Between The Lines...

Try, try till you fail...

2011-03-03T23:27:00.004+05:30

In 2008, I lost the college debate for the first time in 9 years. Later that day I got a text message from one of my teachers. It simply said: "It is good to lose sometimes". I have never forgotten that message till today.

Failure sometimes can be more important than success. Failure spurs us to improve, to rectify our shortcomings. Failure is important. Like we learn from our physical bruises, emotional failure is also a great teacher.

Perhaps, failure is a crucial rite of passage, a part of growing up. I remember my numerous failures over the years with alarming accuracy.Ive come to the conclusion that it is important, perhaps necessary, to have these failures.

I wonder if those who have never failed an exam, know what it feels like? The crushing imploding feeling within. The shame, the anger. The grit and the resolve that follows. And the sweet success, almost akin to revenge.

I remember losing friends. Sometimes due to my own mistakes,at other times not so. Now I'm a little more careful, more circumspect.

What about matters of the heart then? This is perhaps the most important failure that one needs to experience in life. Only someone who has experienced this will understand what I mean. This failure can change you completely. It brings you to a fork on the road where you can go in one of many directions. It may give you inner strength. It may make you a hard cynic. Or make you lose the faith. It may crush you. Or it may lift you. But all these roads eventually make you a better person.You realize the value of the person you are with. Just maybe, you swallow the angry ,harsh sentence that has come to the tip of your tongue. If you do, thank your stars. Thank your past.

I have nothing against you if you haven't tasted failure before. In fact, all the more power to you. But life isn't all about the wins, the No.1s, the successes.

Failures have their own place in the grand scheme of things. HE knows it. After all, HE designed it.

Remember the time ?

2010-07-22T21:45:00.003+05:30

During the day, I find myself thinking about the days gone by. I compare. I reflect. I wish. I regret. Why do I have so many memories? And why do I keep going back to them?

Someone recently told me that 'Nostalgia' is an exaggerated recollection of past events. Later that day I thought about it.

I realized that events that were not so significant when they actually appeared, may seem earth shattering now. Emotions that were under control then, may boil over now. Good people become super people, bad people become really nasty villains.

Then a part of me begged to differ. I remembered breaking down on the last of my Internship in college. That was real. As was the Oath Ceremony.

I remembered when I had said goodbye to someone, never to see that person again. The hurt was real. The day I got my first salary. The pride was real.

The relief when my MDS exam was over. The first day of the new job. Thrill. Excitement. Nervousness. Yes I had felt it all. Just the way I remember now.Not exaggerated.

I remembered a thousand other things. Overwhelming. But welcome.

Memories are wonderful. I like them more than dreams. Memories are real. Believable. Possible. They are also a reality check. Warnings. "Go slow on this corner.You tore your ligament on this turn, remember ? "

Maybe I look back at the yesteryears because life isn't as emotionally topsy-turvy now. Maybe it will never be.

But my memories will live on. Undiminished, unabated. And on and on and on...

What about you?

Much ado about...

2010-05-01T11:51:00.003+05:30

Why do we compromise on the more important decisions in life rather than the lesser important ones? Ive tried hard but I have been unable to come up with the answer. I might spend months researching the best mp3 player/phone that costs about ten thousand rupees, and spend about a fortnight-month deciding on a new car.

Is there some weird kind of reverse psychology at work here? Its gets even more mind boggling when it comes to an arranged marriage scenario. About 3-4 meetings and pooooooof... you are expected to come up with a YES or NO. Worse, you can always buy a new mp3 player, but a getting a new life partner isn't that easy.One explanation may be that the monetary value of an object may not be the same as the importance we attach to it in our minds. If you ask me honestly, my mp3 player is as/more important to me than my car.

But that's me.

I spoke to my colleague about this and he had a very interesting take. He said that it is our natural reaction to fear big decisions. Big choices. Our subconscious tells us that if we take too much time, some negativity might creep in and we may make the wrong choice.There are so many more normal people out there who think they have made a wrong choice about their professions/new houses/life partners/cars, but they are proud of their latest watches/phones/music systems/plasma TVs.

However, I wonder if what Ive noticed, applies to people who are detached from materialistic things. Maybe they get a bigger kick about the perfect Yoga Mat or the perfect green salad. All the more power to them.

As for me, I'm going to take my own sweet time !

Thank you, Mr. Ratan Tata.

2010-04-11T12:13:00.003+05:30

I don't see too many Tata Nanos on the road. People tell me the deliveries haven't really started yet. I hope so. When this topic of discussion comes up, I am the only one saying that the Nano is sure to be a success. I am vehemently opposed by everyone present. "No chance", they say. "Its like an auto rickshaw", they saw. "It sounds like a scooter"... "Who would want to be seen in that"... "People would rather save some more and buy a 3.5 lac car entry-level hatchback".

Maybe. But maybe the Nano wasn't made for people who wanted to be seen in a car. Maybe it was never aimed at being a status symbol. Maybe it was meant to just provide the safety and security that a car offers. Maybe in a country with one billion people, there is a family of three somewhere, who still travels on a two wheeler. Where the four year old son sits tightly between the father and the mother. Or sometimes just behind his father or mother, with his face exposed to the pollution and wind around him. Maybe he could pick up a respiratory illness, possibly even pneumonia...

He would then need to be operated and as a result become so weak, that he would have to learn walking all over again. And develop asthma as a post-op complication. Maybe his whole life would change after that. He would have to carry a 4-inch inhaler with him. Always. No mater where he went, no matter what clothes he wore. He would feel unsafe without it. He would have to take a dose before sleeping everyday, and on 300 days in a year, he would wake up feeling short of breath. He would need it more often during weather fluctuations.He would never be able to take aspirin and ibuprofen, the most common pain killers in the world.

That kind of family would then be forced to buy a new Maruti 800, even if they couldn't afford it. Take a loan, even pawn some wedding jewelery. Maybe the Nano is made for such families.

I guess if the Nano had been available in 1986 for about Rs.15000, I wouldn't have a two inch scar on my chest.

Nevertheless, thank you Mr. Ratan Tata. A promise is indeed,a promise.

Super-Me !

2010-04-06T23:39:00.005+05:30

Ive always been fascinated by superheroes and the amazing things they can do. And I have always struggled with this scenario: 'If given a choice, of getting one superpower, which one would it be?

Every time I go on a 'JD style' imaginary journey, which somehow ends with me regretting the choice I make. I mean there are so many kickers to every superpower. Does that superpower let me maintain my present identity? How long will it last for? Is it reversible?

Ive been tempted to opt for the power to fly. But since I do not have any other power, will I really be able to take the extreme temperatures? What about flying out of the earths atmosphere. That would mean a very messy end to my short super-powered life.

I always wanted to be invisible. But then , would I be able to pass though things and also be able to touch them at will (a la Ghost)) ? would I be heard? Would I have to wear clothes? Questions, questions.

How about the ability to control metal? Nah. Unless I want to be a crack architect, I couldn't really have too much fun this one.

The ability to spin webs? Uuugh. I wonder how Spidey keeps his chin up.

The ability to heal my wounds? Sure, but Id have to join the army to be of any real use and that would be that for my secret identity.

The power to heal someone else's wounds? As a doctor Id be the toast of the entire world. But... errrrrr.. Something's missing.

The power to control weather? Naaah, I love the unpredictability pg the Pune weather too much. Besides, I want to know how the whole global warming theory pans out.

Super-sight? Super-hearing? So. So.

Shape-shifting? Tele-kinesis ? Hmmmm.

The power to absorb other superheroes' powers like Peter Petrelli of Heroes? That would be dumb, as I would have to keep searching for them.

The power to understand how anything works like Sylar in Heroes? Messy, as then Id get an uncontrollable urge to kill other superheroes and understand how they use their abilities.

Then I realize, that in this world, with no other super heroes and no super villains, choosing any one power from the list above, would rather complicate my life.

Sad as my choice is, Id rather prefer to stay as I am, rather than risk the tremendous frustration that would no doubt befall me once I realize that I have chosen the wrong superpower.

On the other hand, if GOD allows me to put down certain conditions, this is what Id choose:

The power of time travel, with unlimited rewind-forward ability and the safeguard that none of my actions would ever threaten my own existence.

Wow ! That would be awesome. I'm off on my imaginary trip again. And this time it wont end in regret. And even if if does, ill simply go back in time !

Two tips to try...

2010-04-02T10:46:00.003+05:30

All of us make mistakes in life. I have made my share too. We can either forget them, try to push them away from our memories, hoping that someday we completely forget about them.

But sometimes the best way to learn from your mistakes is to carry them with you. So that every time you have a chance of making the same one again, you just have to look over your shoulder and be reminded of it. It helps if you have a good memory. This might sound like a pessimistic way of dealing with mistakes, but its not.

Try it.

On another note, my teacher once told me an interesting way to deal with anger. Anger indirectly raises your own blood pressure he said. Instead, be cool, and make the person who made you angry, angrier. To paraphrase, “Don’t get mad, get even”. We deal with inefficiency every day. Casual attitudes, broken promises, lies, traffic, road-rage, weather, clumsy spills, noisy distractions, annoying people. So many things that make us angry. The trick, he said, is to consciously keep a cool head, and use whatever power/authority you have to intelligently turn the tables around on the situation at hand.

He explained further, “Say your students bunk a lecture. Don’t shout and scream and rant at them, simply declare the topic as over. Students bunk a test. Set a tougher paper the next time! “

I have felt incredibly empowered ever since. I try to use this theory whenever I can. Sometimes after getting mad, I realize I forgot the rule: To remain cool and get even. Sometimes, I succeed. The worst part is when I get angry about forgetting not to get angry. Yes, its complicated. But imagine if everybody were to successfully implement this, we have a lot less shouting. We would see a sharp drop in anti-hypertensive medication. We would end up using more than 1% of our brains. The possibilities are endless.

Try this too.

Oh and yes, of course, the ‘getting even’ part of this trick is not recommended in case of traffic/road-rage.

An unexpected lesson...

2010-03-29T16:49:00.002+05:30

Sometimes you learn valuable lessons at the most unexpected times and places. A colleague at work recently quit his job. I knew him for about 6-7 months; he was working in another department for 5 years before that.

As his last day came closer, people from other departments began dropping in.
People whom I had never seen before came and said hello. He was given more than one farewell party. A few of them were sad that he was leaving. A few were happy, they thought he could do much better elsewhere. There were gifts for himself, for his little son. And lots and lots of heartfelt good wishes.

And everyone had good things to say about him. About how he was a good man. Hardworking and helpful.

As he finally left on his last day, I thought about a few things. About the impression he had left on the people here. Nobody really cared which car he came in, and the clothes and cologne that he wore. I realized that these things weren’t really important. What people remembered were the kind gestures, the helpful little things he had done for them and of course, the rock solid work he had done for the hospital.

I guess what really matters, is the impression you left on peoples minds as a person. There are different ways about going about your job. You can either be mechanical about it, sort of detached, or you can get involved. One of my closest friends is at one end (the involved one) of the spectrum. But maybe that’s not possible for everyone.

What we could do is not let personal disillusionment/frustration/bitterness cloud our attitude at work. Be a good person; be more likable, and not just efficient.

Trust me; it is more difficult than it sounds.

Its not really fate, mate !

2010-03-09T21:08:00.003+05:30

I hate it when good or bad things happen to people and they say, "It's fate". Unless you actually know what your fate really is, you cant be sure. A few years ago, my friend has written a piece on time travel. What it said was that you will never really appreciate time unless you have the ability to see yourself from an outside perspective. From HIS perspective.

Similarly, unless you came across a neat little black book that said that you were meant to be a doctor, only then can you safely say "Yes, it is fate." But who really knows? Maybe you were meant to be a lawyer, or a scuba diver. But the decisions you made, lead to a cascade of events that made you a doctor.

We dont know what our destiny is, and that makes life really unpredictable. As is the cliche in numerous movies like "The Minority Report" or "The Matrix" , you always have a choice. Your choices ultimately lead you to where you will go. To say that even the choices we make our pre-ordained is a pretty pessimistic and depressing thought.

So the next time you hear the words.. "Oh I was meant to do this/that" OR "Oh this was meant to happen", you know what to do !

P.S. Smirk, and proceed to give them a dose of the above :-)

A yearly start...

2010-01-01T13:20:00.003+05:30

It’s amazing how little time you get to introspect. The end of a year offers a good opportunity to do just that. 2009 is over and done with. Every 31st, I like to look back at the year that has gone by. Why is a calendar year important? Because you need to have a certain time frame to think about what you have done. Or haven’t. If you suddenly look back at your entire life, it might overwhelm you. So many rights, so many wrongs. So many regrets, so many feel-good moments. So we divide our life into years. Its easier one at a time.

There are always a few years that stand out. I remember 1997 when I joined Fergusson. 2004-05 when I was an intern. 2009 joins this list.

It’s been an eventful year. For the first three-four months I was practically at home, cramming for my Masters exam. I remember the late nights, which got longer with every passing day. How I disconnected my cable connection, and missed the entire IPL2. I passed my Masters exam in June this year. The process drained me emotionally and physically. The last time I was this vulnerable was a long time ago. Hopefully the next time will be a longer time away. It was the last formal academic exam of my life and finally after 27 years, I was out looking for a job.

July had me making the biggest career decision of my life. Hopefully i have made the right one.

2009 also saw me on my third weight loss program. I had succumbed to gluttony earlier in the year and I had to do something about it. After my exams I lost more than 10 kgs over the next 3 months. I lost craving for junk food. And I removed the mental block I had against walking.

2009 was the worst year for Hindi Cinema. Time and again I went to see a movie and came away disappointed and frustrated. Now I am fast losing interest in hindi movies. At the same time, I developed an addiction to English TV shows. This year saw me polishing off Prison Break, Heroes, Wonder Years, 24, How I Met your Mother, Lost, Entourage and The Big Bang theory. They keep getting better.

This year I bought my first car with my own money. They say you can never forget your first car. Time will tell…

There were also a few things I could not do this year. Go to Goa for the first time. Visit my school. Do some charity. Start reading novels again. Publish a book of my nano stories.

Hopefully when I write this piece next year, I will have done all of them.

Happy new year!

e = mc 2

2009-08-18T21:11:00.002+05:30

Most things in life are relative. So is intelligence. In my two years of Fergusson College, due to my mother's foresight, I was undeservedly bumped up to the offfical Business Class of FC, a.ka. Division C. You had to get more than 88% in your 10th standard exams to make the grade and I had 80%. By logical deduction, I was the dumbest student in my class of 144 students. No exagerration, no bullshit.

I remember the panic attacks durng the exams, the blacking out, the lies and the cheating. I remember not coming to collge the day the marks would be displayed and the papers discussed.Of course, I would get the least marks in my group and in my class. I scraped through 11th standard using questionable methods. Some of my friends got dumped to other divisions. I felt pretty rotten about it for a while.

The next year was no different. And not that I tried. I put in an honest effort whenerever required. The regular blood,sweat and tears.But the impact of being the dumbest student in class stayed with me.

Then, everything changed.

In BVU Dental College and Hospital, I witnessed a whole new world. There was no scrambling to get the first row seats. If you didnt land a perfect score, it was actualy pardonable. And, miraculously, I suddenly emerged to the fore as a clever student. I barely made the top ten in my first year, but no one seemed to notice. I was still given the tag of a topper.

Even more surprisngly, I rose in the ranks for the following two years. And trust me, I was exactly the same person, giving the same priority to studies, with the same intensity of concentration.

So what was the difference? Not to be impolite, my company wasnt as illustrous as FC Division C. Relatively, I was suddenly very intelligent.

A parallel story can be told about my oration. Throughout my 8 years in dental college, I was considered as one of the best orators in college. In my years in Loyola High School, I wouldnt have even made the top 15.

Does that speak not-too-highly of my college? Yes, maybe. There were other talents in abundance though.

If you can look at your skills and talents from an outside frame, from a exterior perspective,comparing yourself with a larger group of people, you realize really how good (or average) you are. Try it.

e= mc2 ? Not quite, but then I guess Eisntein would have been a genius in any class.

One step at a time...

2009-08-17T00:42:00.003+05:30

When you are travelling by a vehicle, you miss a lot of unimportant things. Everyday, you zoom by on the same roads you take everyday. You take a lot of things for granted. The pavement, the signals, the little shops lining the roads, and of course the people.

Try taking a walk on the same road. You will be amazed at the amount of things you notice and remember. Yesterday, I took a walk down one of the most popular roads in my city. I started at one end, and went down the entire length of the road. it was a route that i must have traveled a million times, especially since I studied for two years in a very famous college on the same road.

The walk brought back some great memories.I walked past the bookstore, where I had bought all my school books,for 10 years straight. I remembered coming there in the rain, dashing from the car to the safety of the shop. Passing on the list to the same person who used to be there year after year. I remembered the distinct smell of the newly opened text books. Wrapping them in bags and running to the car, hoping them stay dry. I looked up at the shop now. It had a strange, new name and a couple of youngsters standing outside were smoking. I walked on.

