I distinctly remember 26/11 a year ago. We have TV sets all over the office. At around 3-4pm I saw my colleagues flocking around TVs & out of curiosity I joined them. Initially when I saw terrorists in the roads of Mumbai my instinct reaction was this was some kind of a bluff.
Slowly I started panicking, started thinking about all the people I know who lived in Mumbai. I was hoping they were safe. I also called my brother to ascertain what I was seeing on the TV was indeed true.
Reality struck, panic disappeared, I started to make sense of what was happening. Although I don't live in India I stay connected to everything that happens in India. My friends, my relatives, my family all of them live in India. Over the next 2-3 days I turned one of the wall-mounted TVs towards my desk so that I could stay updated.
Many people lost their lives, many others were affected, a city was shaken to its depths.
The terrorist achieved what they set out to achieve in the most gruesome manner.
But the incident brought a number of changes- some of them positive.
India woke up to new age terrorism, guerrilla warfare, India woke up to the need to forget small religious difference & stay as one, India woke up to the need to be proactively vigilant, India woke up to the need to fight for ourselves, our safety, for our life & the lives for our loved ones.
Over the last 12 months There have been a number of changes, the most important being the appointment of P Chidambaram as Home Minister.
Changes are taking place and will continue to do so... but they take time. Don't get dis-illusioned with the pace of change. don't expect immediate answers.
But keep asking questions, voice your opinion, and most importantly VOTE, vote for the right person.
To me 26/11 is the day when India was re-born the day we & the Government woke up. Lets remember all those who lost their loves ones, lets salute those who lost their lives so that we can stay safe.
Let their sacrifice not go in vain.
R
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Friday, 20 November 2009
Ek ke baad ek- Ajab si London Nightmare
Over the last few days I have been catching up on loads of movies. My tolerance towards crappy masala movies is quite high, but enough is enough.
Ajab si is surely one of the most childish movies I have ever seen- Did Rajkumar Santoshi the man who directed Andaz apna apna, Damini, Khakhi actually make this movie? Ajab si is the classic case of a movie hitting the jackpot because of the promotion & hype. Stories of Ranbir & Deepika breaking-up, Katrina & Salman's romance were being generated for over a month to build hype around the movie. And in my opinion I did not see any sizzling chemistry between the lead-pair, in fact to me they looked like siblings.
Ajab si is a movie trying too hard to be funny but failing miserably, some of the sequences were so amateurishly handled, its unbelievable.
And once again we have Katrina playing the role of a bimbette, having nothing much to do but mouth 3-4 Hindi dialogues with an accent and then look pretty and dumb.
I thought Ajab si was the worst only until I watched London dreams. In my opinion its not London Dreams Its London Nightmare. A story of a Desi band in London is far-fetched, but wait until you see Brits who have no clue of Hindi music swaying to the songs like a robot.
And please AJ; wearing earrings makes you look so uncool. Who on earth whips himself for 'bure kayal'? And Salman Khan was well just being Salman Khan. It was almost like he was sleep walking through his role.
And Asin after making all those tall claims about working only in role oriented movies can be seen as a wannabe rock-chic who has nothing much to do other than dance in the background.
So guys which movie in your opinion is the worse out of the two?
R
Ajab si is surely one of the most childish movies I have ever seen- Did Rajkumar Santoshi the man who directed Andaz apna apna, Damini, Khakhi actually make this movie? Ajab si is the classic case of a movie hitting the jackpot because of the promotion & hype. Stories of Ranbir & Deepika breaking-up, Katrina & Salman's romance were being generated for over a month to build hype around the movie. And in my opinion I did not see any sizzling chemistry between the lead-pair, in fact to me they looked like siblings.
Ajab si is a movie trying too hard to be funny but failing miserably, some of the sequences were so amateurishly handled, its unbelievable.
And once again we have Katrina playing the role of a bimbette, having nothing much to do but mouth 3-4 Hindi dialogues with an accent and then look pretty and dumb.
I thought Ajab si was the worst only until I watched London dreams. In my opinion its not London Dreams Its London Nightmare. A story of a Desi band in London is far-fetched, but wait until you see Brits who have no clue of Hindi music swaying to the songs like a robot.
