This is the first movie by Homi Adajania and it was quite different. It has a Guy Ritchie touch to it. And why not - it was re-edited by Jon Harris who also did "Snatch".
This movie was different from start to end. Its an English movie starring Saif Ali Khan, Nasiruddin shah, Dimple Kapadia and Bommi Irani. And it has a bit of the "dark" comedy in it.
Its centered around a Parsi family which is in shambles. Nasiruddin Shah was once a famous pot sculptor and is now in a whole different frame with the other pot. Dimple Kapadia is his wife with the middle age syndrome and really wanting to get rid of that life. In comes Saif as a person interested in learning pot sculpting. Thereafter its part bizzare and part fun with good twists.
Its well directed and the actors have delivered their usual best. The movie has many gaping moments, philosophical dialogues and extremely funny moments. Its all mixed up well that you may sometimes find yourself laughing at the very inappropriate time in the movie.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Of supermarkets in India
Recent talks of Walmart opening its stores in India is truly concerning. Its a known fact that a Walmart will close down a dozen retailers. So why Walmart in India where retailers have so far had decent lives. ? Possibly its Walmart that needs India.
Walmart's motto - Offer the lowest price in the market.
Execution strategy - Force the suppliers to lower cost or improve quality for the same price.
Would you choose quantity or quality.? In many cases it would be quantity. Dont bother about the brand name and publicity as Walmart takes care of that. In a win-win situation for the suppliers and the superstore, the customers lose quality and the mom and pop entities.
India on the other hand doesnt need Walmart. Their retail business is already on the high. It would be absurd to converge into a monopoly in this sector.
Walmart's motto - Offer the lowest price in the market.
Execution strategy - Force the suppliers to lower cost or improve quality for the same price.
Would you choose quantity or quality.? In many cases it would be quantity. Dont bother about the brand name and publicity as Walmart takes care of that. In a win-win situation for the suppliers and the superstore, the customers lose quality and the mom and pop entities.
India on the other hand doesnt need Walmart. Their retail business is already on the high. It would be absurd to converge into a monopoly in this sector.
Friday, February 17, 2006
A game of Soccer
I am writing this blog with sore muscles for I just returned from my first official soccer game ever (Yes ever). The only bit of soccer i have played before is the one with no rules and the one not played in a soccer field !!
We had a team of people who are much of a sport and decided to enroll in the Men's Soccer League. One of them was in a high enough position to sponsor our outfit. Totally lacked practice, but you cant expect that in this hectic professional life. No strategies except play hard, run hard, keep it simple (whatever that meant). I knew from little practice that i am a terrible shooter, so i opted to stay at defense and midfield. Many guys (bloody europeans, south americans) were good at it.
When it was time, we walked across the field to the player's deck. If anything would be apt introductory music it would have been the Ride of the Valkyries. And at the end of the first half we were even at 2, a bit tired but not too much as we kept rotating the players. I realized i wasnt quick enough, let the ball past me a few times but never ending up in goals thankfully.
Second half was crazy. Probably the opponents got us all figured out. Brits and Italians gave a tough fight only to end up losing. Not to mention our opponents were second generation Indians !!!.
However it was a game well enjoyed. Looking forward for the rest of the games.
We had a team of people who are much of a sport and decided to enroll in the Men's Soccer League. One of them was in a high enough position to sponsor our outfit. Totally lacked practice, but you cant expect that in this hectic professional life. No strategies except play hard, run hard, keep it simple (whatever that meant). I knew from little practice that i am a terrible shooter, so i opted to stay at defense and midfield. Many guys (bloody europeans, south americans) were good at it.
When it was time, we walked across the field to the player's deck. If anything would be apt introductory music it would have been the Ride of the Valkyries. And at the end of the first half we were even at 2, a bit tired but not too much as we kept rotating the players. I realized i wasnt quick enough, let the ball past me a few times but never ending up in goals thankfully.
Second half was crazy. Probably the opponents got us all figured out. Brits and Italians gave a tough fight only to end up losing. Not to mention our opponents were second generation Indians !!!.
