Kailashe Kelenkari - an experience

Today I saw Kailashey Kelenkari (A Killer in Kailash). All thanks to my friend Simanti. She took the pain to get up early in the morning and come to my place as I invited her over breakfast. But let me confess that my aloo ka paratha was a disaster and total flop. Anyway, we two got out and by the time we reached Nandan, there was already an one and half kilometer queue outside the ticket counter to greet us. It took exactly 1 hour and 45 minutes to get the tickets and then we could not think anything else but going to a restaurant and have lunch. As we lost too much time to get the ticket only, we had to shelve our plan to take stroll in the New Market :(

Kailashey Kelenkari started at 4 pm. For non-Bengali readers - The movie Kailashey Kelenkari is based on the famous mystery novel by Satayjit Ray of the same name with private detective Feluda as the protagonist. The movie is directed by his son Snadip Ray. Like Bombaiyer Bombete (The Buccaneers of Bombay), this was also a wonderful one, though I felt it a bit monotonous in the middle. The story was handled very well while the use of mobile phone was mingled very impressively. Mind it, the story was written in 1974 and there was no mention of mobile phone in the novel! Sabyasachi Chakrabarty was as always excellent as Feluda, Parambrata was a braggart as Topse and Bibhu Bhattacharjee an ok as Jatayu. The caves of Ellora are so well shot and well described, just like the novel itself, that it was a pleasure watching the movie. But I really missed Rajatava as I had no idea that he is not in Kailashey Kelenkari. As a whole, it was the grandest experience I could have before leaving Kolkata.

But every time I watch a Feluda movie, I just have a feeling that wish Satyajit Ray was immortal. There's no more story of Feluda left to read. How can I forget spending my entire teenage reading and admiring each and every tale of mystery that Feluda solved so easily - just with his extraordinary wit and intelligence!!!

Nothing can make Christmas merrier!!!

Paulo Coelho wishing for Christmas that also with his special Christmas tale ----- sounds too good to be true? Well, that's exactly what happened to me. Today I just logged in my Gmail and got this mail from none other than Paulo Coelho wishing Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! No wonder, nothing can be as good as getting wish from a favorite author!!!

Preface of the story-

My friend Vidhi gifted me Like the Flowing Rivers by Paulo Coelho last year on my birthday. This was the first time I was reading his writing and instantly I got hooked to his extraordinary sense of spirituality. I took no time to search him in the wiki and got hold of his personal website and blog. In his personal website I got a page where viewers can write message to Paulo Coelho and I wrote one to him. To my extreme surprise, he replied to my message from his personal e-mail id! The day I got that mail, I was literally about to fall from the chair as it was so much unanticipated and unexpected! But it was true as it was signed by him only. This was one of the moments that I will never forget in my life......

Change is what always stays constant

Today I got up as late as possible. It's cold now in Kolkata. It was fun having a day off in the middle of week. But things are different. I can't ignore the feeling of vacuum inside me. As if everything is stopped around me and I'm again on a juncture.

Some Nice Thoughts...

One of the books that I can read again and again.....without getting bored is - Like The Flowing Rivers by Paulo Coelho.

I came across this prayer verse, which I thougt to share with others also:

Lao Tsu, China (Sixth Century BC)

If there is to be peace in the world, the nations must live in peace.

If there is to be peace among nations, the cities must not rise up agaisnt each other.

If there is to be peace in the cities, neighbours must understand each other.

If there is to be peace among neighbours, there must be harmony in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home, we must each find our own heart.

I wonder!!!!

Today as I entered the office, I heard Rabindra Sangeet being played in office music system. It’s always such a soothing feeling listening to any of those masterpieces. I will never be able to explain my true feelings for Rabindra Sangeet in words. AllI can say is – it’s celestial and divine for me.

Anyway, I walked to the systems department and asked them to continue with playing Rabindra Sangeet the entire day. Deep da (the system guy) knows that I’m leaving and he was sweet enough to oblige. But he said me that probably after 1-2 hour he would have to switch to Hindi film songs, as those are more in demand. He was right, aftersome time due to too many requests he had to switch off to Jhankar FM.

The moral of the story is that in a city like Kolkata, when I’m sitting in an office where 95% of the employees are Bengali still the maximum population of them don’t really want to listen to Rabindra Sangeet! This fact is frightening! Will RabindraSangeet be lost in obsolescence after some decades or generations?

Why this happens?

Sometime I yearn to talk to someone and most of the time I dont get hold of him or her then. And when i get him/her I just dont feel like talking anymore!

I have no answer to this question. Why this happens? It happens only to me or to others also?

A lesson is learnt

Yesterday when I was pouring oil from 1 liter plastic packet to my narrow-necked oil bottle, this story struck me.

The story goes like this. Once sitting in Baikunth, Lord Krishna was in deep thoughts. Narad muni arrived at that very moment and asked what he was thinking about.

Krishna said “Look at that peasant. He is the greatest devotee of mine. When he gets back home, he never misses to pray for me even for once.”

Narad muni couldn’t agree and seemed a bit disappointed with his Lord. He always claimed that he was the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna. He was not happy with a peasant being threat to his claim. So he said promptly “But Prabhu, How can you call him the greatest devotee of yours? He takes your name only once in a day. But look at me. I take your name more than a thousand times a day.”

Lord gave his very famous smile. He said to Narad, “Can you do a job to me?”

“Is that a matter of question, Prabhu?”. Narad said.

“Ok, take a bowl of oil filled to the edges and travel around the entire world from sunrise to sunset”, Lord said.

“Oh, that’s such an easy task!”, Narad was excited.

“I have not finished yet. Make sure that not a single drop of oil spills from the bowl”, Lord Krishna finished his command.

....................

The next morning Narad was set on his task. He took a bowl of oil full till neck and started his journey through the world. After the sunset, he reached Baikunth all exhausted, fatigued, tired and retired. Lork Krishna welcomed him warmly. Narad was happy that he did not let even a single drop of oil to spill from the bowl. Lord listened to him patiently and then asked “how many times did u take my name today?”

Narad was visibly aghast as he murmured “But Prabhu, how could I possibly take your name the entire day? All my concentration was on the bowl so that oil doesn’t spill. I had no mind to think about anything else.”

“Then how can you disgrace that peasant for taking my name only once? From sunrise to sunset he works in the field to make his living. Still he never forgets to take my name at least once when he gets back home. And look at yourself. You didn’t even take my name once during the entire day.”

Narad was speechless.

“Then who do you think the greater devotee of mine; you or that peasant?” Lord Krishna quipped.

Quick Monday Morning Updates

My friend Punya got married yesterday in Silchar. Yes, I missed all the fun though I got some narrations over the phone.

My friend Devraj is getting married to his childhood love Alka today in Delhi. Yes, I am gonna miss all the fun for this as well. Yesterday when I called Devraj to wish him, he gave me an astounding piece of information. That, today there are 47 thousand (yes, you read it right, forty seven thousand!) marriages going to be solemnized in Delhi! That means 47 thousand baraats on the road and I just cannot think of the traffic condition of Delhi, which is otherwise very good, anymore. I just hope he reaches the marriage hall in Dilshad Garden (extreme East) from Dwarka (extreme west) at right time!

I spent my weekend romancing with cough, cold, fever, throat infection and thousands of sneezes. All thanks to my colleagues who make it a point to take a puffing-break 4-5 times a day and I being allergic to smoke, caught the infection on Friday. My two favorite activities of last two days were running to wash basin to blow the nose and gurgling with warm water. The latter is done to prevent my throat from getting a larynx infection.