And please AJ; wearing earrings makes you look so uncool. Who on earth whips himself for 'bure kayal'? And Salman Khan was well just being Salman Khan. It was almost like he was sleep walking through his role.
And Asin after making all those tall claims about working only in role oriented movies can be seen as a wannabe rock-chic who has nothing much to do other than dance in the background.
So guys which movie in your opinion is the worse out of the two?
R
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Wear a Poppy with pride!
Like every year we observe the Remembrance Day in the UK today. A day (normally the Sunday closest to November 11) when we remember all those soldiers who put their life on the line of duty so that you and I can live.
Poppies are red flowers which are worn to show others that you are remembering those who died for their country. The reason poppies are used is because they are the flowers which grew on the battle fields after the World War 1 ended.
People normally wear poppies for over a fortnight during this period and make a donation towards supporting those families who have lost one of their loves ones while serving in the line of duty in their country.
This is to salute the spirit of those people who have more pride in serving their country - knowing very well that they put their life in danger by doing so. These soldiers stay away from home for long periods of time, away from their families without any of the comfort in the world so that others like us can stay in a protected environment.
The least we can do is to salute them and show them that the sacrifice they have made has not been forgotten.
We remember them every day; we thank them every day for what they have done for us.
Wear a Poppy, wear it with pride.
R
Poppies are red flowers which are worn to show others that you are remembering those who died for their country. The reason poppies are used is because they are the flowers which grew on the battle fields after the World War 1 ended.
People normally wear poppies for over a fortnight during this period and make a donation towards supporting those families who have lost one of their loves ones while serving in the line of duty in their country.
This is to salute the spirit of those people who have more pride in serving their country - knowing very well that they put their life in danger by doing so. These soldiers stay away from home for long periods of time, away from their families without any of the comfort in the world so that others like us can stay in a protected environment.
The least we can do is to salute them and show them that the sacrifice they have made has not been forgotten.
We remember them every day; we thank them every day for what they have done for us.
Wear a Poppy, wear it with pride.
R
Friday, 6 November 2009
Ajab Katrina ki Gazab Acting
Katrina Kaif or Turquotte which I believe is her surname on her passport (many think she has purposely changed her surname to get into Indian movies) is the living proof that in Bollywood all that counts is whether your last film was a hit or not. How else could some one explain how on earth, this forever smiling Colgate ambassador is now one of the leading stars (I wont call her an actress) in Bollywood?
Can she ever act, her expressions are as wooden as a plank of tree. Ever since I saw her in Partner I kept think that eventually like rest of the mediocre actress in Bollywood she will improve.
But Katrina who has consistently starred in hit Hindi movies has been consistent in delivering really poor acting.
With all the mega bucks she earns through each of her movie, barbie doll endorsements why cant she hire a decent acting & language tutor? But why blame her, most of the audience seem to love her ever so innocent, bimbette, docile look- which I think is one of the main reason why Indian men love her.
Some people have luck on their side- she sure does.
But having been so critical of her I have got to hand it to her- she has risen to such a height in such a short period of time, albeit because of a very supportive BF who himself is a big star & is famous for recommending people.
When I look at Katrina one saying come to my mind- Nothing succeeds like success itself.
R
Can she ever act, her expressions are as wooden as a plank of tree. Ever since I saw her in Partner I kept think that eventually like rest of the mediocre actress in Bollywood she will improve.
But Katrina who has consistently starred in hit Hindi movies has been consistent in delivering really poor acting.
With all the mega bucks she earns through each of her movie, barbie doll endorsements why cant she hire a decent acting & language tutor? But why blame her, most of the audience seem to love her ever so innocent, bimbette, docile look- which I think is one of the main reason why Indian men love her.
Some people have luck on their side- she sure does.
But having been so critical of her I have got to hand it to her- she has risen to such a height in such a short period of time, albeit because of a very supportive BF who himself is a big star & is famous for recommending people.
When I look at Katrina one saying come to my mind- Nothing succeeds like success itself.