However it was a game well enjoyed. Looking forward for the rest of the games.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Inquilab Zindabad
"hum ek paav rakte hain past mein, ek paav future mein, isi liye hum apne present par moot rahe hai"
A very intense dialogue uttered humourously by Aamir. The movie was great. The movie Rang De Basanti is infact all about that.
The story begins with a narration of the bloody past @ Jalianwala Bagh. Then the events leading to the capture of Bhagat Singh and his associates. The autobiography of the British official describes the courage, patriotism but more importantly their commitment and nerves of steel. "I knew of two kinds of people - people who die silently, and people who die screaming - Until i encountered the third kind".
Inspired by her grandfather's diary, the british lady stumbles upon the young characters from Delhi univeristy for her documentary. While playing their roles that were little known to them, they slowly begin to relate to the present (after it impacts them personally) and together they decide to take on the current problems in their own hands, thus reviving the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.
Fuelled by the past, they feel a sense of revolution and kill the corrupted Defense minister for authorizing purchase of cheap/faulty parts for the MIGs. The movie ends tragically when they are shot by the cops inside the radio station where they go live with their intentions. They die in a similar fashion as their past heroes.
Key characters from the past:
Bhagat Singh - Runs away from home to escape marriage and joined the revolution. Was arrested after he and his associates bombed the assembly and killed Saunders - Superintendent of Police. He was hanged and he was only 24.!
Chandrashekar Azad - He is Bhagat Singh's mentor. He founded the Socialist Revolutionary Assoc. and was involved in the assasination of Saunders. He shot himself after futile attempts to escape from the British. He was 25 at that time !
Ashfaqullah Khan - He is one of the masterminds in the Kakori train robbery in which Azad participated. He was then captured and sentenced to death. He was 27.
Ram Prasad Bismil - Planned the Kakori train robbery with Ashfaqullah Khan. He is a poet and is famous for the following words
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai,
Dekhana Hai Zor Kitna Bazuea Katil Mein Hai
Shivram Rajguru He is a close associate of Bhagat Singh and Azad. He was involved in the assasination of Saunders and captured later along with Bhagat Singh.
A very intense dialogue uttered humourously by Aamir. The movie was great. The movie Rang De Basanti is infact all about that.
The story begins with a narration of the bloody past @ Jalianwala Bagh. Then the events leading to the capture of Bhagat Singh and his associates. The autobiography of the British official describes the courage, patriotism but more importantly their commitment and nerves of steel. "I knew of two kinds of people - people who die silently, and people who die screaming - Until i encountered the third kind".
Inspired by her grandfather's diary, the british lady stumbles upon the young characters from Delhi univeristy for her documentary. While playing their roles that were little known to them, they slowly begin to relate to the present (after it impacts them personally) and together they decide to take on the current problems in their own hands, thus reviving the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.
Fuelled by the past, they feel a sense of revolution and kill the corrupted Defense minister for authorizing purchase of cheap/faulty parts for the MIGs. The movie ends tragically when they are shot by the cops inside the radio station where they go live with their intentions. They die in a similar fashion as their past heroes.
Key characters from the past:
Bhagat Singh - Runs away from home to escape marriage and joined the revolution. Was arrested after he and his associates bombed the assembly and killed Saunders - Superintendent of Police. He was hanged and he was only 24.!
Chandrashekar Azad - He is Bhagat Singh's mentor. He founded the Socialist Revolutionary Assoc. and was involved in the assasination of Saunders. He shot himself after futile attempts to escape from the British. He was 25 at that time !
Ashfaqullah Khan - He is one of the masterminds in the Kakori train robbery in which Azad participated. He was then captured and sentenced to death. He was 27.
Ram Prasad Bismil - Planned the Kakori train robbery with Ashfaqullah Khan. He is a poet and is famous for the following words
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai,
Dekhana Hai Zor Kitna Bazuea Katil Mein Hai
Shivram Rajguru He is a close associate of Bhagat Singh and Azad. He was involved in the assasination of Saunders and captured later along with Bhagat Singh.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Let there be light
Though totally unrelated to this blog - I recently read the "Last Question" by Isaac Asimov after being pointed out by someone. And soon I was indulged in various thoughts starting from my Prism experiment in the School physics lab to Aurora Borealis.