A few hundred feet later, I passed the coffee shop, and I remembered being there the first day it had opened. I was in the long queue, jostling amongst the crowd. Coffee was 25 Rs a cup, a significant dent in the weekly savings in those days. After we had managed a table, I remember the smirks on our faces, looking at the surging crowd below. We were there, we had made it. As I passed it, there were just a few tables occupied and the window panes looked as if they hadnt been washed for weeks. Of course, there were at least 2 such coffee shops on every road now. I somehow didnt feel like going in.

A little later I reached the main gate of my college. It was a late hour of the day and there was no sign of life. I remembered vividly walking in through that very gate for the first time in 1997. I didn't know at that point, that the next two years inside that gate would change my life forever.

As I walked back home, I thought about how all these places had changed so much. About why some things couldn't stay exactly the way you remembered them. I wondered why change was so inevitable.

I didn't have the answers. But I was glad I had taken that walk.

62 years...

2009-08-15T13:29:00.002+05:30

When you are in school, there aren't too many options. When its the morning assembly, you have to line up and recite the prayers, whether you like it or not. When its 15th August, you have to come to school for the flag hoisting, and recite the national anthem.

The idea behind this compulsion, is that when your a kid, you don't have the common sense and the moral/civic responsibility to do so voluntarily. It is expected that when you grow up, you do. But thats really not the case.

One of the negatives of having a choice, is being able to make the wrong one.

Junior college, professional college and then the place where you work... all have the flag hoisting ceremony on 15th August. But none make it compulsory. And you dont end up going. Excuses range from wanting to sleep in because of a tight schedule, or having other ways to respect the flag, or simply being out of town on vacation.

From 1996 (my last year in school), till date I havent attended a single flag hoisting ceremony. Because I had a choice not to. This year, and last night, I really dont know why I changed my mind, but I felt like I had to go. It could be the Mumbai Terror Attack, or the recession, or the drought, or the swine flu.I just felt the need to be a part of, and show some unity to no-one in particular, but everybody in general.

So I went. Surprisingly, the actual ceremony wasnt really awe-inspiring. There was the hoisting of the flag, the singing of the national anthem and a speech or two. But standing there, silently with hundreds of others, I finally understood why people gathered on 15th August for just 15 minutes.

In the turbulent times that we live in, we need to find such occasions to come together. To silently share pain, joys and sorrow. To make new resolutions, and to try and not break old ones. To look at our flag with new respect. To actually sing the anthem and mean every word.

And most importantly, to celebrate and understand our independence. Jai Hind.

Servicing People...

2009-08-14T11:03:00.004+05:30

So the dust has finally settled. I thought I would be back blogging by the 1st of July, but things took a little longer to settle down than I anticipated.To cut a long story short, I have a good routine now, which will allow me some time to put down my thoughts. So here goes....

Some time back, I caught up with a friend of mine who works in Goa. We were talking about this and that, when he said " I have finally realized, I am good at servicing people".

That day, I realized that not many of us are really good at servicing people. We might be hot shots at our respective professions, but do we really rock at servicing people? And how important is that?

Very important. Some people have the in-born knack of making you comfortable when you are with them. Ive noticed it while talking to waiters, to salesmen,a few teachers too. This makes them special. And this quality is what you remember in them

Unfortunately,there is no formal training in this regard that you can get. Either you have it, or you dont. My friend does, and he has intelligently made full use of this quality.

I realized that day, it is really hard to make people happy. And even harder, to keep them happy. Its one thing just doing your job well, but making the people you work with comfortable and happy is something else. And we dont always manage to do that.

I envy people who are good at "servicing people". Its one quality that will never go unnoticed, never go out of style.

"I'll be back..."

2009-03-25T15:06:00.002+05:30

I really doubt any of you are going to read this, cause most of you must have given up on me.

But decency demands (something that I should have done long ago) that at least I let you know that I wont be posting anything new till my exams are over, that is till mid-june.

Hope to see your wonderful comments soon !!!

Take care and God Bless,

Rohit.

Am I the odd one out ?

2008-10-31T10:54:00.007+05:30

I love movies, something thats pretty obvious from my blog. i take watching movies and reviewing them very seriously. There have been a few times, when ive been baffled at my friends and in fact the whole countries reaction to a few movies.

Ive always wondered, how could people like this crap ?

Here are a few examples of movies released in the last 12-18 months:

1. Bheja Fry:

This was one movie that I somehow sat through expecting the next scene at least to be remotely funny. I was disappointed. While the whole theatre guffawed when Vinay Pathak said " Its ringing " for the 17th time, I thought ( in true Joey style) of tearing my arm off, so that i could have something to throw at the screen.

2.Jaane tu ya Jaane na : refer to my complete review here:

A weak script which made the characters change emotions at its fancy, this movie was another pain in the a**.

The only redeeming factor? A delightfully brooding Prateik Babbar.

3. Bhool Bhulaiyya :

This movie holds the ignominious distinction, of being the second movie ( after Gadar) that i walked out of. Please explain to me, what is so funny about Akshay Kumar saying " Goti...goti..goti...goti" ????

4. Om Shanti Om:

An engaging first half gave way to an utterly unbearable second. With a stupid script and no dramatic moments, my interest waned very fast. Why did I keep watching ? SRK.

5. Partner:

A loyal David Dhawan fan, I landed up for this one with high expectations. I must have laughed maybe 2-3 times during the entire movie. Can you explain to me the ludicrous water jet-ski-missile scene ? Or the insufferable climax when the movie just doesn't end?

And ya maybe I forgot to mention, all these 5 movies, were super-duper hits. Please please write in telling me whether you loved any/all these movies.

And no quasi-philosophical comments about everyone opinion being different please.

Thank you for not loving cricket !

2008-10-28T21:45:00.003+05:30

For long, Ive cussed at people for not loving cricket. I mean, How can you not?? Ive publicly ridiculed them, safe with the knowledge that out of every 100 people at any social gathering, 98 would be on my side.Indians at least, I have said, should undergo a medical examination if they are found to not love this amazing game.

There were times when I used to proclaim, that I am a cricket lover first, and then a Hindu, a Brahmin etc etc...

But not after today. We were seated in the hall with some relatives who had come over for lunch. The topic veered to cricket.

" How can you not like cricket ? " I posed to my mother and aunt.

" Thank your stars we dont," she replied. "If we did, who would run the house? "

There was a minute's silence, and me and Dad looked at each other. Like she almost always is, my mom was right. I did some thinking.

If my mom was a cricket fanatic, who would cook when the match was on ? Who would serve? Who would attend to the doorbell? Who would do the countless other things that she did when me and Dad sat glued to the TV for hours...

I then proceeded to expand my thoughts beyond my family. Work Colleagues. I remember my batch mate, who wasn't interested in cricket at all. He was my OPD duty partner during internship. So many times ive asked him to stand in for me when Ive sneaked off to watch a game. Would he have let me if he was equally crazy about cricket ?

And not only me, there may be million of others who rely on the "cricket-disinterest" of thousands, to be able to watch the game in peace.

I have decided that will never berate an individual who does not like cricket.

Who knows, he/she may come in handy someday. More sooner than later , I think.

A good reason to be back...

2008-10-15T19:44:00.003+05:30

Phew. Finally my slate is somewhat empty. Im sitting at my computer at 7:30 in the evening, without a deadline to beat. I dont remember this happening for a long long time.

Why didn't I blog for almost a month and a half? I was busy , yes. But frankly, I didn't feel like writing about anything.

Today, I do.

There is a joy in meeting veterans, be it of any kind. That joy is multiplied many times over, when it is a veteran from your own field. My father, passed his BDS examination in 1970, when most of you reading this weren't even born.In the entire dental fraternity of Pune, I don't know a single person who is senior to my father. Soon after passing out, he joined Dr. Ram Kale, a leading dentist at that time, to learn some handy practical tips.

Today, 38 years later I was destined to meet the very man my father learnt the tricks of the trade from. It is the hallmark of great men, to be modest. I don't know how they achieve it. I find myself bragging to every junior I can find.

Dr. Ram Kale came across as an extremely soft spoken person and he was kind enough to talk to me for almost an hour. He is 72 now, and only practices for an hour or so a day. During the conversation, a few interesting snippets came to light:

- He said my Grandfather,(noted literary writer and freedom activist G.V. Behere once called him for a dental appointment. He expected my Grandfather to be clad in pyjamas and wearing a Gandhi-topi, but he was shocked to see a tall fair handsome man wearing a shirt flashier than yours truly and puffing away at a cigarette.They became great friends since, enjoying many a drink and dinner together.

- He told me he had constructed my grandmothers first set of dentures, asking for her photograph with teeth so that he could try and replicate the facial form. In those days ! Awesome !

_ He remembered coming to the opening of my fathers first clinic on Tilak road, and after hearing this i realized i didnt know anyone alive (other than my mom) who was present there that day !

- He said my father had asked him whether he should take up the Short Service Commission in the Army , and how he had advised my father against doing so.

I heard all this spellbound. And while leaving I just had to touch his feet. "Please don't ", he said.

I said , "You are one of the very few people, to whom my own father would have done the same thing as I did," I replied.

Thankfully, he accepted the explanation.

Try Walking Away...

2008-08-25T23:06:00.002+05:30

Sometimes, its best not to argue. You may be right, or you may be wrong, it doesn't matter. And especially if the fight is with someone you are close to, its the best way to diffuse the situation.

Eight years ago, I had a trivial fight with one of my close friends. Just when harsh words were beginning to be said, I walked away. We didn't speak for the next month or so, but there were no biter memories of any stinging insults. There was just awkwardness. Which was eventually overcome. There is, of course, another way to go about these things. You could scream, shout, rave, rant, hurl abuses, debate and ultimately prove your point. But in doing so you say so many things, that you later on wish you hadn't.

My mom once told me , " Words are like Astras( Indian mythologial special powers granted by the GODS just by saying them aloud); once they are spoken, they cannot be taken back." You could hurt someone really badly with a sentence that hits them where no slap, punch or kick can.

And that is why I choose to walk away. Or hang up. Depending on the situation. Just when you feel you are boiling over, turn the gas off. Cut yourself out. Take some time. Let a day or two pass. You wont believe the clarity of thought that comes with a new day.

A few months ago, a friend, his wife and yours truly were shopping at a mall. There was a mistake made by a employee, and my friend blew his top. Just when he started screaming at the employee, the Floor Manager came rushing to us, offered his apologies, and took us away to his office on another floor. This happened within 2-3 min. The speed and the way in which he diffused the situation greatly impressed me. We were given water, and free gifts. No arguments, no debate.

Rather than making a fire look insignificant by making an even bigger one next to it,I like to separate myself from it as much as I can, so its flames wont touch me. Eventually, the fire will burn itself out.

It might upset the other person, who is probably expecting a grand argument, but trust me, it works.

Try it the next time. Try walking away.

Love ? Actually?

2008-08-18T21:12:00.002+05:30

When did love die? When, exactly did the last few glowing embers get stamped out? It was burning, albeit a slow flickering flame till about a few years ago.I can vouch for that. I look around me now, and I don’t see it anywhere. I don’t feel it anywhere.

You will brand me as a harsh cynic. I’m not. I’m actually being lenient here. All I see around me is convenience and practicality. If I had met anyone just starting college 8 years ago, I would have told that person “ Who knows, you might find your true love here… wait for it ”. Now Ill probably tell him, “ Make the most of your time in college . Sure, if you do find love, don’t let it go, but please don’t sit around waiting for it. ”

They say times have changed. Now kids have mobile phones. Generous pocket money. Uncensored internet access. Facebook accounts. Do I belong to this generation? Hey, I’m only 26. But I can confidently say that I grew up differently.

The period from 14-20 is considered to be the most volatile period for a man’s hormones. And in those 6 years, I grew up with a landline, very little pocket money, no internet and cable TV just in its fledgling stages. Thank God for that.

They say when you meet the person you love, you experience a lot of things. Your heart rate increases dangerously. So does your respiratory rate. If you are really in for it, your fingers might start trembling slightly. You start feeling the saliva accumulate in your mouth, and just when you feel it might spill out, you try to swallow it. But this confuses your vocal cords , and so you feel a huge lump in your throat that refuses to go away. A tingle runs down your spine. And more importantly, in your mind , you just know. Like how at that precise moment, Neo knew he was the one.

Do you know anyone, to whom the above has happened recently? Or has it happened to you in the recent past? Most probably, the answer to both these questions is no. You or your friends though, may have felt certain other feelings, which I choose not to describe here. Was love a finite element, which simply got used up and spent? Because love, as you will agree, is being used since the world began. Who is to confidently say, that he-dinosaurs did not go ga-ga over dainty little she-dinosaurs?

The way love is depicted in movies has changed. And that is why, I consider Kabhi Alvida na Kehna, to be ahead of its times. There was no melodramatic lovey-dovey slow-mo shots, a la DDLJ, a la KKHH, a la hundreds of other movies. They needed each other, they were they for each other. Simple.

Infidelity has increased at the same rate as the way love has decreased. Are they inversely proportional? A friend of mine, had this as the startup phone screen message for years “ ALL MEN ARE BASTARDS”. I used to vehemently deny that. Now I don’t. And it holds true for women as well. Someone I knew, someone whose relationship I had been following since its inception, recently fell prey to temptation. That person was the last bastion of resistance. No more.

I have written this piece after giving much thought to the matter. It has not been written hastily, but after months, years of observation and experimentation. Both with self and with others.

Nothing sums up my sentiments, like this line from KANK :

“ Mohabbat ke zamaane gujar gaye janab,

Mohabbat ke zamaane gujar gaye janab,

Ab chote-mote pyar se hi kaam chala li jiye aap…”

Four rupees..

2008-08-11T21:08:00.004+05:30

When was the last time you bargained for something ? Maybe it cost Rs.60, and you wanted it for Rs. 50. For 15 rupees, you pleaded your case for half an hour like a lawyer in the High Court. Ive done that a few times as well.

The question is, did I really need to save those 15 rupees? Was I bargaining just because it was simply not done to accept the given rate, or was I actually needy?

A few days ago, I had to give my two-wheeler for servicing. With the rains like that are here in Pune it was not prudent to postpone it any longer. I stay about 12 km from college and most of it is one long straight road, a so-called highway. There are 6-seater auto rickshaws that ply on that road, and after my father had dropped me there, I got into one of those. Ive traveled in them a few times, and i knew that the fare for a journey of about 4-5 km was Rs. 6/-.

I didn't bother asking him the fare and promptly proceeded to plug in my earphones and enjoy the bumpy ride. For once I was on the guilty side and I took sadistic pleasure at the way the driver made other motorists curse at him.

After a while, a stop before the point at which I was due to get off, a man alighted and handed two Rs.2 coins to the driver. The driver told the man that the fare was 8 rupees, not 4. The man stared in disbelief, and then the disbelief soon turned to anger. The two of them started arguing heatedly. The man was furious, sure that he had been cheated. He was helpless, as he had not bothered to ask the driver the fare beforehand. Although he knew he had to pay, the man made sure he let the driver know what he thought of him and his family.

I then realized, that the man was not arguing for the sake of hearing his own voice. It had pained him to be parted with 4 rupees due to his foolishness. He probably had a daily budget, and he had just overshot it. Would he have to skip his daily tea? Or the newspaper?

I then turned to look at the driver more closely. The prices of diesel had just shot up. He had been arguing just as vehemently as that other man. He probably had his monthly target to meet. An increase in fare of about Rs 4 per passenger would amount to hundreds of rupees in a month. He needed to win that argument for the sake of the other passengers. This argument would set the tone for the rest of the journey. I could see his tense, taut face from where I sat , in the side view mirror.The atmosphere inside the auto was a bit tense too, with the passengers wondering what they would do when their turn came. I'm sure none of them had bothered to ask him the fare.

These two men, had argued for almost five minutes for 4 rupees. But to me, it was worth much more than that.

My stop came , and I alighted. I got out and the driver looked at me, expecting me to ask him the fare and start another argument. I quietly handed out a 10 rupee note, and before he could react, I walked off. I could feel the other passengers staring at my back.

I had to take sides, and I had just taken his.

The Dhoni Effect

2008-08-06T21:45:00.003+05:30

Ok, I like this guy. I dont love him, I like him. I like the way he stays icy cool during pressure situations, both as a batsman and as a captain.But hang on, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna???? India's highest sporting honour? And I say sporting, not cricketing. Only Sachin Tendulkar has won it (deservingly ) so far. Surely, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are much more appropriate candidates. Yes, Dhoni's time will come, but he has just started his career and has a good 10 years left in him.

Anil Kumble is (undisputed) India's biggest match winner so far. The innumerable times he won us test matches on a crumbling 4th or 5th day pitch gave us the aura of invincibility at home. I will never forget the sight of Kumble,with his jaw fractured, strapped up and bowling to Lara. And yes, he got him too in the end.

Rahul Dravid. The man who stood up to be counted whe the composition of the side was in chaos. Who donned the wicketkeeping gloves for India and solved captain Saurav Ganguly's dilemma, allowing him to play 7 batsmen, and thus winning many a game. Dravid changed his game dramatically to suit the ODI format, and was the best finisher for a period of 2 years. His record in Tests remains impeccable. At a time during 2004-2005, hje was going at a rate that would have been a threat to the records of the peerless Tendulkar.

