Now that I know the terms of this game, I was "unofficially" tagged by a comment on Teju's blog, and it's fun!
Guilty Pleasures:
- Drinking coffee at nights knowing very well that I will have a tough time getting sleep
- Sleeping after 8.30 AM when I can't be late for work any further
Things I Can't Forget:
- My school days and some specific things about childhood
- NCJ cricket days
- Late night harates with friends at dhruvan mane katte and cool corner joint.
- Thatha being carried away
- Vajpayee's speech in the parliament in 1999 when he lost the no-confidence motion by a single vote
- The few months that I worked in Blore with a great bunch of colleagues before coming to US
- The first time I heard Jagjit live at Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, and the moment he sang "Aakash ka soonapan, Mere tanha dil mein", that moment when I felt what "tanha dil" truely was
- The time I spent with Naga's parents during his last few days
- Sunday visits to the church, walks between Buffalo and Amherst, joint cooking sessions, walks, talks and fights
- the evening when sis and bil returned back to India and it suddenly struck I was alone
Things I Wish To Forget:
- That laughter over the phone on the other side of the door
Unforgettable Dishes:
- UD Masale Dose
- Amma made Avalakki Voggarne
- Self made churmuri
- Vade and filter Coffee at SLV
- Set Dose I had once in Chitradurga
- Masale Puri on a chat bandi in Jayanagar 8th block
- Veggie Burrito Bol at Chipotle
Crushes:
- On the last day of my 7th standard, I confessed to her and so did she! but we never met after that day
- the singer(was purely for her singing)
- the one whom I dedicated a song in a high school reunion party
- the one whom I wish I had dedicated to in the same party
- a bihari batchmate at RVCE
- lovely eyes and long hair, I saw her on a snowy night
- this lebanese girl was my metro-companion for a month in DC
Close Brushes With Death/Danger:
- An unprotected left turn to the metro station when a car just missed hitting mine
- When my car skid on ice last winter.
Strangest Dream:
- Can't remember anything specific
Preferable Modes Of Suicide:
- Though I can't imagine why I would want to do it, I would prefer something painless
Favorite Characters:
- Roberto De Niro in Taxi Driver
- Aamir and his son's character in Akele Hum Akele Tum
- Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting
- Jim Carrey in The Trueman Show
- Om Puri in Ardh Satya
I tag Shubha and Guru.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
Baitu Coffee- An immigrant's musing
I wanted to have some coffee this afternoon at work. For the last few months, I have reduced my caffeine intake to one cup per day or on some days even lesser. I wasn't feeling like having a cup on my own, so I thought I will call my pal next door to have a baitu coffee. Arghh... whoa.. it took a little less than a second to realise I wasn't home! I was found lost yet again...
For those who are wondering, Baitu coffee is basically kannada-ised word for by-two or (1/2) cup coffee. Whether it used to be evenings after playing cricket, or during long walks or bike rides, be it a moment of mutual contemplation or of pure joy, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend was blissful.
As each day passes, I only have started sympathizing first generation immigrants^^. Baitu coffee is only minuscule of what people miss being away from home. I often wonder if it is really worth being away from your dear ones and miss all the little pleasures and happy moments you once had, all of it which can only be a nostalgia. This is especially relavent when the skill-opportunity curve isn't any better here. Immigration from my country is no longer of low skilled workers aka cab drivers or coolis, which used to be decades ago when people had to migrate for better income. Now, these are educated, high-skilled "laborers" who migrate by "choice".
Ya, I know of corruption, and I also know about the increasing traffic in cities. The friends I miss may no longer live around the place. Even I do love travelling and exploring new places and culture, but it is a different issue altogether to settle elsewhere as an alien.
Though I do not advocate Parochialism or even Nationality as that can only breed violence, there is a bond between a place and a person whether you like it or not. As Javed Akhtar puts it beautifully, "Ye woh bandhan hai, jo kabhi toot nahin sakta.."