Yesterday I caught some glimpse of Keanu (of course on TV!) as Constantine was on HBO at 9 pm. But as usual I couldn’t watch it :( It's been years since I have seen his movie. Probably after some years even I will forget that there was a time when I was really crazy for his movies!!!

Situations Tough to Handle

I don't know whether I will be able to go home today. Thanks to this news.

My office has just announced that unless and until the authority is sure that the employees will be able to reach their homes safely, no employee will be allowed to leave the office :(

21 November, 2007. 3:36 pm

Update:

I got home safely and comfortably yesterday and on time :)

22 November, 2007. 10 am

I wish I were Christopher

I wish just like Christopher I could also put the head phone on my ears when the world around me is buzzing and humming at its peak. Christopher has a special choice of radio channels when he wants to cool himself. He likes to put the antenna in between two channels that gives a sound jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj………cooling the mind slowly but certainly. But I’m not suffering from autism like him and hence I’m expected and accepted to make adjustments and compromises. So, I'm doing exactly that. Trying to concentrate on my work since morning. But thank God, I have this blog to share my wildest and remotest of thoughts.

Hey my readers, don’t bother. The above post is totally impromptu and instantaneous.

A R Rahman Interview at TIMES-NOW on 18.11.2007

Yesterday at 2:30 pm in Times-Now Channel, A R Rahman appeared in the Frankly Speaking with Aranab. Thanks to Amith who told me to catch the program in time.

It was after a long time I was watching an ARR interview in TV. As I cannot manage to watch TV, my missing out his interviews continues. As the title goes, ARR was candid with Arnab except for the fact the interviewer seemed quite bewildered in his attitude.

What I liked about the show was that Arnab took five songs and kept asking what ARR feels about those five particular songs.

Let me jot them down here before I forget them.

Roja

When asked about Roja, ARR chose to speak about Roja Janeman. He said that when he was asked to make a love song, suddenly the starting melody, which was in Desh (then he hummed a little) struck his mind. Then came the mukhra, which was in Pilu. This was a song which contained the emotions of love, separation and patriotism as well, which he never planned to make. But again, when it comes to music, no planned things work. Music has to be spontaneous.

Tanha Tanha

Here ARR said how Ramu used to describe the scenes. In his words – Ramu was very visual always describing the scenes like – there’ll be crane, there’ll be long shots, etc. When he was composing for Rangeela, he was not sure whether the things were working properly. Then one day, while in a meeting with Ramu in Hyderabad, Tanha Tamha came up. Then everything fell in place.

Bombay

When Arnab mentioned about Bombay and mentioned ‘Humma Humma’, ARR was visibly not happy with his pick, though he was smiling. Then Arnab asked him, “which song do you associate with Bombay.” ARR said Tu Hi Re and said that how it was slow and that it was very likely that people would be bored. But the emotion of the song was took it forward.

Dil Se Re

He said that he was in love with a Nusrat song (I forgot the song) and always wondered how Nusrat captured the quiet mood in that song. In Dil Se Re he tried to do that though it was no way inspired from that song.

Fanaa

I don’t really remember what he said here. I just remember that Mani Ratnam asked him to make a different song and he came up with the sound. Here he explained the meaning of ‘fanaa’ so beautifully. He also said that though the meaning of the song seems to be quite light, but it has got very deep meaning.


I didn’t like Arnab, kind of, nagging but not insisting for ARR to sing a piece of music. So ARR easily evaded him with his trade mark smile.

At the end of the interview, Arnab asked ARR, what was his non-ARR favorite song. ARR asked ‘Old or new?’ and then hummed a little bit of ‘Apki Nazron ne Samjha Pyar Ke kaabil Mujhe’, though he didn’t remember the lyrics.

United to Sangamam

Yesterday night while having dinner I was listening to Sangamam. This is one of those albums by ARR that just doesn’t let me go. I get hooked to it so much and so easily that I know for next one week I will be listening to it continuously. The title song of the movie was the last song that I heard and then I went to sleep. Until I slept, I kept humming its tune, quite naturally. But surprisingly, whenever I woke up at night I found myself humming some or other portion of Sangamam! Well it continued. The very first tune that caught me today morning was the flute piece played just before MSV starts singing. This happens very rarely to me when the song that I’m addicted to keep lingering in my mind. So, today I started my day with a happy ‘tune’ :)

Some moments of life....

After a long time Tanuj pinged me in Orkut. It was nice getting his message after so many days. Why he pinged? What else may be the reason of my Delhi friends to remember me now? ARR is performing in Delhi on 17th November. For last two weeks I'm endlessly answering my mobile phone, sms, mails and scraps saying that I'm not coming for the show. I cant blame them. All my friends know how much I love him and almost all of them instantly remember me whenever they find a glimpse of him in TV or News Paper. But, honestly I'm tired now. On one side when I cant really console myself for missing ARR's show for the second time, I just dont find words to answer them. I wish it were a nightmare and I would wake up to find that I'm in Delhi only; I was never gone anywhere actually.

An Ideal Idle Morning!!!

As I’m an early riser, I can hardly insist myself to be in the bed for long hours. Though I wake up quite early, my ideal idle morning starts at around 7 in the morning. I just keep day dreaming for some time and then put the headphone on my ear. There’s no strict choice of any song involved, anything by ARR is just more than perfect. Then I really need to be completely secluded as I don’t want to be caught as I gaze at my favorite wall of the room without forgetting to blink. My most wonderful morning has thus just started. I spend some more time huddling in the corner of my bed, listening to some of my loved tunes.

Then I need some break. After having breakfast I spend some time reading the novel I am continuing. In my ideal day, I should be alone in the house and I should be free to do anything I want. Like sing for some time, then may be recite some poems, then listen to some more songs.......no cooking, washing, cleaning.......no talking......................my ideal day continues........

Saawariya - my take

I saw Saawariya on Saturday and I loved it immensely. Probably, this is the first movie I saw in Hindi where the director is damn confident to transform his out-of-the-box vision into a commercial movie without sacrificing art even for a second. And this is the thing I liked most about Saawariya. Forget about storyline, music or acting. Just see how the director makes you sit for 3 hours (I’m not sure about the movie length though) in the movie theater while three and half central characters roam around inside the same set – a set with one bridge, one restaurant, some gullies and a tree - telling a clichéd story. More than appreciating the movie, I was stunned with the bold approach of Sanjay Leela Bhansali that he introduced the Victorian drama format in the Hindi movie, that also in such a successful way. Though he tried this story telling in Black also, but I found Black too hammering.

Saawariya may be boring, yawn provoking or disgusting for a lot of viewers, but I found it a masterpiece. I am not trying to prove myself an ‘intellectual’ but honestly that is what I feel about the movie. I am glad that I chose the right movie to watch this Diwali. And believe me, if you can forget the conventional Hindi movie format for some time, you will also enjoy the movie as much as I enjoyed.

Transparency is not allowed!!!

Transparency is not allowed. If you are transparent in your nature, talking and expression, then you are more prone to fall in the social pitfalls. The more lucid you are in your attitude, the more you are mistaken! You may say some of your friend very casually ‘I don’t like Mr. XYZ’……and it can turn out to be an official statement! Or if I say ‘I like Mr. XYZ’, suddenly I am being linked up with him. Give me a break! I may not be very good hypocrite but do I have to go ahead and explain all my said lines! Anybody aware of any crash course on 'hypocrisy'????