The justification given for Dhonis award, was his role in winning the T20 World Cup, and the Australia Tri Series. I still maintain, that giving the final over to Joginder Sharma was a huge mistake, and rather than we winning the World Cup, Pakistan ( or rather, Misbah ul Haq ) lost it.

The Australia Tri Series? Only one man , Sachin Tendulkar, stood rock solid between India and defeat.

And under the same Dhoni's leadership, India has recently lost two tri series finals, both very embarrassingly.

But the fact remains that Dhoni has taken the whole country by storm and the "Dhoni Effect" has lead to clouded thinking, idol worship and immunity from bad press.

But Dhoni's destiny seems to have decided its own course. As he himself has said in an TV advert,
" Honi ho gayi anhoni, aur main ban gaya Dhoni ".

Short Movie review # 17 : Ugly aur Pagli

2008-08-03T01:56:00.003+05:30

Too bad Ranvir Shorey's uncle is not a top actor who knows how to play the publicity game like the back of his hand. Too bad this movie was not produced by this top actor, who could afford A.R. Rehman for another movie he recently produced. Too bad there were no promotional tours in different cities, and no black tie premiere with half of Bollywood invited.

Too bad, that this fine movie, due to lack of hype/interest/curiosity, will die an early death. Sure, some earnest souls like me will try our best to promote it through word of mouth.

For me ,Ugly aur Pagli is the sweetest and most fun movie of the year where you can unabashedly laugh at the audacity of the humor. Shorey plays Kabir, a Maharashtrian mumbaikar, who has failed in his engineering college 4 times. He meets Mallika Sherawat (Kuhu), and sparks fly. Only for him , that is. Several drunken episodes and slaps later, he realizes he loves her, but she doesn't love him.

It doesn't matter. All he wants , is to keep her happy. It doesn't matter that her parents are straight out of a freak show. He is still crazy about her. (By the way, did we see the girl's parents being the reason the boy suddenly not loving her any more in a recent movie that is supposedly the biggest hit of 2008 ?)

Yes, this movie has a few bad points as well. The irritating bellboy who hams, the flat music ( except for talli) and the wierd dream sequences.

Shorey and Sherawat have crackling chemistry and mercifully, neither overdoes the humor. This in fact, is the key to the charm of the movie, with both of them underplaying their characters to perfection. I have always like Mallika Sherawat as an actress since Khwaaish, I loved her in Pyar ke Side Effects and now im a big fan !

As for Ranvir Shorey, this is what I call carrying a movie without any great music or star power.
Go see it !
Rating : 3.5 stars

P.S. : This movie really is what its tag line says it is : "This summer's craziest comedy".

A few Doordarshan serials I can never forget...

2008-07-25T23:08:00.007+05:30

Those were the days, when I used to sit in front of the TV at about 8 pm everyday, ready to watch my alloted 2 hours. There was no frenzied changing of channels. No worries on recharging your Tata Sky account.

Those were the good old days of Doordarshan. When everyone watched the same things everyday.

1. Byomkesh Bakshi:

I have to start with this one. Right from the haunting starting music, to the trademark music pieces at the key moments in an episode, Satyanveshi Byomkesh Bakshi is extra special.

Luckily, all the episodes are available on Youtube. The series finale Chidiyaghar, Tasveer Chor, Necklace, Sahi ka Kaanta and oh yes, who can forget Bhoot.

I was scared of windows for a long time after watching Bhoot.

Thank you, Rajat Kapoor.

2. Malgudi Days:
If there is one serial that could beat Byomkesh Bakshi's theme music, its Malgudi Days. With every epsiode a story in itself, it taught us more about human nature everytime. And like obedient students, we learnt.

3. Karamchand :

Pankaj Kapoor as Karamchand+Sushmita Muhkerjee as Kitty + A carrot or two + murder= a helluva deetctive serial !

They have recived the serial on Sony with Pankaj Kapoor again, but its just not the same ...

4. Mahabharat:

"Main Samay Hoon. " If you missed this opening line at the start of an episode, you were a loser. The whole country came to a standstill on sunday mornings for one hour. Roads were deserted, coaching classe timings shuffled, shopping plans postponed. B.R Chopra held the nation spell bound for over a year with the most epic serial we will ever see. Complete with all the emotions and shades of grey conceivable, Mahabharat was a true landmark.

My favourite English TV shows

2008-07-19T19:59:00.007+05:30

Although the joy of watching a blockbuster on the big screen remains unparalleled, TV shows have had their own charm.

While there were some shows I religiously folowed on TV, there were others that I watched later on DVD. While there were some, like The X files, Grays Anatomy, Seinfield, Everybody Loves Raymond, CSI, Bones, etc that ive just never gotten around to really watching.

What follows is TV shows that have been special for me, in no particular order of preference.

1. Friends:

It would be a sin to start with any other show. I was introduced to Friends pretty late, around the time Season 8 was being aired in India for the first time. Im not going to tell you how good the show is, cause if you haven't watched Friends, you are probably not human, which is scary !!!

Ross and Monica have been extra special, with Ross' diction and Monica's hotness + quirky mannerisms. The last ever scene when the camera pans around the apartment and then finally on the 6 keys lying on the table, haunts me till date.

The last I heard they were supossed to get back for a 2 hour Thanksgiving special, and then star in a Friends movie together.

We are still waiting.

2. The Wonder Years:

If Friends was funny, The Wonder Years was heart wrenching. Somehow, the voice - was so perfect, that you relived your own childhood in every episode. I remember coming back from School just when it used to start on Star TV at 4 pm. Dad used to sit next to me and watch it and quickly change the channel when Kevin and Winnie started to cosy up. Bad influence, he used to say.

I do not remember a single episode, where I have not had a moist eye at the end.

3. Street Hawk :

This was another classic, a serial way ahead of its times. I do not remmber a great deal about it, but the when the guy used to press the turbo button on the Street Hawk, I used to feel the rush of wind in my chair !

4. Knight Rider:

David Hasselhoff's claim to fame. The car had us drooling. The show is being revived now, with great production values. Ive managed to get a hand on the 2 hour pilot episode, and it looks good !

5. The Crystal Maze:
This was one fun show, where you almost played along with the contestants. I remember the bald host, Richard O Brien screaming towards the end "Can we start the fans please !!!! ". And the way everyone stood in a line, stiff and erect, in their coloured suits ,waiting to be addressed by him. During its heyday, Crystal Maze was the number 1 programme on Channel 4, raking in something between 4 and 6 million viewers

6.Alf:

You might not even have heard of this serial, and since it was dubbed in Hindi, maybe it shouldnt appear here. But the sheer ridiculousness of the cute little green alien made this a lot of fun to watch.

7. Prison Break :

Ive only just started watching it on DVD, and the first 6 episodes have left me SPELLBOUND. This is almost better than most movies Ive seen. By the end of season 3, I gues ill have more to say.

A post on my favourite hindi shows will follow...... watch this space.....

Short Movie Review # 16 : Kung Fu Panda

2008-07-14T01:11:00.003+05:30

This is the one of the best animation movies ive watched ever, right up there with Monsters Inc., A Sharks Tale and Ice Age 1 and 2.

Po(Jack Blackl) is a rolly polly jolly panda, working grudgingly in his fathers noodle shop. He is crazy about kung fu and dreams of being a great and some kung fu warrior. Alas, he is extremely clumsy, but enthusiastic A series of accidents makes the Master Oogway ( Randall Duk Kim) proclaim Po as the Dragon Warrior, destined to fight and defeat Tai Lung, the evil leopard.

Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) is the master of kung fu, with the Furious Five — Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey ( Jackie Chan) Mantis ( Seth Rogen), Viper ((Lucy Liu), and Crane ((David Cross)) training under him for years, preparing for the battle with Tai Lung, who is after the Dragon Scroll, giving the holder unending powers.

What follows is an absolute visual treat, with stunning fight sequences and detailing. The humor is top notch, and the lines suit the characters to the T. The pace never flags, and there are no boring scenes. Almost a spoof at points, the movie makes you laugh when you least expect it to.

A wonderful effort in animation, I expect it to pave the way for more movies to follow in this genre of technical wizardry.

A must see, it leaves you completely satiated in the end.

Rating : 4 stars.

Short Movie Review # 15 : Jaane tu... ya jaane na

2008-07-13T10:44:00.003+05:30

"Its a cool movie!"

" A must see "

" A definite one-time watch"

" I really liked it "

...they all said.

1998 : Rahul and Tina find a distraught Anjali crying on a bench, ashamed of her clothes. As she gets up to leave, Rahul hugs her. Tina, sensing the time is right for her to leave, takes half a step to go, but Rahul clasps her wrists and the camera zooms out. He is holding two women at the same time; one , a friend; the other, his love.

Cut to 2008 : A bunch of youngsetrs are picknicking on a sunny hillspot, and during a song sequence, Meghana hugs Jai from one side, while Aditi hugs him from the other. Aditi suddenly realizes the awkwardnes of the situation, and draws away. Jai, oblivious to the situation, lets her drift away.

For me, in this one moment, Jaane tu... ya jaane na fails.

The plot, a mix and match of the umpteen college love triangles churned out by bollywood till now, starts like Chalte Chalte, with a group of friends narrating the story to someone who does not know the protagonists at all. This stanger plays the part of the audience, asking questions, being impatient etc .

Jai ( Imraan Khan) and Aditi ( Genelia) are best friends, who are there for each other no matter what, how, when, why and where. Their friends assume they are in love, their parents assume they are going to get married.

But the problem is, they themselves have no such feelings and plans. They then decide to find life partners for each other. The weak link in the script is that, up to the scene when Jai is called to have a talk with Aditis parents, they share amazing vibes, are always there for each other, you know in general, are connecting well.

What is difficult to understand, is that suddenly, at the drop of a hat, after5 years of being so close they start to drift apart. The script could have played out this part more gradually. The way Aditi starts feeling insecure, seems almost rushed. The very convenient abscence of Jai from her birthday party, Aditi's stereotypical arrogant philandering fiancee, the fiances ex girfriend coming on to him, it all seems too " convenient" for the script.

And pray, what are Rajat Kapoor and Kitu Gidwani doing in a 2 min walk-on, blink and-you-miss it cameos as Meghanas dysfunctional parents? Another fault in the script: Jai is in love with Meghna and he finds her cute games very lovable. But just one meeting with her parents, and he decides that she is not the girl he wants to marry ! And finds the same games stupid ! Talk about being fast ! At least mercifully, Aditi is not shows to be "in love" with Sushant ( her fiance).

Agreed, the dialogues are very natural, but this is not what I go to see a movie for. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai took us to a dream world, where everyone wore colour coordinated DKNY ( remember it was 1998), skateboarded to class and had lectures on LOVE. While JTYJN has the protagonists sitting on Carter road and Marine Drive and having conversations on the basketball court in St.Xaviers ! Hell, Ive been there myself ! If I want to see a realistic movie, ill go for a Ram Gopal Varma flick !

The best part about JTYJN was the role of Prateik Babbar, playing Amit, Aditi's troubled genius brother. He has undoubtedly the best lines in the movie, and he should have a successful, albeit career in movies ahead of him. Reminded me of Imaad Shah in Dil Dosti Etc.

Over all, a decent debut for Imran. But thats about it.

Rating : 2 stars

P.S. It will take a lot for me to believe that this was indeed Alla Rakha Rahman's music.

Short Movie Review # 14 : Hancock

2008-07-12T01:42:00.002+05:30

Will Smith, getting better with every movie, plays John Hancock, a reluctant superhero with an alcohol problem. He does save lives, but in an almost careless, reckless manner causing damages worth millions. The people of the city hate him.

All this changes when he saves the life of a Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), a PR professional, who decides to repay him, with a complete image makeover. Hancock surrenders and is incarcerated. The idea is to make people realize how much they need his powers. An opportunity soon arises in the form of a hostage situation, and the police chief turns to Hancock for help.

Hancock, in a new suit and with a lot of manners, saves the day to loud applause and appreciation of the people of the city.

So wheres the twist ? Hancock falls for Ray's wife, Charlize Theron. So whats the bigger twist ? Im not telling !

Hancock has no super villains, no long drawn action sequences. It isn't a real superhero movie, really. It is almost an emotional drama, about an extraordinary man. Will Smith betters his "I Am Legend" scowl and dead pan look, and is now the undisputed king of the 4th of July weekend.

A very bollywood-ish second half may irk you, but I found the whole movie thouroughly enjoyable. The special effects deserve a mention, they are done so casually and effortlessly, you almost take them for granted.

Even if Hancock may not give you the thrill of Superman streaking across the sky with the trademark background music, it does have its own charm. Go for it.

Rating : 3.5 stars

P.S. : Oh and yes, I can see a sequel coming...

An unusual predicament...

2008-06-29T19:38:00.004+05:30

Ive always liked touching the feet of elders. Before an exam, after an exam, on festive occasions, family get togethers, it always feels nice to be blessed by someone you respect.

Just a few days ago, the SSC results were declared in Pune. My department at work, has a few daily wage laborers and one of them has a son who had appeared this time around. They met me during the day and from the huge smile on his face I figured that he had passed. He had a smile wide enough to extend away from his face, and his eyes were glowing brightly. I took the pedha he offered and then he swiftly bent down, and touched my feet.

I froze.

For that split second in which you are supposed to lightly touch the persons head and mutter your blessings, I couldnt get a peep out of my mouth.

" Aaah... There is no need for all of this.... " Im not that old, you know. " I gasped.

And then, I suddenly wondered. Was I ? Im 26 now, and the chap touching my feet was 16. Thats a gap of ten years. Whats supposed to be the normal yes-now-you-can-touch-his-feet-since-he-is-___-older -than-you age difference? Im sure ten years would at least get the consolation prize.

To him, I was a succesful doctor. Something he probably dreamt of being one day. He must have studied in a small "kholi" or "jhopdi (hut). With all the hardships you can imagine. No fancy classes for him. No guides. No branded stationary. No incentives for getting good marks. No pampering during exams.

And yet, he had thought it wise, to touch the feet of someone who had held his parents to ransom during his 10th std, making unreasonable demands that were to be met if they expected him to study. Someone whose admssion into Fergusson College was already secure , because of three reasons: his mother was a long serving staff member, his father was Ex-army, and he was eligible for the sports quota. Leaving him no real incentive to get good marks.

Did I deserve to bless him then ?
And say I did, would my blessings count ?
How long would it be, before I can safely , and with some pride, bless someone?

That day, as I rode back home from work in the pouring rain, I tried hard to find the answers to these questions.

My best guess for the third one at least, was a very long long time.

P.S. : I got into Fergusson College on the basis of the Sports Quota, a fact which I still use to my advantage in debates with my parents.

Short Movie Review # 13: Get Smart

2008-06-28T15:01:00.002+05:30

I went to see Get Smart with zero expectations and I wasn't disappointed ! It is a light hearted funny movie, much like Johnny English.

Instead of the bumbling Rowan Atkinson, we have the new funny guy, Steve Carrel as a secret agent with the mission of saving the President of the USA. He is aided in this task by fellow CONTROL agent Anne Hathaway who looks , walks and talks the part.

Partly a spoof on the James Bond series, we have our own The Great Khali as the new Jaws. Secret gadgets, daredevil stunts and some really funny scenes make this an enjoyable movie.

The stand out scene is the dance sequence, where Steve Carrel has a ball dance with a woman more than twice his size ! Hilarious !

Rather than the trash being dished out by Bollywood these days, you can easily go for Get Smart. It is money well spent.

Rating : 3.5 stars

All about money?

2008-06-27T22:23:00.002+05:30

At the Deccan Gymkhana end of Karve road, next to the Airtel showroom, there is a small Xerox shop. It opened about a year ago, with a single xerox machine. Now it has 3 xerox machines, a lamination machines, 3 computers with LCD monitors for DTP work and a lot of stationary as well.

Ive been going to this shop for my xeroxing regularly, and Ive seen the fast progress that it has made. The owner is just 25 years old, a Std. 10 drop out. But thats not the interesting part. A few shops down the line, there sits a quaint little flour mill, owned by a couple, Mr. Bhave and Mrs. Bhave. The mill is the size of the xerox shop, and next to it as another shop of the same size, also owned by the Bhaves.

This adjacent shop, is devoid of any furnishings. There is no paint, no carpet, no tables and no cupboards. All it has is two plastic chairs, and a stool on which a old fashioned telephone is kept. While the flour mill is doing business, Mr. Bhave sits on one of these chairs, and watches the traffic go by.

The last I heard, he has been offered 2 crores for the shop. It is prime Karve road property, ground floor, right on the road. All you would have to do is park and within 10 steps you would be right onside the shop. But he has been declining similiar offers for the past 3 months. Why?

" What will I do with so much money ? I dont have any children, " he says. "With more money, come more problems."

*************************************************************************************
Just a couple of months ago, I was having a discussion with a friend. A common friend had just gotten a wedding gift of 2 crores ruppes cash. Wow, I said. You could simply invest those 2 crores and turn them into 10 crores within no time !!!

" Not possible, " my friend corrected me. " There is no way you can turn 2 crores into 10 crores. ".
"Why?" I cried. " Ok, the shares are at an all time low, but you could buy gold, you could buy lots of prime properties... "

" There is massive property correction going on in the US right now", my friend said. " It wont be long, before the ridiculous property prices here coming crashing down as well. "Gold? How much gold will you buy ? Where will you keep all of it ?"