Come to think of it, the social and cultural life of an immigrant is barren. I am receptive to change, but if you are a teetotaller like me, there is a very bleak chance for new social acquaintances. Yes, there are get-togethers within your own community, but ironically, I see that it is easier to get along with a localite than to mingle with fellow brethren from same country. Town houses, cars, greencards and citizenship should be a topic of your liking if you want to spend an evening with them.
Neither does it make an economic sense to me. After all, how many Laxmi Mittals or Vinod Khoslas do we have. If at all there is a scope for progress and development as a society and a scope for both lateral and vertical career growth as an individual, My dear friends, it has to be in the East. The "wild west" of the past is only a mirage. I can only see around me hoards and hoards of people living on monthly incomes defining and redefining mediocrity, forget if generating wealth was ever an incentive. People seem to find solace under the pretention of being "achievers" while actually losing out on a lot of things.
Every immigrant has to do this introspection at some point of time. I have been seriously thinking over my existence here.
For now though, I will have to mull it over a full cup of coffee.
^^DISCLAIMER: This blog by no means represents my view on the immigrant community as a whole or it's success. Please ignore any such generalization that might come across. This is a personal post to get clarity on my thought process and this commentary looks at only a very narrow group of immigrants when the word "immigrants" is used.
Current Music:
Seene mein jalan aankhon mein tufaan saa kyon hain ?
is shehar mein har shaks pareshaan saa kyon hain ?
...
...
Dil hain to, dhadakne kaa bahaanaa koi dhoondhe
patthar ki tarah beheesa-o-bejaan saa kyon hain ?
...
...
(Lyricist: Shaharyar
Singer: Suresh Wadkar
Album: Gaman, Year: 1979)
For those who are wondering, Baitu coffee is basically kannada-ised word for by-two or (1/2) cup coffee. Whether it used to be evenings after playing cricket, or during long walks or bike rides, be it a moment of mutual contemplation or of pure joy, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend was blissful.
As each day passes, I only have started sympathizing first generation immigrants^^. Baitu coffee is only minuscule of what people miss being away from home. I often wonder if it is really worth being away from your dear ones and miss all the little pleasures and happy moments you once had, all of it which can only be a nostalgia. This is especially relavent when the skill-opportunity curve isn't any better here. Immigration from my country is no longer of low skilled workers aka cab drivers or coolis, which used to be decades ago when people had to migrate for better income. Now, these are educated, high-skilled "laborers" who migrate by "choice".
Ya, I know of corruption, and I also know about the increasing traffic in cities. The friends I miss may no longer live around the place. Even I do love travelling and exploring new places and culture, but it is a different issue altogether to settle elsewhere as an alien.
Though I do not advocate Parochialism or even Nationality as that can only breed violence, there is a bond between a place and a person whether you like it or not. As Javed Akhtar puts it beautifully, "Ye woh bandhan hai, jo kabhi toot nahin sakta.."
Come to think of it, the social and cultural life of an immigrant is barren. I am receptive to change, but if you are a teetotaller like me, there is a very bleak chance for new social acquaintances. Yes, there are get-togethers within your own community, but ironically, I see that it is easier to get along with a localite than to mingle with fellow brethren from same country. Town houses, cars, greencards and citizenship should be a topic of your liking if you want to spend an evening with them.
Neither does it make an economic sense to me. After all, how many Laxmi Mittals or Vinod Khoslas do we have. If at all there is a scope for progress and development as a society and a scope for both lateral and vertical career growth as an individual, My dear friends, it has to be in the East. The "wild west" of the past is only a mirage. I can only see around me hoards and hoards of people living on monthly incomes defining and redefining mediocrity, forget if generating wealth was ever an incentive. People seem to find solace under the pretention of being "achievers" while actually losing out on a lot of things.
Every immigrant has to do this introspection at some point of time. I have been seriously thinking over my existence here.
For now though, I will have to mull it over a full cup of coffee.
^^DISCLAIMER: This blog by no means represents my view on the immigrant community as a whole or it's success. Please ignore any such generalization that might come across. This is a personal post to get clarity on my thought process and this commentary looks at only a very narrow group of immigrants when the word "immigrants" is used.
Current Music:
Seene mein jalan aankhon mein tufaan saa kyon hain ?
is shehar mein har shaks pareshaan saa kyon hain ?