After several years I was in town for the festival of Karthikai. The festival is particularly famous in Tamilnadu - In fact one of the oldest too.
You can read more about it here. http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?karhikai
Every house in the street is decorated beautifully with traditional lamps. On a calm night with clear skies, the streets look beautifully decorated and the natural light reveals the artistic silhouettes of the pillars and the lamps themselves. Thats one moment I wished whole heartedly for a power shutdown.!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
A Road Trip
Recently, one of the guys from my college days had completed a huge road trip on his "Rajdoot" - Yes on a bike. He had been out for 39 days covering a total of 6900 odd miles in his bike in the northern part of India (in the foot hills of himalayas). All the way from Delhi to Nainital and Kargil, Leh and other high points in Kashmir on a BIKE !!!!. Amazing. Absolutely mind blowing and really worthwhile adventure. Kudos to him.
I envy him. I am jealous. I am not an experienced bike rider, but his experiences and great photos really pushes my urge. In the US I have been on some long road trips, but none on par with that one and that too in India.
I really like the idea of getting totally lost in wilderness for a month or so. No need to contact anyone and no duties calling. I should probably start planning such a trip right now and make my life more worthwhile.
I envy him. I am jealous. I am not an experienced bike rider, but his experiences and great photos really pushes my urge. In the US I have been on some long road trips, but none on par with that one and that too in India.
I really like the idea of getting totally lost in wilderness for a month or so. No need to contact anyone and no duties calling. I should probably start planning such a trip right now and make my life more worthwhile.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Good Eateries in Madras
This time in Madras, I spent most of my time relaxing and eating delicious home cooked food. Even when we ate outside we ensured we eat at the best place possible.
From such experiences I found that the "Murugan Idli Kadai" in T.Nagar was immensely pleasing. Its a small place but always crowded. The menu consists of simple south indian foods at a very very reasonable price, served just the right way on a banana leaf. They of course sought their name from their Idlies but then everything i tried was very tasty. Varieties of chutneys and sambars are served to complement the dosas and idlis. They even had the typical south indian drink - Gigarthanda - south Indian Falooda (supposedly very famous in and around Madurai), but unfortunately ran out of it when i was there. But overall this place rocks. The best south indian food in town.
With vastly expanding culinary interest of Indians, several Chinese and pizza joints have opened up too. Noodle place is supposedly good but didnt try it. The "Subway" has opened up in several places in the city, though the cost of Rs 100 for a 6 inch sub may not be affordable to most of us. They have indian varieties such as Aloo tikki sub, Chicken tikka sub and even mediterranean varities such as Hummus and Falafel sub. Still its highly unpopular as the sandwich culture could never catch up against stiff competition from the Indian fast food varieties i.e., dosas and chats.
From such experiences I found that the "Murugan Idli Kadai" in T.Nagar was immensely pleasing. Its a small place but always crowded. The menu consists of simple south indian foods at a very very reasonable price, served just the right way on a banana leaf. They of course sought their name from their Idlies but then everything i tried was very tasty. Varieties of chutneys and sambars are served to complement the dosas and idlis. They even had the typical south indian drink - Gigarthanda - south Indian Falooda (supposedly very famous in and around Madurai), but unfortunately ran out of it when i was there. But overall this place rocks. The best south indian food in town.
With vastly expanding culinary interest of Indians, several Chinese and pizza joints have opened up too. Noodle place is supposedly good but didnt try it. The "Subway" has opened up in several places in the city, though the cost of Rs 100 for a 6 inch sub may not be affordable to most of us. They have indian varieties such as Aloo tikki sub, Chicken tikka sub and even mediterranean varities such as Hummus and Falafel sub. Still its highly unpopular as the sandwich culture could never catch up against stiff competition from the Indian fast food varieties i.e., dosas and chats.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
A Trip to Mahabalipuram
It was 15 years ago that I visited this place. Mahabalipuram is about 40 Km south of my hometown. A long vacation this time guaranteed that i visit this place amidst heavy rains and cyclones that battered Tamilnadu coast this year.