R
Thursday, 5 November 2009
F1- The Fast, Furious & Oh so Boring
Another season of F1 came to an end with Jenson Button crowned the Champion for the season.
As a F1 enthusiast, all I can say is YAWN YAWN.....
This year's F1 season has got to be the most most controversial yet so boring season for years together.
For me F1 lost all its charm this year. As someone who has been following F1 for the last few years nothing is more exciting & thrilling than seeing a close race with a reasonable possibility of every good driver on a decent car standing a chance to win the race
Who can forget the last match of the last season- the Brazil Grand Prix. Everything went wrong for Hamilton & everything went right for Massa. Everyone thought Massa had won it once he completed the final lap- only to realise that Hamilton through sheer luck & rain secured the 5th position which meant he won the championship.
My heart was thumping so fast for the next 1 hr, I could not contain the excitement of what I had just witnessed. I went back hoping the next season was going to be equally thrilling.
But then all my expectations were short-lived.
More often than not the races this season have not been won on the race-track but off it, thanks to the Stewards & FIA.
I care a damn about what the rules & regulations are- all that I want to see is a good race with winners being crowned on the race-track.
After every race there were many issues which meant the tables were turned upside down by the Stewards. Why even watch a race which is not won on the race track?
The politics, warring groups, Max Moseley vs Ron Dennis situation, lying, purposely crashing to alter results, everything was embroiled in a power game- something that a common person cant understand or comprehend. I just want to be be entertained by a good race not a game of politics, rule & regulations. I would rather watch the Jerry Springer show for that.
I stopped watching after the 5th race this season & know of many other F1 enthusiasts who have done the same.
So FIA if you are reading this, get your act together soon- as it is you have many of the teams withdrawing due to financial constraints, the last thing you want is the fans to leave the game.
R
As a F1 enthusiast, all I can say is YAWN YAWN.....
This year's F1 season has got to be the most most controversial yet so boring season for years together.
For me F1 lost all its charm this year. As someone who has been following F1 for the last few years nothing is more exciting & thrilling than seeing a close race with a reasonable possibility of every good driver on a decent car standing a chance to win the race
Who can forget the last match of the last season- the Brazil Grand Prix. Everything went wrong for Hamilton & everything went right for Massa. Everyone thought Massa had won it once he completed the final lap- only to realise that Hamilton through sheer luck & rain secured the 5th position which meant he won the championship.
My heart was thumping so fast for the next 1 hr, I could not contain the excitement of what I had just witnessed. I went back hoping the next season was going to be equally thrilling.
But then all my expectations were short-lived.
More often than not the races this season have not been won on the race-track but off it, thanks to the Stewards & FIA.
I care a damn about what the rules & regulations are- all that I want to see is a good race with winners being crowned on the race-track.
After every race there were many issues which meant the tables were turned upside down by the Stewards. Why even watch a race which is not won on the race track?
The politics, warring groups, Max Moseley vs Ron Dennis situation, lying, purposely crashing to alter results, everything was embroiled in a power game- something that a common person cant understand or comprehend. I just want to be be entertained by a good race not a game of politics, rule & regulations. I would rather watch the Jerry Springer show for that.
I stopped watching after the 5th race this season & know of many other F1 enthusiasts who have done the same.
So FIA if you are reading this, get your act together soon- as it is you have many of the teams withdrawing due to financial constraints, the last thing you want is the fans to leave the game.
R
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Skinny jeans- not so skinny
I woke today morning- with the least motivation to do so.
I looked through my wardrobe trying to make up my mind on what to wear. I was quite excited as today was one of the very few days when I could dress down to work as I didn't have any meetings.
My eyes immediately fell on the new pair of skinny jeans which I purchased about 6 weeks ago. My dear friend Mudita was of the opinion that losing all the weight over the last 9 months was a waste, if I was not wearing skinny jeans. She convinced me & I ended up spending £45 on a pair of Levis.
Although I purchased it, I hardly ever wore it. Every time I thought I was going to wear it, I would tell myself that I would wear it some other day when it got colder.