...
...
Dil hain to, dhadakne kaa bahaanaa koi dhoondhe
patthar ki tarah beheesa-o-bejaan saa kyon hain ?
...
...
(Lyricist: Shaharyar
Singer: Suresh Wadkar
Album: Gaman, Year: 1979)
Sunday, May 07, 2006
"Tugga" - Defining Leadership
I am easily drawn towards Leaders irrespective of the arena, and this blog is about one of them.
Jan 6th 2004: After being away from home for a year and a half, I was enjoying time with my family. I was also happy to be witnessing a great cricketing battle between India and Australia. India were 1-1 against the invincible Aussies and were totally dominating the third test with Sachin scoring a masterly 220 on the aussie turf !! But for that day, I wore a baggy green when the Australian captain walked down to the pitch for the last time in his cricketing career with the mighty aussies once again depending on him to take them out of trouble.
This blog is dedicated to a sporting hero from whom I have tried to learn so much about attitude, grit and a never-give-up attitude. Yes, I am talking about the "Tugga", and one of my all time favorite cricketers Stephen Rodger Waugh.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. There is no better example to this in Cricket than him, Steve Waugh saved that match for Australia with a gritty 80 and walked off the Sydney cricket ground amidst thunderous ovations. Grit and determination were his defining virtues once again.
Who could forget his 200 against the West Indies at Sabina Park in 1995, his twin centuries against England at Old Trafford in 1997, or his daring 120 against South Africa in a must-win match at the 1999 World Cup. This uncanny ability to fight his way out of trouble that has seen Steve making a name as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. A man who would put his best foot forward during times of adversity - a tremendous competitor.
Steve Waugh may not have had the talent of The God or The Don, the technique of The Wall or the attacking flair of The Prince. Infact he was considered the lesser talented than his twin, Mark. but I would rate him always a notch above the rest simply because of all that he brought to the game in terms of attitude, grit and more importantly, leadership.
Though many critics attribute the team's success to Warney and Mcgrath, It was beyond doubt that there was a noticeable change in strategy and style and the whole approach towards cricket under Steve. He led the Aussies to a World Cup triumph in 1999 and is still the most succesful test captain with 41 victories from 57 tests. It was under him, that a good team transformed into a great team.
That he is an Indophile and is committed to social causes is a folklore now, Steve Waugh was named Australian of the Year in 2004.
Coincidentally, his name Stephen in greek means 'Crown'!, but ironically, he is a perfect example of an average player achieving beyond potential.
What makes one a great leader? That will be in another post.
Talking about leaders, I am happy that Mr.Jairaj whom I wrote about in an earlier post is back as BMP chief in Bangalore.
Current Music:
Sultans of Swing - Dire Straits
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Me and You
This is about me and you, the ones who blog and the ones who read, the ones who use it to express themselves and the ones who use it to know other's views.
Why do we blog? rather, why should we blog? Invariably I have seen, including myself that such writing starts to tend towards creating an impression in the reader's mind. why is this needed? why can't blogs be used just to express oneself rather than to impress others. Now, I can understand if it's a journalist or a newspaper columnist or a novelist who is forced to do so to earn his livelihood, but why should bloggers of all, be doing that?
I am not writing this post to establish the purpose of writing blogs, probably there are many and I am not questioning them. But I am trying to point to an invariably common phenomenon in our everyday actions without even being conscious about it. This is not just about blogging. Whether it is using a social-networking site such as Orkut or it is having a homepage on 360, whether it is having a statcounter on your page or changing your status on Yahoo, whether it is to set a favorite tune as ur ringtone or having a wallpaper on your pc, it all seems that we are trying to get someone's attention. These are only some of the myriad examples I can point to.
Though we can all comfortably deny that this is to keep us hooked with our friends and probably find new ones, to express our likings and dislikings, it requires an unbiased thinking. It seems rather obvious that we are trying to create an impression upon others, but why is it required? I might not meet you in my entire life or even if I did live next door, does it matter? It seems to be a human tendency to try to earn appreciation from others. Again not to lose the scope of this post, I am not trying to say if this kind of behavior is right or wrong, the question is what are we missing out in the process.
