Everytime desi parents visit their software geek kid in US on those three month tourist visas, the second day will invariably be punctuated with the expression "Hope India some day becomes like USA"
Voila!That dream might get fulfilled soon with just a few men's efforts. With orchestrated teams of political leaders bartering fasts and feasts, what we might have are two sub states Telangana and Coastal Andhra that will represent our very own USA - The United States of Andhra.
When there are scores of farmer suicides because of lack of means to food in Vidharbha, the answer to that is to host International Cricket matches in Nagpur. That is how innovative our Agriculture Minister gets. However the equation is altogether different when the political honchos go for a few days without food. ~Ye Jo desh hei mera~
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The other visual hogging Indian news channels is a certain Jairam Ramesh who is always walking while talking to the press at Copenhagen. It is ironic as he paces through the Convention Centre and says "today is a wasted day and we don't have much to do!". Keep Walking! Not a bad message though delivered unintentionally.
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After Bollywood, Kollywood and Tollywood, here is the possible new entrant! For a change we are not talking about a certain Tiger Woods. The string of films that have released over the last few months and are shortly to bless the screens offering the other perspective to terrorism might just point to the emergence of a new film fraternity called Da-wood! Somehow it is tough to fathom how true Indian financiers who are grappling with aftermath of terror attacks right here would in their right mind fund such films. No offence to any religion but offering counter thoughts doing pseudo justice to terror thoughts is just not cool.
19 December, 2009
16 December, 2009
Maargo Maargo Maargazhi
So, it's that time of the year when all the silk sarees, ranging from Benares to Kanchivaram varieties spill out of the wardrobes;the month when Alwarpet and Mylapore have all the sabhas booked. RmKV and Pothy's will get adequate coverage in the TV channels for hosting mahotsavams.
Make up artists can make a fortune to make a 60 year old singer look like 40.
Welcome to the December Kutchery season in Chennai. This is the time when rookies would be praying to get atleast a noon time concert alloted in Music Academy. NRI Parents who have invested heavily on classical music for their kids would be making frantic calls to sabhas and vidhwans. This is the time when vidhwans can ask for return favours in the form of accomodation during foreign trips.
One thing I do vividly remember is how in our neighbouring Asthika Samajam, the secretary would be effusive with his praise for all the performing artistes; so much that I remember him only as 'Asaadhyam' Mama.
The concert format has improved over the years with interactive Q and A sessions and lucky draw winners. One has to be thankful to the efforts of TM Krishna, Soumya, Vijay Siva and other exponents of that generation to have revived the interest in youth for South Indian classical music.
With or without Arusuvai's canteen outside Music Academy, Chennai is most happening during the Maargazhi month.
Make up artists can make a fortune to make a 60 year old singer look like 40.
Welcome to the December Kutchery season in Chennai. This is the time when rookies would be praying to get atleast a noon time concert alloted in Music Academy. NRI Parents who have invested heavily on classical music for their kids would be making frantic calls to sabhas and vidhwans. This is the time when vidhwans can ask for return favours in the form of accomodation during foreign trips.
One thing I do vividly remember is how in our neighbouring Asthika Samajam, the secretary would be effusive with his praise for all the performing artistes; so much that I remember him only as 'Asaadhyam' Mama.
The concert format has improved over the years with interactive Q and A sessions and lucky draw winners. One has to be thankful to the efforts of TM Krishna, Soumya, Vijay Siva and other exponents of that generation to have revived the interest in youth for South Indian classical music.
With or without Arusuvai's canteen outside Music Academy, Chennai is most happening during the Maargazhi month.
13 December, 2009
Paa-th breaking effort
There have always been comparisons between Amitabh and Kamal as to who is THE actor who rules the scene.
Kamal with the versatility he has displayed over the last couple of decades and Amitabh's roaring comeback post the KBC era kept the two veterans tied in the race.
Then out of nowhere arrived this 12 year old progeria affected kid. He has redefined what acting is. Try to spot Amitabh in the film and you will have to wait till the last when the tired eyes sticks to a faint hope of reuniting his parents.
What a performance! What a poignant tale! Apart from Auro, Vidya Balan has shown the world yet again that dress sense at Page 3 parties is not the key to glory in Bollywood. The chemistry between her, Auro and Bum is awesome.
Abhishek Bhai - Please yaar - thoda to Acting seekh le yaar. Thankfully the others have put in a supra human effort to make sure that your lack of talent is covered up adequately.
Ilayaraja's music is nothing short of what only a Maestro can offer - Delicate, sensitive, a throw back to his Golden 80's.
In the last decade, there are a couple of categories of people who are trying their hand at cinema - The critics (yeeks) and we know what the famed popcorn munchers have contributed - Khalid Mehmood's shot at so called meaningful cinema ran dry after three attempts. Samir Karnik - The best 'behind the camera' comedian whose affinity to the Deols and Sohail Khan has only plummeted him further down in the box office charts. When is Mr Masand going to wield the megaphone? Atleast then the stress might reduce his ever explanding waist line.