" The only benefit I see of getting 2 crores in hand, is security. You could buy a nice big house for yourself. Buy a better office. And just stash the rest as security", he concluded.

I fell quiet.

*************************************************************************************

These two incidences made me re-think the whole "money" concept. I quote from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,
"This planet [earth] has - or rather had - a problem, which was this: most of the people living on it were unhappy for pretty much of the time. Many solutions were suggested for this problem, but most of these were largely concerned with the movement of small green pieces of paper, which was odd because on the whole it wasn't the small green pieces of paper that were unhappy".

Would you rather be Mr. Bhave, being offered 2 crore rupees, more than enough for him to pack uo his dusty flour mill and live the rest of his years in prime luxury, or would you rather be my friend, having got 2 crore rupees with which to do as he pleases, but seeing no profitable venture in sight ?

Short Movie Review # 12: 21

2008-06-14T01:40:00.003+05:30

Go for this one if you have ever played blackjack in your life. And if cards intrigue you. I qualify for both of these.

21 is based on a book, which is based on a real life story, of how a group of mentaly gifted MIT students are coached to count cards, and using these skills, rob casinos of millions of dollars.Playing just blackjack. Nothing else. No gadgets, no gizmos, no technology. No Oceans 13 like planning. Just pure mental calculating skills.

The cast jells together wonderfuly, with the veteran Kevin Spacey lending the required maturity to the teacher by weekdays, card team coach by weekends character. His hand picked college team jets off to Las Vegas on weekends, to "legally" rob casinos of a lot of money. The hero, Jim Sturgess ( who i feel is going to be stiff competition to Shia LeBouf over the coming years), takes some time to join but when he does, the movie really gets going.

Moving at a nice fast clip, 21 hardly has any boring moments. And the card scenes are shown beautifully with a realstic feel. Lawrence Fishburne returns to the screen after a long time, in a role tailormade for him. But somehow, I still think of him as Morpehus.

A chilled out soundtrack and some great lines make this a very watchable movie. Go for it.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Short Movie Review # 11: Aamir

2008-06-11T22:14:00.005+05:30

Critics generally have a tendency to praise a serious off beat movie, one with a social message, and without any overacting, bad sexual jokes and item numbers.Aamir fits all these criteria. And many a times, this praise is misplaced. So is the case with Aamir.

So whats the big deal then about Aamir? The truth is, there isnt any, really.

Aamir tries to be different, and succeeds to a very small extent. The grime and sleaze of the muslim dominated areas of Mumbai have been shown effectively, but it gets really repetitive as the movie progresses. You almost expect a morose looking muslim oddball character around the next turn, with a cryptic message for our hero.

Rajiv Khandelwal makes a fine debut though. Playing Aamir, he lands in Mumbai only to recieve a phone call telling him that his family has been kidnapped, and that he has to obey orders if he wants to see them alive again.

Diplaying the right emotions at the right time, he looks like a man genuinely in trouble. But thats the problem. The script requires him to be in trouble throughout the movie. So although effective, his range of expresions is limited. How we would have loved to see a hint of comic timing, some witty dialogues, an air of confidence...

But all he is forced to to by the tight script is to keep pleading with the abductor.

Aamir's cinematographer should take the part of the blame. Why have so many close ups of stools, vomit, lambs and chicken being sliced etc? Being realistic does not necessarily mean revolting the audience. (Satya showed us Mumbai without nauseating us even once.)

The climax wont really take your breath away. If you have seen enough movies, you might not even be surprised. I wasnt.

Aamir would have done well if it were more understated and with a more interesting storyline. Maybe a big twist towards the end.

If you really want to see a movie on terrorism and the muslim fraternity, go see Khuda Ke Liye. Now, thats a real cracker.

Rating : 2 stars

Short Movie Review # 10: Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-06-08T03:04:00.003+05:30

When did I last enjoy an English movie so much ? Stardust ? Die Hard 4.0? That was almost a year ago.

But surely not as much as I enjoyed this one. Indiana Jones is the most paisa vasool movie Ive seen in recent times. It has almost non-stop action, with dollops of witty dialogues, delivered by a dead pan Harrison Ford in top form.

Set in the 1950s, the sets are breathtakingly realistic. The adventure of Indiana Jones, as he tries to return the magical " cyrstal skull " to its rightful place in the "City of Gold", shifts from America to Peru to the Amazon before you can blink. Old fashioned KGB villians, with corny lines like " We will make you talk the old fashioned way

!" make for delightful viewing.

This movie does not waste any time in egetting to the point , and there is no pseudophilosophical small talk like in National Treasure. This is a real treasure hunt movie, with the action where its supposed to be. Not in books or museums, but in jungles and caves.

Ford is the heart and soul of this caper, defying his age and carrying out the physicality that this role demands , with smooth finesse. The ending leaves us wide open for a sequel.

Not remembering the first 3 parts clearly, I feel compelled now to do some catching up.

A must see for the special effects, continous thrills, dialogues and a nice comfy old time action sequence feel.

Rating : 4 stars

Short Movie Review # 9 : Sarkar Raj

2008-06-07T01:36:00.004+05:30

There is one crucial diktat, that directors must follow when making a sequel. It HAS to, and I mean HAS to be better than the first part. ( take for example, Lage Raho, Dhoom 2 and Krrish). There are no ifs and buts to this.

Very simply, Sarkar Raj isnt.

RGV has tried almost the same story line as Sarkar, with the additon of an utterly confusing issue of a power plant. The movie starts of in Godfather-1 style, with Sarkar's 60th birthday celebrations at the Nagre household. Within the first 5 min itself, the villians this time around, Sayaji Shinde and Govind Namdeo are shown to be plotting the Nagre downfall. Another bad-un joins them later.

Then, almost as if in a hurry, the powerplant proprosal comes to the Nagres's , brought by Aishwarya Rai (who by the way looks stunning throughout the movie.) Amitabh dissaproves it while Abhishek is convinced it will serve the greater good of the people of Maharashtra in the long run. Amitabh agrees to support his son.

The plot moves to Thakarwadi, where they meet with Rao Saheb (Dilip Prabhavalkar), Amitabh's political mentor, to garner his support. He agrees but his nephew, Sanjay Somji ( bearing a striking resemblnace to Raj Thackeray) opposes the power plant project and begins instigating the villagers against the Nagre's. Then begins the fight for Abishek to complete the project, which has now become his dream. But at what cost?

To reveal more of the plot would be letting out quite a few spoilers. The drawbacks of the movie are:

- the same basic plot as Sarkar: a few bad guys plotting throughout the movie to finish off the Nagre's, and the revenge formula in the end.

- The govinda-govinda track is over used

- The second half is way too slow

- The extreme close up technique that was so effective in Sarkar gets a little tiring towards the end

-You really dont feel as if you are seeing something different ( the same asasination attempts, the visits to the hospital, the revival, the revenge)

Where Sarkar Raj redeems itself is :

- an almost natural chemistry between the father-son duo. One of the highlights of the movie is when they hug each other just before the interval, trying their best to forget Vishnu Nagre. The father, a stiff, but broken man. The camera pans to both their eyes , which speak volumes without saying a word.

- Amitabh in top form. Consider this as a hint, but if you thought this movie was about Abhishek, think again. Its Amitabh all the way. He carries on from where he left off the last time. His expression after seeing the wrecked, bombed car has to be seen to be believed.

- Aishwarya- always a sincere perfomer, she really gets to show her acting histronics towards the end.

In the end, you somehow wish RGV shoudnt have been so brave. Far too many experiments, and one really big one, which goes against the very concept of the Sarkar legacy.

Traitors where u least expect them, the predictable villanous looks with dirty teeth, more punch lines than normal sentences, it gets all a bit too heavy in the end.

The last 20 min of the movie is a complete drag, a big contrast to the last part of Sarkar, which was the high point of the movie.

And yes, like you cheered during the final frame of Sarkar, dont be surprised if a loud chuckle escapes from your mouth during the final frame here.

After this one, we can all truly say: "Sarkar Khatam".

Rating : 2.5 stars

Dangerous Weather...

2008-06-04T08:41:00.004+05:30

At 4:20 pm yesterday, the weather was hot and oppressive. I was longing for the clock to strike 4:30, then a short 15 min ride home, and into the comforts of my AC room and bed.

But that was not to be.

On my way home, abruptly as if almost as a prank, it started drizzling, then raining then pouring, and then it was mayhem. Lightening every 2-3 minutes, none of the signals working, periliously deep potholes, traffic snarls and bikes skidding.

Pune is known for its abrupt weather, and I wasnt really surprised. there had been times when I had left my house ( abotu 11 kms from college) wearing my glares, had had to remove them halfway as it had turned cloudy, and then by the time I reached college, I would be drenched.

Yesterday I was completely unprepared. After spending the first 2 min packing away my earphones to safety, I set off towards home, wondering, why this city crashes everytime it rains for the first time. The route to my house is relatively simple. But that day ended up taking almost 6-7 detorus. Reason ? Fallen tree branches!

I saw all shapes, sizes and varieties. After almost every 5-6 min, there was a branch leading to either a traffic jam or a totally closed road section. It had become almost funny, with fellow riders passing comments and almost enjoying the situation. There was a lane in which a group of people , were lifting a big branch out of the way. They were doing it entirely for the good of the commuters.

Completely soaked to the bone, shivering and tired, I finally reached home an hour after setting off from college. And as expected, there was a power failure. The day Pune does not have a power failure after the first rains in June, ill eat my hat.

The good part was, the amazing smell of the mud made you forget all these problems.

And bring back other memories... "Dangerous Weather !!!"

The Indian Premier League. And why we will miss it...

2008-06-02T00:49:00.005+05:30

The IPL is finally over. What will we watch now from 8 pm everyday ?

I have fought off the temptation to blog on the IPL till now, but isnt a review of a movie supposed to be writen only after the movie is over?

And a what an entertaining blockbuster movie this has been. I remember discussing the team compositions just after the player auctions. Questions arose. Which player was in which team ? Was every team suppossed to play each team once? Or twice? Would the IPL really work ? Would the regional patriotism catch on ?

A mind boggling media blitz almost answered these questions even before the IPL began. Shahrukh Khan led the way with the Knight Riders, making them an instant neutral man's favourite. And then as the tournament unfolded, I realized it was not just working. It was becoming a runaway success. A BIG one. Jam packed stadiums, heavy sale of team merchandise, superb media coverage and a tele audience glued to their seats.

Why even the BIG DADDY of Indian entertainment, Bollywood, showed its fear and respect to the IPL by having just a single big release over 45 days, Bhootnath, which probably would have flopped even if the IPL wasnt on.

The IPL had everything a cricket fan would love. Close finishes, big sixes, important wickets, superb fielding, controversies and even celebrity appearances. Somewhere in these 45 days , I read an article somewhere which said, that cricket skills are important, no matter what the type of cricket played. Although I am a true blue Test Cricket fan, I sort of tended to agree. I mean, yes, playing out the first session on a green Brisbane pitch, with your team at 6-2, with 5 slips and a gully, facing Mcgrath and Lee is the real stuff but then getting 32 of the last 3 overs with 3 wickets in hand, under lights at the Wankhede is no child's play either.

Twenty20 has no mercy. If you are a weak fielder, you'll be caught out immediately. If you are a slow scorer, excuse me , this isnt the place for you. If you havent enough control on your line and length, there is no place to hide. And lastly , if you are not a good captain, not a good leader of men, this is the worst place you should be at.

For me, there are a few lasting memories/impressions/observations of the IPL:

- The comeback of the Mumbai Indians under the leadership of Shaun Pollock

- Jayasuriya's brutal sixes on the leg side

- Shoaib Akhtar's 3 over spell agaisnt Delhi

- Warne couting and then recounting the number of overs his bowlers had each

bowled, on his fingers, during a league game

- Harsha Bhogle, sitting in almost the same position during each match, with his elbows either on the table or on the back of a chair

- Shahrukh egging the capacity crowd on at the Eden Gardens

- Preity Zinta's huge smile and high fives

- Shane Warne hitting Symonds in the last over for six to win the match

- Sachin's shocking captaincy for 3 matches in a row

- Dhoni talking to his teammates in a huddle after the final loss

- Warne raising the winners trophy ( the worst designed trophy I've seen till date)

A points though :

1. All the veterans , had their teams get knocked out. Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly and

Laxman. Pure coincidence? Or more proof?

2. No Indian won either the Orange Cap or the Purple Cap.

3. The only non-Indian captain in the IPL, lifted the trophy.

4. The team that won the trophy, had the least number of locals contributing to the

win.

5. From a pool of 25 x 8 that is 200 players, only two hitherto unknown Indian names really shone brightly . Manpreet Gony and Swapnil Asnodkar. Yusuf Pathan was a well recognised player even before the IPL stated. In fact, he was brought for more money than Shane Warne himself.

So what do we do till April 10th next year ? The memory of the public is short. But it seems hard to suggest that the impact of this IPL can ever fade from memory. Mr. Lalit Modi deserves a special mention in the annals of cricketing history.

IPL. Truly, a Manoranjan ka Baap.

"Arrange" a love marriage....

2008-05-29T00:40:00.003+05:30

In 2003, I debated on the topic " Love Marriage Vs Arranged Marriage " in college. We drew lots to select, and I drew Love Marriage.

The debate was held in a packed Oral Pathology hall. By the time my turn to speak came, there was hardly place to stand.

This is what I said:

" Everybody present in this hall, including myself, the judges and each and every one of you have loved at least once in your lives. You may have loved a person, you may have loved your school, your teachers, your friends, or you may have loved the last time you had dinner with your family.

You may have loved the first raindrop that fell on your cheeks or you may have loved it when your father wished you on your birthday. You may have loved any of these things, but yes, all of us have loved.

I believe that love cannot have a 12 word definition, but rather, love is defined by its purity. There is no other single emotion in the world which can be as pure a love. Anyone present here , who has ever truly loved, will know what I am talking about.

When you fall in love, that “someone” starts staying in your heart. You put that “someone's” happiness before your own. It hurts you deep inside when that person is in pain and your heart jumps with joy when you make that person happy. The day these feelings are reciprocated, is the most unforgettable day of your life.

Some of us are indeed this lucky. They marry the person they love and live happily ever after. I feel that marriage is like jumping from a plane flying high in the air.It is this spark of uncertainity when you jump, that gives marriage its high emotional quotient.

By not marrying the person you love, you are jumping without a parachute. My worthy opponents have said that marriages have to concieved with economic and social considerations. I would like to point out that while love may not be always enough to feed two stomachs, it is certainly enough to feed two hearts.

I agree that arranged marriages are not failures always, but then in these mariages, the real magic, the real chemistry is missing. It is this special touch of a painter, this special note of a musician, this special effort of an athlete , this special sprinkle of a chef, this special gesture of an artist is what makes life so very special.

Yes, there are hurdles in married life, but then what better weapon to overcome these hurdles that LOVE?

What better partner to fight these obstacles than the one person you completely understand and care for?

I think that by marrying someone you only hope you will like in the future, it is like going for the most important exam of your life, and not bothering to find out what the subject is.

Remember, we live only once, we truly love only once, and we marry just once in our lives.

By marying the person you love, you are taking a big step towards securing a happy future for you and your partner.

Someone has said : “ Where there is a will, there is a way.”

I say : “Believe in love and love will show you the way.”

To conclude, A love marriage ensures that two people who love each other, understand each other and care for each other, spend the rest of their lives together. The relationship of mariage is considered to be one of the most sacred and respected relationships in the world. This descion is so important that absolutely nothing must be left to chance.

If two people are in love, there is every reason to believe that thier married life will be a success. A love marriage ensures that a couple knows each other`s likes and dislikes beforehand, thereby making adjustments very easy.

During times of emotional stress, love provodes that perfect cushion of relief. There is absolutely no doubt in our minds.

It is an open and shut case.We believe that a love marriage scores over an arranged marriage in every department.

I won that debate comfortably and to raptourous applause.

But now, 5 years down the line, I think slightly differently. Sure, Im still in favour of a love marriage. But if I compare being single to being stranded on a deserted island, Id rather take my chances on a leaky, flimsy boat; than life my whole life on the island !!

Who knows, the boat might just take me to safety. Yes, maybe the journey wont be smooth sailing. I might topple over a couple of times, as long as I dont drown.

The girls of today have changed dramatically. A very pretty girl whom I was talking to recently, was so calm when she told me " Yes, Ill be going in for an arranged marriage. That way, my parents stay happy, and it isnt such a bad thing really."

Personally they scare the daylights out of me. Another girl I was talking to , said she like the guy so much during the first meeting itself, that she said YES the very next day !!! The meet lasted for about 6-7 hours, including a dinner and a movie. On the basis of that, she chose her life partner.

WOW.

I take more time than that just to decide if I want to be really good friends with somebody.

My 12 favourite scenes...

2008-05-25T11:33:00.004+05:30

Its actually quite a task to select 12 of your favourite scenes. Its much more difficult than selecting your 10 favourite movies, trust me.

