks for story, screenplay, acting, music, back ground score, pretty much everything else.
Watch Mere Dad Ki Maruti, it's a beautiful movie!
The only reason to watch the movie - Sonal Chauhan, because she is smoking hot, especially in the first half. The opening credits and well done, and the movie opens with a sizzling red bikini sequence with Sonal Chauhan. And some shots of Fiji are breathtaking.
Zero marks for story, screenplay, acting, music, back ground score, pretty much everything else.
Watch Mere Dad Ki Maruti, it's a beautiful movie!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Squeezy
We went to Mantra Resort for a team outing today - 9 cars, 47 people. Check this amazing bridge we had to cross to get there - as tight as they come! Was pretty scary too - looking down at a 30 feet drop on the rocky river below, just a thin framework of steel and a couple of inches of tar holding you safe. Will be a real adrenalin rush in the rains!
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