- by a very frustrated Doell

Finally Finally and Finally……

I have set Kehna Hi Kya as my hello tune!!!!!!!

Ever since I came across with the hello tune concept, ‘Kehna Hi Kya’ is always my hello tune. I have received numerous appreciations for that and even more requests from people saying ‘I will call you, please don’t pick up the phone’…..The magic of ARR always mesmerizes…..

No need to mention that on those occasions I felt proud to be a Rahman fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love is also contagious!!!

I didn’t know that like conjunctivitis, measles, pox, etc, Love is also contagious!!!

I happened to develop this theory following the changes occurred to my two colleagues. Let’s name them girl A and girl B. Girl A always makes big and long statements on the disadvantages of ‘love marriage’ and advantages of ‘arranged marriage’. She says “I’ll never go for love marriage. I will always rely on my parents to find the match for me. They are more experienced than me and I believe that they can find a better match for me”, etc. etc.

The Girl B is that type of girl whose only concern in the life is her ‘boyfriend’. I have come across such type of girls a number of times. They are the happiest when their boyfriends are pampering, gifting or taking them out and the saddest when their boyfriends call 14 times a day in stead of 15 times. Then they feel highly ‘neglected’…..

Anyway, I have been watching some changes in the Girl A as she very recently developed a good friendship with Girl B. Some days back suddenly the Girl A asks me if I know anything about the ‘compatibility theory’ between various zodiac signs. (Let me confess here that I find the talks on zodiac signs, moon signs, palmistry, number theory, tarot cards, etc, etc……too boring.) First I was taken aback by such a question and then came to know that she's having a crush on someone!!!!!!!!!!

An interaction with a doggie

Today while coming to office when my bus was standing at Ruby crossing, I saw something. A rickshaw was passing by and the passenger was an Indian doggie. It was very evident that the doggie was uncomfortable with this unusual ride and so he rather chose to stand than sit. At the same time he was getting bored also – he was yawning!

The story that no one read

Some days back TOI Kolkata announced for a story writing competition under the event name – Spellbound. With the boosting support from my friend Sonali, I sat to write the first story of my life. Six story beginnings were given and the stories were not supposed to exceed the word limit of 400. I picked one, developed the plot, drafted it and sent it across – all within 15 minutes. In the hurry I forgot to give a name to it! So it was very obvious that my story would never be published and it never did as expected.

Here is the story –

She had almost retired for the night when the doorbell rang. She wearily got out of bed and put on her nightgown. She opened the door and was almost taken aback by the sight of the visitor, Nisha!

“What does she want after all these years?”, was the first thought that struck Anjali’s mind.

Nisha was standing abashed, sweated and embarrassed; very much unlike her, thought Anjali.

“Please come in”, said perplexed Anjali, as her own voice sounded strange to her.

In hesitated steps, Nisha entered and sat uncomfortably on the sofa. Her undone hair, unmanaged dress and a bit swelled face was conveying that something was seriously wrong. “What’s that? Kaushik?” Anjali shivered.

Anjali sat in the opposite sofa. She couldn’t find words to start conversation. She was at a loss.

“Can I have a glass of water”- it was Nisha who broke the silence.

“Oh sure” – Anjali was on her feet. She could see Nisha moving her face on the other side, to hide her tears.

Some pieces of memories were rushing fast in Anjali’s mind.

Five years back, it was the Diwali night, when Anjali saw Nisha, for the first time. Nisha Kothari, the very smart and efficient private secretary of Executive Manager Kaushik Sengupta. It seemed a little odd how Kaushik got too cozy with her new subordinate almost overlooking all other guests. Nisha was there till late, of course on her boss’s special request. Anjali remembers, that night Kaushik went to drop her as it was very late to let her go alone in a city like Delhi.

She met Nisha for the second time in Kaushik’s office. The peon asked Anjali to wait outside the bada sahab’s cabin as he was on an urgent meeting! To Anjali’s surprise, it was Nisha who came out of the cabin when agitated Anjali caught her husband over phone.

The third time she saw Nisha, along with Kaushik, near Regal Cinema in a taxi. But Kaushik told he was going to Bangalore for two days on an office trip!

She came to the hall. Nisha looked at her. Now she didn’t try to hide her tears. All she could say before hiding her face with her hand was “it’s all over”.

“Anjali, do you remember what you said the last time we met?”

Anjali nodded. She could remember very well. “Be careful Nisha, the next turn may be yours” - the words almost echoed her mind.

“You were right Anjali. I’m leaving Delhi. I couldn’t have gone without seeing you at least for once.”

At Present

My Mobile Ringtone - Aararai kOdi paergaLil oruvan

My Mobile Hellotune – None

Book I’m hooked to – Godfather by Mario Puzo

Music I’m hooked to – Tamil MP3 sent to me by Dinesh

My Desktop Image -

source -wikipedia

Kolkata Durga Puja Images 2007

Click on the images for bigger and clearer view.

Heartiest thanks to Suchismita and her friend for the images.

Good Morning!!!!

What else can be the starting of a good morning?

You just get in the bus and before you settle yourself in the seat, the FM station starts playing 'Ae Ajnabi'!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No doubt, my day is made :-)

no ARR song tilll now :(

I have entered office at 9 in the morning today. When I was getting in I just cathched some last few lines of Sathiyaa title song in the Jhankar station of World Sapce radio. Since then till now not a single ARR song has been played :(

I wish every day in Kolkata were a strike day!!!

Today is also a strike in Kolkata. Today’s strike is more effective than the yesterday’s. The roads are freer and buses are almost empty. No private buses on the road. I was a bit doubtful about getting an auto till the bus depot. But honestly speaking, my today’s journey to office was more comfortable than other days. The roads are jam-free. And I reached office so early! I wish every day in Kolkata were a strike day!!!

Most interestingly, the driver and conductor in the government bus were in casuals. When the man clad in jeans trouser and nice T-shirt came to us for ticket, I and my friend were in laughs. As a precautionary measure, the driver was wearing a helmet, yes inside the bus. It was funny. I hope my journey back home also becomes smooth.

Yet another strike!

Yet another strike! This time called upon by SUCI. This is the second strike I’m facing since I came to Kolkata and it’s been only three months I’m here! Well, tomorrow is already booked for another strike, by Trinamul Congress. That’s right, the Mamta party. It’s a well-known fact how much Kolkata is prone to strikes but I’m really surprised to find that the scene hasn’t changed a bit in last three-four years.

When there’s a strike, there must be an issue. Well, the Trinamul and SUCI also have that. It’s the Nandigram, yet again. The convoy of Mamata Banerjee was reportedly attacked by bullets on her Nandigram visit on October 28, 2007 and hence the decision to bring the Bangla standstill for 12 hours was taken. In her own words – “Parishkar Banglaye, oidin baro ghantar jonyo Bangla ke achal kore dewa hobe (in plain Bengali, the state will be brought to a standstill for 12 hours that day)” This is quite a ‘justified’ reason to call a strike! What say?

Much has been written and said on the ‘strike culture’ of Kolkata. But on my brief interaction with this culture, I can only say that people of the city do support strikes. When the government is rigid to run buses, there are actually no people inside the buses! Then why blame the political party?

From 19th Oct, 2007 to 28th Oct, 2007

I will be in Silchar :-)


So, there'll be no blog, group, orkut, mail, chat or mobile phone activity!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, it’s Puja again...