To me, writing is a way to get clarity to my thoughts, giving it a structure and to know myself better. This understanding that I get either by writing or the fact that I strive a little to get the clarity to write is what I am looking for. Probably, everyone who blogs with a purpose might agree with me on this. But it is when we start trying to keep the reader in mind, that's where the trouble begins. We start to decieve ourselves catering to the reader's mind thereby losing the true purpose of writing.
I was listening to one of Jiddu Krishnamurti's recorded interviews in which he says that the observer and the observed are one and the same and only when we realise this do we truely understand ourselves. Jiddu was actually referring to mind and the self when he talks about the observer and the observed, but this specific context can be corollated here as well. Almost all of our actions seem to follow this.
"The understanding of what you are, whatever it be - ugly or beautiful, wicked or mischievous - the understanding of what you are, without distortion, is the beginning of virtue. Virtue is essential, for it gives freedom."
-Jiddu Krishnamurthy(1895 - 1986)
It is important, that I and You put an effort in understanding ourselves better. Neither you are the observer and I am the observed nor is it vice versa, but we in ourselves are both the observer and the observed.
Current Music:
True Colors: Phil Collins
Why do we blog? rather, why should we blog? Invariably I have seen, including myself that such writing starts to tend towards creating an impression in the reader's mind. why is this needed? why can't blogs be used just to express oneself rather than to impress others. Now, I can understand if it's a journalist or a newspaper columnist or a novelist who is forced to do so to earn his livelihood, but why should bloggers of all, be doing that?
I am not writing this post to establish the purpose of writing blogs, probably there are many and I am not questioning them. But I am trying to point to an invariably common phenomenon in our everyday actions without even being conscious about it. This is not just about blogging. Whether it is using a social-networking site such as Orkut or it is having a homepage on 360, whether it is having a statcounter on your page or changing your status on Yahoo, whether it is to set a favorite tune as ur ringtone or having a wallpaper on your pc, it all seems that we are trying to get someone's attention. These are only some of the myriad examples I can point to.
Though we can all comfortably deny that this is to keep us hooked with our friends and probably find new ones, to express our likings and dislikings, it requires an unbiased thinking. It seems rather obvious that we are trying to create an impression upon others, but why is it required? I might not meet you in my entire life or even if I did live next door, does it matter? It seems to be a human tendency to try to earn appreciation from others. Again not to lose the scope of this post, I am not trying to say if this kind of behavior is right or wrong, the question is what are we missing out in the process.
To me, writing is a way to get clarity to my thoughts, giving it a structure and to know myself better. This understanding that I get either by writing or the fact that I strive a little to get the clarity to write is what I am looking for. Probably, everyone who blogs with a purpose might agree with me on this. But it is when we start trying to keep the reader in mind, that's where the trouble begins. We start to decieve ourselves catering to the reader's mind thereby losing the true purpose of writing.
I was listening to one of Jiddu Krishnamurti's recorded interviews in which he says that the observer and the observed are one and the same and only when we realise this do we truely understand ourselves. Jiddu was actually referring to mind and the self when he talks about the observer and the observed, but this specific context can be corollated here as well. Almost all of our actions seem to follow this.
"The understanding of what you are, whatever it be - ugly or beautiful, wicked or mischievous - the understanding of what you are, without distortion, is the beginning of virtue. Virtue is essential, for it gives freedom."
-Jiddu Krishnamurthy(1895 - 1986)
It is important, that I and You put an effort in understanding ourselves better. Neither you are the observer and I am the observed nor is it vice versa, but we in ourselves are both the observer and the observed.
Current Music:
True Colors: Phil Collins
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Kanneera dhare ideke, ideke...
Karnataka has lost it's beloved son, Dr. Rajkumar.
He was a fine human being. One of the more versatile actors of Indian Cinema, his contribution to Kannada is immense. Some of my favorite movies include Kasturi Nivasa, Mayura, Babruvahana, Bhakta Kumbhara and Bangarada Manushya. He defined what a true kannadiga is, humble, unassuming, non-controversial, non-political and a man of principles.
