Is the Police really to blame for?

For the last few days I have been thinking after this horrific and unfortunate incident that unfolded in Delhi, is the Police really to blame for?

I will talk about in generality and not on this specific incident that outraged the whole nation.

What kind of life a policeman lives?
He is selected by some strange methods, put on training and then given duty on some desolate area completely unfamiliar to him with 'meager salary’ and miles away from his family. He has to first understand how things work because he has to deal with public on hourly basis unlike most public figures.

A policeman life isn’t just restricted to protect public, but he has to first please the local politician there, then his superior then comes the public. So it’s not that simple that if a complaint is registered, they quickly start to act. They first have to check against whom the complaint is registered, if he is a tall figure in the locality obviously they can’t act against him. They have to find a method to come to truce where matter isn’t dragged any longer.

Secondly, a policeman doesn’t have much power to straight away act to the crime reported; they have to follow long procedure and etc. that is why they refrain to use their cognizance at times.

Third, their salary is not very handsome and apart from that they get regular transfer leaving their family alone so now he has to run two homes parallely. They don’t have much life either. When we are celebrating festive season they are there away from home to protect us so that everything goes peacefully.

I think the system needs some change and need some police reform to work closely with public so justice is given quickly without any delay every time.

Have a lovely day!

Rapes happen because we allow them to happen!

A girl is gang raped in the capital city, its debated in all news channels and in Parliament, there are reactions from everyone including bollywood biggies, bureaucrats, CEOs of the companies and politicians. Bollywood personalities seem to have intense discussion on social networking sites but at the end of the day what happens we all know it. Opposition gains the mileage, TV gets the coverage and celebs gains some new followers.

I fail to understand whether this is the problem of society or is it because of lack of proper administration.

It is not like if girl is wearing traditional attire is safe, these perpetrator don't see whether its night or day, what is she wearing, whether she is alone or having some company, they will try to accost the girl because they know nothing can happen to them.

Why don't our politicians act in unison when such gruesome crime happens against women, I want every MP to stand united irrespective of any party. If FDI in multibrand retail is important then women safety is equally important too!

Hanging, parading around the city, stoning and castrating wouldnt help, we need stringet laws, better enforcement.

I think the biggest problem in this country is politics. If some incidents happens in Bihar, Laloo would try to gain mileage, if it happens in West Bengal, left will play dirty politics, if it is in UP, Mayawati wouldnt spare and if it is in Gujarat, Congress will get another chance to target Modi. In every case it is politicize first, stirred to the core and then we wait for the result which is never going to come because of these protracted hearing in courts.

I think rape is more hienous and horrible than a murder. Murder happens because there is tension between two groups and it can be resolved but rape cant be prevented because such is the mental state of the (coward) people.

This is such a crime where victim faces the repercussion and not the accused. This should be stoped and everything should be done to protect the women of our society.

Hope when I wake up in the morning, I dont see another such story in the newspaper.
Good Night, stay blessed!

Life Of Pi

This is a movie based on the novel written by Yann Martel. The book is in my list since a long time but havent got a chance to read.

The movie starts with a small village in South India where Pi’s father has a zoo in Ponducherry. Due to some reasons his father decides to shifts to Canada with some animals from the zoo. They start their journey with Japanese ship but a storm hits the ship and it sinks. While everyone is sunk with the ship, Pi is the only one who is saved and finds himself with a Tiger, Hyena and Zebra in a life boat. He fights for his life and does everything to keep the tiger alive as well because he knows if tiger doesn’t get anything to eat that will be his last day. But gradually they (tiger and Pi) start understanding each other. Finally they reach the coast of the sea. While Tiger disappears in the Jungle, Pi was taken to the hospital by the people who want to know how the ship sank.

It’s so invigorating, it makes you glued to screen. It’s more or less like Cast Away in the middle. In Cast Away Tom Hanks is stranded alone at the sea sore but in Life of Pi, Suraj Sharma (Pi) is with the tiger.

Script is good though it is little slow in the middle. If you are an adventurous then this is the film for you.