So, it’s Puja again. Durga Puja, the greatest celebration of the year. Every year when I get the new-year-calendar, I first check the Durga Puja date. Finally the day has arrived. Today is Shashthi and the mirth is in the air. All my colleagues have come to office wearing new clothes. It’s so wonderful to be a part of this enjoyment. And yes I’m also in new clothes!!!

For the first time I’m in Kolkata during Durga Puja. No wonder, the experience is special. The city is bedecked with colorful banners, festoons, royal entrance gates to Puja pandals, extraordinary decorated pandals and wonderful lighting. But more than anything, it’s the overwhelming enthusiasm of people that is magically infectious. Before you know anything, you are part of the grand celebration!

As par the market study, a whooping amount of 44 thousand crores of product was sold last year during Durga Puja! And you blame me for my shopping!!!

A sudden sneeze and....

I really don’t understand from where theses sneezes come when I just cannot attend them! Otherwise I spend a lot of time in front of computer working, reading or listening to music – well prepared to handle even a dozen sneezes. But when am I attacked? When I’m cooking, right hand dipped in the beasn paste, left hand holding a piece of brinjal and the oil in the pan is steaming. A hachchooo……….and everything is haywire! My besan coated hand on my nose causing more sneezes; the gas button is already covered with beasn, the brinjal piece on the floor…….and I’m sneezing – one after another!!! Why does it happen to me all the times???

Some quick Monday morning updates -

1. This header is designed, planned, conceived and delivered to me by my dear friend Arvind A M from Yahoo Group Fan Club. On my special request! Isn’t it nice? Thanks Arvind :)

2. My another friend Prabhu, yet again from Yahoo Group Fan Club, met A R Rahman! That also in his house and had lunch with him on the Eid! Oh..I can't think more, I would have certainly fainted! I’m so happy for him. Congratulations and many more congratulations to him!!!! :) Click here for the billion dollar image!!!!

3. The most important update! I’m going home on Puja. At last I have succeeded to have a flight ticket on 19th October 2007, which is the Ashtami. If everything goes right, no weather trouble or plane engine trouble occurs then I will be reaching home by 11 in the morning. And obviously, from that very moment I and my sister will start exploring all Puja pandals of Silchar. Oh…I’m so happy!!!! :) :) :)

World Vision India

Today, after quite a long time, I was surfing through my favourite news portal ibnlive.com. I usually avoid the 'stories' and prefer to read the 'news'. But suddenly, I was stuck with this link of World Vision India, a society to bring help to underprivileged children. Here people can sponsor a child by making a contribution of 600/- every month to him/her. This way people can help a child have education, food and clean drinking water. No wonder, a couple of our mouse clicks and a firm decision can change the life of a child completely!

While going for shopping, movie, picnic or just outing, do we really count how many 'hundreds' we spend? Then can't we sponsor a child for a better future? probably we can. I am thinking of supporting the cause by sponsoring a child. And I'm sure there are a lot like me who would also like to stand by such a noble cause.

Some Irritating People, Some Bitter Experiences

For some people, there is never limit of anything. And now, I’m on the verge of my patience. The reason is a vexing boy in my office.

He sits just near the entrance of my floor and never skips to see me, when I’m entering or leaving. God knows, how he works! As far as I know, he’s a content write.

If, unfortunately, I ever caught with him in the café, I really don’t understand what happens to him! He starts humming instantly; he starts tapping the small coffee glasses and starts behaving so hyper!

My seat happens to be near to balcony entrance. So he comes to the balcony door, not walking, not running; but skidding! What the hell!

And of course, keeps ogling!

These are the things he does when I’m around. I don’t know what he does with others. I am sure there is much to do on his part. I just feel like trashing him sometime.

And I don't know his name yet.

Advantages of a Crowded Kolkata Bus

While going for office or going home, we all invariably prefer a vacant bus to travel. On a wishful Saturday, I got out of my office and caught a bus, which to my surprise, was vacant! On my 20 minutes ride, I realized some facts that became the name of this topic. Here are some of the advantages of a crowded Kolkata bus or rather disadvantages of a vacant bus-

1. The Kolkata state buses are famous to be very rash. The crowded buses always give you ‘buffer’ so that you don’t fall due to rash driving. Why? Because, you are always sandwiched and stuffed by your co-passengers. Otherwise, you have to be expert gymnast to avoid falling.

2. In a vacant bus, as there are very little people in, no one to ogle. (Who said girls don’t ogle?)

3. There is no one to make fun of, make story of or make laugh of.

4. If you are regular in the route, you are very likely to bump on some old friend, colleague or relative. This may help you in two ways.

(i) If the person is some-one like uncle/aunty stature, you may be sure that he/she will get the ticket for you.

(ii) A free social meet.

5. There is no chance to escape the ticket in a vacant bus. Conductor is very sure who is having the ticket and who is not. (if you are running short of money, make sure to get in a crowded bus!)

6. No drama. This is the biggest disappointment in a vacant bus. The dramas play a vital part in the Kolkata bus journeys. Like-

(i) Suddenly an uncle screams that the driver delayed and signal fell. Then there
starts discussions, debate, arguments and at last howling that may lead even to the recent nuclear deal of India with America! And the verdict? Buddha babu must resign!

(ii) Suddenly a scream of an aunty comes as she is very angry that the bus fare is 50
paisa higher than her last ride!

(iii) Yet another scream of an aunty! Asking the nearest male passenger ‘ektu sare daran to!’(‘please move aside!’) And there starts another round of discussions, debate……etc.etc.


With so much spice, entertainment, comedy and errors, who would like to avoid the crowded bus? At least not me!

Gandhi Jayanti Message

On the days of New Year, Valentine's Day, Friendship Day, Christmas Day and even on Halloween's Days our mobile phone gets flooded with sms-es. But what about the Independence Day, Republic Day, Janmashtami, Gandhi Jayanti? We never get any sms-es on those days! Why? Is that because these days are not very 'important' in our lives with respect to our globalized (or rather, Americanized) mentality?

Well, probably I'm a little lucky that there is one friend of mine who never forgets to wish me on those 'not-so-important' days.

On Gandhi Jayanti she sent me this message:

'Satisfaction lies in effort, not (in) attainment. Full effort is full victory' - M K Gandhi

Thanks Vidhi.

Buddhist Monks Harassed in Myanmar

Buddhist monks are being beaten and killed by military! Is it the end of the world? Are we heading towards the Doomsday or the Judgment day? I feel sad :(

For more, click here

In the Blue Sky Line...

Since the morning there must be something wrong with the 1ft by 1ft sky that is visible from my work station. An array of planes, one after another, at every 10-15 minutes are coming flying from the south-east corner and disappearing behind the building just next to us. My office is no way close to Dumdum airport, nor does it fall on the air-traffic route, as I have not seen them before. I have even identified some of our domestic fly chaps. There must be some diversion in the air-route due to, god knows what, some reason.

This reminds me of the traffic hazard that the Saltlake-Garia passengers are suffering for last three weeks and is reportedly to tolerate for next three months! Simple reason, the Patuli Bridge at the Peerless bus stop had a brake-down (resulting all the drivers’ and commuters’ nervous-break-down!) just one week before the Hyderabad mess-up and promptly, the eye-opened local government decided to close the route for another three months! Now the entire traffic is diverting from Ajainagar crossing towards Santoshpur making the place a hornifying (when thousands of horns provoke horror) treat.