But today was it, I can no longer justify the £45 I spent on the jeans if I didn't wear it today.
And so here I'm with my new pair of skinny jeans & boots.
The jeans has got to be one of the most uncomfortable things to get into. It almost feels like I have some thing sticking on my legs.
I cant really understand why women all over the world put themselves through so much discomfort? And I cant believe now in the name of Fashion even men wear skinny jeans, whats wrong with them? I thought they were the sensible lot & would opt for comfort over style.
Are we so into fashion & style that we now now sacrifice comfort?
Well, having said all of this I'm here at work, in my desk with my skinny jeans on, feeling great that a couple of my friends have complemented on how good it looks.
They say never judge a book by its cover & I say never judge skinny jeans by how comfortable it is but by how good it looks. :)
R
I looked through my wardrobe trying to make up my mind on what to wear. I was quite excited as today was one of the very few days when I could dress down to work as I didn't have any meetings.
My eyes immediately fell on the new pair of skinny jeans which I purchased about 6 weeks ago. My dear friend Mudita was of the opinion that losing all the weight over the last 9 months was a waste, if I was not wearing skinny jeans. She convinced me & I ended up spending £45 on a pair of Levis.
Although I purchased it, I hardly ever wore it. Every time I thought I was going to wear it, I would tell myself that I would wear it some other day when it got colder.
But today was it, I can no longer justify the £45 I spent on the jeans if I didn't wear it today.
And so here I'm with my new pair of skinny jeans & boots.
The jeans has got to be one of the most uncomfortable things to get into. It almost feels like I have some thing sticking on my legs.
I cant really understand why women all over the world put themselves through so much discomfort? And I cant believe now in the name of Fashion even men wear skinny jeans, whats wrong with them? I thought they were the sensible lot & would opt for comfort over style.
Are we so into fashion & style that we now now sacrifice comfort?
Well, having said all of this I'm here at work, in my desk with my skinny jeans on, feeling great that a couple of my friends have complemented on how good it looks.
They say never judge a book by its cover & I say never judge skinny jeans by how comfortable it is but by how good it looks. :)
R
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Kahin Door Jab Din dhal Jaye
Yesterday Ram & I took my parents out for dinner. In the car Sriram played some old songs from Anand. Which is when I re-discovered old school melody. My favourite number from Anand is 'kahin door jab din dhal jaye' sung by Mukesh. For me what was striking is that Anand the movie release much before I was born (the mopvie was released in 1971, 11 years before I was born), yet I could sing along with the lyrics & mind you some of the lines were the best I have ever heard.
The music was so soulful, you could live the emotions of the song when you heard it.
Isnt it a pity that these days the beauty of words (if any) is now lost in most songs? The one that comes immediately to mind is the horrendous Chiggy Wiggy.
For those who want to listen to the song- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLPpq_b8fvc
R
The music was so soulful, you could live the emotions of the song when you heard it.
Isnt it a pity that these days the beauty of words (if any) is now lost in most songs? The one that comes immediately to mind is the horrendous Chiggy Wiggy.
For those who want to listen to the song- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLPpq_b8fvc
R
Bole Toh
So this is going to be my first day in the world of online blogging- well not really first time. Way back in 2003 I tried my hand at blogging on movies but was spaced out after a few weeks.
This time I hope to make an attempt to blog regularly- think it will be fun reading my thoughts may be 10 years down the line. It will be nice to look back at old times. Its also a chance for me to improve my writing skills- which in my opinion is pretty shit.
The blog will be a dossier on my views on every day life, events, politics, movies, sports - especially on my beloved Arsenal club.
So look forward to this fun-filled ride.
Bole toh apun bhi kuch lik saktha hai.
R
This time I hope to make an attempt to blog regularly- think it will be fun reading my thoughts may be 10 years down the line. It will be nice to look back at old times. Its also a chance for me to improve my writing skills- which in my opinion is pretty shit.
The blog will be a dossier on my views on every day life, events, politics, movies, sports - especially on my beloved Arsenal club.
So look forward to this fun-filled ride.
Bole toh apun bhi kuch lik saktha hai.
R
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