Some dialogues from the movie

No one knows about religion until someone introduces it to us.

Religion is darkness.

Hunger teaches what we never knew about ourselves.

And above all – Don’t lose hope.

I will go with 3.5 out 5 for this amazing adventurous movie.

Happy Weekend!

Pistanthrophobia

‘Rahiman Dhaga Prem ka, Mat todo chitkay.

Tute se fir na jude, jude gaanth pad jaye’

The Doha by Rahim is not only true for love, its equally true for trust as well. Once the line is broken its hard to keep the faith rejuvenated.

Its not only in the case of love relationship, the fear of trust sometimes forbids to make friends, to get acquainted with strangers. We feel scared of sharing things because we always fear if the person might share it with someone else whom we don’t want them to know. It can happen with parents, with colleagues, with lovers and with friends as well. Sometimes kids develop this phobia at a very early age which makes them hard to talk to any unknown person even for the sake of their own good.

This generally happens when we have a bad experience in the past and that haunts us in future as well. We must choose our friends carefully and have full faith and this should be from the both sides. We should never break anyone’s trust because in the world everything can be recovered but lost trust is irreparable. It takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair. 

"You can complain because roses have thorns or you can rejoice because thorns have roses" - Ziggy

Have a lovely week.

Lajja by Taslima Nasrin

This book was written soon after the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya on 6 December 1992. The writer has narrated the plight of a Hindu family in Bangladesh soon after the riots spread in India and repercussion of it in Bangladesh.

Muslims in Bangladesh were savaging Hindus. Every hour incidents of rapes, incineration of temples, and house trampling of Hindu were flashing on TV. Despite this Sudhamay (leads protagonist and Hindu) was averse to others demand, while some Hindus were fleeing Bangladesh he wanted to stay in his motherland in the hope that riots will be recede some day. Like everyone he was also the staunch lover of his homeland and wanted to exercise his rights in his beloved country. But day after day situation was getting worse and they were being deprived of their fundamentals rights. Their atrocious behavior towards Hindu wasn’t waning.

One passage that really shook me,

“Loving ones country is a universal feeling. But when certain groups of people find that because they do not owe religious allegiance to the declared national religion, their religion is regarded as secondary or is perhaps even third grade in status. And when they are also branded as second class citizens, their egos take a tremendous battering.”

Taslima had tried to put her thoughts and reality of what was happening in Bangladesh without any bias and may be that was the reason that Muslims of Bangladesh issued Fatwa against her and fundamentalists in Bangladesh were clamoring for her life.

It’s really a good book to know the reality of what happened in Bangladesh after the Babri Masjid demolition. Many people don’t find courage to write against his/her own religion but Taslima Nasrin has it but then she has to pay hefty price for it. We need writers of this kind who try to reveal the reality. I think India has lost a very good writer in the name of Salman Rushdie. Hope in coming years we give enough space to the writer to write freely without and restrictions.

“True love is always inside us, loving is learning to use it.”

Have a great weekend!

Jab tak hai jaan

 I went to watch this movie with much expectation as it was Yash ji’s last movie and had 3 masters but to simply put it wasn’t a masterpiece but to my surprise theater was houseful even at 11 PM, he (SRK) surely has power to attract audience even if it’s not a par movie.

The movie is a triangle love story among SRK, Kat and Anushka which comes to light in the second half. Story is kind of same as of Yash ji previous films but somehow I dint get the logic of this tussle between God and Love.

SRK was at his level best so was Anushka somewhat but I don’t know when will Katrina learn to act. Even if it is a most intimate scene she looks emotionally hardened.

The story line is not that great and length of the movie makes it even tougher to stay calm for 3 hours. The movie attaints its best in last half an hour after SRK meets another accident and loses his memory. I liked the movie in parts but not as a whole.

Songs were good so was the location in Kashmir. Kashmir is really a scenic place, hope I will go there someday.

I will go with 2.5(+0.5 for that dance of Katrina before Isk Shava song) out of 5.