In this selection, I have tried ( unsuccessfully?):

- to only consider movies released after 1994

- to select scenes irrespective of their length and importance to the movie

- to not be partial towards any particular genre

Listing these, starting from least favourite to most favourite, they are : ( the youtube video links follow the headings )

12. Rang De Basanti : www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Q7xgCu8oc

Aamir Khan in the car with Sue next to him. Very faint, almost imperceptible background music. He tells her how college days will come to an end soon, and life will change for everyone. The amazing metaphor about the being on either side of the college gate. Something we all have experienced.

11. Kabhi Alvida na Kehna: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-QZo9Um4QU

Contrary to public opinion, this movie remains very clsoe to my heart. It has so many scenes that are so special to me: Priety and Rani both crossing the road at the same time, the entire mitwa song, Amitabh's party speech, the dinner table scene, etc etc.

But his particular scene, when rani and Shah Rukh meet for the first time, on her wedding day, is the stand out.

Simply because it asks a simple question: What will you do, if you find true love after marriage ?

For me this remains Karan Johar's finest work till date.

10. Lagaan : ( no Youtube link)

You would think that the final six hitting scene woyuld be my favourite, but I love two other scenes.

i) The sarat (bet) scene, when the villagers are sitting with Aamir standing. He is offered the bet of winning the cricket match and not paying taxes for 3 years. The villagers plead with Aamir to refuse the bet. With pulsating background music, he locks his eyes into the Englishman's and says just three words, that emody the spirit of Lagaan. " Sarat manjur hai".

ii) The last scene of the movie, when in the pouring rain, all the villagers are watching the English troops leave their land. As Elizabeth says goodbye and the camera pans out, Amitabh's narration in his rich baritone says, " Yeh kahaani itihas ke panno me kahi kho gayi " and the end credits start rolling.

9. Mohabbatein : ( no Youtube link)

This scene was awarded the Sony Best Scene Filmfare award that year, and deservingly so. This is the scene just before the climax scene, where Amitabh, basking in his victory, adopts a patronizing attitude towards Shah Rukh, who meekly apologizes. Just as he about to leave, he puts things in perspective by telling Amitabh that it is he who has actually lost. In the background, a giant Aishwarya Rai portrait tells its own story. Very effective use of the thunder sound effect.

8.Chak de India: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPue3ESHN5A

After the final victory, you would expect a trademark presentation ceremony, followed by a long and emotional speech by SRK. In his speech he would thank the girls, pass cheeky comments agaisnt the selectors, say spirited lines against the media who branded him as a traitor and in the end, declare his love for the country. But all he does after Vidya saves the final penalty, is go weak in his knees and just look at the tri colour. I still belive that it is because of this one scene, that he was chosen over Darsheel Safary.

7. Taare Zameen Par: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeDn8VmMBtM

All of us have choked almost continously throughout his movie, even more so in the 2nd half. As the climax builds up during the final painting competition, with the song Kholo Kholo, Darsheel Safary finally cannot contain his curiosity any longer. He has to know what his Sir is painting. He tentatively peers over the canvas and sees his own portrait. Unable to hold back any longer, he breaks down and looks at Aamir Khan, who is about to break down himself.They hug each other. We, in the audience are spell bound. Outstanding.

6. Kal ho naa ho : www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1Uo_DWvkM&feature=related

Another of my favourite movies, with almost 15 scenes that are really special. Shah Rukh has had many famous entry scenes in his carreer.. the jump onto the stage in Dil to Paagal Hai, the helicopter entry in K3G, the rose in Mohobbatein, etc.

But his entry in this movie is the best for me. A disspirited and dejected family kneels down in prayer together, asking for Jesus to send them an Angel, a farishta, who will make all wrongs right.

And bang on cue, Shah Rukh appears, with a sweet flashback of the spilt coffee. The way the light comes on in his house, the way he sees them praying and looks up into the sky cannot be forgotten easily.

All this, of course, with the haunting Heartbeats instrumental in the background.

5. Dil Chahta Hai : www.youtube.com/watch?v=sleDFrWsIlE

One of the best friendshjip scenes ever, a repentant Aamir Khan stops at the Wilson College signal on Marine Drive and realizes his folly as he remembers his college days. He calls up Akshaye Khanna, says sorry and asks him to Just Turn Around.

4. Sarfarosh : www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMee9JlC2og

Aamir has trapped Naserrudin Shah into comminting a murder, so that he can be arrested. Naserrudin tries to justify all his actions and then Ammir launches into a fiery soliliquie that shuts every one up. Who can forget " chand sikko ke liye apne desh ko bechne jaa raha tha, saala haramzada", a line that is cut from the version played on cable channels.

3. Black : ( no Youtube link)

One of the most delicate and difficult scenes of this path breaking movie, where Rani wants to feel a kiss. Amitabh wrestles with his conscience and finally gives in. Totally devoid of titillation, there is a hushed silence in the cinema hall as the kiss unfolds. And then, flooded with shame, Amitabh leaves the room. Leaving us in tears.

2. Swades : www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITBc-mu-pz4

The famous "Cup of Water " scene, where Mohan Bhargav is returning from his journey. He has almost made up his mind, but not quite. At a station, a poor, almost naked boy pleads with him to buy a cup of water for a few annas. The boy doesnt have change, so he keeps fiddling in his pockets to find some. Meanwhile, the train srtas shugging out of the station. Mohan, only drinking mineral water till then, rasies the cup and drains it. And his eyes do all the talking. And hats off, A R Rahman, for a beautiful background music score, which incidentaly, won the Filmfare award that year.

1. Devdas : www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkiC09qIbKk

For me, this scene is the pinnacle of acting, the ultimate. Although the climax scene of Devdas is mindblowing, this scene is truly special. After Maar Dala, Devdas starts a long soliloquie , smashing bottles as he keeps talking. Madhuri provides ample support, her body jerking with every bottle breaking. The scene then moves outside, as he stumbles down the steps and staggers on to the bridge. The cresecendo builds up, with Devdas Narayan Mukherjee announcing a mock sentence of the court on himself " To drink till death ". Goosebumps all the way.

Short Movie Review # 8 : Khuda Ke Liye

2008-05-21T23:14:00.005+05:30

Highly recommended to me by my friends, I decided to see Khuda Ke Liye. Luckily, almost 3 weeks after its India release, E Square had a single show still running.

Khuda Ke Liye doesnt pretend to be a fun, paisa vasool kind of movie for even a minute. There is almost no humour, just a few instances of dry wit and sarcasm. It tells us 3 parallel stories.

The first two stories are of two young, talented Pakistani musicians, Mansoor and Sarmad. Sarmad gets hypnotised by the religious sermons of a Moulana and becomes a misguided and confused fanatic, being told that jehad is his sole objective. Mansoor, more level headed, flies to USA for further formal training in music, and gets caught up and jailed in the post 9/11 Muslim racial discrimination.

The third story, that of Mary , the daughter of a Pakistani settled in London for many years; is the most poignant and touching. She is in love with Davey, a gora, but is tricked by her father into travelling to Pakistan and marying Sarmad, who even happens to be her first cousin. What follows is captivity in a small Afghani village, and a revelation for Mary that changes her ideologies and priorities in life.

KKL works as a serious film, meant for a niche audience. There was almost complete silence in the theatre hall during the running time of roughly 2 and a half hours. The performances are searing and honest. The facial expressions are just right and the dialgoues, measured and effective.

The whole look and feel of this movie is big budget. Lavish cinematography, great costumes and locales give a realistic tone to the movie. The music is good and the background score in particular stands out. The allah-allah chorus chant stays with you long after the movie is over.

But the icing on the cake is the 15 min cameo of Naserruddin Shah towards the end. This powerhouse of acting talent, absoutely demolishes everyone with his mere screen presence, confidence and dialogue delivery.

Wish he had a longer role.

A must see. Rating : 4 stars

P.S. : If this is how much a Pakistani movie on post 9/11 can touch our hearts, we are ready for "My Name Is Khan". Bring it on, Mr. Karan Johar.

Short Movie Review # 7 : Iron Man

2008-05-18T02:34:00.002+05:30

This is not a super hero movie. What defines a super hero anyway? For me, it is someone who has powers that are god-given, or someone who is not human(Superman, X men), or someone who acquires them as a result of an accident ( Spiderman, Fantastic 4).

In this movie, Robert Downey Jr uses his intelligence, skill and technical wizardry to build a suit to help him toe scape from his villainous Afghani captors. Not to save the world. But to get his as* out of a smelly cave.

It is then another matter, that he improves upon the prototype design to build a new super suit, hundreds of times more powerful. But only once does he use it for the benefit of mankind. But hey... this is only Iron Man 1 that we are talking about. Rest assured, there will be Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3 to follow.
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The special effects are stunning, but the climax suit vs suit fight reminds you heavily of Transformers. What makes this movie different , is the crisp dialogues, and the dead pan demanour of Robert Downey Jr.

The balding villain is gratefully done away with in the end. The sequel will definitely needs someone more spiffy to fill in the bad guys shoes.

All in all, a good time pass movie, nothing path breaking. Not a patch on X men, is actually what I mean .

Rating : 2.5 stars

A small acknowledgment...

2008-05-15T23:46:00.005+05:30

As you grow older, you start becoming more independent. You are treated differently. You can now do the things that you weren't allowed to. And you love it.

But this liberty, comes with a price. Of responsibility.

I remember the way my studies used to be taken during my school days. Dad had charge of History,Civics, Geography and Social Science. Mom had Science-I, Science -2 and Maths. I really didn't require too much help for English, Hindi and Marathi.

Mom was the classical teacher, she would sit right next to me on the study table, teaching me proper sitting posture, urging me to write in my best handwriting.

Dad was cool. He would give me time-bound tasks... half an hour for a small topic, an hour for a bigger one. At the end of which, he would take the book in his hand. I was free to stand, sit, lie down, walk around, stand on my head... he didn't care, as long as I gave the correct answers. it was a verbal volley, no boring writing for him. I would have this green faded tennis ball in my hand, which we would throw to each other during this session. Depending on how many times we could drop it, we could keep score. I would get creamed most of the times.

He would frame his own questions... they would go backwards from the end of the chapter. and then suddenly ask me something from the middle !! Some of them would be trick questions.. But I used to scrape through somehow.. he would just tell me one thing.

" Rohit, ALWAYS study first, and then play. Never do the opposite. You want to see a movie, first study, then go for it. You want to see a cricket match, first study, then go ahead and enjoy it. Dont say... Let me watch the match, then I promise ill study .That never works."

Dad was officially relieved of my study responsibility after I passed my 10th. I remember Dad and Mom calculating from my marklist, who had "won". Dad's role then was limited to giving me pep talks, bringing me back to reality, curbing my free time hours, restricting my TV, etc etc. Of course I had joined a whole bunch of tuition classes. When there were just a few months to go for my 12th, he took me aside one day.

" This is it Rohit. This is the exam that counts. I'm only worried about you for this one. After you join a professional course, I'm never going to tell you to study. You'll manage it fine on your own."

Yeah right, I thought. Good job , Daddy-O, but I'm not buying that one. Not tell me to study ??? Ha ha. Incredible.

But he was true to his word. As BDS started, my parents suddenly took their hands off my studies. They claimed I was old enough now, to know whats good for me. I could plan my own study schedule.

Suddenly, I could decide when I wanted to start studying. One month before the exam, one week, one day. I could decide how many hours I wanted to study in a day. 5,8,10,3,1, zero.....I could decide everything. Not that I didn't get a few glares from them when they saw me fooling around. But never was a harsh word said.

And then strangely, I developed an emotion, or rather, discovered one that had been alien to me so far as far as studies were concerned. Pride.
Pride in doing well in exams. Pride in topping a paper. Pride in telling them I had done well.It was a very significant phase of my life. A phase that moulded the way I approached every exam, every test from then on.

Ill never forget Dad putting on a very matter-of-fact: "Yes, so what! You have to do well, its expected of you", demanour in front of me, but be so clearly transparent in his joy.

My Mom's face breaking out in a huuuuuuge smile every time I told her my marks. And was that a moist eye, or a trick of the light? I could never be sure. And I never had the courage to ask.

But on record, I want to say that I find it tough studying on my own. Especially now. When I have near constant access to the internet, my mobile phone, TV and a million other distractions. I would rather be shouted at, have my phone taken away, net disconnected, TV locked up and have my study schedule decided by my parents. Anytime. They could even share the subjects.

And I really miss the tossing the ball to Dad.

And for some strange unexplainable reason, this 26 year old dentist just cant bring himself to ask his 60 year old dad whether he wants to toss the ball around again.

If he agrees, I'll be more than happy to lose. What the heck, I'll drop every ball.

Ten minutes at the book binders...

2008-04-29T08:06:00.006+05:30

The last step of getting a book bound, is putting it for a final press in a machine, not unlike the "clamps" that we used in our BDS Prosthodontics posting. The book is kept in a machine which has a lid. A lever is tightened till the lid fits flush on the book, and kept there for 10 min.

I reached the binders, Ms.Mahima Trading Co., a little early, so I saw this happen. Mr. Joshi (senior), Proprietor, asked me to wait, so that it would save me a trip later. I was there to pick up my Library Dissertation.

Let me describe Mr. Joshi for you. He is an average, nondescript looking man.. in his sixties. Almost completely bald and with a round face. But its when he laughs that his personality comes to life. Its a rich throaty chuckle, showing his red pan stained lips completely. I'm guessing he has very few teeth left in his mouth. Its the kind of laugh that brings about a smile in you, before you can stop it.

They say that sometime people just open up to you. For no reason. It happened then.

We were on opposite sides of the counter. He, on a small steel stool, me standing with my elbows propped up on the counter. The LD was firmly wedged in the clamp. Any other day, any other time, I would been listening to music on my phone, but that day, I strangely, I didn't.

" Do you eat mangoes? " he asked me.

" No, I keep away from them. A season full of mangoes @ one a day will easily set me back by around 4-5 kgs! ", I said. In case you dont know, I have this metabolism where ANYTHING I eat, directly attaches itself around my stomach.

" Thats absurd! " he cried, " Every single important vitamin is present in a single mango! Eat them in moderation, and nothing goes wrong...." , he said and laughed.

" I guess you eat them a lot? " I asked him.

His eyes lit up. " Oh yes, I eat one a day till August. There are about 7-8 varieties that I eat. Of course, summer is the best time to eat them, Bu I even eat them during the rainy season. Just a few slices though ." He chuckled .

He went on," My father was a big fruit lover. Way back in the fifties, he would buy seedless pomegranates , imported from Muscat at Rs.25 per pomegranate! That would be around Rs.500 today. Have you ever seen a seedless pomegranate ? We used to get small portions as kids. My father used to say, I don't smoke, so let me indulge in my love for fruits. This passion got passed on to me, and I have been eating mangoes ever since I was 8. And by God's grace, I don't have diabetes, at least till now. I'm 68 by the way.

The only time I fell seriously ill was in 1982, when my father unexpectedly passed away. He had a heart attack. That shook me up a little. My Grandfather first bought a shop on Laxmi road, even before it was called Laxmi road ! My grandmothers name was Laxmi. But then we sold it as it didn't do too well. My grandfather then bagged a contract with the College of Engineering, Pune, for all their binding work and we set up a shop near the hostel, right in their own campus. My father managed the shop till 1962, then I managed it till 1986. Then a lot of private engineering college opened up and in the political melee that followed, we were ousted. Then I came and set up shop here.

But I'm happy now, though I miss my swimming. I have swam in wells, lakes, rivers, even oceans. Swimming comes naturally to me. I still remember, how my son Nilesh swam for the first time. He was a mere 1 1/2 years old, and we were in the 4 ft section of Tilak Tank. I told his mother, just drop him in the water in front of me, I guarantee you he will be safe. And so she did. After he went down initially, he surged back up and saw me. And instinctively, he started paddling. I moved back, and kept getting closer. Thats what you call natural swimming.

He gave the throaty chuckle again.

But I quit swimming in 1982, as due to my father's death, I had a lot of blood pressure problems and my doctor said its time to stop. But I have no complaints with life now. I have gotten my two daughters married, both are in IT. Nilesh helps me look after the shop. "

Suddenly, he broke out of his trance an got up. He took my LD out of the clamp and after checking it, handed it over. I was speechless.

" This , is short, is the story of my life." he said. And he laughed again.

As I walked out of that shop that day, I felt strange. Why had he confided so much to a complete stranger? Was it because he had no one to talk to to? Couldn't be.
What had he seen in me ?

I felt strange, But nice in a weird way. Mr. Joshi now wasn't just a balding old man with an infectious laugh for me. He had a story.
And I knew it.

Short Movie Review # 6 : Tashan

2008-04-27T01:47:00.003+05:30

Ive often wondered: " Dont producers and directors see the movie they have shot when it is half done ? Dont they realize what nonsense they have made, and scrap the movie right then and there ?"

Tashan is so unbelievably stupid that you cringe for most part of the movie. The story line is simple : Kareena steals Anil Kapoor's money ( 25 crores) by duping Saif. Anil Kapoor hires Akshay Kumar to find Kareena and the money, with Saif giving him company.

What could have been a fun run chase turns out to be a big bore. There is no chemistry ( sadly) between Saif and Kareena. The gags fall flat. The fight scenes are a cross between The Matrix and bad Mithin Chhakraborty movies.

Picture this : Akshay Kumar is fighting about 25 men on a crowded terrace. Suddenly he yanks a big pole from the ground and tonks the bad guys, and all 25 fly into the air.

Kareena Kapoor too, is not to be left behind. She suddenly jumps around in slow-mo like Trinity and starts stabbing the bad guys like there is no tomorrow.

Anil Kapoor hams throughout the movie, talking in a weird accent thats hard to catch at times.

The only time the movie comes to life is during the two songs: Dil Haara and Chaliya. Kareena holds center stage here, looking good enough to eat right then and there.
And yes, there is a bikini scene. But dont blink, or you might miss it.

Mr. Yash and Mr. Aditya Chopra, what are you two doing ? The whole country believes your judgment, trusts it. YR films has some respectability. Dont ruin it by churning out sub standard fare like this. Take a break from producing movies for others for a couple of years. And give us Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fast.

Rating : One star

One Two, Buckle my shoe...

2008-04-25T20:01:00.003+05:30

Ive always dressed very simply, uncorrupted by the latest fashion trends. I also have my own notions on shopping. For what's essential, take money from your parents. For whats not, earn some yourself.

The problem is, however expensive a pair of shoes I buy, they only last a year or little more, as they have to withstand the Pune rains for about 2 months every year.

I had ignored the trend of having pointy shoes for a very long time. But then the pressure eventually got to me. Everyone in college started wearing them. Even the unfashionable ones ! Mustering up the courage, I decided that this was it. I was going to have me some pointy shoes!!
There was nothing wrong with my current ones. They were nice and solid and black and rectangular. Yep, rectangular. Just the way our feet are. The are the narrowest in the middle somewhere and broadest at the end where our fingers fan out.

And so I picked up a pointy pair. With my own hard earned money. A pair not too expensive, but not too pointy either. And they hurt like hell.

It was like someone was torturing me for no reason. I was ready for anything...to tell the the truth, to reveal the country's nuclear plans, to bitch about anyone they wanted me to, but no one was interested.The shoes looked nice though. That I admit. Got a few compliments in college. But they still hurt like hell.

" Aah, its just shoe bite... " I said to myself.

After the first 4-5 days, they actually got a little comfortable. And then one of them ripped at the seams. I didn't blame my toes, they needed some air to breathe ! At that point I felt much like a General, who after winning the battle, slips and falls down the staircase to break his back. But I refused to throw in the towel. I wasn't giving up now. Not after 5 days of sore feet. They just needed a little bit of needle work and they'd be fine, I told myself. I got the torn one fixed by a cobbler.

The next week, the second one ripped. Now I felt like the same General, but who after recovering from hospital, is told that another war has broken out, but he is relieved of his command.I kept the 'ol chin up. I was going to win this one. The second shoe came back from the cobblers, all fixed up. Life was looking good.

Yesterday, the first one ripped in a new spot. I wasn't in the mood now to feel like any General.

Both my shoes are now at the cobblers, for a complete seam reinforcement. Ive declared a State of Emergency.

Of course, I have my trusty rectangular ones to keep me company till then.

P.S. : Oh, did I mention have size 11 feet ? Another size more, and I would have to get shoes made for me. That doesn't have anything to do with my problem, right ? :-)

The first one is always special...

2008-04-20T23:39:00.004+05:30

September 8, 1995 will always be a special date for me. It was the day that I fell in love with Bollywood. It was the day I fell in love with watching movies in theaters. It was the day I first experienced that strange feeling when the film certificate comes up on screen and the lights dim out. It was the day I first did advance booking.

It was the day Rangeela released.

The trailors on TV were already a rage and the songs were scorching the charts. I had, like any self respecting teenager, bought the Rs. 38/- audio cassette, which proudly screamed " A.R. Rahman's First Hindi Score".

I remember cycling up to Rahul, Pune's best theater at that time. We were about 14 of us, all my basketball club gang. Some of us rode solo, some of us double-seat. The balcony ticket was a steep Rs. 50. What had surprised me, was that Dad had actually seemed happy in parting with the money. And that time, too excited, I didn't give it too much thought. But over the years, As I got to know him better, I realized that my love for Bollywood was somewhat inherited from him.

He too remembers watching Kashmir Ki Kali on the day his 11th standard exams got over. He remembers every movie he saw during his days in Nair Hospital and Dental College (NHDC), Mumbai from 1965-1970. He told me once that when he went for the First Day- Matinee show of Teesri Manzil, he loved it so much that during the Intermission, he did the advance booking for the night show of that day itself.

Rangeela was an unforgettable experience. Right from experiencing on-screen titillation for the first time during Hai Rama to having moist eyes during the climax scene.

During Rangeela I though Id seen it all... It surely was the best movie that year, the acting , the music...

But I was to get luckier. Just one month and 13 days later, on October 20, 1995 I found myself with more or less the same people and in the same theater.

Watching a 3 and and a half hour movie called Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

A movie that gave us the most incredible on screen pair. Ever.
A movie that changed the meaning of palat ( looking back).
A movie that took us beyond India. Realistically. And then brought us back.
A movie that we all, unfailingly, even now, watch for at least 15 min if its playing on TV.

A movie that gave us the most famous screen names, Raj and Simran. Which have spawned the most common college canteen and classroom graffiti you can ever find : Raj loves Simran.

Even now, 13 years and gazillions of theater movies later, when the Film Certificate comes up and then the lights dim ever so slowly, I feel the strange rush of adrenalin. I love movies. Unapologetically and unabashedly.

What can I do? Its in the genes.

The sound of silence...

2008-04-17T21:01:00.004+05:30

In "The Bucket List", a pretty girl at the bar is telling Morgan Freeman, how her friend climbed the Himalayas.
"Did he hear it ? ", says Freeman.
"Hear what ?" The girl replies.
"The sound of silence. When you are standing at the highest point in the world, they say that you can feel the absolute silence . And then the silence speaks to you. Like the voice of God".

Well, I haven't been to the Himalayas but I get the point. Have you ever been been working , concentrating hard and then suddenly as the power supply is cut, all sounds around you die down ?

Its happens to me quite often. The mechanical crane working behind our college , the buzzz of fans, the whirrrr of desktop processors, and the myriad other sounds that I cant put a name to, just stop.

Its eerie. I can hear everything around me so clearly. The same thing happens at home. What never ceases to amaze me, is how I can hear every second tick away on the wall clock.

And then I realize in those fleeting electricity-less minutes, how fast the second hand is going. I mean, it can t be taking 60 long seconds for one minute, its just zipping around !!

I mean... there I was... at my first day in Fergusson College in 1997, wearing brand new brown Woodland shoes, a new light green checked shirt with sleeves rolled up and new black belt with a golden buckle..... starting the best period of my life.... Did those 2 years just zoom by ?

The one year in Pharmacy.. with more hazy memories than any other year....

The 5 unforgettable years of BDS... the fastest period of my life..

The 9 most professionally satisfying glorious months that followed, of running Dad's clinic and giving it a complete facelift...

Starting MDS.. and now, 2 years of MDS have flashed by which have shown me tremendous highs and lows...

I clearly remember shaving for the first time on my 16th birthday, on the day of my 11th standard final exam. And now im 26. Wow.

And then suddenly without any warning, the lights come back on.. my computer restarts... the fan starts spinning and buzzzing again... the fridge compressor kicks in.. the TV in the hall starts blaring...

and I forget that I was doing some real meaningful thinking.

What a pity.

Short Movie Review # 5 : Shaurya

2008-04-13T01:33:00.002+05:30

And it happens yet again. We take an amazing script, screenplay and dialogues from a Hollywood movie and mess it up. Ironically, A few Good Men is one of the movies in my wishlist to be remade ! ( refer to http://superdoc-betweenthelines.blogspot.com/2008/03/scene-by-scene.html)

Shaurya has many things working against it...

- Kay Kay Menon seems too young to be a Brigadier, Javed Jaffrey looks older than him !

- The whole Rahul Bose and Minnisha Lamba track is unnecessary. In A few Good Men, there is not even a hint of romance between Demi Moore and Tom Cruise.

- Why have weird scenes like the wedding inside the house in the middle of the night ?

- Somehow whenever the director tries to show us a different shot, like Minnisha Lamba helping Amrita Rao wipe the glasses, it just seems fake.

- All Rahul Bose does is instigate Menon in blurting out his crime, that too in a matter of 10 min. Compare that to the detailed gathering of evidence and the climax courtroom scene in A few Good Men.

- The viewer is left clueless till the very end, about the contents of the all important file that Amrita Rao sends Rahul Bose.

- The personal vendetta and the Hindu- Muslim angle is almost laughable

The only places where Shaurya redeems itself is the 2-3 scenes with Menon and Bose interacting. Especially when Menon is narrating the story of Bose's father to him, the fire in Bose's eyes is worth a good chunk of the ticket price. But the standout scene is the flashback, when we see the murder as it actually happened.

Final word: See it if you havent seen A few Good Men. If you have, stay far away.

Rating : 2 stars

Cherish your sleep !

2008-04-11T21:24:00.004+05:30

It is very famous Maharashtrian trait, to sleep in the afternoons. I have embraced it fully, unconditionally and lovingly, ever since I was small.

There is something special about an afternoon nap. Nap would be a mild word I am using, because I normally knock myself out for a good couple of hours. When I didnt have a mobile phone, would unplug the landline. Now I have a phone, and I have a special profile created, called Sleep Peacefully.

Everything gets turned off, except the phone light. Thats because there is no way to turn it off. Nokia people are u listening ???

It is said, that we Maharashtrians can be going trough a terrible time personally or professionally,or even be suffering from disease, but our afternoon sleep stays unaffected.

There are two ways you can go about seep. You can.... you know, just sleep. Just get into bed and lie down and close your eyes and get up. Simple.

Or you can do it my way. Enjoy your sleep. Relish it. Cherish it. Savour it. Make sure everything is perfect in the room before you lie down. Check that there are no chinks of light coming through any curtains. Check that the cordless is not in your room. Check that your computer speaker volume is mute, to kill the beep of the gmail notifier. Make sure you have changed your phone profile.

And then, you slide down and get your pillows into position, smile and thank God for this wonderful ability of humans to slip away into a subconscious state at will.....

When you are sleeping, no one can make you cry,no one can insult you, hurt you, defeat you, you cant lose, fail an exam, get rejected, have your trust broken, lose your keys, break your phone, say something embarrassing, have an accident, etc etc..

Basically, nothing can go wrong . Unless you fall of the bed that is.
Ouch, that might hurt.

A difficult choice...

2008-04-08T23:07:00.006+05:30

Ive been reading ever since I remember, and i have to thank my Dad for that. I was in the 8th Std, when everyone around me was reading a Hardy Boys or a Nancy Drew, he gave me a James Hadley Chase. I even remember which one it was, " Believed Violent".

In the next 3-4 years i finished all 70 odd of his novels. Since then, I have also finished Jeffery Archer, Frederick Forsyth, Agathe Christie, Erle Stanley Gardner, Arthur Conyan Doyle, Sidney Sheldon, Harold Robbins, Michael Crichton,Alastair Maclean, Irving Wallace, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Jackie Collins, Ken Follet, Issac Asimov and PG Wodehouse.

I wouldn't dare to arrange these authors in any order whatsoever. The people I have mentioned above, have given me countless hours of unparalleled entertainment.

And moments that I will never forget , for as long as I live:

- the characterization opening paras and the climaxes of almost all the James Hadley Chase novels, particularly, " Miss Shumway Waves a Wand " and "Come Easy- Go easy".
- The scene in Kane and Abel, when the two protagonists cross each other on the road, and doff their hats at each other
-The scene in The Odessa File where the purpose of the entire man hunt is revealed
- the last line of " No Comebacks"
- The plot of " A holiday for murder" and "And then there were none"
- The last line of Bloodline, " he died as the others had- in ecstasy."
- The line in Sphere " My name is H-A-R-R-Y"
- Almost the entire Foundation series
- The climax of all the Blandings novels, where all the sub plots fit seamlessly into each other

There is raging debate that is played in my mind every now and then... What do I like more ? An amazing movie or an equally good book ?

Devdas or The Odessa File ?
Lagaan or And then there were none ?
Swades or Foundation and Earth ?
Dil Chahta Hai or Galahad at Blandings ?

and...

Jurassic Park or Jurassic Park ?

Most people who know me only over the past 3-4 years would assume ill choose the movies.

But I pick books.Give me a book anytime. It will be difficult for me to explain, how Jurassic Park the book, is so much better than Jurassic Park the movie. It just is. Trust me.

P.S.: IF you have read the post until here, and you don't know what I'm talking about, grab any of the books whose names you see here. You'll thank me later.

A post on my favorite books will follow in a few days, as time permits.

What could have been...

2008-04-05T19:59:00.004+05:30

When you are small, you are a bit of everything. A painter, a sportsman, a mathematician, a musician, a writer and a craftsman. As you grow up, at different points in time, you let go of these one by one. And then you regret it later.How many of us are actually doing something we love ? Is our profession our first choice ? If we had the opportunity to turn the clock back, how many of us would still choose to be what we are ?

I remember trying my hand at swimming and badminton in a big organized way. Daily coaching, competitive spirit , I had it all. But somewhere down the line, I just didn't pursue it well enough.

I played competitive basketball for almost 7 years, was part of state championship winning team 5 times. And till I was in the U-14 category, i can confidently say I was one of the top players in my city. I remember playing out close matches under floodlights, with that special feeling when you are in the "zone" and cant hear the crowd around you... I remember almost every tournament I played, all the important matches, the things my coaches said to me.

As I became older, I made more attention to studies. I'm not saying I would have gone on to make a great basketball player for sure, but at at least I wouldn't have any regrets. Now whenever I read about the sport in the paper, see a mention of my old club, get in touch with those friends, I wonder on what could have been...

My biggest regret though probably is not becoming a professional writer of short stories or a journalist. I started writing short stories long long ago and I had the choice to pursue this avenue, but I didn't.Now whenever I have a weekend free , I write one, hoping I get them published some day.

They say the happiest man in the world, is one who loves his daily work.

Do you wish you were something else? Something you were darned good at when you were small ? You should have kept at it.. I bet you would have been famous by now! Write in your comments..

Oh and ya, this is what I really wanted to be... :-)

It's my Sad Birthday !!!

2008-03-31T22:11:00.005+05:30

Its exactly 12:00 am. Its the 1st day of April, 2008. My birthday has begun. I have completed 26 years on Planet Earth. Well, not really.

I was born at 01:13 pm on 1st April, 1982, so I have about 12 hours to go.

What have I done in this past year ? Have I donated to charity ? Have I supported the education of a poor child ? Given up eating meat ? Joined any welfare organization and done any free dental treatment ? Given even a minimum of 10 rs a week to beggars ?

No, I haven't done any of the above.

I have though , done other things. Ive seen a movie at a multiplex almost every weekend. Had lots of extravagant dinners at restaurants, ending up wasting food. Ive bought a cologne, Dunhil Red for Rs. 1400. Ive looked the other way when beggars have tapped on my car window. Hurriedly flipped through the advertisement urging people to donate to charity. Slept all through Sunday morning all year.

With all this bearing down heavily on my mind, I somehow just cant manage to celebrate my birthday. Celebration needs a reason. You pass an exam, or maybe come 1st, win a sports event, get a job, get promoted, get married, have children... etc etc.

All sound like valid reasons to me. But celebrate just because you spent an utterly selfish (another set of ) 365 days ??? Nope.. thats doesn't ring any bell anywhere for me.

I see my friends spending their fathers money like he has an unending supply of it. Their cigarette and booze bill every month easily runs up to more than Rs. 5000. They shop every 3-4 months, my entire wardrobe would fit into a tiny shelf in theirs.

Yet, every year, on that fateful(?) day they were born, they celebrate as if they have just accomplished something the should be proud of. Cakes, gifts, more cigarettes and even more booze.

I , on the other hand, feel sad that I have one year less to do something meaningful here. To summon up some courage for the year to come. Not just occupy a 1" by 6 " place on this planet.

Its a day of depression for me, and I cant wait for it to get over.When 2nd April 2008 will come, 24 hours from now Ill really be heaving a sigh of relief.

P.S.: In case you didn't know its my birthday and you are thinking of wishing me by sending me an email or something, I guess you now know what to do. (or not do !)

Look at it this way...

2008-03-27T23:31:00.003+05:30

How often has this happened to you? I am a fresh victim.

Just about a week ago, I was discussing electronics with a close friend of mine. We were talking about 16 GB pen drives and 500 GB and 1000 GB hard discs. About how the time has come for me to order one from abroad now.

How data storage is the need of the hour and how 1000 GB would also not be enough a couple of years down the line.About how we would stock up on hundreds off movies..We were talking animatedly, our careers nicely on track. It almost seemed like it was the only unfulfilled wish in our lives at that point.

There are many times when I get carried away likewise , about my subject -Oral Medicine and Radiology. About how i need to top an exam, give a good..no... great presentation...Where I feel that it is the only focus of my life.

The day after my friend and me had that conversation, his wife fell sick and had to operated. He left town for a few days and came back today.
I spoke to him on the phone and the conversation was so different from that day that it got me thinking.

Sometimes, we need to look at ourselves from outside, to somehow get outside our bodies and our personalities.We need to look at ourselves with the big picture as the background. It helps to get a huge reality check on our goals, ambitions and priorities. How much do they really matter ?
Health always always comes first. Its when we respect the fact that our body is almost a miracle and our luck is in, on each day that we don't fall sick , that we have really made it.

Im an asthmatic. I have all the pre-clinical sign and symptoms of diabetes. I get very painful periodic acute cramps. I have a very painful oral condition called Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis Minor. And Im losing my hair.

I know what it feels like to go a year without an acute attack of asthma.....one day without any cramps... a week without any ulcers in my mouth...

A lot better than topping an exam or giving an excellent presentation. Trust me.

Scene-by-Scene

2008-03-24T21:47:00.005+05:30

A couple of fays ago, I saw Reservoir Dogs, just for the heck of it. I had seen Kaante the day it released , so i knew the plot. I knew that the wounded guy is the cop. But I thought, Kaante was a brilliant movie, the original will be even better.

And I was badly disappointed.

I can confidently say, that Kaante is a much better movie than Reservoir Dogs. The scene where Sanjay Dutt, all classy suit and french beard says in his own characteristic drawl to Amitabh Bacchan, " Major, tu saara din sirf bhonkega, ya kabhi katega bhi ?" had me whistling in the aisles.

When Micheal Madsen says to Harvey Keitel ," So are you gonna just bark all day, little doggie, or are you ever gonna bite ? " I just let out a sigh.

One scene from Kaante, where a hysterical Mahesh Manjrekar breaks down ( haan, hu main phattu) had more punch, more verve, more intensity than half the English original.

Why do we keep slamming our directors for lifting Hollywood scripts again and again. If there is a good story that needs to told, it should ! The rightful copyright owner should be acknowledged in the credits.

I think Koi Mil gaya, Hum tum and Baazigar were excellent remakes. But thats a sad percentage of good remakes out of the many that have been churned out so far.

I my lifetime, id like to see the following movies remade.

My wishlist, if you can call it that..

1. The Pursuit of Happyness - Shah Rukh Khan as Will Smith

2. The Departed- Saif as Di Caprio, Abhishek as Matt Damon. Amitabh Bacchan as Jack Nicholson.

3. If Only... - Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor

4. A Few Good Men : Hrithik as Tom Cruise, Amitabh Bacchan as Jack Nicholson.

5. Shah Rukh Khan as Jim Carrey in The Majestic and The Truman Show.

6. Scent of a Woman : Amitabh Bacchan as Al Pacino, Ranbir Kapoor as Chris O' Donnell

7. The entire Die Hard series with Sanjay Dutt.

This list is wide open for comments.

P.S.: Munnabhai MBBS was remade as Gangsta MD . Take a bow, Rajkumar Hirani.

I used to , now I don't....

2008-03-23T18:49:00.008+05:30

Every year, during Holi, Diwali, Ganapati or Navaratri, I end up saying this to someone.

I used to play with colour, now I dont.
I used to burst crackers, now I dont.
I used to do the ganapati pooja, now i dont.
I used to play dandiya, now I dont.

Why did I stop? When did i stop ? My earliest memories of playing with colours are near my house in Prabhat road lane #2 . After a big breakfast, at about 11 or so I would go down to my friends building where the whole gang would assemble one by one.
I remember the frenzied filling of water balloons and filling up your own bucket. Then when you had enough, or thought you had enough, you launched an attack on someone else.
I remember that weird indescribable feeling , when the sun bore down on you and no one poured water on you for a good ten minutes,you felt dirty and you could suddenly smell the colour on your body. Then you would end up pouring a bucketful on yourself just to stay in the race.
I never put any oil on my body or my hair before I went out to play, I had no older brother to tell me these tips. Now I think all my hair problems are because of the damage the colour did to my hair... !! I remember coming home and just tossing the dirty clothes in a bucket. Mostly, they were discarded, but if they ever came back to my cupboard, I never wondered who had taken the pains to clean them.

Bursting crackers was a major event for me. Every year, my dad sued to increase the cracker budget by Rs.200. I ended up reaching Rs. 1600. He used to take me to this huge ground, where stalls would be set up. I would have a complete dictatorial say over what i wanted that year. After reaching home, I would make 4 neat lists, dividing the crackers for the 4 main Diwali events. The Laxmipoojan list would be the longest. Blowing holes in the cement walls , blasting rockets horizontally along the road... Ive seen and done it all.

The Ganapati festival used to be a very organized event . We would have all sorts of games.. chess, carrom, TT, badminton, gully cricket. We used to have a massive Ganapati Idol in one of the houses( by rotation) in our lane and the pooja was a be-there-or-get-left-out deal every day at 9 pm sharp. I even knew the words till a point in time !
The the skits and the dances. Our whole gang would practice for days to put up some really good performances. The visarjan was another huge affair. We would all wear white shirts and put the big vertical red tikka on our foreheads. If you were older, you got to burst the firecrackers on the way.

During navratri, we used to rent dandiya sticks and have a ball with some totally inappropriate music. No one knew how to play and some the entire playing field somehow leveled out.

I guess every average Indian has had similar memories. May be some have had it even better. Im just glad I didn't miss out on mine.

Somewhere down the line, I just stopped doing all of this. When I ask myself, why , I come up with unconvincing answers.

Did I stop playing with colours and water cause I was getting too messy ? Rubbish.
Did I stop bursting crackers because I was against child labour ? Nonsense.
Did I stop doing the Ganapati pooja because I suddenly felt less religious ? Hogwash.
Did I stop playing Dandiya because it was only a Gujarathi thing ? No !

Maybe I stopped looking hard enough for answers after a point. You know, you don't have to find the answers for every question.
You can always pass.

Our past matters...

2008-03-18T21:58:00.001+05:30

Gosh, Im finally out of the worst writer's block I've had in years.Only a blog-block though. I did manage to reel out a short story in the meantime.

And how did my block finally end? A sms ! Yes... the same person who sent me the sms that morning, ( refer to my second or third post in February).

This sms read " There comes a point in your life, when you realize who matters, who doesn't, who never did and who always will. So don't worry about the people from your past. There is a reason they didn't make it to your future ."

Dont worry about the people from your past ? Does that mean that only the people in your present count ? What about your first love, your first "best friend", your first teachers, your first coach, your first team captain ?????

Is it, that just still being in touch with these people, makes them significant ? I think not.

There have been so many people, who have molded you knowingly or unknowingly in the past. People whose second names you might not remember now. People who, if you cross them in the street, you probably wouldn't want to say hello to.But they have mattered.

One of the best compliments I have ever received was when i was 13, the vice captain of the Pune under-14 basketball team. I had the ex India captain in my team, 4-5 players who had played for Mahrashtra the year before, Our coach at that time said, " If I would have been the selector, I would have made Rohit captain. He might not be the best player, but he has a hold over other players that no one else has."

That comment has stuck with me till now, someone had told me for the very first time that I was special. Coach didn't make to my future. I don't even know where he is. But he sure as hell made a difference in my life.

My physiology teacher wrote in my slam book after I graduated, " Very few teachers get an opportunity to teach a student like you. I am lucky that God gave me this opportunity."
I was at a loss of words when I read this. I plan to frame this page and put it up in my clinic. 10 years from now, I might not even know where this person (my physiology teacher) is. He hasn't made it to my future.
But can I ever forget him ?

We learn so much from our first crush that never works out. Our first real fight with someone.The first time someone breaks our trust. The first time we break someone's trust.

And the day we change. For the better or for the worse.

Our past. It matters.

The exuberance of youth...( And why India doesn't need Dravid and Ganguly any more)

2008-03-04T22:28:00.005+05:30

The first time i heard this phrase was during the telecast of the Champions Trophy in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2000 when a young Yuvraj Singh ran out Micheal Bevan with a direct hit. . .

Since then it has been used many times by commentators.. Most notably during the famous Natwest triumph series in 2004 in England and in the epic Twenty-20 win in South Africa in 2007.

You can look at the Twenty-20 World Cup win in two ways.

One, that it lead to the resurgence of a long haired wicketkeeper from Ranchi to almost an iconic status in Indian Cricket, it was our first win on an international stage with all teams competing since 1983 and it redefined the way cricket was seen and telecast.

The other way of looking at it is fraught with danger. It resulted in a big chasm in the team, the juniors and seniors separated by the Big Divide, the final was a fluke win ( thanks to that unexplainable shot by Misbah) and that the same long haired wicketkeeper from Ranchi whose test place was in doubt, now had a dictator like grip on team selection.

I subscribed to this second view until today.

Things reached a boiling point in my head when Dravid and Ganguly were dropped for the ODI series in Australia. I could not understand, how we were planning for the 2011 World Cup now, a good 3 years away. In the process you were dismissing Dravid and Ganguly, who between them have won more ODI matches for India than the peerless Sachin Tendulkar himself. They had been in Australia for 2 months and they simply deserved to stay.

Most difficult decisions look correct only in retrospect.

Even if Dravid and Ganguly would have been in the team, the result would have probably been the same, but I think what has happened here is best for Indian Cricket. This entire team of 11 that won today, is the future Indian team. We have nobody even remotely close to retiring except the great man himself. And with this team thats good for another 5 years, we have beaten the World Champions at home. Thrice in the series and twice in a row.

Sounds good. Very very good.

Whs the flip side ? More advertisements, more millions being thrown at the players,the media hailing Ishant Sharma as the next Mcgrath and Rohit Sharma as the next Sachin Tendulkar.

Dhoni becoming more and more powerful. Almost dangerously so.

But the guard must change. The time is right and the time is now.

P.S. Sachin Tendulkar scored three crucial innings, to take India into the finals and then to help India win the Finals. Can you even quickly spot him in the photo ?

All good things come to an end...

2008-03-02T19:56:00.003+05:30

I feel a cruel , almost barbaric streak run through me when I read that some people have blackened and stoned the houses of our cricketers after a loss .If I could, I would hang every one of those miscreants in the worst possible way.

I have been a passionate supporter of our team for a long time.I cried when Harbhajan Singh smacked the ball from McGrath past point to win the Chennai test and the series 2-1.I cried when Saurav Ganguly twirled his shirt in anger and triumph at Lords.

The commentators on TV took the words out of my mouth once when they said that our team really needs our support when it’s losing rather than when it’s winning.

Still our country has an abundance of hypocrites, who after a bad performance, go to town cursing our team and baying for their blood.
These same people, after a victory, sing praises and proclaim themselves to be the most ardent supporters of India.

I wish there was a law against such people and I would be happy to be the executioner.

Today Sachin Tendulkar scored his 42nd hundred while batting second, to help India win the first of the three finals of the Commonwealth Bank tri-series in Australia.He scored 117 not out in 120 balls, carrying his bat.

Before this , he had NEVER scored a hundred in Australia.

Before this , his run in the series had been just about fair.

Before this , his first second innings average in the last 3 years was just in the mid 20s.

Before this, it was said that he hasn't won enough matches for India.

Does todays match change any of this ? Are you the kind of person who reads into statistics? I have been lucky to witness the almost the entire career of this great man.

He has given millions of Indians, including me, such immense moments of joy in these 18 years.
For free.

He might have made trillions in the process.. But did he ever ask you, the average Indian, watching the match at home on the sofa for even one rupee?And still, we try to wrap him up in statistics.

Let him be. He has done his job.

This tour to Australia was the biggest test for him, and with three centuries on this tour he has come out on top.

For me, whatever he does from now on is a bonus.

All good things come to end.

Accept the fact that there is going to be a day when Sachin Tendulkar will take the guard of honour. It would be great if it was from an Australian team at the Wankhede stadium , Mumbai.

An afterthought:

In the late 2020’s as Arjun Tendulkar takes strike on debut, a 50 year old man with a baby voice might be doing commentary.

That will a magical moment and I look forward to it.

Is there a slight tremble in my fingers as I type ?

I think there is.

Short Movie Review # 4 : Vantage Point

2008-03-01T02:48:00.004+05:30

Thousands of people witness the assassination of the President of the United States of America. Out of them, 8 people are special.

We see the assassination, the events leading up to it and the events that follow immediately after, through their eyes, one by one.

Which of them is guilty ? Is the whole thing a hoax? Or an elaborate plan? Or an accident ?

Vantage Point, a real edge of the seat movie, offers a fresh storyline and screenplay with outstanding editing. You are left wondering almost till the end of the movie, as to what the actual sequence of events is.

See this just for the seamless editing and camera work.

Rating : 4 stars

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled. Every action, dialogue and scene is important. Dont even blink.

Questions...

2008-02-27T22:49:00.003+05:30

My friend's dad is a surgeon. A few days ago, a 27 year old youth had a bad road accident and was declared brain-dead. That is, the heart will keep beating if given adequate life support, but theoretically, the patient is dead.

The patient's family decided to donate his kidneys. As routine protocol, the operating senior surgeon, in this case my friend's father, is required to switch off the life support system after the operation is over.

He duly proceeded to do so, but for 20 whole minutes, the heart kept beating without any technical support whatsoever.

How did this happen ? I'm not looking for any technical explanations here.Was it sheer will ? Was the heart just not ready to give up ? Was his brain (but he was brain dead wasn't he? ) telling his heart to keep beating for some more time ? Or is there an unknown control that has the power to take such decisions ?

I wish I knew.

Do we take life for granted? I think we do, in fact, we take our existence for granted every single living minute.

Is this why, people with disabilities sometime outperform , outshine and out-everything us. My Pathology teacher's son is physically disabled, one side of his body is paralyzed and the other side is almost useless. Yet, he has written three books in braille for the blind.

I am normal , but will I ever be able to write even one book in my lifetime ? Do I lack the will, the talent , the drive or the spirit ?

Questions.. questions...

Someone once told me, its only when you attend a cremation/funeral of a close relative/friend that you realize only completely certain, rock solid, unavoidable reality of life.
Death.

Good deed for the day...

2008-02-27T01:30:00.002+05:30

Do you normally give money to beggars ? I don't. At least, not to the apparently physically normal ones.

Today I had gone along with my friends to this milkshake joint called Fantasy. You get great milkshakes there, especially the ones that are in season. Like right now Strawberry. We ordered one each, and while we were waiting for the order, we saw this person, very haggard and scraggly, walk along the footpath. The place was littered with plastic glasses which people had thrown after finishing their milkshakes. This man was picking up the glasses, scraping the insides with his fingers and licking them. He wasn't bothering anyone, wasn't begging, wasn't making any noise.

One by one he kept picking the glasses, scraping them and then licking his fingers.

This sight shook us and we promptly ordered an extra glass. we placed it by his side and for a couple of minutes he didn't notice it. Then he picked it up and suspiciously smelt it . Although it had a spoon and a straw, he dipped one finger in and licked it.

Having satisfied himself, he put the glass to his lips and drained it. His entire body seemed to come to life after that. He immediately got up and with great energy . he walked away.

Our good deed for the day was done.

Did he deserve it this time ?

2008-02-24T22:27:00.003+05:30

Before you read the rest, let me tell you that I am a die hard Shahrukh Khan fan. But ill try to be as unbiased as i can.

This post is purposely titled , " Did he deserve it this time ? " because this is the question all SRK-bashers try to raise every time ( 7 for popular and 2 for critics , total 9 till now) that SRK wins the Filmfare best actor trophy.

Lets quickly run down the list his previous Filmfare Best Actor awards starting from 1994 till date:

1993 : Baazigar
1994 : Kabhi haan kabhi naa ( Critics)
1995 : Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1997 : Dil to Paagal Hai
1998 : Kuch Kuch Hota hai
2000: Mohabattein ( Critics)
2002 : Devdas
2004 : Swades
2007 : Chak de India

This means , he has won either the popular or the critics award 9 times in the last 14 years, and also the Best Actor in a Villainous role in 1994 for Anjaam and the Best Actor in a comic role in 1999 for Baadshah.

11 Filmfare Best Actor awards for different categories in 14 years, and strong nominations every year.

Mindboggling.

Now that we are done with the statistics, lets see if he deserved the award on all these occasions. I will be gracious enough to admit that on two occasions, viz. , 1995 when Aamir Khan was nominated for Rangeela and in 1998 when Aamir Khan again was nominated for Sarfarosh; the Award could have gone to him.

But on all other occasions, SRK completely deserved to win. And if indeed as SRK bashers claim that the Filmfare awards are rigged, why did Aamir Khan win for Lagaan? Or Hrithik for Koi Mil Gaya ? or Amitabh Bacchan for Black ? Or Sanjay Dutt for Vastaav ? Because in each of these years, these performances were indeed better than the rest!!
If SRK were to rig the awards, he could have won in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006 as well! He had strong nominations in all these years!

Another accusation is that SRK is the same in all his movies. Look at his last three awards. Devdas, Swades and Chak de India. He was Devdas Narayan Mukherjee, Mohan Bhargava and Kabir Khan in these movies, not Shahrukh Khan.

Now talking only about 2007, where Darsheel Safary, the brilliant child artist of Taare Zameen Par was nominated with him.