Every piece of the visit was fun. To begin with - how we got there. As usual never planned to be there but just ended up being there. My cousin brother who is so fond of his bike promised to drive me up there. The ECR (East Coast Road) that leads to Mahabalipuram was the talk of the town. And of course as expected it was well laid with reflectors, emergency phones every 10 Km and devoid of potholes etc etc. If you have the need for speed, just go there.
We reached late in the evening knowing well that the rains are expected anytime. First stop was the Five Rathas. An absolutely stunning piece of work. Named after the Pandavas, each ratha (chariot) is carved out of a single piece of rock (picturized above). As the sun sets you can see the perfect edges carved out and the geometrically accurate structures.
Then we visited the Shore temple (picturized below). I was anxious to see that as i had read in papers about the destruction caused by Tsunami (in yr 2004). Also a few years back a fountain/bathhouse was excavated next to the temple. I vaguely remembered the parks surrounding the shore temple which were now being re-created. Also a high sea wall was constructed to avoid further damage by the sea. There were boards indicating(was also in the news) that during the Tsunami, when the sea receded, more structures were revealed.
The ancient city (6th Century) of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram (named after the Pallava King Mamalla alias name for Narasimhavarma Pallava) has several sculptures that were carved during the Pallava period - notably during Narasimhavarma's rule. The remaining sculptures are only few masterpieces of the arts and culture that prevailed in ancient Tamilnadu.More reading information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabalipuram
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Oklahoma trip
Been in Texas for 5 years, and all throughout i had been thinking that the plains are totally boring, not very green, not worthwhile for a camping/hiking/trekking trip. However a friend advised me that the neighboring states of Oklahoma and Arkansas may have the stuff i am looking for.
Yes Indeed. Oklahoma is beautiful. And i have already made two camping / trekking trips to Oklahoma/Arkansas. My destination - Ouchita National Forest / Winding Stairs National Recreational Area - on both occasions.
First time was during the July 4th weekend with my dear friend. He was all geared up for a great camping trip. We went to the southern part of the Ouchitas and camped near the Beavers Bend State park. Frankly i hated the place. It was never far from civilization and it was never picturesque. Too many people to spoil the night. However we cooked great food of course after learning the hard way how to light the charcoal (not self igniting).
We did some Kayaking along the Mountain Fork river. That was fun, and totally different from my first Kayaking trip. This time we really had to find our way through the boulders. Heavy traffic also made it more challenging. I toppled twice and lost my floaters - thanks to my complacency. But soon got a hang of it. We then did a short hike and soon it was evening. We drove north a bit and found a perfect camping spot in the Winding stairs Rec Area along a mountain slope. That night was windy and awesome. We however had to quickly pack our tents next morning as it was pouring.
The second time I went to the place with my friend, his wife and my cousin Sambar during the Labor day weekend. We camped in the same area. This time it was even better. You could see the Milky way at night (I had never noticed that before). After spotting several shooting stars we went off to sleep. Next day we did a 10 mile hike, though a good walk it lacked any amazing vista points. Then we drove along the winding Talimena Scenic Drive to Mena, AK. Its a drivers paradise. Definitely a Fall color spot.
The trip was great. Of course thanks to my friend and his wife for taking care of dinner!! And pats to those who often forget the tea bags !!
Yes Indeed. Oklahoma is beautiful. And i have already made two camping / trekking trips to Oklahoma/Arkansas. My destination - Ouchita National Forest / Winding Stairs National Recreational Area - on both occasions.
First time was during the July 4th weekend with my dear friend. He was all geared up for a great camping trip. We went to the southern part of the Ouchitas and camped near the Beavers Bend State park. Frankly i hated the place. It was never far from civilization and it was never picturesque. Too many people to spoil the night. However we cooked great food of course after learning the hard way how to light the charcoal (not self igniting).