But one confusion when Imran (Rishi Kapoor) says

“Har ishq ka ek waqt hota hai?” Is it really so. I thought pyaar ka koi waqt nahi hota bas ye to ho jata hai :)

Happy Diwali!

May this Diwali brings lots of joy, happiness, good health, success and illuminates your life with wisdom . Lets kill the Raavan inside and awaken the Ram.

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous Diwali!
Stay safe. Take care :)

Which category do you fall in?

There are two kinds of people in this world. Not the ones who tweet and those who don’t , not the ones who see glass half full or half empty, not the ones who support Congress or BJP (Democrats or Republicans) , not the ones who eat Veg or Non Veg, not the Hindus or Muslims and not the developers and testers but these are Optimists and Pessimists.

Yes you got it right. There are only two types of people, those who think that nothing can be changed and those who are making conscious effort to bring in the change. I don’t need to write the dictionary meaning of these two words, you are all aware of that.

Pessimists try to find the negatives in everything that comes in their way while optimists accentuate the positives and hope that good will prevail. Pessimists are never satisfied because they are always seen complaining, whether it’s good or bad doesn’t matter.

While optimists try to find solution of a problem, pessimists are smothered in the problem itself. Pessimist are seen criticizing the bravest of the idea coming from Government while optimists try to understand if it is good or bad for the country as a whole before announcing their verdict.

So let’s not become pessimist but hope that things WILL fall into place today or tomorrow.

Have a nice day!

And love will comeback to you!

Have a nice day!

Sagarika Ghosh's Interview with Sunanda Pushkar

I managed to come home early and got the chance to watch Face The Nation on CNN IBN anchored by Sagarika Ghose.

It was Shashi Tharoor’s wife Sunanda replying to Modi’s remarks which he made while campaigning in Himanchal Pradesh.

You know what, the first question Sagarika asked made me laugh and after the series of question that followed.

1. How did you feel after Modi made that comment on you?
2. Did you feel hurt?
3. Do you feel quite sympathetic about your husband that he stood by you?

1. Now sometimes I wonder don’t they dig up in the dictionary to use something different rather than asking same question over and over again, whether its politicians, sports persons or actors.

2. Do they really need to waste their precious time in interviewing someone which has no relevance rather than bringing up something which change things for good. Yup she is entitled to react but then there is no point making all the hue and cry.

Media is also busy in the race, who digs the story first, who interviews whom first so that it keeps flashing on the bottom of the TV screen.  They seem to never act like a fourth pillar of democracy. What ever happens the whole day, it’s the politics that has to make the headline. Whether it’s the hurricane, gang rape or illegal property deal but at the end of the day it matters what Modi said in his campaign.

I hope the better sense prevails in media and they don’t follow the light camera action every where.

Good Night!

Chakravyuh

Now this is another gem by Prakash Jha or rather I shall start referring him Prakash Jha ji.

It starts Nandighat where Maoists have taken the control over the area. Adil (Arjun Rampal, police officer) appoints himself in that area to fight and eradicate this perennial problem. He finds it very hard as Maoist somehow find every move made by police as their information bureau is too strong. His friend Kabir (Abhay Deol) asks Adil to somehow send him in that area and so that he can provide information about Maoist.

Adil successfully sends Kabir into that area and subsequently Kabir wins Maoist heart by his work and secretly keeps providing information of Maoists moves. But after getting deep into this he finds it hard to digest whether Police is right or wrong in wiping out these Maoist who are fighting for poor. So he decides to leave the friendship and goes whole heartedly with Maoist and poor people of that area all because a builder living in London wants to destroy poor people homes and wants to build a mill there.

The movie is eclectic mix of Maoism, corruption, poverty, bureaucracy and politics.

It shows how politics is influenced by bureaucracy and that in tern affect the free functioning of any system. This is not a problem whose solution can be found on the round table, it is so deep rooted now that it can only now be minimized.

That was the story where I have missed the ending, watch it and find it out yourself.