I was just wondering what would have been the mishap in the clear blue sky, still the abode of God, that all the planes are diverting their route. Whatever be the reason, who cares as I am having a good time while writing and counting the planes like god ol’ days. And till now I’ve counted 15 planes! Yea……..

At 6:30 PM

It’s 6:30 PM and people are rushing towards their homes, but not the houses, like anything. The scene visible in every crossing is almost the same carrying no incongruity with the previous crossing or the previous day. With the chaotic ambience, both inside and outside bus, one cord is finely tuned with every one present here; everybody wants to be ahead of others- in catching the bus, in grabbing the seat or rather the window seat, in crossing the road, and like others.

In some self-absent moments we forget that we are also a part of this messy, frowzy, sweaty and tired crowd. Just like the woman standing on the other side of the road, my dress has also lost the touch of hot iron, my hair is also undone with some traces of morning combing, my kajal is also smudged, my lipstick is also vanished leaving no trace behind, my forehead is also shining with perspiration and just like her, I am also longing for my home, my corner of kitchen, my piece of bed and my privy bit of room.

Then why we constantly try to separate ourselves away from the rest of the world? How am I special at this very moment? Then why should I crave for special treatment from others? How far it is justified?

Yupppeee…….

Yupppeee…….Puja has arrived again!!!!!! This time in Kolkata….. so another bigger Yuuupppeeee…….Shopping…shopping and more shopping…….unlimited shopping…..Waiting eeeagaerly for those magical dayzzzzzzz……………… But….but….but……..this time I’m away from home…………………how will I spend my Puja without Maa??????????

Style Statement!!!!

It’s Monday morning…..!!! Oh No! I got late again! Rush…rush…So much work to do…got to have breakfast…Oh! My god…baai hasn’t come today…got to make it too…to hell with it…I’ll rather have it in canteen….get ready…get ready…soon….oops…forgot to press the white shirt…….where are my socks gone….this baai really sux….I better talk to aunty to replace her….I’m sure she steals food from the kitchen too….oh….almost got ready…….comb baby comb….here it is….a little cologne…I’m almost done…..oh….I almost forgot my patta yaar……..otherwise how people on the road will know that I work in IBM?


Some (imaginary) random thoughts of an imaginary MNC employee.

Style in the Senses...Style in the Movies

When it comes to define style, every person has his own opinion and, for that matter of fact, I have mine too. For me style is to look different and feel different. I remember when I was in school, according to me the most stylish girl in our school was someone who had great sense of dressing but according to all the most stylish girl was someone else who used to come to school applying all sorts of make up that one can think of, that also quite dully!!!

Anyway, over the years, with the international movie and music channels even reaching to the slums, my core idea of style is still very much same with some additions. I think apart from looking really different, the style also craves for lots of innovations and dare to mix-&-match.

Someday back when my 10 year old cousin was watching SRK starrer Don, I had a feeling that it is one of the most stylish films I have ever seen. This gave me a thought to think about the other stylish films and here is a list of some of my most favorite stylish movies, whose names I have not thought yet, but will be adding impromptu.

But one thing is for sure, this list does not contain some very common ‘so called’ stylish movies because I never found them stylish like – Dhoom I and II (why are all running for style???), Mission Impossible II (no style in the concept), Oceans Eleven and Oceans Twelve (dunno why all buffing style led by George Cloony!!!). One movie is stylish for me when the concept of style is incorporated with the theme and here goes my list:

Godfather Trilogy: The surreal music, awesome Brando and Pacino and the amazing silhouettes are all that I can remember about these long-seen movies. The look of Marlon Brando was the ultimate style statement for me.

Charulata: This Satyajit Ray classic is the epitome of style. This is an example how a mind can be stylish and path breaking. I better don’t write much to prove my ignorance.

Matrix: There has been much written about the style and look of this movie, and I agree with most of them. This is my all time favorite and tops the list of watching a movie maximum number of times.

Company: No character here is clad in Manish Malhotra or Rocky S outfit. Rather, the poverty and slum culture prevailed in most part of the movie. Still it was stylish to the core with extraordinary visual effects, lighting, background music (ganda hai par dhanda hai yeh still buzzes my mind) and post-production color effects. Being a great aficionado of RGV productions, it is hard for me to leave a single movie by Ramu.

Bhoot: Another ultimate style statement. Nothing really happened in 80% of the movie but along with the entire theatre, I was also in the process of breathing in and breathing out. The stylish effect of the movie kept adding more and more suspense with every single frame.

Lagaan: The earthen smell that the story wove was very well felt to the 20 feet away seat from the screen. If this is not style then what is?

Don: Though weak contestant in my list, I am a little biased to Farhan Akhtar. I liked it because the style and greenish look of the movie really went well with the fashion that the story continued.

dunno wat to name it

From the morning, it’s raining in drizzles. To be precise ‘tukro mein’… Today is Janmashtami. I am feeling like going to any temple and sit quietly in front of the altar and try to remember the hundred and eight names, which I never succeed to do. And yes, I was supposed to ornate myself with good clothes and jewelleries because, I believe, that is what Bal Gopal expects to see - a gopini. A lot of people don’t understand the need of it and I have also stopped explaining myself to them.

But alas, today I’m in office. Working and head-banging on finance!!! But, yes…there are some things which God preserves for you, never letting you know! I don’t know why I’m humming ‘en swasa kaatre’ from the very morning!!! It’s such a celestial feeling. But wait, I don’t know what it means, it’s in Tamil!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why so fussing? : A Bitter Experience!!!

Today, like other days, when I was coming to office by my charter bus, I noticed that one of my colleagues is not present and so I thought of sitting in her place in stead of going to my own seat, and did accordingly. But for a moment I forgot in which city I was. People here are so fretting! The two ladies, one of my age and other much older, were so shocked to find me there (Do I look like a porcupine?) that it was evident from their frowns, scowls and most importantly exchange of stares (I was wondering are they Kathakali dancers?). Then after some moments, of course, there started the arrays of questions (to me) and exchange sentences in passive voice (in between them). I was feeling like to get vanished or enter in the earth (here underneath the seat) like Sita.

But the thought that disturbed me was “why so fussing? What’s the matter if someone sits in place of others in another one’s absence? Is it a matter or concern? Then what is NOT a matter of concern for this city people? Why so agitation?” God save me from being another such creature!!!!!

Why This Hide-and-Seek???

I really don’t understand the reason behind playing hide and seek with one’s own conscience. If there is something that is labeled ‘illegal’ or ‘not wise’ by the society, then surely I will refrain form doing that; of course if my conscience seconds that. Why do something ill and then searching for excuses???

But if there is something, which is not wrong in my knowledge (or according to my conscience), then I will not stop doing that if the entire world gets accumulated at the other end of tug-of-war.

Obviously, this is my idea of living.

Laugh Unlimited !!!!!!!

The more I am reading The Great Indian Novels by Shashi Tharoor, the more I am getting engulfed. Probably I should call it a ‘honeymoon package’ of satire and sarcasm. I keep on laughing relentlessly on his sardonic sentences. I don’t remember what the last time was when I had such a wonderful wry book in hand.

Apart from dealing with my two most favourite topics – Mahabharata and Indian Independence Struggle, this novel is no doubt a masterpiece by Shashi Tharoor. But I really don’t understand what his problem with ‘Bengali brethrens’ is.

Happy Independence Day

Tomorrow is 15th August 2007. That means India will be celebrating her 60th independence day tomorrow. As I have been soaked in the Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor, I have a feeling that this Independence Day is very special! Thanks to Shashi Tharoor for bringing the pre-independence fight alive in such a satirical way!