The second - the ad gurus. And yummy, what a whiff of fresh air they have been. Prasoon Joshi's style of belting out lyrics is stunning - such effortless and practical poetry.
Finally, the man who is going around town saying this movie is less about progeria and more about the novelty of having Abhishek play the role of dad to his dad - R Balki.
Though I just do not agree with this premise - I am only thankful that someone of his calibre has directed a movie as moving as this.
So final analysis
Amitabh's Auro +1
Arundati and Vidya +2
Ilayaraja +1
Abhishek -1
PC Sreeram +1
Balki +1
So total 5
So here is the proof that Paa is really special :)
Kamal with the versatility he has displayed over the last couple of decades and Amitabh's roaring comeback post the KBC era kept the two veterans tied in the race.
Then out of nowhere arrived this 12 year old progeria affected kid. He has redefined what acting is. Try to spot Amitabh in the film and you will have to wait till the last when the tired eyes sticks to a faint hope of reuniting his parents.
What a performance! What a poignant tale! Apart from Auro, Vidya Balan has shown the world yet again that dress sense at Page 3 parties is not the key to glory in Bollywood. The chemistry between her, Auro and Bum is awesome.
Abhishek Bhai - Please yaar - thoda to Acting seekh le yaar. Thankfully the others have put in a supra human effort to make sure that your lack of talent is covered up adequately.
Ilayaraja's music is nothing short of what only a Maestro can offer - Delicate, sensitive, a throw back to his Golden 80's.
In the last decade, there are a couple of categories of people who are trying their hand at cinema - The critics (yeeks) and we know what the famed popcorn munchers have contributed - Khalid Mehmood's shot at so called meaningful cinema ran dry after three attempts. Samir Karnik - The best 'behind the camera' comedian whose affinity to the Deols and Sohail Khan has only plummeted him further down in the box office charts. When is Mr Masand going to wield the megaphone? Atleast then the stress might reduce his ever explanding waist line.
The second - the ad gurus. And yummy, what a whiff of fresh air they have been. Prasoon Joshi's style of belting out lyrics is stunning - such effortless and practical poetry.
Finally, the man who is going around town saying this movie is less about progeria and more about the novelty of having Abhishek play the role of dad to his dad - R Balki.
Though I just do not agree with this premise - I am only thankful that someone of his calibre has directed a movie as moving as this.
So final analysis
Amitabh's Auro +1
Arundati and Vidya +2
Ilayaraja +1
Abhishek -1
PC Sreeram +1
Balki +1
So total 5
So here is the proof that Paa is really special :)
27 November, 2009
IPL ke Side effects
Akshay Kumar was not as zealous as these guys when he received the Olympic torch in Canada. Kapil Dev was more composed when he lifted the World Cup back in 1983.
But just see what IPL has done to the List A players of Indian cricket. Till the time they played for India only they had plump commercial endorsements like Reebok, Pepsi and Fancy Cars.
But no stand up comedian can achieve as much hilarity as the three Mumbai Indian caps have achieved in one single ad.
The passion, the pride that Sachin, Zaheer and Harbhajan Singh have exuded in the Zandu Balm ad makes me sit through even test matches in good humour (quite literally).
The final definitive image of the three showing off the pain reliever with hoardes others following and saying "Ek Balm Theen Kaam" surpasses Emami Fair and Handsome, Boro Plus and Revital ads with consummate ease.
I think the brief economic downturn left the FMCGs reeling under severe ad budgets. Dont worry guys, you have managed to garner mind space - for good or for bad is a no brainer.
But just see what IPL has done to the List A players of Indian cricket. Till the time they played for India only they had plump commercial endorsements like Reebok, Pepsi and Fancy Cars.
But no stand up comedian can achieve as much hilarity as the three Mumbai Indian caps have achieved in one single ad.
The passion, the pride that Sachin, Zaheer and Harbhajan Singh have exuded in the Zandu Balm ad makes me sit through even test matches in good humour (quite literally).
The final definitive image of the three showing off the pain reliever with hoardes others following and saying "Ek Balm Theen Kaam" surpasses Emami Fair and Handsome, Boro Plus and Revital ads with consummate ease.
I think the brief economic downturn left the FMCGs reeling under severe ad budgets. Dont worry guys, you have managed to garner mind space - for good or for bad is a no brainer.
25 November, 2009
heartisans - India themed souvenir collection
Whenever someone returns from India after a holiday or a business visit, the gifting options are typically shawls, carpets, sandalwood perfumes or kurtas and so on.
The same more or less applies to the tens of thousands of software engineers and others who return home for a Diwali or a Christmas break.
www.dilsebol.com/heartisans has a refreshing answer to break this monotony
without compromising on the local flavour.
heartisans is a collection that presents a range of designs that represents various Indian cities, states and the country as whole. You will find anything from the South Indian Degree Coffee to Delhi Metro to Gateway of India to Assamese Tea Plantations being expressed in a contemporary fashion. This is truly a heart crafted range!