In terms of acting, my respect for Abhay Deol is increasing with every film. No point saying anything about Manoj Bajpai, he is great as always but Anjali Patil (A comrade in Maoist gang) stole my heart. Had it been Irfan Khan in place of Arjun Rampal, it would have reached another level by his sheer class.

Jury will have tough time this when they will sit to choose best actor, best actress and best movie of the year.

Lal salaam!

Good Night

Food wastage

If Wikipedia is to be believed, there is 1.3 billion tons of food wasted every year which is about one third of the global food production. In low income countries, most loss occurs during production, while in developed countries much food is wasted at consumption stage. These are startling figures if you believe two times meal in a day should be the prime responsibility of any government.

I am not just barging in here but saw something which made me to put my thoughts here.

The picture below shows the amount of food wasted in my canteen every day. This was the data on 18^th Oct.

Even before taking the food on the plate you should tell them how much you want, not just to have in plate and leave it to be thrown in the bin.

Here is another pic which might refrain you wasting the food next time .

                                                 Courtesy Image: BBC
There are many who can not afford 2 meals a day and we are wasting it extravagantly without even realizing that it can feed some hungry people. We should order sensibly while having lunch/dinner at restaurant or ladies should rather ask to each member of the family how much appetite they have before entering into the kitchen.

There is lot of waste food in big b’day parties and on big wigs marriage. They should realize that excess food is as bad as the scarcity of it. 

Your simple act of aesthesia can make a lot of difference, you must understand it.

Happy Sunday!

R D Burman: The man, The music

I have been hearing a lot about this book since quite a long but dint get time to get hold of this masterpiece by Anirudha Bhattacharya and Balaji Vittal.

When I first heard that it’s about music I refrained myself buying it because I am not a big fan of music. But when my friends read it and applauded the great work put in by writers to compile this book, I thought of to give myself a chance to read a book on music too. (Though this doesnt come under my genre). Ahh what a read it was, I was so engrossed in that that I dint hold other book before I completed this.

This book is not just about the music done by the great man but how life was in the days gone by. It gives us a lesson that life is not only about success but to fight in tough times and come out with flying colors.

It gives series of events and incidents on RD's life, how he spent his childhood, how he was molded into music, his behavior, and later years of his life.

One thing I must admire about the book is that the amount of extensive research done by the writers. They have tried to cover every aspect of human life with the particular events associated with this music maestro.

I had a great time reading this book and learning about life.
This is the first book which I got from the man himself and how could I miss to take his autograph.

Thanks Anirudha Da!

English Vinglish

Though I had watched this movie long back but felt the need to express my thoughts here.

First of all welcome back Sridevi ji, it marks the come back of Sridevi after long hiatus of 15 years. Hope she doesn’t stop here and keep making films and keep making us smile.

This movie focuses on one problem which is faced by people all over the world, problem to speak English. This sometimes becomes too much that people starts thinking that there is no alternative to combat this other than learning the language.

Shashi (role played by Sridevi) also finds herself in that peculiar situation when she had to visit to USA for her sister’s daughter’s marriage. First she tries to convince her husband and kids to go along with her but because of work and school they couldn’t accompany her. Once she lands there she finds lots of problems especially when she walks out alone. To get rid of all this and to avoid boredom she joins English speaking classes where people from different countries facing the same problem were there.

What I find encouraging in this movie is Sridevi’s grit to learn English keeping everything aside.

The movie is not all about how she suffers of language problem but how she is treated by her kids. They make fun of her every time. Mother makes every sacrifice to make her kids happy but for kids, they take her sacrifices for granted.

Along with Sridevi performance, cameo of Amitabh Bachchan made it perfect for me.

Before parting ways with Sridevi, he says something which will remain forever enshrined in my mind

‘You will never get the second chances to experience something new, so enjoy it’

It’s a must watch for everyone.

One question: When a man cooks well it is profession but when a woman cooks well why it is just an art? Why aint she given enough credit for making palatable dishes?