To me, more than an actor, he was the best Kannada singer. Though he started singing midway through his career replacing the wonderful PB Srinivas, the Rafi of South, he was a true gaana kogile, nightingale. Not classically trained, he excelled with his sheer talent and a genuine voice.
It is a shame or probably I was being yet another hypocrite kannadiga, who doesn’t give his language it’s due when I didn't mention kannada film music in my last blog. Coincidentally or as a console, my i-pod has been playing his songs for the last few days.
These are some of my all time favorite songs, sung by Dr. Rajkumar.
1) Kanneera Dhare Ideke Ideke
2) Baanigondu Elle Ellide
3) Jenina Holeyo
4) Chinnada Mallige Hoove
5) Yava Kaviyu Bareyalara
6) Nadamaya
7) Haalu Jenu
I can imagine millions of people thronging on the streets of Bangalore to get his last glimpse. I wouldn’t be surprised if the entire state shuts down today, Corporate and Government Offices alike.
Annavaru will be truly missed by every single Kannadiga on this day and forever.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Close to my Heart
Through one's journey of Life, certain people and places leave their mark on you forever. There are a few people in my life too who have left an indelible mark and a few places as well that I will remember forever. But this post is not about any of them, it is about another facet of Life, one which has left the most impressions on me, one which has been my true companion for years, it is Music.
Looking back, having spent almost ten of my last fifteen years away from family and not being a bibliophile nor an extrovert only meant that I spent most time with my first love, Music.
When I was at high school, since my home was about 20 kms away from the school in the outskirts, daily commuting using the BTS bus (aka public transport) was very tedious. So I moved into a rented place, which was much closer to school. It was a small room on the first floor in an old locality between Ramakrishna Ashram and Ganesh Bhavan in the southern part of Bangalore. It was my first "peek" into urban life, everything seemed different than I had anticipated. Friends were few and all I had was a radio player which I used to listen to a lot whenever I was bored. Vividh Bharathi was my favourite station. It had some really good programs- Gunjan, Hawa Mahal, Aap Ki Farmaish .. and they made a great companion. I never felt out of place.
Old Hindi Film Music (yes, with the adjective old) that I listened to then was the first form of good music I tasted. Since then, It always has been special to me, though I graduated listening to Indian Classical, Non Filmi Ghazals, Classic Rock and more recently to Jazz. It was not just about the melody, but also some wonderful lyrics which I could easily identify myself with and appreciate the sensitivity.
There are a few artistes, who I am especially fond of and will be posting blogs about some of them.
People have come and people have gone, with new promises and old disappointments but these tunes and verses still linger on... They are, close to my heart..
O Mere Humraahi
Meri Baah Thaame Chalna
Badle Duniya Saari
Tum Na Badalna....
....
....
(Lyricist: Shailendra
Album: Guide, Year: 1965)
Looking back, having spent almost ten of my last fifteen years away from family and not being a bibliophile nor an extrovert only meant that I spent most time with my first love, Music.
When I was at high school, since my home was about 20 kms away from the school in the outskirts, daily commuting using the BTS bus (aka public transport) was very tedious. So I moved into a rented place, which was much closer to school. It was a small room on the first floor in an old locality between Ramakrishna Ashram and Ganesh Bhavan in the southern part of Bangalore. It was my first "peek" into urban life, everything seemed different than I had anticipated. Friends were few and all I had was a radio player which I used to listen to a lot whenever I was bored. Vividh Bharathi was my favourite station. It had some really good programs- Gunjan, Hawa Mahal, Aap Ki Farmaish .. and they made a great companion. I never felt out of place.
Old Hindi Film Music (yes, with the adjective old) that I listened to then was the first form of good music I tasted. Since then, It always has been special to me, though I graduated listening to Indian Classical, Non Filmi Ghazals, Classic Rock and more recently to Jazz. It was not just about the melody, but also some wonderful lyrics which I could easily identify myself with and appreciate the sensitivity.
There are a few artistes, who I am especially fond of and will be posting blogs about some of them.