We did some Kayaking along the Mountain Fork river. That was fun, and totally different from my first Kayaking trip. This time we really had to find our way through the boulders. Heavy traffic also made it more challenging. I toppled twice and lost my floaters - thanks to my complacency. But soon got a hang of it. We then did a short hike and soon it was evening. We drove north a bit and found a perfect camping spot in the Winding stairs Rec Area along a mountain slope. That night was windy and awesome. We however had to quickly pack our tents next morning as it was pouring.
The second time I went to the place with my friend, his wife and my cousin Sambar during the Labor day weekend. We camped in the same area. This time it was even better. You could see the Milky way at night (I had never noticed that before). After spotting several shooting stars we went off to sleep. Next day we did a 10 mile hike, though a good walk it lacked any amazing vista points. Then we drove along the winding Talimena Scenic Drive to Mena, AK. Its a drivers paradise. Definitely a Fall color spot.
The trip was great. Of course thanks to my friend and his wife for taking care of dinner!! And pats to those who often forget the tea bags !!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Ek Aur Mirchi bhaiya
When i started writing this blog i was at my office really hungry for some indian fast food. I then remembered the delicious food from my college days. Eating at the hostel mess is of course a rarity.
Thanks to our mobile fast food counters in the campus. May it be a cup of chai or evening snacks, it has to be at the "Raadi". The concept is simple - always fresh and hot tea and a couple of benches. Cant think of anything more simple yet highly satisfying.
The food they make is nothing short of delicious. "Ek Sam chat (extra imli chutney) aur ek chai" used to be my morning breakfast. And a Mirchi in the evenings with another hot cup of tea. Amazing sensation it creates - a spicy chilly and hot tea. And you have some friends together, what more could you ask of life. It was just beautiful.
Damn those days are lost. More responsibilities and more asking out of my life. Yet i have to have my mirchi, chai and samosa chat.
Thanks to our mobile fast food counters in the campus. May it be a cup of chai or evening snacks, it has to be at the "Raadi". The concept is simple - always fresh and hot tea and a couple of benches. Cant think of anything more simple yet highly satisfying.
The food they make is nothing short of delicious. "Ek Sam chat (extra imli chutney) aur ek chai" used to be my morning breakfast. And a Mirchi in the evenings with another hot cup of tea. Amazing sensation it creates - a spicy chilly and hot tea. And you have some friends together, what more could you ask of life. It was just beautiful.
Damn those days are lost. More responsibilities and more asking out of my life. Yet i have to have my mirchi, chai and samosa chat.
Friday, July 08, 2005
My first Kayaking experience
During a hot summer, I was in Virginia Beach for some office work.... Wierd but true. After several weekends of roaming the beach, I had planned on a trip to Philly where my cousin (Sambar) lives. We both fancied the idea of making a camping/hiking trip together. Better yet, he found a place to Kayak and camp.
Kayaking in the Delaware river:
Sambar had done it once before and convinced me that it is fun. I dont know to swim - not even in calm waters. I had been on 4 day rafting trips back in India on the Ganges, so i was a bit complacent. With life jackets you could never drown and i can swim well if i am floating ;-)
My more civilized friend tagged along too, but he didnt know much about the unruly cousins.
Plan was simple - kayak down the Delaware river for about 20 miles (upto Dingman's Ferry take-out). So we left on Saturday afternoon and had to camp somewhere on the river banks before completing the final leg. You cannot expect all the luxuries while camping as you can take only the bare necessities in a Kayak. Overloading is definitely not advisable.
So we set out with Sambar helping my friend with the kayaking techniques. It was pretty late when we started so we had to row fast to get to the camping areas. Most of them were taken, so we had to really paddle hard in search of a vacant campsite. When it was almost dark, we found one and to capture the fort I rushed and of course slipped in the algae. Unhurt, but wet i ran up and was delighted to find the campsite empty. Soon the tent was pitched. But it was unusually cold for a summer day (35 deg F). With no change of clothes i had to borrow a T-shirt from Sambar. We lit the fire soon and were all over it. After some tea and eggs, Naan with pickle and chutney we went inside to sleep though none could sleep well due to sore limbs and the bitter cold temperature.