OMG Oh My God

This has been a great year for Indian film industry. Some registered themselves in 100 crores club and some left the incisive mark in crores of Indians heart. When movies like Agnipath, Ek Tha Tiger, Barfi touched 100 crore landmark, movie like Paan singh tomar, Kahani, Gangs of Wasseypur and Oh My God won million hearts.

We saw some talented new comer and some incredible performance from established actors/actresses. While Yami Gautam enthralled everyone by her performance in Vicky Donor, Ranbir Kapoor proved yet again in Barfi that he is the current best in the business.

Coming to this movie, I went to watch Oh My God for Akshay’a acting and Sonakshi’s dance but ended up watching something else and that in someway changed my thinking if not everything.

The movie is an audacious attempt to demystify the concept of God. When you attack on practice of Idol worship, your temerity is tested to the core and Paresh Rawal never gave up till the end.

The movie shows us how blindly we believe in everything when we are in tough situation and ready to do anything. That is where others take advantage of you because you fear of losing the game. Be tough and never ever hesitate to speak your mind. The movie shows us that you will only know what is right or wrong only when you open your mouth. If you remain dormant all the time, you are doing nothing but harming yourself.

Paresh Rawal dint mind filing a case against God because he thinks that because of God only his shop turned into debris and He only was the reason for the earthquake. I think we don’t have a law on how to go further to reinstate the society in the previous position after any natural calamity.

The movie has humor, strong message and Paresh Rawal never disappoints us. Performance from everyone is of top notch but one that won my heart was Gopi Maiya.

It’s a must watch for everyone not just for good laugh but to know how we feel insecure if we don’t believe in God.


"Majhab insaano ke liye banaya gaya tha..Insaan majhab ke liye nahi"

Andy Murray Creates History!

Ahhh so after 4 hours and 54 minutes of Exhaustive Tennis, Andy Murray lifts his first Grand Slam trophy beating Novak Djokovic in 5 sets, 7-6(10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2. This is the first time since 1936 that a British has won the coveted Grand Slam title. That was one such great final when it became difficult to choose who will get over the line. Momentum swung back and forth between these two but at the end its Andy who has the last laugh. Condition were not easy too, it was very windy when they come out on the court, Novak slipped many times and even hurt himself on his knees. Well done Andy Murray. Congratulations to Andy, Jury, Ivan Lendl and his whole team.I can only say that the night was worth it!

What a year this has been for Tennis fans. All top ranked players have won one GS each. Roger(1) winning Wimbledon beating Andy Murray, Djoko(2) winning Australian Open beating Nadal, Nadal(3) winning French Open beating Djokovic and finally Murray(4) winning US open beating Novak. In this, Only Federer is the one who isnt beaten by anyone in the Final.

Hope Andy gets more titles because he deserves!

Andy Roddick Bids Adieu

This year should be named as a year of retirement. Many great players retired from the professional sport they played all throught their career from Dravid to KP to Laxman to Strauss to Clijster to Roddick.

I have watched all of them play. From KP’s big hitting to Dravid’s defend, from Roddick’s mimicry to Laxman’s shyness and from Strauss Charisma to Clijsters simplicity. I have admired them all in whatever little sport I have seen.

But tonight has been a special night for all who love to watch this sport. Not just the incredible game we witnessed between Roddick and lanky Argentinean Del Potro but the kind of respect Delpo has for the opponent even after winning the game. These are some moments that sometimes makes even me emotional though I am not even distantly related to Andy.

Delpo refused to take the court to celebrate his victory when official asked him to do so and asked Roddick to take the Aurthur Ashe court and enthrall the American crowd one final time. I could see very emotional Andy Roddick at the end of the match. He was just trying to control his tears. The way he was playing, he could have continued playing for another 2 – 3 years but then that is his personal decision and that day comes for every sport person’s life.