Sanjay Dutt Mania

Are we still under foreign rule? Are we still struggling hard to win our sovereignty? Are thousands of us being thrown to jail for no reasons? If NOT, then how can a criminal be a hero in present day? Then how can a person involved in bombing his own city be the reason for so many people’s mercy?

Only because he played the role of a character who idolized Mahatma Gandhi in a commercial Hindi movie? If Sanjay Dutt plays a rapist, is he a rapist in real life? Then how can Sanjay Dutt be considered a Munna Bhai in real life?

This is obnoxious. People are getting mad behind a criminal! They are shouting ‘Munnabhai Zindabad’ outside the jail! I can understand the concern of the news channels – how can they leave such juicy news? But what about the matured people? If the court finds him guilty helping the bomb plotters in Bombay then how the matured people can act so numb?

Need Some tips on TIPS

As they say, the tip payable to waiters should be 10% of the total bill, I have always tried to maintain this sincerely if not religiously. I remember my first independent venture to a restaurant when I was a student and living on pocket money and was reluctant to pay any extra money to the restaurant. But there are some cases when I NEVER make any tip is when I am getting fast food from McDonald, Domino's and KFC counters. To be honest, I just don't like going to these international food chains and just hate spending money on the glorified bread items. I just love to eat anything and everything from street side vendors and I am not a health conscious at all (well, people knowing me must agree to that!). But there are occasions when I cannot be indifferent to the wishes of my companions.

There are situation also when I actually take up my mobile, call Domino's and ask for a Pizza! Well, what is the better way to escape half an hour sweaty kitchen adventure and still please a Pizza-loving-friend? Now the confusion arises when the delivery boy arrives, yes, as promised just within half an hour. If the the Pizza costs 185/-(my pizza always costs less as I am pucca vegetarian when it comes to taste food from outside), I give him 200/- and just ask him to keep the change. One day as I was busy over a phone just un-mindfully I asked for the change and the boy gave me a blank look saying he doesn't have any change. I let him go.

The question struck me just after that. What if I never planned to give tips like a lot of people do? Then also I would have been compelled to give that amount as there was 'change' problem and you just cannot afford to have that much change in hand. Then what is tips actually? I thought, it was supposed to be given to the waiters out of expectation! Something that are not payable officially! But, everybody has started to include that in the bill itself! Its official now!! So I need some tips on Tips!!!

Bhala iske sar mein wig kyun nahi hai??

Today’s Times of India, New Delhi edition had an image of the millennium – actor Amitabh Bachchan hugging warmly South Indian superstar Rajnikanth.

Ever since the hoopla of Tamil movie Sivaji – the boss started, the non-Tamilians all across the globe, who read at least one newspaper or check one news site seriously, cannot stay away from these two names – Sivaji and Rajnikanth. Some may think the rise is out of the blue, but never to be mistaken that Rajni is 58 years old and it’s his 3rd decade of reign in Tamil film industry. The fact that ‘regional’ superstar Rajni is the second highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan following his 35 Crores remuneration for Sivaji must be giving the ‘national’ superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan chuckles over their tea sips. If interested to know more, read here.

But surprisingly, just behind these gimmick-stridden-marketing gizmos, the ‘real’ Rajni stands poles apart. With patches of leftover hair spread on his bald head, Rajni doesn’t hesitate to tell
the interviewer the ‘wig’ history that how he gave sittings with hair (read wig) stylists, how they took the measurements and how special wigs were imported from the USA just for this particular movie!

In the morning when I saw the image in TOI, the first thought that struck my mind was, behind this calm smile of Amitabh Bachchan, he must be wondering ‘Bhala iske sar mein meri tarha wig kyun nahi hai?

An American, Europe and Hemingway

An American in some part of the Europe; a beautiful woman; war or post-war time; traveling from one country to another; visting wine bars; and most certainly the mention of bullfight and Spain.........don't all these seem to be very familiar? This is Ernest Hemingway. I always wonder, how does he weave magic with the same English language that crores speak and millions write?

Currently I am reading Fiesta - The Sun Also Rises and I swear, am loving each and every part of it; especially each time the mention of Spain comes.

Rains and ARR!!!!

It has nothing to do with my poem on rain. Just like – when a palm dropped from the tree, the crow went flying!!!!! I posted the poem on Thursday and from Friday the sky of Delhi became dark and melancholic not letting anyone know it’s sad story. While not being able to control anymore, the sky poured all raindrops in the city. It’s heavenly, it’s celestial though causing a thousand and one difficulties to go out, get bus, get auto, go office, go vegetable market and al last come back home. Still, the rain is desperate and warm. Yes it’s kosa and I felt its bosa a number of times on my face!!!!

There are some songs, which don’t care my invitation to come to my mind as soon as it rains. They are –

Bheegi Bheegi Jadubhari – A magical song. Don’t know whether Sujata sang it better or ARR composed it better! The wet charm keeps yearning long after it finishes.

Ghanan Ghanan – This Lagaan song has shared a number of special moments with me. I remember, then I was in Kolkata and it was a sweaty, sticky summer. While coming back home at the end of the day, standing in the bus not getting to sit, I almost drowned myself humming it bit-by-bit, tune-by-tune. Suddenly I came to consciousness as I found it started raining heavily outside! I got down two stops earlier and enjoyed every drop of the heavenly rain as it was
especially for me!!!

Puthum Pudhu Boomi – Though I don’t understand the meaning of its lyrics, but do music have any language? For all these years I have been considering it as a rain song, still I don’t know its literal meaning. But then, who cares?

Water Songs – All water songs are someway or other related to rains and ever since the OST released in India, none of rainy day passes without remembering Piya Ho, Bangari Marori or Ayo Re Sakhi.

AAI BRISHTI JHENPE

AAI BRISHTI JHENPE, DHAN DEBO MEPE

NA BRISHTI JASH NA, KHUB KARE BHIJIYE JA

UPCHE PORCHHE PUKUR, SHABDO TAPUR TUPUR

CHHATA HAOA URIYE NEI, BHIJBO BHIJBO SHUDHU

RASTA SAB BANDHO, OFFICE KINTU NOITO

EBAR KI HOBE? THANDA LAGE JE BORO

ORE TOR BARI KOTHA? AAR BARANG DARANSH NA, 

JA BRISHTI PHIRE JA , LEBU PATAY KARAMCHA

A R Rahman Concert in Delhi !!!!!!!

A R Rahman is supposed to do a concert in Delhi on 30th June 2007 at India Gandhi Indoor Stadium to promote voting for Taj Mahal.

I am still trying to believe and digest the news!!! Though came from a very reliable source, I am a bit apprehensive to reckon on my dream!!!! I don't want the history of 2003 'Unity of Light' concert in Kolkata to repeat again. But again, there are some things which are not in our hands and I really dont know what's going to happen when A R Rahman will be taking the Indira Gandhi Stadium audience for a magical journey - will I be present there then?

As I cant predict on my fortune, I can just hope to be there. I can just hope to see my dream come true - listening my God singing!!! In spite of all speculations, confusions, obligations and expectations, I am enjoying my present status of being celestial!!! I am enjoying my sessions of day-dreaming!!! Yes..exactly...I am at Cloud 9!!!!!