Next morning we lit another fire for a good warm-up. My friend then announced his inability to lift one of his hands and immense pain in his shoulders. So we left him to relax on the banks on the next takeout point and continued towards Dingman's ferry. Full of energy we paddled well and fast through the rapids and also enjoyed the nice scenary. It was then getting too hot and the river widened and stopped flowing too. After some rigorous paddling through the still waters we reached Dingman's Ferry totally exhausted. Now we have to get back to the starting point to pick our cars and head home.
After we reached home 5 hours later, Sambar's friend had to go home. We ordered a Pizza. As soon as the Pizza was delivered, Sambar got a call from his friend that his car just stalled in the middle of the highway. He managed to steer it off to the shoulder. He was already tired and needed help. So we decided to drive to the spot and of course we took the Pizza. Soon we reached and he had called the towing truck. So we decided, what the heck lets just eat. We had Pizza on the highway shoulder. Once we regained energy, we tried to restart the car just to see if it could be a simple battery problem. To our amusement, the car started fine !!! So off we went to our respective homes after a nice highway dinner.
What an experience it was. After our rafting experience in India, this was the most eventful/adventurous trip i have had.
Hoping for more such adventures.......
Adios
Kayaking in the Delaware river:
Sambar had done it once before and convinced me that it is fun. I dont know to swim - not even in calm waters. I had been on 4 day rafting trips back in India on the Ganges, so i was a bit complacent. With life jackets you could never drown and i can swim well if i am floating ;-)
My more civilized friend tagged along too, but he didnt know much about the unruly cousins.
Plan was simple - kayak down the Delaware river for about 20 miles (upto Dingman's Ferry take-out). So we left on Saturday afternoon and had to camp somewhere on the river banks before completing the final leg. You cannot expect all the luxuries while camping as you can take only the bare necessities in a Kayak. Overloading is definitely not advisable.
So we set out with Sambar helping my friend with the kayaking techniques. It was pretty late when we started so we had to row fast to get to the camping areas. Most of them were taken, so we had to really paddle hard in search of a vacant campsite. When it was almost dark, we found one and to capture the fort I rushed and of course slipped in the algae. Unhurt, but wet i ran up and was delighted to find the campsite empty. Soon the tent was pitched. But it was unusually cold for a summer day (35 deg F). With no change of clothes i had to borrow a T-shirt from Sambar. We lit the fire soon and were all over it. After some tea and eggs, Naan with pickle and chutney we went inside to sleep though none could sleep well due to sore limbs and the bitter cold temperature.
Next morning we lit another fire for a good warm-up. My friend then announced his inability to lift one of his hands and immense pain in his shoulders. So we left him to relax on the banks on the next takeout point and continued towards Dingman's ferry. Full of energy we paddled well and fast through the rapids and also enjoyed the nice scenary. It was then getting too hot and the river widened and stopped flowing too. After some rigorous paddling through the still waters we reached Dingman's Ferry totally exhausted. Now we have to get back to the starting point to pick our cars and head home.
After we reached home 5 hours later, Sambar's friend had to go home. We ordered a Pizza. As soon as the Pizza was delivered, Sambar got a call from his friend that his car just stalled in the middle of the highway. He managed to steer it off to the shoulder. He was already tired and needed help. So we decided to drive to the spot and of course we took the Pizza. Soon we reached and he had called the towing truck. So we decided, what the heck lets just eat. We had Pizza on the highway shoulder. Once we regained energy, we tried to restart the car just to see if it could be a simple battery problem. To our amusement, the car started fine !!! So off we went to our respective homes after a nice highway dinner.
What an experience it was. After our rafting experience in India, this was the most eventful/adventurous trip i have had.
Hoping for more such adventures.......
Adios
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