When play got suspended yesterday, Andy was leading 1 point to 0 in tie breaker and when it resumed tonight he got the tie breaker easily by 7-1. He fought 2^nd set very well but Delpo evened out things after winning the 2^nd set in tie breaker in 7-4. But after that Andy wasn’t playing normal, may be he became emotional and crowd was very charged up by that time, they were cheering for every point made by Andy. At 4-5 (15-40) on Delpo’s serve, Roddick’s for hand error ended his 12 years career as a tennis player and  the American star buried his face in a towel, tears in his eyes as Del Potro and entire Arthur Ashe stadium crowd saluted him. He gave some moments to laugh inn tensed situations by imitating some great players, doing some mischievous things on the court.

I still remember 2009 Wimbledon final when he gave tough times to Roger Federer, the game went on to 5 sets and till 16-14 when sweating Andy finally has to satisfy for a runner up medal.

Hope he keeps turning up for the matches and keep imitating others to make us laugh.

Wishing Andy Roddick a happy life ahead!

Good night or rather Good Morning !

Ant and Grosshopper - Indian Version of story - too good and fact

I have copied this story from Facebook but a must read for all!

Original Story:

The Ant works hard in the withering heat all summer building its house and
laying up supplies for the winter. The Grasshopper thinks the Ant is a fool
and laughs dances plays the summer away. Come winter, the Ant is warm and
well fed. The Grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the
cold.


Indian Version:

The Ant works hard in the withering heat all summer building its house and
laying up supplies for the winter. The Grasshopper thinks the Ant's a fool
and laughs dances plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering Grasshopper calls a press conference and demands
to know why the Ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others
are cold and starving.

NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering Grasshopper
next to a video of the Ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with
food.

The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor
Grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the Ant's house.

Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other Grasshoppers demanding that
Grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter .

Mayawati states this as 'injustice' done on Minorities.

Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for
not upholding the fundamental rights of the Grasshopper.

The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the
Grasshopper (many promising Heaven & Everlasting Peace for prompt support
as against the wrath of God for non-compliance) .

Opposition MPs stage a walkout. Left parties call for 'Bengal Bandh' in
West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry.

CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in
the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among Ants and
Grasshoppers.

Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway
Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.

Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the 'Prevention of Terrorism Against
Grasshoppers Act'[POTAGA] , with effect from the beginning of the winter..

Arjun Singh makes 'Special Reservation' for Grasshoppers in Educational
Institutions in Government Services.

The Ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and having nothing left
to pay his retroactive taxes, it's home is confiscated by the Government
and handed over to the Grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV, BBC, CNN.

Arundhati Roy calls it 'A Triumph of Justice'.

Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'.

CPM calls it the 'Revolutionary Resurgence of the Downtrodden'

Koffi Annan invites the Grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.


Many years later...

The Ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi-billion dollar
company in Silicon Valley ,

100s of Grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere
in India , AND As a result of losing lot of hard working Ants and feeding the
grasshoppers, India is still a developing country...!!

Some not so famous people I regard highly!

E. Sridharan: It’s very easy to praise this man for the work he has done, but no one knows what goes behind all this for his exemplary work. His sheer dedication towards his work has made the life of Delhi walas very easy. I recently visited Delhi and I think Delhi Metro is the only place where you can see that India somewhere match the standard of Japan or China. But it’s not this simple; he fought many battles to accomplish this from government clearances to political obduracy. He is the new role model to the people who want to work for the betterment of the country.

Pullela Gopichand: I am not very sure how many of you had heard this name before the Olympics but I am sure that now everyone knows who Saina Nehwal is. He isn’t just an incredible coach but an incredible human being. Recently I heard that he has been funding the junior badminton players from his pocket as government doesn’t provide enough facilities to train young athletes. When ever Saina wins a title, people congratulate her but a lot of credit must go to Gopi as well. You can find him thinking about something all the time during the game. He is never too excited whenever she wins and never seems dejected when she has a bad game.

Dashrath Manjhi: If you always criticize others and government for not doing anything, learn something from this man. A man of century or mountain man who dint wait for others to join the uphill task to create a road through mountain, died before reaping of what he has done. His grit to save thousands of people of Gahlour village from walking 8 KM for water gave him enough strength that he shoveled day in day out to do the undoable.