Refuge to Buddha

Buddhang Sharanam Gachchhami
Dharmang Sharanam Gachchhami
Sanghang Sharanam Gachchhami

The three verses were pronounced by Kondanna, one of the first five disciples of the Buddha in Sarnath on the occasion of ordination ceremony of new bhikkhus. It means - I take refuge in the Buddha, the one who shows me the way in this life. I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and love. I take refuge in the Sangha, the community that lives in harmony and Awareness.

World Wide Web

What is a World Wide Web? Ask any kid of even 1st or 2nd standard, you will get the answer.

Tim Berners Lee, the modern Galileo, inventing a virtual world rather than discovering the existing one, grabs the credit for spreading this infectious net around the world. A Briton and a genius, though not the topic of discussion here, Tim Berners Lee could give Bill Gates a run for his money had he kept the right of www to himself.

But I'm not here to write the biography of Tim but just want to explore the never-talked-about relationship between Tim and the maestro Rabindranath Tagore. Now what is that? How can there be ANY connection between these two???

Well, let me explain. Nobel laureate Tagore was a person with amazing foresight. He predicted long before the discovery of www that there sustains a web that surface the entire world with its impeccable magical spell. Want to know how?

“Premero Fand Pata Bhubane
Ke Kotha Dhare Pare Ke jane”

Tim just got the hold of it. Isn’t so?

The Black Raspberry Tree

Just like a children fantasy novel, my grandfather’s house was in an idyllic village – Jalalpur (Assam). I often wonder, probably this is one of the best things that ever happened to my life. I am not imagining or daydreaming, but the village actually flaunts a meandering river, a small sandy riverbed, a tea garden, numerous hillocks and miles spread paddy field. I remember, my sister and me used to wait thirstily for our summer and winter vacations and spend days and nights nagging behind our parents to take us there. The moment our bus reached the last stop, everything turned magical. Starting from taking a ferry for crossing the river to walking half a kilometer through bamboo bush shades and by the paddy-field-side, the journey to dadu’s house is still as surreal as it was 12-15 years ago.

There was a black raspberry tree just beside the pond near a huge coconut tree. It was a thin tree with even thinner branches. Don’t know why, but it was strategically located just on the pond boundary and catching those distant black raspberries was almost risking the life. But we, the little gang were very desperate to have them and our adventure used to start when every body was asleep after lunch.

After so many years, every time when I'm in a fruit market, consciously or unconsciously, I look for those small-black-thousand-dimpled-juicy-fruit. But just like those lazy summer afternoons, these black raspberries also seem to have vanished from the world.

some Gain...Some Loss

As if I’m placed on a balance. Every time I want to equalize the weight, I stoop and end up loosing something. Some gain, some loss. This is relentless. This is of without any break. This is as eternal as the sunrise in the east. And an obvious as well. At the end of the day it’s difficult to balance the equations separated by mere an equalizer. But just like any other normal person, I don’t give up. I keep trying. And I know this is not the story of mine only. This is everybody’s story with different equations. With different incidents and different characters. But the LHS and RHS never seem to see eyes with each other. Why? No body knows it. Another unsolved mystery.

Oh No…..Indian Idol hits again....

The season has begun. Again. The bunch of ‘besuras’ will rule the television prime time. Again. The judges will come up with some nice-to-hear-but-hollow statements; candidates will be busy in playing real-life drama and the anchors as usual will look good but act numb when chaos erupts. But you just cannot avoid it. If not Indian Idol, then there is Sa Re Ga Ma Pa with its gaudy set; if not Sa Re Ga Ma Pa then Golden Voice. You are just left with no choice other than switching off the idiot box or breaking it down purposively so that no other member of the family can see it. But alas...................

Gaming Nature

After a round of heavenly splashes preceded by whirling andhis, Delhi is sparkling clean. The trees are greener than ever and flowers look the happiest. The gulmohurs never seem to very grieved about the circumstances. They are always very confined in themselves and bother least about the cruel world. As a result yellow, red, pink and purple gulmohurs are causing colour riot in the heart of capital for last one fortnight. Today they also appeared so cheerful as if calling the raindrops to play with them. The Neem, Devdaru, Saptaparni, Mango, Karabi all are ready to take part in this extravagant celebration of nature. A true celebration, where no one shows off, no one takes back. I am also very much in the game and I am enjoying every little moment I am exposed to this beautiful creation of God - the nature.

Oops....it's ARR!!!!

New hair style, different set of clothing.......ARR is riding a back-journey. Who in the world would believe that he is 41?! Doesn't he look like 25!!!

He must had taken the journos in storm after entering the press-room clad in rusted denim jacket and fluorescent blue t-shirt flaunting the super-cool hair style. Since I'm no way close to him, I can only make guesses how he would have giggled after having a first look at the mirror.

Now, someone may ask, what has his look to do with music. But still, arn't we happy to see our favourite man behaving smarter?

Delhi Rains

Starting from the pebbles of Chandni Chowk to the Minar of Qutub, everything of Delhi seems to be talked about. Why? Awwai!!! Probably because there's nothing much to speak about its art and culture. An inane in all respect of life, foppish in each and every field, I dont find a single point to get fascinated about this city apart from its heritage and parliament. Anyway, thats a different story all together. But surprisingly, Delhi rains are not very famous among the Delhi fanatics. I have no clue for that either. Delhi rains has got some wackiest character. I remember my school and college days in Assam when I loved to get drenched in rains like anything. Starting from hiding my umbrellas and deliberately not getting in bus but walking two three stops used to be my most favourite activity in rains. But God save me from Delhi rains. Every raindrop seems to be needling my bone! It’s dead chilling!! After a series of sneezing/coughing and finally fevering experience, I have started to avoid the most favourite season of mine in Delhi. But that’s not all. It has got another interesting character that makes it even deadlier. Just before the rain hits the ground, a 15-20 minute andhi provokes each and every dust particle on the road to go up and glue your body. When you are very well dust-coated, then starts the heavenly rain. So, you can have a special ‘mudding’ feeling all across your body wishing to get wings so that you could fly straight home and have a bath.

But I must confess, despite of its peculiar nature, rains is the only season in Delhi that I love the most. I just cannot get over from the wet earthy fragrance and superb green vista arising just after the heavy shower.

Lord Buddha - A benediction

I always wonder what was in the mind of a 29-year-old man that he left all the luxury of a prince? How were the initial days of austerity? Didn’t he ever feel to go back home? No, but he proceeded towards light and it was no late when he was the same as light – he was enlightened. He attained Nirvana. Lord Buddha is my all time fascination and his thought captivates me like anything. I keep on reading and reading about him forgetting the fact that I am supposed to write also.

How anybody would define the significance of flower in our life? That its beautiful, it evokes the artistic sense of a human being, it has birthed poetry, represents the nicer side of our life, inspires us to blossom in life, etc. or someone may think that flower represents the love of life and gives a sense of tranquility to all. No doubt, these all are right and no auspicious occasion of our life is complete without the ubiquitous fragrance of rose and jasmine.

But ever thought, what that divine gentleman had to say about flowers? Lord Buddha thinks flowers are meant to signify that the world is temporary. Just like the beauty, freshness and fragrance of flower, our life is also on the mode of passing. So value present time.

I wonder, what was in his heart and mind that still he is as beautiful, as fresh and as fragrant as he was two thousand and five hundred years ago!

Microwave Oven or Pied Piper?