People have come and people have gone, with new promises and old disappointments but these tunes and verses still linger on... They are, close to my heart..
O Mere Humraahi
Meri Baah Thaame Chalna
Badle Duniya Saari
Tum Na Badalna....
....
....
(Lyricist: Shailendra
Album: Guide, Year: 1965)
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
There are places I remember ...
Last week, Me and Abhi went on a road trip. We drove around 2000 miles and through 5 states- DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.
Abhi came from LA to Baltimore on thursday evening. I left office around 4. Picked him up at the baltimore airport around 6 and left to Baltimore harbour. We spent time in the harbour and downtown till 9 and came back home around 11.. Watched cricket for a couple of hours and then went to bed. Friday morning, I had to go to work for a few hours. Came back early afternoon, rented a car (a govinda color chevy ;)) and went to DC for a few hours.. Came back to Amma's kitchen, had a masaal dose + bonda and back to home.. We also did some shopping for the trip.. Saturday morning, I packed some puliyogre and we left around 6 am. We reached River Gorge Bridge (West Virginia) through Virginia and Maryland around 1 pm.. It is the second or third largest steel bridge in the world, but more than that it is a really beautiful place.. We hiked thr for a few hours and left by 6 pm..
We reached Smokeys around 10 PM. It encompasses the entire border of North Carolina and Tennessee.. We rented a room as the weather was definitely not conducive for camping. The next morning we left around 6 am, We hiked a number of trails, the longest was 10 miles and probably the toughest.. It was a dense forest and we had almost lost our way !!Though it would have been more scenic had we gone in Fall when the trees are colorful and the leaves are falling all around you, the smokeys are truely breathtaking.. It was a long day but a really good one.
Next day we hiked a couple more trails and left Gaitlinburg (the place where we were staying) around 11 am.. It was ABhi's birthday.. It was raining .. and We had the most beautiful drive of our lives through the Smokeys on the North Carolina side.. Words can't describe the beauty (neither do the pictures do justice). We took a detour to go through Blue Ridge Parkway, again a beautiful route.. We reached Virginia Beach, our next stop at 12 in the midnight and I had set a record driving nonstop for 12 hrs except for a couple of pitstops for food/fuel !!
We got into a motel which was facing the Atlantic ocean, a few hundred metres away from the beach !! Spent the next day around VA beach and Norfolk and headed back home late in the evening.
The entire trip was wonderful. This post by no means can explain the joy we found trekking, driving and just gazing at nature's beauty. We had made it a point to go through all the scenic routes, parkways and byways. We had some great music and huge bags of churmuri (aka bhelpuri) to accompany us all the way !!
We took quite a few pictures barring days 1 and 2 in Baltimore and DC where we didn't carry a camera. We managed a few good ones though it was a little tricky to get shots in the smokeys with the haze. You can find them here. I need to find a better photo sharing app. Wasn't really happy with flickr, zooomr or snapfish.
Current Music:
There are places I remember all my life,
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places have their moments
Of lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I loved them all.
.....
.....
.....
And I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them.
In my life I loved you more
In my life I loved you more
John Lennon(Beatles)
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Iruvar
I must have watched this movie thrice in the last couple of weeks. Direction, Acting, Plot, background score all at it's best. Iruvar is a fine movie. About Politics, about leadership and charisma, about friendship and betrayal, about power and struggle, and about the masses. Prakash Rai and Mohan Lal have out-performed each other in their roles as pseudo Karunanidhi and MGR. I have no clue if I would be so much impressed if I had read a book or heard about them. But Maniratnam proves beyond doubt why he is such a talented director.
The other movie I saw a couple of weeks back was Aakrosh by Govind Nihilani. Om Puri, Ambrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil (a very small role) make a great casting for this movie on a very sensitive subject, Om Puri plays an oppressed tribal; he doesnt speak for the entire duration of the movie (no, he's not dumb !!) yet his expressions in the role are extremely powerful. This is probably Nihilani's second movie after Ardh Satya that I was greatly impressed, It is a must watch if you enjoy the "art" kind of movies.