Piyush Mishra: Yeah that guy from Gangs of Wasseypur! All these years I dint notice him in Gulaal, Matrubhoomi, Bhindi Bazar, Rockstar but what a natural talent he is, he is an actor, lyricist, singer and composer. I have become a fan of him after watching Gangs of Wasseypur and listening to his song, Ek Bagal me channd Hoga. These are some special talent we forget to give chances to. Thanks to Anurag Kahsyap who once again brought Piyush into mainstream. People say that GoW was hit because of the story Anurag Kashyap represented but I think it was big hit because the way Nawazuddin, Piyush, Manoy Bajpia, Richa Chaddha acted.  

Bharti Singh: I know you are laughing. Those SAB TV addicts know this fat short height girl. She rose into fame after TV show comedy circus on SAB. Where girl of her appearance find it hard to even come on camera but she surely is a brave girl. I just admire her so much; she is fun to watch every time she appears in any show. Recently in Jhala Dikhla Ja I got to know her true story, how she was raised. She used to watch people eating Burger and wondering how they eat them. No one likes to put on weight but she seems to smiling at all times. She got Madhuri Dixit and Karan Johar in tears when she performed on the song "Kyun mai Jagun aur wo sapne bun raha hai". You must never stress on how you looks but focus on what you are. 

Rakhi Sawant: Dont judge me but yes I like Rakhi Sawant a lot, not her grace but her stiffness. It’s very tough for a ganwar to stay in light in the age of Penty's and Fukhri's and especially when you don’t have a great physique and no bollwood link up, but she still manages to be there. Whether it’s big boss house or the parliament, she somehow gets there.

Unmukt Chand: You absolutely know this lad now. He was big even before he won the world cup. I have been hearing about him from quiet a long time now. It’s hard for a boy to manage people of 15 different states and make them perform and win the cup beating mighty Australians in Australia. He got few chances in IPL season gone by but couldn’t convince selectors to get more chances to show his metal or may be he was in the wrong side when you have KP, Taylor, Mahela, Warner, Veeru, Morkel in that side. He played a great knock and a matured one in the world cup as watched by many. He looked very calm and composed throught. Hope he maintains the same attitude and brings many more cups to India. Indian team’s future looks very bright.

Surely there would be many more in the hindsight but these are the ones that caught my attention.

“Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was”

Signing Off

Anil Anuragi

What Young India Wants by Chetan Bhagat

For me significant amount of reading happens while I travel. I got hold of this book while window shopping at Howrah station. This is Chetan’s first non fiction book which is combination of selected essays and columns he has written on various newspapers and magazines where he talks about mainly on society, youth and politics in India. To be honest I dint find anything encouraging or inspiring in this book like his other books. In this book he tried to touch the problems India is facing at present but dint go deep into it. We all are aware of what is happening in the country. Has he written a fiction again, I would have given a miss because all of his books are more or less same or may be I bought this book so that I can flaunt in my friend circle that I have read all of Chetan’s books.

In the my journey section he tries to show how he deeply loved India and cared for it while working as manager in Bangkok or I think he was rather trying to show off or was trying to get in more readership.

This book doesn’t only focus what young India wants but what we society as a whole want.

Some of the columns are thought provoking and some I couldn’t understand. In a column “Adding values to life” he tells about Indian values and how we should strive for these values in our life. There are some sections where he specifically takes on Government and also tries to provide solution of the some of the problems nation is facing. I loved the column where he tells the difference between money and lakshmi. He also wants like me that politics in India shouldn’t be dynastic but should be rewarded only on performance basis.

You might also feel to do something for the country after completing this book but that desire will not last long. Read this book like you watched Olympics and celebrated our medals but that celebration wouldn’t last long we all know that and the heroes will be forgotten in a month or two.

It is not boring but it is not indulging also. But I think he missed one important page where he specifically writes for the youths. Hope you guys got it.

Happy reading!

Gangs Of Wasseypur Part II

After a tough day at office I went to watch this movie with my gang. I had lots of expectations from this movie but it didn’t turn out to be as great as I had thought or not close to part I if I am allowed to draw the comparison.