The fascinating aspect is the flexibility dilsebol.com offers you to choose the product on which you want the design to be printed. The product range includes t shirts, coffee mugs, caps, aprons and fridge magnets.
There is no better platform that enables you to wear the pride of your roots on your sleeves, quite literally!
So, do let send me your feedback on the range and the user experience. Feel free to buy to your heart's content and spread the word around! There is something for everyone at heartisans - diversity was never so much fun!
The same more or less applies to the tens of thousands of software engineers and others who return home for a Diwali or a Christmas break.
www.dilsebol.com/heartisans has a refreshing answer to break this monotony
without compromising on the local flavour.
heartisans is a collection that presents a range of designs that represents various Indian cities, states and the country as whole. You will find anything from the South Indian Degree Coffee to Delhi Metro to Gateway of India to Assamese Tea Plantations being expressed in a contemporary fashion. This is truly a heart crafted range!
The fascinating aspect is the flexibility dilsebol.com offers you to choose the product on which you want the design to be printed. The product range includes t shirts, coffee mugs, caps, aprons and fridge magnets.
There is no better platform that enables you to wear the pride of your roots on your sleeves, quite literally!
So, do let send me your feedback on the range and the user experience. Feel free to buy to your heart's content and spread the word around! There is something for everyone at heartisans - diversity was never so much fun!
12 November, 2009
All Izz is not well!
The Thamizh Film Directors Association was abuzz with activity early in the morning of a rainy Tuesday on Nov 10th. Four middle aged actors paced in to the office in Chennai and lodged a petition citing apathy meted out to them over the past five years.
As the TV cameras zoomed in, the familiar faces of Vivek, Charlie, Chinni Jayanth and Dhamu appeared sans the typical facial antics. They were clearly miffed that they were removed from the college scene rather prematurely.
After RK Silvermani heard their case patiently, he explained to them that they were in their early forties and that Suman Shetty, Santhanam and other dumuks have already taken their place.
Not to be bogged down, the college veterans argued that this is a clear case of discrmination, as Bollywood have called back Aamir Khan and Madhavan along with Sharman Joshi to the campuses through 3 Idiots.
Dhamu reiterates the point saying he possesed extra talents like mimicry and more importantly better hair dyes than his Bollywood counterparts.
Vivek was agitated and threw away his cooling glasses as a symbol of accepting his age. He added that there was no more a need to hide his age showing through his sagging eye bags.
Chinni Jayanth feeling left out had the last say " Jilku Jikkan Jikka, Bollywood hero enna Kokkaa".
Charlie as usual filled the space on the conference dias with his mute presence, a role he used to do with aplomb in movies with a lab record book in hand.
As the TV cameras zoomed in, the familiar faces of Vivek, Charlie, Chinni Jayanth and Dhamu appeared sans the typical facial antics. They were clearly miffed that they were removed from the college scene rather prematurely.
After RK Silvermani heard their case patiently, he explained to them that they were in their early forties and that Suman Shetty, Santhanam and other dumuks have already taken their place.
Not to be bogged down, the college veterans argued that this is a clear case of discrmination, as Bollywood have called back Aamir Khan and Madhavan along with Sharman Joshi to the campuses through 3 Idiots.
Dhamu reiterates the point saying he possesed extra talents like mimicry and more importantly better hair dyes than his Bollywood counterparts.
Vivek was agitated and threw away his cooling glasses as a symbol of accepting his age. He added that there was no more a need to hide his age showing through his sagging eye bags.
Chinni Jayanth feeling left out had the last say " Jilku Jikkan Jikka, Bollywood hero enna Kokkaa".
Charlie as usual filled the space on the conference dias with his mute presence, a role he used to do with aplomb in movies with a lab record book in hand.
12 June, 2009
Is recession over?
Hurray! The recession is behind us…. Forget the sensex, forget the GDP numbers, forget the inflation percentage and forget mooted media bytes on revival.
There are some barometers that have no numbers but are very vital in signifying positive mood in the economy.
There are pamphlets distributed outside IT campuses.
Eunuchs are running around signals and establishments demanding their katthas.
The side middle berth is getting removed in some of the trains.
Sun Pictures has started releasing movies which are lighter (Maasilamani) than ‘Thee’ and ‘Kadhalil Vizhundhen’.
Some of the above may not be welcome, but these are pointers to some sunshine.. may the brightness resume!
There are some barometers that have no numbers but are very vital in signifying positive mood in the economy.
There are pamphlets distributed outside IT campuses.
Eunuchs are running around signals and establishments demanding their katthas.
The side middle berth is getting removed in some of the trains.
Sun Pictures has started releasing movies which are lighter (Maasilamani) than ‘Thee’ and ‘Kadhalil Vizhundhen’.
Some of the above may not be welcome, but these are pointers to some sunshine.. may the brightness resume!
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