Saw Swades last week, and was really disappointed after all the media praise, raving reviews and the popularity it got. To be frank, I found it to be a very ordinary movie. There was a total lack of intensity in every department of the movie. The only thing I truely liked in the movie was a great title song by Javed Akhtar.
The last two months have been great with my mother around. Took my parents to Niagara and univ. The falls mesmerises me everytime I am there. I hope to spend a whole day or two alone at the falls sometime. The sight, noise, aura, silence, the heights makes you feel completely in unison with the nature.
The other movie I saw a couple of weeks back was Aakrosh by Govind Nihilani. Om Puri, Ambrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil (a very small role) make a great casting for this movie on a very sensitive subject, Om Puri plays an oppressed tribal; he doesnt speak for the entire duration of the movie (no, he's not dumb !!) yet his expressions in the role are extremely powerful. This is probably Nihilani's second movie after Ardh Satya that I was greatly impressed, It is a must watch if you enjoy the "art" kind of movies.
Saw Swades last week, and was really disappointed after all the media praise, raving reviews and the popularity it got. To be frank, I found it to be a very ordinary movie. There was a total lack of intensity in every department of the movie. The only thing I truely liked in the movie was a great title song by Javed Akhtar.
The last two months have been great with my mother around. Took my parents to Niagara and univ. The falls mesmerises me everytime I am there. I hope to spend a whole day or two alone at the falls sometime. The sight, noise, aura, silence, the heights makes you feel completely in unison with the nature.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Thought Patterns
When I see them, I am elated, but they scare me. they reflect my strengths, but they cast a doubt in my mind. I feel like I am in the comfort zone, but I start worrying if I am getting complacent. I fear if it suggests mediocrity. I love patterns, but when I find them I start looking even fiercely for that elusive change. I see them in my success, failures, my friends, foes, my thoughts, dreams, sleep, my childhood, juvenile, school, work, my music, sports, food, my strengths, weaknesses, my love, crushes, friends, in everything I see, everything I think of, in everything I do, and everything that is me and that I am made of. It seems like I am in a hallucinated world or am I living in a dream. I am in that constant state of mind that I can never even fathom to explain. I want to escape from it. I try real hard to get out of it only to be found in another.
Strange things have happened to me in life or do I see strange things happening? Sometimes I have felt it's another sense that makes me see these patterns, sometimes I have tried to ignore them, but utterly failed. I don't know if this is a theory without a past or a future, but they are probably going to remain with me forever.
humne jo dekha tha, suna tha
kya bataye woh kya tha.........
........
........
yeh kya hua, kaise hua, kab hua
kyo hua, jab hua, tab hua
chhodo, yeh naa socho.....
........
........
Strange things have happened to me in life or do I see strange things happening? Sometimes I have felt it's another sense that makes me see these patterns, sometimes I have tried to ignore them, but utterly failed. I don't know if this is a theory without a past or a future, but they are probably going to remain with me forever.
humne jo dekha tha, suna tha
kya bataye woh kya tha.........
........
........
yeh kya hua, kaise hua, kab hua
kyo hua, jab hua, tab hua
chhodo, yeh naa socho.....
........
........
Sunday, April 03, 2005
F16s, Cricket blues and Writing skills
Three recent events has occupied my mind for the last couple of weeks. Bush's decision to select Paul Wolfowitz as World bank's next president, US selling F16's to Pakistan and India losing to Pakistan in Bangalore test. I will delve into the latter two here as they both have something in common.. No... not because Pakistan figures in both these topics :)
Bush's policy towards India and Pakistan has been as amusing as any of his other foreign policies. Though he has definitely not been "Anti-India", his Pro-Pakistan South Asian policies have clearly raised a lot of eye brows not only in India but here in the US as well. Selling F16s on the wake of clear indications of Pakistan's involvement in selling nuclear technology to the "axes of evil" has been a shocker..
As amusing as Bush's policies (though totally unrelated :)) has been India's poor test record in Bangalore as well as the way it recedes from a position of advantage. Whenever you think that there is no-way that the team is going to lose a match/series, comes a pathetic performance. India were the clear favorites with an easy chance of clinching the series 2-0 and the Bangalore pitch had no signs of any devils on it. India clearly boasted a better team, not just the batting line up but also a stronger bowling attack compared to the depleted pakistani bowling..
I do have specific and concrete reasons to explain either of these two events (or call it phenomena), but articulating this is altogether a different ball game. And when I read two different articles both of them on Indian Express, I was only convinced that I need to struggle really hard on my writing skills. Not that I am trying to compare myself or match with these phenomenal columnists but the gap is just abysmal !
Shekhar Gupta is arguably the finest political commentator in India. Read his latest column on Indian Express titled "The craft and the aircraft" where he talks about the US decision to sell F16s and the South Asian foreign policy in general. It is not just the rhetoric, but the flow of his thoughts and the sharp analysis of the issue that he provides which is mindblowing. The way he presents the complete picture in a short column is simply outstanding.
The other article is titled "Life seems easy when in the zone" by Harsha Bhogle also in India Express. Though he doesn't really write much about why India lost the match, he makes some wonderful abstractions about Batting, "Form and Class", and "Being in the Zone". This is an absolute treat to read. He doesn't do a lop-sided criticism of any batsman but still critiques them like no one. What can you say about an IIM grad who has never played an International match but still deserves adulation for his commentary even when he critiques the almighty of Indian Cricket !
I have realized I need to read books now or repent forever. You can't expect to be a good communicator, let alone be a good orator or a writer if you haven't read enough. I am ashamed to say that I haven't read a single novel to completion till this day though I have read a few non-fiction books. There are tonnes of books out there ... Yeah.. Toastmasters as well is on my mind and I should look it up the next week or so.
Current Music: Classical Gas (Acoustic): Eric Clapton
Bush's policy towards India and Pakistan has been as amusing as any of his other foreign policies. Though he has definitely not been "Anti-India", his Pro-Pakistan South Asian policies have clearly raised a lot of eye brows not only in India but here in the US as well. Selling F16s on the wake of clear indications of Pakistan's involvement in selling nuclear technology to the "axes of evil" has been a shocker..
As amusing as Bush's policies (though totally unrelated :)) has been India's poor test record in Bangalore as well as the way it recedes from a position of advantage. Whenever you think that there is no-way that the team is going to lose a match/series, comes a pathetic performance. India were the clear favorites with an easy chance of clinching the series 2-0 and the Bangalore pitch had no signs of any devils on it. India clearly boasted a better team, not just the batting line up but also a stronger bowling attack compared to the depleted pakistani bowling..
I do have specific and concrete reasons to explain either of these two events (or call it phenomena), but articulating this is altogether a different ball game. And when I read two different articles both of them on Indian Express, I was only convinced that I need to struggle really hard on my writing skills. Not that I am trying to compare myself or match with these phenomenal columnists but the gap is just abysmal !
Shekhar Gupta is arguably the finest political commentator in India. Read his latest column on Indian Express titled "The craft and the aircraft" where he talks about the US decision to sell F16s and the South Asian foreign policy in general. It is not just the rhetoric, but the flow of his thoughts and the sharp analysis of the issue that he provides which is mindblowing. The way he presents the complete picture in a short column is simply outstanding.
The other article is titled "Life seems easy when in the zone" by Harsha Bhogle also in India Express. Though he doesn't really write much about why India lost the match, he makes some wonderful abstractions about Batting, "Form and Class", and "Being in the Zone". This is an absolute treat to read. He doesn't do a lop-sided criticism of any batsman but still critiques them like no one. What can you say about an IIM grad who has never played an International match but still deserves adulation for his commentary even when he critiques the almighty of Indian Cricket !
I have realized I need to read books now or repent forever. You can't expect to be a good communicator, let alone be a good orator or a writer if you haven't read enough. I am ashamed to say that I haven't read a single novel to completion till this day though I have read a few non-fiction books. There are tonnes of books out there ... Yeah.. Toastmasters as well is on my mind and I should look it up the next week or so.
Current Music: Classical Gas (Acoustic): Eric Clapton
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