Darsheel Safary was chosen from 20,000 kids to play a dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi. Do you really think he was going to be unconvincing ? Those helpless expressions, angry outbursts and tears were all carefully planned and orchestrated. Dont forget, you are talking about giving the award to Darsheel Safary, an actor. Not poor little dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi.

Naseruddin Shah once said in an interview, " Its more difficult to act like a normal person and win the audience's heart , than to portray a role of a disabled, abnormal person ".

I completely agree.

Lets not belittle the achievements of this hardworking superstar, who in 1991 with Rs.400 in his pocket once stood at Marine Drive with his friends and said " One day I'll rule this city."

To quote the great man himself, " The Filmfare Best Actor trophy looks the best in my hands." Indeed it does.

Short Movie Review # 3 : Jumper

2008-02-24T11:40:00.002+05:30

Imagine teleporting yourself to any place in the world in a second. Never having to take the tedious process of taking a fight, taking a train, a bus or even walking. Never having to work for money, cause all you have to do is teleport yourself into a bank, pick up the cash u need, and pooof the hell back outta there.

In this movie, there is a whole breed of people in the world who can actually do this, and they are called Jumpers. There is a secret unit of people headed by Samuel Jackson whose sole mission is to kill every jumper that exists.

There you have it. Mindblowing special effects and a touch of emotion thrown in make this strictly passable fare. A slightly lame climax is a let down.

PS: Samuel Jackson defends his actions by saying that only GOD should have the power to be at all places at all times.

This is the first movie in which the hero actually abuses his superpowers to steal, and yet we want him to get away from the law.

My rating : 2.5 stars

Short Movie Review # 2 : Mithya

2008-02-22T07:26:00.003+05:30

Mithya is different and like a breath of fresh air from the word go. I have always been grumbling that Ranvir Shorey's roles in Pyar ke Side Effects, Traffic Signal and Bheja Fry have been too short.

Well, here Ranvir Shorey with a meaty, complex role, blows you away with every scene :be it his scene rehearsal in his dingy room, his body language during the shoot out at marine drive, his conversations with his kidnappers on the boat and on the breakfast table, his chemistry with Neha Dhupia.... and his expressions when he begins to believe that he indeed is the DON.

The first half is complete fun, while the second half gets serious.

Go watch it.... 4 stars.

P.S. Ranvir Shorey's death scene is outstanding.

Short Movie Review # 1 : Jodha Akbar

2008-02-20T22:37:00.002+05:30

Jodha Akbar is a long movie ( 3 hrs 30 min), and thats about its only weak point. Tremendous performances by the lead pair, lavish sets and 2 never-before choreographed war sequences make it a treat to watch.

A R Rahman has scored once more and the way khwaja mere khwaja has been shot, you will remember this song for long time.

Focusing more on romance than on intrigue, its only towards the end of the movie that u realize the intensity of the love between Jodha and Akbar. Something that history has probably failed to record.

A must see once. Ill give it 4 stars.

God reads my blog !

2008-02-20T22:23:00.002+05:30

Dear readers, i am sure that God reads my blog.

Surely by divine intervention, my credit card arrived by courier this afternoon !!

Dear God, could i buy you something with my card ? Let me know. Thanks...

Am I the unlucky one ?

2008-02-19T07:26:00.004+05:30

I'm a very simple sort of guy, having being brought up in a simple sort of way. My parents have never had and never will have a credit card. I guess, not that they are opposed to plastic money, but they simply do not like the idea of 'credit'. It was up till a few months ago, that I was of a similar opinion. I had never felt the need of a credit card till then. Paying for everything by cash was just fine by me. The sun was shining brightly upon me, the birds used to greet me every morning , everyone was polite and friendly, and in general, I was living the good life. But then one incident changed all that.

I had to travel to Chennai for a conference along with 2 of my colleagues. We had to book Spice Jet air tickets and since Spice Jet does not have a city office in Pune, one had to book them online. There was a great offer going on where the tickets were available at a throwaway price. But we were stuck, as neither my colleagues nor yours truly had a credit card. A couple of my friends who did, had a small maximum spending limit and as the sum involved was about 20000, no one as ready to do it. Finally my Guide, Professor & HOD came to the rescue and we booked the tickets through his card. But because of the 1-2 days delay in getting around to ask him, the discounted tickets were no longer available and we ended up paying about 1500 more per person.

Thats when i decided that i wanted a credit card badly.

I guess you, the reader of this post, are subjected to at least 4-5 calls per week from banks offering you credit cards. Thinking that it would be a simple enough matter for me to get a similar call, I waited. No one called for over a month. Putting this down to plain bad luck, i waited some more. Finally, one day i got a call from HDFC, where i have an account. The caller was almost shocked at the enthusiastic way in which i almost shouted at him that "Yes!!! I want a credit card.. ". A agent was ringing my doorbell before I had even hung up. We completed the formalities and he was also kind enough to go and make a xerox of my driving license. I was assured that my life time free card would come in 15-20 days.

Feeling mildly victorious, i imagined the nice shiny blue card in my wallet. But I had jumped the gun a little. After a couple of verification calls, nothing happened for 2 weeks. Surprised and confused, I headed to the bank one day. Which brings me to the point, that with the banking hours that these banks have, when can a good natured, hard working soul like me ever manage to visit the bank ?????? Anyways using techniques that even '007' would be proud of , I managed to slip out of college and reach the bank. There i was told, that no inquiry on credit card status could be answered by anyone in person, I would have to call the phone banking assistance numbers. There i was, in the spacious lobby, facing about 3 "May I Help You" desks, seeing about 30-35 bank personnel in smart formal clothes smiling the Banker Smile, and not one of them could help me. Is this new age banking ? I made the call and i was told that my application had been rejected, for reasons unknown, and I would have to make a fresh application. Not buckling down under pressure, I approached the first desk i saw and told the gentleman sitting there that i wanted a credit card. I guess its not everyday that a customer goes to a bank and asks for a credit card. He looked at me as if I was kidding him. After my stare convinced him that I was serious, he made me fill another form. I left the bank with an assurance that within 15 days, the life time free credit card would be mine.

Nothing happened for the next 2 weeks. No calls from HDFC, no calls from any other bank. Had the word gone out that I was to be kept deprived of a credit card ? Let me assure you, I have no police record, and the maximum embezzlement i have done is to the tune of 50 rs. That too, of a friend who very greedily was not ready to part with the aforementioned sum, which was rightfully mine. All sort of crazy ideas started to run in my head. Was that friend highly connected in the banking circles ? Was he laughing away everyday as he was told about my futile attempts to procure a credit card ?

I called the phone banking assistance number again, and now i was told that my application had been rejected because of a signature mismatch. This was now getting personal. HDFC did not want me to have a credit card. I received a form by courier the next day, where i was required to sign in 4 places to verify the signature. I did that and dropped the form at my branch. This happened on 4th Feb and since then, whenever i call the phone banking assistance number, either the system is down and they tell em to call after hours, or they say that " My application is in the process of getting approved".

I will not give up. After another week I will start making a round off all the banks in the city, demanding a life time free credit card. This is my number: 09890166694. If u work in a bank and if you are not on the payroll of my friend, do give me a call and get me a life time free credit card. Thanks.

Trapped by 10 digits...

2008-02-12T23:38:00.002+05:30

Ever wondered how much we rely on our mobile phones ? this is February 2008, and i got my first mobile phone in August 2004. Thats way way after about 90 % of the people in my class had got theirs. Not that i didnt want one before, but Dad kept putting me off with the reason, that i stayed at home and had access to a landline. My classmates were from outside Pune, and none of them had landlines, so a mobile was a necessity for them.

I remember arguing with my father that a mobile phone is a necessity for EVERYONE. I also remember when the day I bought my phone, I told my friend John that I will never ever be found saying " Oh.. I wish I could just switch my phone off and throw it away.. Its such a pain in the As*.. People can find you wherever you are... etc etc ". But now i realize how stupid I was.

Having a mobile phone makes you liable to answer it. Were we born with a 10 digit number for people to reach us wherever we are ? Nope. In the good old times when there were no mobile phones, a girl and a boy, very much in love used to die for that daily secretive 20 min conversation on a landline when the parents are either out of the house or busy.. If you had a cordless phone, you were lucky , You could out onto the balcony or into the confines of your room...That anticipation of the dreaded click when your parents would pick up the parallel line... where is all that these days ? Now i see couples msging each other 50-75 times a day, and yet constantly fighting, bickering, always dissatisfied.

I remember studying on my table and then suddenly hearing my name being called out from the road below, peeping out, seeing a friends face.. going down to have chat.. The unexpectedness of it all... Now you make a plan, and en route you will receive an sms either modifying it or canceling it. I remember going for DDLJ in 1995 with 15 of my friends and almost all of us reached the theater separately and on time. No confusion.

Am i too much of a cynic? Maybe. Yes the mobile phone does have its advantages, the most important being , being of use in an emergency.But i haven't heard of anyone suffering massive loss of life and/or property in the old days, just because they couldnt make a phone call.

As my Dad says... on a landline, you will never be low on battery, you will never have a Busy Network and u can stop worrying about scratching or losing your phone !!!
I guess Dads know best.

Yeh Dosti...

2008-02-08T21:34:00.000+05:30

Think of the one friend who matters the most to you. The one friend, you cannot imagine your life without .Yes. Your best friend.He was there when you needed him the most. He was there when there was nobody else for you.When you were let down elsewhere, he offered you his comforting shoulder.

Friendship,is a very precious emotion. I use the word emotion, because you can feel friendship so strongly.

Friendship is like a guitar.The music may stop now and then, but the the strings will remain forever...

Remember the time when you were feeling low and your friend just put out a hand and no words were needed.
In a perfect world, your girlfriend would be your best friend. All your emotional and physical needs would be met by that person.

But life is far from perfect.

Satisfaction is like an elevator. It stops on different floors.Likewise, there are various levels of satisfaction. We have emotional, physical, social and psychological needs.

When you have just lost the cricket match for your class, you would rather have your best friend saying” cheer up man, we’ll get them next time”, rather that your girlfriend saying in her cutest voice “ OK sweetie pie, its ok..its just a game”...
When a person looks for friends, he is actually searching for himself. Your best friend is the one who brings out the best in you.

Its like being in this vast room full of mirrors, but all of them giving a slightly different reflection.We try to find ourselves in our friends, to find people who have similar likes and dislikes, who have a similar psyche.Let’s face the fact that your girlfriend simply cannot do all the things your best friend can.

Seriously, do you people know anyone who has a girlfriend, but no best friends?And now, how many people do you know that have best friends, but no girlfriends?

A best friend is that part of our family we get to choose.

On a more humorous note :

A best friend also has the advantage that:

1. You don’t have to foot the bill all the time when you go out for dinner or a movie.

2. Your best friend won’t get jealous if you talk to another guy for a long time.

3. Your best friend wont have those 3 days in a month where his stomach and your head starts to ache.

4. Your best friend won’t insist on going shopping every now and then.

5. You won’t have to call your best friend every night to say good night.

6. You will be able to watch a whole cricket match with him and when you say “long leg’ , he wont take it as a compliment.

Author's disclaimer : I'm not gay !!!

Getting philosophical at 6:45 am...

2008-02-05T22:26:00.000+05:30

Today morning i woke up to read this sms from a friend : "Life is a lesson, it teaches you how to live, rise from the downfalls and see something that you never knew would ever happen.Its all about surprises, good or bad. They do make our eyes go big and our mouths open.Its all about how you deal with and make best of what comes your way. Cherish the beautiful moments and let no weak moments affect you. Live life freely, its beautiful... live it !"

I admit im not at my best at 6:45 am, but today I did some fast thinking. I was confused. Should I be grateful that Life indeed is a great teacher, or should I rather be asking the question, "If Life hadnt put me in a mess in the first place, why would I need any lessons ? "

Would you rather lead a happy, contented life, never having faced any huge personal tragedies, being married to the person you love, in a job that you are passionate about, with caring parents, cute children and a nice house or would you rather have lost the person you love, be stuck in a job you couldnt care less about but be smart, having learnt from Life's lessons how to deal with rejection, adversity, etc ?????

I would take naive and happy over bitter and smart anyday...

The point is, we must take this whole "Life teaches us so much !!! " thing in the right perspective..

Thus finishing my ruminations, I fired off an sms to my friend putting the above points as politely as I could and went for the morning cuppa. I sure needed it.

My first brush with sonography...

2008-02-05T07:33:00.000+05:30

Being a budding Oral Physician and Maxillofacial Radiologist, I hadn't come to use the USG (Ultrasonography) machine till now. But yesterday we started with our Medical Hospital postings and I was in the USG section.

One of the procedures done was the Foetal Anomaly Scan, in simple words, a scan of the pregnant mothers womb, to check if everything in the baby is alright. Let me tell u, the reaction that Ross and Rachel give in Friends is not exaggerated at all!

I experienced s strange feeling when i saw the heart of the 4 month baby , as small as a 25 p coin, blink on the monitor screen. We were watching new life.... a head, a spine, a thigh bone... an abdomen... Who knows, this little baby, a mere image created by sound waves on our monitor screen could be the next Prime MInister, the next Cricketing Star, the next Bollywood Icon !

The relief on the mothers face when we told her after the scan was complete that all is fine, was overwhelming.

And then the icing on the cake.. me, a Dentist, being asked in colloquial, " When will I be likely to deliver ? "

Without batting an eyelid, I quickly scanned the report and confidently said " Oh, on 8th of July this year . All the best !"

The Feline Supremacy

2008-02-03T12:28:00.000+05:30

Four people stay in this house ; my father, mother, myself and the cat. We have had the cat for the past 14 years and she has become an important member of the household. Her name is Kajol, named after the Bollywood actress.My mother thought she bears a striking resemblance to our cat. The family history of Kajol makes pretty interesting reading. Our first cat was Monica, who in due course gave birth to Sophie . We gave Sophie to our neighbors .Then, a month later, under tragic circumstances, Monica passed away.Sophie meanwhile gave birth to 4 cute kittens, one of them being Kajol.

If you aren’t confused enough already, Kajol is Monica’s grand-daughter. Kajol is primarily white and black, with a dash of golden yellow and brown thrown in for good measure.Her daily schedule would surprise you:

She gets up at sharp 6:00 a.m. with the doorbell of the milkman. Unlike the comic strips, she doesn’t bother the milkman much. In fact, she couldn’t care less if he didn’t exist.My father then gives her the first fish-meal of the day, 2 long pieces of the bombil.

Kajol then goes for a stroll. She comes back after about an hour, to wake up my mother. After a while both of them go down to our compound ( via the elevator).There , Kajol is allowed to graze for a while. Yes, that’s what you read, she eats grass for about 10 min.My mother brings her up and then Kajol has a bowl of milk (with cream aplenty) .Then she has a spoonful of cheese. Finally, Kajol’s gastronomical activities draw to a close and she proceeds to my room, vigorously licking her lips.

Kajol leaves the house in the evening to take her walk. After it becomes dark, Kajol comes back in. Then she thankfully keeps herself awake for awhile.At about 9:30 p.m. she has her….YOU GUESSED RIGHT, her next fish meal, 2 long pieces of the bombil.

After patiently waiting for my Mother to finish watching the TV, she then retires for the day.After reading till now, you must have guessed that Kajol is a pampered cat.

I recently read a small article in a prominent magazine which stated that next to a tortoise , a cat is the most useless pet to have.It sleeps around the whole day, doesn’t help to guard the house.It only lets you pet it when it feels like and generally obliges you by everything it does. The cat is the only domestic animal that man hasn’t been able to train.Have you ever seen a cat-act in a circus? A cat doing handstands or walking on 2 legs or jumping through rings?

Never.

The cat has managed to keep its dignity intact. Maybe that is why, in most of the James Bond movies the super rich villains all have a furry and cute Persian or Siamese cat on their laps, and not a stupid dog who keeps on yelping as if the world is about to end.The cat never bothers the guests. As soon as it senses some unknown presence in the house it will quietly retire to the inner rooms, or leave the house.The dog on the other hand will keep on mindlessly barking, and the host has to perform the tedious task of familiarizing the guest with the dog.

The cat is also less expensive to maintain than the dog.It is an extremely clean animal , and you will always find the cat skin smooth and shiny. You don’t have to take the cat for a walk, nor do you have to give it a bath.

The cat is very independent.Unless you trouble the cat, there are very slim chances that it will needlessly bother you.These days, late night riding in Pune has become a nuisance as you may find several stray dogs barking and chasing you .

Ever heard of stray cats running behind 2 wheelers and cars and meowing?Ever heard of a gang of stray cats causing a big public nuisance in the society, and people complaining of cat-bites and taking 17 injections where it hurts the most? Nope.

The cat is a peaceful animal, who believes in the motto “live and let live”.Cats have 6 senses and 9 lives.They have an acute sense of smell and can see in the dark.They sleep lightly and eat heartily.

And if you love them, they love you. Conditionally.Kajol is no exception. No brainless loyalty here.Smart ‘give and take ”in the 21^st century.Long live the cats.

The cat is a man’s best friend, but it will never stoop that low to acknowledge it.

P.S. If anybody’s still interested , I heard about 2 weeks back that Kajol’s great-great-great granddaughter gave birth to 3 kittens .So, that makes Monica a great-great-great-great-great…aaaahh, forget it.