Recently my kitchen had become the favorite playing ground of cockroaches and their families. At the outset, I was clueless to understand what made them love my kitchen so much. Though not sparkling clean, I don’t keep my kitchen that smutty! But that was not the time to think but to get involved in some serious work. Got ‘Hit’ spray, covered my nose and started my first ever experience of pest-control. While moving the Microwave Oven from the kitchen, I discovered some of my enemies inside it, which were beyond my reach, and I badly needed a Microwave Oven mechanic to open and clean it. Called at the LG service center and promptly they sent their representative (what a fast service! I must appreciate). He asked me what was the problem, I said ‘Cockroaches’. He was quite surprised to hear that from me. Anyway, he took out his tools, opened the hood, sprayed ‘Hit’ and joined me in killing the little brown pests. When he was just about to leave, I found that some very intelligent of the lot were hiding at even more un-accessible zone. I immediately asked him to open the inner bonnet. Then to my wonder, while trying hard, he cut his hand so badly that it started bleeding like anything. What to do, I had no way but to release him from his un-done work with a promise that he would be back next week. But before leaving, he gave me some very interesting information regarding the bond between a Microwave Oven and cockroaches. He said that it’s a very common problem with who ever have it (I was so happy to hear it, as this proves that I am not that awful in my kitchen) and also said that when the oven works, it actually attracts cockroaches. “Really? Oh my God! Microwave Oven or Pied Piper?” I was just about to say that!

Sense and Sensibilities

How can a man swim against the wave? If the waves are as high as mountain, how does he manage to keep his head straight and steady? Probably I will never come to know how much courage it requires to survive especially in an industry like filmmaking. I am talking about my two favourite filmmakers Maniratnam and Ram Gopal Verma.

My interest to South Indian movies was seeded by Mani Ratnam through his magical ‘Anjali’. I never understand the language or technique of movies. But I remember that it was the simplicity that attracted me. It was like not watching a movie but seeing some very close relatives busy in their day-to-day activities sitting in their home only. ‘Shiva’ was the next dubbed movie that came my way. Again the same feeling. The heroes and heroines were really like ‘next door neighbours’. I was very impressed by South Indian movies. Following my nature, I started to dig into the new invented interest and came to know that a bunch of my favourite movies were directed by South Indian directors. The list of my favourites went like – Garam Hawa, Sadma, Roja, Bombay, Dalpati and many more. I had the idea that South Indian movies are actually intense, sublime, vivid, rooted and detailed backed with some great music. But my idea was soon shattered after seeing ‘Humse Hai Muqabla’- the Hindi version of Tamil hit ‘Kadhalan’. So loud, so tacky, so cheap and so gaudy. Oh my God, was it a South Indian movie? Who is this Shankar? Why doesn’t he follow his ancestors? Well, soon I came to know that he was actually following his ancestors only. Kadhalan was a typical Tamil formula film with those double meaning cheesy dialogues and exaggerating emotional play. Now I understand it well that the part of South Indian movies I was mesmerized with was not the entire but a small subset of a large domain.

Heroes are superstars and megastars here. So much that Rajnikanth fans call him ‘SS Rajni’ where SS = Super Star. They are so tired of writing (and saying) ‘Super Star’ again and again that they actually acronymed it! Ask any Chennaiite, what is SS? Well, I hope you can understand what kind of response you will be getting!

Then how does Mani Rathnam continue to make films like Dil Se, Kannathil Muttamittal, Alaipayuthey, Yuva and Guru? Is he not frightened of failure? Must be, but probably he listens to his heart only just like his maneuvered scenes touches ours.

And Ram Gopal Verma. a man who himself defines unconventionality. Swimming steadily opposite the Shahrukh-Yash Chopra-Karan Johar camped clichéd and thousand times chewed sugar candy movies, this man actually gives a tough fight to these Bolly biggies. Kudos to his efforts.

Tiruvalluvar – A Homage

Being an ardent fan of A.R.Rahman it was not unexpected on my part to start listening to his Tamil compositions. Eventually I started taking special interest into the amazingly rhythmic sentences of Tamil and continued digging into its very beautiful curvy fonts. While grokking hard into the lyrics of Mayiliragae, with the help of my Tamil friends, one day I came across the word ‘Tiruvalluvar’. Being a 100% Non-Tamilian, at the outset, I didn’t understand whether this word refers to a man, a place, a dish, a society or a philosophy. But no problem, there is Wikipedia to help me out. After putting the word in search box, the result that came out was both shocking and surprising. The first sentence that came out was ‘Oh my God, this is the man!’ Which man? Well, this leads us to take a journey to the most visited destination of Tamil Nadu – Kanyakumari. Who ever have visited Vivekananda Rock and who have not, all know it very well that just at the adjacent rock of the famous Memorial, there stands a stupendous statue of a sage-like man. Yes, He is Tiruvalluvar – the great Tamil poet-saint. My rendezvous with his legendary creation was quite unlikely, but I am happy that it happened.

Slowly I came to learn some more interesting facts about him that fascinated me. A weaver by profession, following an ascetic lifestyle and believed to have lived during the 1st millennium, the legendary Tiruvalluvar gifted the society - ‘Thirukkural’, one of the best ethical works ever written in Tamil language. When there is dispute among the historians over his place of birth, there is no confusion that he finds a firm and irreplaceable place in the hearts of Tamilians.

Containing 1330 couplets divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each, Thirukkural describes the lessons on man’s duties, material life and love life. Considered as the gospel of Tamil society, Thirukkural has not lost its fragrance even after two millennia.

With my this little write-up, if I have been able to seed interest in you, please click the link below to know more about Tiruvalluvar and his poetic creation ‘Thirukkural’ -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruvalluvar

Jabberwocky - an account

This famous poem by Lewis Carroll talks about the nonsense of the society in a rather childish way. With some imaginary and portmanteaux words, Jabberwocky poem is fun for children while opens up some new horizons for adults too. The poet loves to play with words and came up with words like frumious – combining "fuming" and "furious”; mimsy – combining "miserable" and "flimsy”; slithy – combining “slimy” and “lithe” and so on. On one hand when the process of making portmanteaux words may be thought provoking for imaginary children, it may even quench the thirst of some writers who search thesaurus continuously for a perfect word. Interesting, isn’t it?

The poem actually takes for a ride into a neverland (a never seen land) where frumious Bandersnatch and mimsy borogoves roam around with open jaws and claws. When father bewares son from going out to avoid captivity by ‘jabberwocky’, isn’t it our very own world that peeps out? Seen from a different perspective, the neverland may actually collide with our very loved society created by ourselves only. Aren’t the portmanteaus referring to the double-standard lifestyle that we try to live up? Or just think of the savage fight between the little boy and monstrous jabberwock coming all of a sudden from the woods. The brave boy kills him and his father comes to praise him giving him a warm hug. On one side when the poem talks about the most-likable fantasy of children with a brave boy killing a monster, at the same time does the poet want to leave some hidden message in his coded scribbling? The wood like society, the monster like evil, a visionary hero and people’s love - all seem to come vivid. After a number of reading, hurdling at every second word, with nail biting into pieces, scrolling the mouse again and again for the translation of portmanteaus and appreciating each time the poet’s wit; ultimately when the poem is unveiled in its simplest form, it does not seem to be that simple. No wonder, it is one of the most interesting pieces of literature I’ve ever read.

Note :-

Bandersnatch - A swift moving creature with snapping jaws. Capable of extending its neck.
Borogoves - A thin shabby-looking bird with its feathers sticking out all round, something like a live mop.
Frumious - Combination of "fuming" and "furious”.
Mimsy - Combination of "miserable" and "flimsy."

If you are one of those people having never encountered this poem, please click below

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabberwocky