Great Bong writes this hilarious piece on salam-e-ishq here
If only we were like Dhritrashtra's Sanjay.. we would not have to go through the torture of going to a theatre to write all this!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Intimidating Gootube
Interesting entry from blog maverick -GooTube's Smart!
Not that I am much of a moral policeman on copyright infringement, but it seems right to be on the right side of things. :)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Movie Review: Parzania
I usually take pride in myself as being someone who does not get emotionally attached to a movie and/or get affected/disturbed by a movie, even though I am a big movie buff. The last movie that seriously got me depressed was “The Passion Of The Christ”. Last night, Parzania did end up affecting me a lot. (The tagline is justified - Heaven and Hell on Earth)
For a very long moment after the movie was over, noticing that I was still at a loss of words, I realized my true emotions. I was ashamed. For once, I was ashamed. Of being in a country where such vandalism happens. And goes unpunished. Religious fanaticism and its monstrous manifestation. How I hate the politics of this country (not better or worse than a multitude of other countries) for reducing the common man to a petty existence. Where the cheapest thing on the street is someone’s life. When will we start appreciating the value of people’s life? I can’t forget the communal tension on 1991-92 when some people decided that it was high time the religious atrocities of 15th and 16th centuries be avenged.
For a very long moment after the movie was over, noticing that I was still at a loss of words, I realized my true emotions. I was ashamed. For once, I was ashamed. Of being in a country where such vandalism happens. And goes unpunished. Religious fanaticism and its monstrous manifestation. How I hate the politics of this country (not better or worse than a multitude of other countries) for reducing the common man to a petty existence. Where the cheapest thing on the street is someone’s life. When will we start appreciating the value of people’s life? I can’t forget the communal tension on 1991-92 when some people decided that it was high time the religious atrocities of 15th and 16th centuries be avenged.
Let people live in peace. Who wants to sit in a classroom fearing the guy sitting a couple of chairs away from him? Think of the poor kid who might end up being a religious minority in that room.
Coming back to the "movie" - It’s a very well made movie (purely speaking in movie terms). While the first 25-30 minutes seem a little slow, the performances are absolutely top notch. Sarika, who in her own era, seemed to be meant more for B-class movies, has come up with a spectacular act. In the testimony scene, she just blows you apart. I can write one more time about how great an actor Naseerudin Shah is. The realization, the agony and the futility of existence – all in one scene, I can’t really think of someone who could have pulled it off with such consummate ease. The other artists have played their part very nicely. But the movie hinges on Naseer and Sarika, their little daughter (Dilshaad) and the boy (Parzan)-of Dhara's "jalebiiii" fame!
The background score makes you cringe. There are times when you think that a hindi movie with English subtitles who have been more effective. Local sentiments in a local language. But that does not take anything away from the movie! It’s a must watch for everyone.
Let me leave you readers with a question – If killing avenges, what’s your plan B? Sooner or later, someone’s gonna get you!
Rating - 9 out of 10. Maybe 10.
Coming back to the "movie" - It’s a very well made movie (purely speaking in movie terms). While the first 25-30 minutes seem a little slow, the performances are absolutely top notch. Sarika, who in her own era, seemed to be meant more for B-class movies, has come up with a spectacular act. In the testimony scene, she just blows you apart. I can write one more time about how great an actor Naseerudin Shah is. The realization, the agony and the futility of existence – all in one scene, I can’t really think of someone who could have pulled it off with such consummate ease. The other artists have played their part very nicely. But the movie hinges on Naseer and Sarika, their little daughter (Dilshaad) and the boy (Parzan)-of Dhara's "jalebiiii" fame!
The background score makes you cringe. There are times when you think that a hindi movie with English subtitles who have been more effective. Local sentiments in a local language. But that does not take anything away from the movie! It’s a must watch for everyone.
Let me leave you readers with a question – If killing avenges, what’s your plan B? Sooner or later, someone’s gonna get you!
Rating - 9 out of 10. Maybe 10.
Some other views on the Parzania-Gujarat controversy and Parzania as a movie
Bollywood Gupshup - State of Gujarat has managed to score another ace with this moronic act of banning the movie.
Rajdeep Sardesai on Modi(y)s - The man who made a fortune and the man who lost a son
Friday, February 02, 2007
Movie Review: Salaam-E-Ishq
Sili Sili Jalti Raaton Mein
Jalta hoon main barsaton mein
Bhiga bhiga har pal yaadon mein
Dil kya kare
Kuch bhi kare, par ye movie na dekhe! (Whatever you do, please don’t watch this movie!). Serious advice from a movie lover.
A bad rip off Love Actually, hamming stories, meaningless editing, a lot of average performances, and wrongly placed focus. That’s what this movie is.
Basic mathematics suggests that six couples in a movie would mean 30 minutes per couple in a 3 hour long movie. 10 minutes for everyones background, 10 for setting up the love story, and another 10 minutes for the culmination, emotion, drama, et al! Is that enough. Well, it might have been. But… But I forgot to mention that 5 minutes per couple should be dedicated to Songs. Where would bollywood be without all this song and dance drama! Worse still, there are some couples who should not have, have got 30mins plus! And those who shouldn’t have, have got less than 30 mins in the movie.
Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan- The first and the worst couple of the movie are the lousiest.
Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla – the golden oldies have put in a good show, but for a worthless script.
Akshay Khanna and Ayesha Takia- Akshay is believable as the young “I-don’t-want-to-commit” dude representing the youth of this country. Ayesha has been wasted
Sohail Khan and Isha Kopikkar –I don’t know why they are there. Even though they are funny, but the director could have done away with the 5 minutes of wasted footage on this deprived couple.
Govinda and the foreigner girl – The best couple of the movie. Govinda is not quite back to where he was, but he still is the best act in the movie. And the girl doesn’t disappoint a lot.
John Abraham and Vidya Balan – decent, but useless. They keep crying for 70% of their presence in the movie. But the good part is, the climax of their story is not about everything falling into place. They just decide to make do with whatever they have!
Best thing about the movie – the music. Title song, Dil kya kare are the winners so far. But my favorite is Kailash Kher’s Ya Rabba. Another song where this amazing singer showcases his talent!
Rating - 3 on a scale of 10.
Jalta hoon main barsaton mein
Bhiga bhiga har pal yaadon mein
Dil kya kare
Kuch bhi kare, par ye movie na dekhe! (Whatever you do, please don’t watch this movie!). Serious advice from a movie lover.
A bad rip off Love Actually, hamming stories, meaningless editing, a lot of average performances, and wrongly placed focus. That’s what this movie is.
Basic mathematics suggests that six couples in a movie would mean 30 minutes per couple in a 3 hour long movie. 10 minutes for everyones background, 10 for setting up the love story, and another 10 minutes for the culmination, emotion, drama, et al! Is that enough. Well, it might have been. But… But I forgot to mention that 5 minutes per couple should be dedicated to Songs. Where would bollywood be without all this song and dance drama! Worse still, there are some couples who should not have, have got 30mins plus! And those who shouldn’t have, have got less than 30 mins in the movie.
Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan- The first and the worst couple of the movie are the lousiest.
Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla – the golden oldies have put in a good show, but for a worthless script.
Akshay Khanna and Ayesha Takia- Akshay is believable as the young “I-don’t-want-to-commit” dude representing the youth of this country. Ayesha has been wasted
Sohail Khan and Isha Kopikkar –I don’t know why they are there. Even though they are funny, but the director could have done away with the 5 minutes of wasted footage on this deprived couple.
Govinda and the foreigner girl – The best couple of the movie. Govinda is not quite back to where he was, but he still is the best act in the movie. And the girl doesn’t disappoint a lot.
John Abraham and Vidya Balan – decent, but useless. They keep crying for 70% of their presence in the movie. But the good part is, the climax of their story is not about everything falling into place. They just decide to make do with whatever they have!
Best thing about the movie – the music. Title song, Dil kya kare are the winners so far. But my favorite is Kailash Kher’s Ya Rabba. Another song where this amazing singer showcases his talent!
Rating - 3 on a scale of 10.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Sitemeters and my blog
Yesterday, I discovered a lot about sitemeters. While the regular blogger, I am sure, knows a lot about them, for me it was a new thing to understand where all my page visits have been from, and for what.
The most interesting things –
I realized that I had a very recent visitor from Australia!
I also realized that a lot of the visitors had come to the site looking for a review of Bhagam Bhaag! That, I think, was the most blatant lie I had written on my blog to have a bit of fun. A big sorry to Anupam and a whole lot of other people who might have watched the move based on my review. Bhagam Bhaag, let me correct, is one of the worst movies I had seen around that time! ;)
A lot of the visits to my blog had originated from my orkut profile and some of the floating emails that might have had my blog address in my email signature.
One thing however, that the blogs cant help with is the US IP addresses that I lot of PCs in Indian IT companies have. Probably because they are on a VPN and stuff! I don't understand that side.
And yeah, there is a place called Alipur in Delhi, India.
The most interesting things –
I realized that I had a very recent visitor from Australia!
I also realized that a lot of the visitors had come to the site looking for a review of Bhagam Bhaag! That, I think, was the most blatant lie I had written on my blog to have a bit of fun. A big sorry to Anupam and a whole lot of other people who might have watched the move based on my review. Bhagam Bhaag, let me correct, is one of the worst movies I had seen around that time! ;)
A lot of the visits to my blog had originated from my orkut profile and some of the floating emails that might have had my blog address in my email signature.
One thing however, that the blogs cant help with is the US IP addresses that I lot of PCs in Indian IT companies have. Probably because they are on a VPN and stuff! I don't understand that side.
And yeah, there is a place called Alipur in Delhi, India.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Fishes, Turtles n Whales
Fishes, Turtles n Whales
Originally uploaded by dingydas.
Pics from my trip to Shedd Aquarium (Chicago). You can always question
- WHY AM I POSTING THEM HERE?
Well.. Just like that.. Or, its my "not just birds need be beautiful"
counter to my Bharatpur trip!
On the road, who do I blame?
Came across this interesting read sent by a friend! I am not really subscribing to the doomsday prophecy here, but the first couple of paras do strike a chord with me!
While questioning someone's eligibility to give advice, I can also advocate the sheer objectivity with which an outsider adds perspective. While it may not be possible to avoid the nails when you are driving at a breakneck speed, the old age maxim tells you that speed thrills, but kills. The question is - do you want to blame the road? or do you want to blame the nails? OR, are you better off questioning your style of driving?
Forwarded by Dhaval Dalal -
Avoiding Nails On The Road
Many years ago, when I was barely out of college, I knew a teenager named Bhola who worked as an assistant at a roadside tyre puncture repair shop. I didn't have much in common with him so it was interesting to have a chat with him whenever I would go to that shop to get my scooter's tyres patched up. And since the worn-out rubber of my second-hand scooter seemed to developed holes almost spontaneously, I used to meet him quite often.
One day, as he fished around inside my scooter's rear tyre for the nail that had just slashed the tube to ribbons, Bhola told me that the reason people got punctures was that they didn't know how to drive. He said that all one had to do was to look at the road carefully while driving and then swerve whenever one spotted a nail. Now, I was such an inexperienced driver at the time that for a moment I actually took this statement at face value and started wondering that why, in fact, did everyone not do this.
And then realisation dawned. Actually, Bhola didn't have a clue what he was talking about. Not only had he never driven a scooter or a car, he had probably never even ridden any vehicle except a bus. He really had no idea at all that it was humanly impossible to do what he was describing. Bhola had observed activities that he had never performed. He had then formed a theory and was now dispensing supposedly practical advice based on that theory. It was almost as if he was preparing for a career in consulting.
But if you think about it, all of us who have anything to do with equity investing, either professionally or as investors, are Bholas today. We've never been in the situation that we are now, and we all think that we know what to do based on some theory that we have. Consider the situation objectively. India's economy is growing like it has never done. There is an optimism in the air the like of which none of us have ever experienced. The stock market is at an all time high and this all time high is not a trivial one. The BSE Sensex is now is almost three hundred per cent higher than the levels at which it has spent a majority of the last decade. Moreover, not only is it at such a high, it has gotten there through a journey of ups and downs that has a most solid, believable and sustainable ring to it. A huge mass of people have made an enormous amount of money through equity investing over the last four years. On the other hand, some of the dark clouds that are gathering are also the kind that we have never seen.
In balance, this seems like a good time to make one's investments grow but I think we should all sit down and admit that we are in a profoundly Bhola-like situation. We are driving down a strange and wonderful road where we've never been before and it seems to make more sense to stay focused on the horizon than to try and look for nails on the road. You see, since we are anyway going too fast to be able to swerve in time to avoid the nail, it's probably better to cover as much distance as we can before the inevitable puncture happens.
While questioning someone's eligibility to give advice, I can also advocate the sheer objectivity with which an outsider adds perspective. While it may not be possible to avoid the nails when you are driving at a breakneck speed, the old age maxim tells you that speed thrills, but kills. The question is - do you want to blame the road? or do you want to blame the nails? OR, are you better off questioning your style of driving?
Forwarded by Dhaval Dalal -
Avoiding Nails On The Road
Many years ago, when I was barely out of college, I knew a teenager named Bhola who worked as an assistant at a roadside tyre puncture repair shop. I didn't have much in common with him so it was interesting to have a chat with him whenever I would go to that shop to get my scooter's tyres patched up. And since the worn-out rubber of my second-hand scooter seemed to developed holes almost spontaneously, I used to meet him quite often.
One day, as he fished around inside my scooter's rear tyre for the nail that had just slashed the tube to ribbons, Bhola told me that the reason people got punctures was that they didn't know how to drive. He said that all one had to do was to look at the road carefully while driving and then swerve whenever one spotted a nail. Now, I was such an inexperienced driver at the time that for a moment I actually took this statement at face value and started wondering that why, in fact, did everyone not do this.
And then realisation dawned. Actually, Bhola didn't have a clue what he was talking about. Not only had he never driven a scooter or a car, he had probably never even ridden any vehicle except a bus. He really had no idea at all that it was humanly impossible to do what he was describing. Bhola had observed activities that he had never performed. He had then formed a theory and was now dispensing supposedly practical advice based on that theory. It was almost as if he was preparing for a career in consulting.
But if you think about it, all of us who have anything to do with equity investing, either professionally or as investors, are Bholas today. We've never been in the situation that we are now, and we all think that we know what to do based on some theory that we have. Consider the situation objectively. India's economy is growing like it has never done. There is an optimism in the air the like of which none of us have ever experienced. The stock market is at an all time high and this all time high is not a trivial one. The BSE Sensex is now is almost three hundred per cent higher than the levels at which it has spent a majority of the last decade. Moreover, not only is it at such a high, it has gotten there through a journey of ups and downs that has a most solid, believable and sustainable ring to it. A huge mass of people have made an enormous amount of money through equity investing over the last four years. On the other hand, some of the dark clouds that are gathering are also the kind that we have never seen.
In balance, this seems like a good time to make one's investments grow but I think we should all sit down and admit that we are in a profoundly Bhola-like situation. We are driving down a strange and wonderful road where we've never been before and it seems to make more sense to stay focused on the horizon than to try and look for nails on the road. You see, since we are anyway going too fast to be able to swerve in time to avoid the nail, it's probably better to cover as much distance as we can before the inevitable puncture happens.
Monday, January 22, 2007
of Gurus.. Ganguly.. and Gunners… isn’t this GGGGGGGGGood
Over the last week, I witnessed a 3G performance.
Abhishek Bachan, after getting completely washed out by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 (the movie itself being a washout is a different story altogether), marks his finest performance till date as Guru – A Villager! A Visionary!! A Winner!!! The Dhirubhai Ambani modeled story of Gurukant Desai is a fine portrayal of human characters. Guru does get to see a good performance by the good ol’ Mithunda of Gunda and Mrigya fame as well.
Ganguly, in a different setting, was marking another fine comeback. After being written off by all TDHs, Ganguly decide to take the sword to the WI attack. It was a fine display interspersed with a six that only he can hit (dancing down the wicket, sailing over the long on/off boundary with an effortless precision), some arrogant strokemaking and a sad ending (2 runs short of a century). He should stop focusing on Dada ads, and concentrate on Gadha, I mean, Ganguly ads.
Gunners, on the other hand, took ManU down. Three strokes off three fine crosses helping ace scorers find the net (Henry, v.Persie and Rooney). The game was not quite up there considering the 22 dancing daisies adorning the field. But then, ever since Henry has come back from injury, Arsenal too have started showing a steady improvement and a lot of faith in their abilities.
What does it all tell you? That this week, I will worship Lord Ganesha, eat Good/Gult food, listen to GnR, or, The Grateful Dead, talk like Gulshan Grover, wear Green shirts. And yeah, I will rename myself GAmit Das. On second thoughts, Amit Gas sounds better.
Abhishek Bachan, after getting completely washed out by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 (the movie itself being a washout is a different story altogether), marks his finest performance till date as Guru – A Villager! A Visionary!! A Winner!!! The Dhirubhai Ambani modeled story of Gurukant Desai is a fine portrayal of human characters. Guru does get to see a good performance by the good ol’ Mithunda of Gunda and Mrigya fame as well.
Ganguly, in a different setting, was marking another fine comeback. After being written off by all TDHs, Ganguly decide to take the sword to the WI attack. It was a fine display interspersed with a six that only he can hit (dancing down the wicket, sailing over the long on/off boundary with an effortless precision), some arrogant strokemaking and a sad ending (2 runs short of a century). He should stop focusing on Dada ads, and concentrate on Gadha, I mean, Ganguly ads.
Gunners, on the other hand, took ManU down. Three strokes off three fine crosses helping ace scorers find the net (Henry, v.Persie and Rooney). The game was not quite up there considering the 22 dancing daisies adorning the field. But then, ever since Henry has come back from injury, Arsenal too have started showing a steady improvement and a lot of faith in their abilities.
What does it all tell you? That this week, I will worship Lord Ganesha, eat Good/Gult food, listen to GnR, or, The Grateful Dead, talk like Gulshan Grover, wear Green shirts. And yeah, I will rename myself GAmit Das. On second thoughts, Amit Gas sounds better.
GAS – An MBA! A Consultant!! A GasBag!!!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Bye Bye Birdie
Goodbye Current Job!. My home close to home for 2 years. :) It takes a lot to drag yourself out of office here to go home.
A lot of silence at home to continue with the unfinished work
A lot of angry family members at home.
A lot of anger/frustration/diffidence.
A lot of energy to have some still left for driving back home.
Before I go - some "quick n dirty comments" about the "nature of the beast" which is "still evolving" in a "high growth environment"
The upside - the long hours mean that you end up making a lot of good friends. Your partners in crime, your darlings in distress!
The clincher- Inductees are a Smart bunch of buggers. You can take a smart bugger out of Inductis, but you cannot take smartness out of Inductis buggers. That probably is the single biggest reason why it took me 2 years to say No!
The frills - The IT security policy is still not fool-proof. :) So, at any point in time, LAN has a lot of movies, cartoons and music!
The Ayes - its interesting work!
The Nayes - its too much of work!!
The irritants - Too much confusion!
The downside - Its a small company wanting to become a big company. So it adopted the big company culture while they were still too small to act big.
Future.. remains futuristic.. 'ere I come!
A lot of silence at home to continue with the unfinished work
A lot of angry family members at home.
A lot of anger/frustration/diffidence.
A lot of energy to have some still left for driving back home.
Before I go - some "quick n dirty comments" about the "nature of the beast" which is "still evolving" in a "high growth environment"
The upside - the long hours mean that you end up making a lot of good friends. Your partners in crime, your darlings in distress!
The clincher- Inductees are a Smart bunch of buggers. You can take a smart bugger out of Inductis, but you cannot take smartness out of Inductis buggers. That probably is the single biggest reason why it took me 2 years to say No!
The frills - The IT security policy is still not fool-proof. :) So, at any point in time, LAN has a lot of movies, cartoons and music!
The Ayes - its interesting work!
The Nayes - its too much of work!!
The irritants - Too much confusion!
The downside - Its a small company wanting to become a big company. So it adopted the big company culture while they were still too small to act big.
Future.. remains futuristic.. 'ere I come!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
For Whom The (CAT) Bell Tolls
Every year, a couple of lakhs of students participate in the annual festival known as CAT (Common Admission Test). How the deities look upon your performance decides which temple you get to go to, that is, for 2 years of penance!
Why? Because you think its taking you closer to the heavens- IIMs.
Today, the list of god's own children came out! Some expected successes, some disappointments, some who are great but not godly enough.
The funny thing is - nobody realizes that to be a God, you can either be a God or you can create your own religion!
All the best folks!
Perchance he for whom this bell tolls,
may be so ill,
as that he knows not it tolls for him;
and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am,
as that they who are about me and see my state
may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
may be so ill,
as that he knows not it tolls for him;
and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am,
as that they who are about me and see my state
may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.
...
God employs several translators;
some pieces are translated by age,
some by sickness,
some by war,
some by justice;
but God's hand is in every translation,
and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves
again for that library
where every book shall lie open to one another
...
Any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind;
and therefore never send to know
for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Pictures from My Trip to Ghana Bird Sanctuary
My sentiments after I came back (Yaar ... Ullu Bana Diya!!)
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Oh Media Media! Where art thou?
Two interesting news items... here and here.
While 1. reminds of some systemic deficiencies in the way Media is evolving in our country
2. reminds me of Manusmriti -which had prescribed fines for such behavior. Read the history section here
I guess its time we have some changes here! Media - wake up! You can play a constructive role in this country..
While 1. reminds of some systemic deficiencies in the way Media is evolving in our country
2. reminds me of Manusmriti -which had prescribed fines for such behavior. Read the history section here
I guess its time we have some changes here! Media - wake up! You can play a constructive role in this country..
Movie Review: Bhagam Bhaag
What I am going to write is going to be nothing short of blasphemy. But let me do it.
I was actually scared of watching this movie. But then, I was the one who got 15 people together, and convinced them to watch this movie. So, even after hearing/reading the reviews that came out during the day, I could not pull out!
Those uncertain steps were certainly not needed. The movie is actually a laugh riot! And as the name suggests (it would means – Utter Chaos! Or Run-Run! Or something like that), the movie should be a runaway success!
The movie has a proven comical duo – Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar. And Priyadarshan has pulled in the No.1 Comedian – Govinda as well. The comic timing, as expected, is brilliant. Paresh Rawal, as usual, keeps the story together as “Sethji”. Govinda looks old and a little fatigued, but he still is doing what he does best. Meaningless gabs and witty gags. Akshay Kumar must be thinking – Why the hell did I waste so many precious years trying to kick people around in jeans and full sleeved t-shirts.
Bottomline – the movie rocks! Must watch, irrespective of what the serious critiques tell you. There are times when meaninglessness is shown in an amazingly funny way. And that’s what bhagam-bhaag is all about
Now, I wouldn’t ever become a critique worth my money if I don’t tell you the downers –
- Music definitely is one of them. The “Signal” song is pretty much the draw of the lot. The other songs don’t quite measure up.
- Lara Dutta looks pretty as ever, though her role and character could have been defined slightly better. But then, she would have looked lost when sharing the frame with three of the best comical actors of modern times.
- And lastly, the end-sequence could have been made a little more normal. This time, Priyadarshan has overdone it!
Oops – why is my review a blasphemy? Well, I don’t think I have too many people out there giving out positive and raving reviews about the movie! But then, aren’t we a democratic country?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Bombay theory of Peasants.. Part 2
3. Queuing Theory
©Sathish Krishnan
In Mumbai, people are so used to standing in queues, that they queue up for going to loo at their own homes!
Being in touch, is it? ;)
©Sathish Krishnan
In Mumbai, people are so used to standing in queues, that they queue up for going to loo at their own homes!
Being in touch, is it? ;)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Trivia : Magical Match of 1983
Today, I discovered a trivia about one of the greatest innings in ODI Cricket, and definitely the bravest innings of Indian Cricketing history. I am talking about the 175 Not Out innings played by Kapil Dev against Zimbabwe way back in 1983.
The trivia that I am talking about is that "This" was the "FIRST" Indian ODI Century EVER! Beat that! The first and most probably, the greatest! India were reduced to 17/5 , and one of the finest allrounder of all times did not just produce a fine innings, he broke a barrier that had existed since 1974 (when India played its first ODI)
Another interesting trivia about this innings - Exactly 100 runs were scored in boundaries (16 4s and 6 6s). :)
This is one match for which none of the media channels has got any video footage.
Statistically, in this match, Kapil scored more than 65% of the runs scored by the Indian team, while facing 38% of the deliveries. Impressive, Huh?
Kapil also took the last wicket of Zimb innings (John Traicos) to seal the match for India.
And a couple of matches down the line, he did take one of the most memorable catches (Of SIR Viv Richards, running backwards) for Indian cricket.
History is truly made of magical stuff!
The trivia that I am talking about is that "This" was the "FIRST" Indian ODI Century EVER! Beat that! The first and most probably, the greatest! India were reduced to 17/5 , and one of the finest allrounder of all times did not just produce a fine innings, he broke a barrier that had existed since 1974 (when India played its first ODI)
Another interesting trivia about this innings - Exactly 100 runs were scored in boundaries (16 4s and 6 6s). :)
This is one match for which none of the media channels has got any video footage.
Statistically, in this match, Kapil scored more than 65% of the runs scored by the Indian team, while facing 38% of the deliveries. Impressive, Huh?
Kapil also took the last wicket of Zimb innings (John Traicos) to seal the match for India.
And a couple of matches down the line, he did take one of the most memorable catches (Of SIR Viv Richards, running backwards) for Indian cricket.
History is truly made of magical stuff!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The Bombay theory of Peasants.. Part 1
1. You are as good as your deodorant
©Amit Das, Prabhat Prabhakar
Local trains – the lifeline of Mumbai, the highest form of proof Darwin could have offered for his Theory of Origin of Species and Survival of the fittest. Mumbai local follows all rules of civilizations, with every individual standing on the platform being marginally better off than a lactobacillus bacteria in a glass of milk. With innocent people from down-south (like, Phanimitra) not being able to board a churchgate local at 8:30AM from Kandivli station in first three attempts. With people like Ranga afraid of boarding one, just in case their laptop bags are not able to cope up with the peer (or, is it sheer?) pressure!
A. In this Mumbai local, when you are holding on to the metal jacks while balancing yourself in an inhumanly crowded train, the only thing that can save you is either your deodorant, or the deodorant of your neighbor. But then, the neighbor has a right to say – “kya re? bot shaana samjha kya apne ko? Apna soongh, main tere liye scent maara kya?” (What’s your problem mate! You think you’re too smart or something? Smell your own. You think I have perfumed myself for you?).
B. A related theory is that there are three kinds of people in Mumbai local – Idiots (who do not use deodorants and smell their own), Educated (who use deodorants and smell their own) and Wise-Men(who do no use deodorants, but smell the educated deodorant users). What differentiates the wise-men from the idiots is the skill of identifying educated ones!
C. And the final one – The first class and second class compartments in Mumbai Local. The only difference is in the quality of deodorants used. Not a single genius has been able to win the spot the “two” differences” contest!
“Putting your nose in other people’s matter!” isn’t right? Isn’t that what we were taught?
2. In every city I work for four months for the government. But Mumbai is different.
©Sathish Krishnan
In Mumbai, you work for four months for the government, and another four months for your landlord. The remaining four months, you work for yourself and your family.
Applicable to the 30% bracket guys, I often wonder if despite its amazingly conked workplace, all the banks in Mumbai have a low attrition rate only because these banks are ready to pay-up the 5Lakhs deposit needed to get flats in good localities in Mumbai.
There is more.. But, as Mumbaikars would have you believe - there is a charm in mumbai local. It’s the lifeline of Mumbai
©Amit Das, Prabhat Prabhakar
Local trains – the lifeline of Mumbai, the highest form of proof Darwin could have offered for his Theory of Origin of Species and Survival of the fittest. Mumbai local follows all rules of civilizations, with every individual standing on the platform being marginally better off than a lactobacillus bacteria in a glass of milk. With innocent people from down-south (like, Phanimitra) not being able to board a churchgate local at 8:30AM from Kandivli station in first three attempts. With people like Ranga afraid of boarding one, just in case their laptop bags are not able to cope up with the peer (or, is it sheer?) pressure!
A. In this Mumbai local, when you are holding on to the metal jacks while balancing yourself in an inhumanly crowded train, the only thing that can save you is either your deodorant, or the deodorant of your neighbor. But then, the neighbor has a right to say – “kya re? bot shaana samjha kya apne ko? Apna soongh, main tere liye scent maara kya?” (What’s your problem mate! You think you’re too smart or something? Smell your own. You think I have perfumed myself for you?).
B. A related theory is that there are three kinds of people in Mumbai local – Idiots (who do not use deodorants and smell their own), Educated (who use deodorants and smell their own) and Wise-Men(who do no use deodorants, but smell the educated deodorant users). What differentiates the wise-men from the idiots is the skill of identifying educated ones!
C. And the final one – The first class and second class compartments in Mumbai Local. The only difference is in the quality of deodorants used. Not a single genius has been able to win the spot the “two” differences” contest!
“Putting your nose in other people’s matter!” isn’t right? Isn’t that what we were taught?
2. In every city I work for four months for the government. But Mumbai is different.
©Sathish Krishnan
In Mumbai, you work for four months for the government, and another four months for your landlord. The remaining four months, you work for yourself and your family.
Applicable to the 30% bracket guys, I often wonder if despite its amazingly conked workplace, all the banks in Mumbai have a low attrition rate only because these banks are ready to pay-up the 5Lakhs deposit needed to get flats in good localities in Mumbai.
There is more.. But, as Mumbaikars would have you believe - there is a charm in mumbai local. It’s the lifeline of Mumbai
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Dekh tere sansaar ki haalat....
Just got this forward from a friend. Was reminded of my incomplete discussion with Shivani (I don't introduce Shivani as Gullu's wife anymore!) J
The conversation was around how much information there actually is with the intelligence agencies in India. About terrorists, terrorism, blasts, and what nots. And if there is so much information, as we think there is, why do such incidents happen?
While reading the forward below, the only thought that came to my mind was – Maybe a lot of these people who do not act on the information they have, are reminded of their kids, and of their bread-earner status! Maybe, media would not give their kids the status of "Prince" and cover her for the next 3 days. Maybe, no channel would agree to finance their studies for a lifetime.
Life, sure, has a saracastically funny side to it!
******
The body of Major Manish Pitambare, who was shot dead at Anantnag, was cremated with full military honours at Thane on Wednesday
On Tuesday a news swept across all the news channels 'Sanjay Datt relieved by the court'. 'Sirf Munna Not a bhai' '13 saal ka vanvaas khatam' 'alhough found guilty for possession of armory, Sanjay can breath sigh of relief as all the TADA charges against him are withdrawn'
And then many experts like Salman khan saying 'He is a good person. We knew he will come out clean' Mr. Big B 'Datt family and our family have relations for years he's a good kid. He is like elder brother to abhishek'. His sister priya Datt 'we can sleep well tonight…it's a great relief'
In other news, Parliament was mad at Indian team for performing bad; Greg chapel said something …..; Bomb scare in gorakhpoor express; and Shah Rukh Khan replaces Big B in KBC and Sonia asked PM to consider reducing petroleum prices (I wonder who's the PM …anyways that is not the topic so leave it…) But most of the emphasis was given on Sanjay Datt's "phoenix like" comeback from the ashes of terrorist charges.
Surfing through the channels, one news on BBC startled me, it read, Hisbul Mujahidin's Most wanted terrorist 'Sohel Faisal' killed in anantnag, India. Indian Major leading the operation lost his life in the process. Four others are injured.
It was past midnight, I started visiting the Indian channels, the ones who are 'Sabse TEZ', but Sanjubaba was still ruling. They were telling How Sanjubaba pleaded to the court saying 'I am the sole bread earner for my family' 'I have a daughter who is studying in US who will look after her'. And then they showed how sanjubaba was not wearing his lucky blue shirt while he was hearing the verdict. Also how he went to every temple and prayed for last some months. A suspect in Mumbai bomb blasts, convicted under armory act…..was being made into a hero.
Sure Sanjubaba has a daughter; sure sanjubaba did not do any terrorist thing as in bombing some place or hijacking an airplane etc. Possessing an AK47 is considered too elementary in terrorist community and also one who possesses an AK47 has a right to possess a pistol so that again is not such a big crime; Sure sanjubaba went to all the temples; Sure he did a lot of gandhigiri but then, people please read on.
Major Manish H Pitambare got the information from his sources about the terrorists' whereabouts. Wasting no time he attacked the camp killed the Hisbul mujahidin's suprimo and in the process lost his life. To the bullets fired from an AK47
He has a wife and a daughter (just like sanjubaba), age..18 months.
Major Manish never said 'I have a daughter' before he took the decision to attack the terrorist hide out in the darkest of nights?
He never thought about having a family and he being the bread earner
No news channel covered this since they were too busy hyping a former drug addict, an actor in real and reel life, a suspect who's linked to bomb blasts which killed hundreds. Their aim was to show how he defied the TADA charges and they were so successful that his conviction in possession of armory had no meaning. They also concluded that his parents in heaven must be happy and proud of him
Parents of Major Pitambare are still on this earth and they have to live rest of their lives without their beloved son. His daughter won't ever see her papa again.
Definition of a Star has changed Major it really has. So sanjubaba always has a gun in every one of his movies then in real life if he has an AK47 then what's the big deal;
Even if one of the bullets from one of such AK47's took a Real Star's life…..
rang de basanti aayi thi tab bhi log aisehich kuch toh bolein they…
Finally Sir, to my generation there is no greater hero than one who laid his life in the name of this great nation. Hence Sir, I salute you. You are the real Star, Vande mataram.
(Forwarded by Nitin Sood)
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Another Loss! Whoz the Boss?
Third ODI against South Africa in the current series. Back to Back losses. Extremely pathetic batting display. Irfan Pathan top scored with 47. Another comprehensive victory for SA.
I was trying to look at the Indian lineup for this match. We had Jaffer, Sehwag, Tendulkar, Kaif, Dinesh Karthik, Dhoni, Pathan, Agarkar, Sreesanth , Kumble and Zahir Khan.
One close look will tell you that we went in with four bowlers who can hardly bat, one bowler who is an aspiring allrounder, 2 wicket keepers and 4 out of form batsmen! Would I call that a winning combination? I have my reservations!
Lets question this lot a bit.
Sehwag has been out of sorts (oops, shots!) for quite some time. Like so many great Indian stars, there are a couple of shots from him that show some promise and glimpses of old time sorcery , but that is just an eyewash. The real thing is the nervous energy and reckless attitude that will become his undoing in the future!
Jaffer.. yippee!! Another example of flashing when its just not required. How many times have we seen that? I have lost count. You play a few nice drivers. And then there is a ball swinging away from you outside the off stump. You are supposed to be a good batsman with a good temperament. But alas! Jesus couldn't stop you from being led into the temptation!
Tendulkar – Cricinfo tells me that Pollock got him for the 9th time. Only Chaminda Vaas has managed to do it so many times. Story – edgy beginner, Tendulkar manages to pass one to the keeper/slips a bit too often against these two! I want to criticise him for being out of touch and getting out like that. But my respect for the master stops me!
Surprisingly, Kaif did not hole out. He did not get bowled out. He did the most unexpected thing of him. He got himself run out!
All these four top order guys are in absolutely topless form. You can't make a blockbuster when the lead actors of your movie want to play only a guest appearance!
I don't want to talk about the brave Indian batting tail, which seldom does the job its supposed to do (containing the batsmen, that is). But I do want to wonder about Karthik's place in the team! Wasn't he a keeper who could bat a bit? Do we really think he is better than Laxman in batting? Whats this world coming to? Are the selectors morons?
Damn it! We deserve to lose, with brains like that! Its surprising that we don't stop playing international cricket for a couple of years! At least , stop playing cricket in other countries. We are good ol momma's boys. We like playing in our backyard! Are the selectors listening?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Muse Rues
Part I
The poet in me
Woke up
This fine morning
As she called my name.........
Oh lord!
Why aren't mornings
Always the same...................
Part II
Woke up
This fine morning
As she called my name.........
Oh lord!
Why aren't mornings
Always the same...................
Part II
One man's destiny
Attached to another...
Feather by feather...
Makes me fly....
This endless joy
Of you being you
And you being the one...
Whats so special
That drives me insane......
Takes me away
From things so mundane.....
Why isn't everyone
Sooooo like you
Why ain't the sky
Always blue................
Saturday, November 18, 2006
One Day In The Life Of An Estranged Consultant
It's a number I have seen in so many places.
The morning sings about a story of hopes. I look at the morning sun. I think of her. How she makes it all look brighter. Brighter than sunshine.
I turn back. I look at the trivialities of life. And the essentials. I look at people around me. I know that the only meaning of sunshine is that the day has begun. I need to be up and about. I need to go through the chores.
I look back at the sunshine again. I long for it.
You with me?
The day walks by. The evening begins. In between all this, I lose a bit more of myself. Just trying to keep track of all that I have done in the infinte. Yeah. That's what the day looks like. A struggle to count till infinity.
Why aren't the numbers matching?
The night is an ordeal. To make things fall in place. To make the different numbers match. To storyboard another life. To live for happy endings. To create opportunities within happy endings. Continuity is essential.
Lets pack!
Yeah. Just hope that the morning does not begin the way this night has ended. Its dark. No-one's out there. You want a hopeful morning, not a morose night. Nobody likes dropping shoulders and falling eyelids. You look drunk?
Dormant Ambitions Make A Heady & Potent Cocktail
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