The movie started where it ended in part I where Sardaar Khan (role played by Manoj Bajpayi) was shot at petrol pump by Sultan’s (role played by Pankaj Tripathi) people.

They went on to kill everyone in Shahid Khan’s family except Faizal Khan (role played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Then he realizes that puffing hukka with friend aint going to help.  So he also decided to jump on this ugly war to take revenge and to rein Wasseypur area.

Everything happens as it used to happen in those days, though I am not quite sure whether they had those aaatomatic guns that have been used or not. Everything that was there in the past is there in part I so they have shown only the current situation and time doesn’t move from 19^th century to 20^th century.

What has been exceptional in this move is Faizal Khan’s acting. For me, he let the movie get going. He was just phenomenal in acting, while shooting and when using expletives. But what was perplexing for me was that why there wasn’t enough for Piyush Mishra except narration? The way he delivers the dialogue is just awesome. I can remember in the part I when they go to petrol pump to replenish the diesel and he slits the throat of the man sitting in the counter and Manoj Bajpai asks “Maar diye kaa?” and he answers “ pata nahi” (for me the way he said those two words were just brilliant).

I was also looking for some more tadka songs like in part I and absolutely no one can match Manoy Bajpayi’s acting.

There are also some more character: Tangent, Perpendicular, Shamshad( The guy from Ragini MMS). In all those Perpendicular was the best. He is the son of Sardar Khan and Durga( role played by Reema Sen) but in the end to become the don of Wasseypur he shoots Faizal Khan after both surrender after killing Ramadhir singh. Durga played the card to see his son rising and not the Faizal Khan.

I would say if you have watched part I, you should go watch this movie. But for those who haven’t watched first part, you aint gonna miss anything exceptional.

I would rate this movie 3 out 5.

Ego clash

How often do we see that people refuse to compromise even if it costs nothing?

Last evening while returning from office, two cabs came head to head and none of them were ready to budge. They were giving insane reasons not to move from the place and the place was jammed by then. The road was amassed with water and so it was very narrow to cross through. The problem came when my cab driver signaled the other guy not to come close while the other gave the indication that he is coming but none stopped and they kept driving. Before their engine stopped my cab driver was in hurry as he had a pick up and was complaining to the supervisor not indulge him in drops when he already has someone to pick up.  

Now after the two cars were stopped both were giving dreadful looks to each other and were exchanging pleasantries but none of them were in a mood to reconcile. Now he forgot whom he has to pick up and was almost insensitive what others are saying. That ego clash was causing a problem to others and because they were talking in Bengali we were unable to intervene.

Meanwhile a guard comes and intervenes and then they both go back and cross path giving tough looks to each other when their cars were passing like they are the don’s of the area.

How often do we see these scenes? People just don’t want to conciliate.

It’s not just this case it happens in all walks of life. While traveling in a bus, queuing for tickets/coupons, watching a movie in hall, asking for change and that delay you unnecessarily and gives you head ache.

We must learn to co operate as we go ahead in life. 

Good Morning, Have a lovely day!

Rahul Dravid: Timeless Steel

I finished reading this book very long back but didn’t have enough time to write my review because of Olympics.

The book is collected writing on Indian Cricket’s goto man by writers, commentators, coaches and the players whom he played with for the last 17 years. The book is divided in five parts describing each and every quality of this great man. There are interviews, his great innings, and captaincy, as a man and at last his Bradman’s oration before his last series against Australia even before the actual contest between bat and ball began and that I think is the best inning by Rahul Dravid. I have read and watched his Bradman’s oration umpteen times and still can read and watch it many more time.

It started with an introduction by Sambit Pal, editor of CricInfo and where in he writes “Indian Cricket may find a batsman as capable, but to find a man as exceptional is likely to be far tougher”. Yes indeed, he was more than a cricketer, he believed in simple thing. Wasn’t flashy and followed by as many as SRT but he knew his ability and stood firm when the situation demanded. Always very cool calm and composed whether he is inside the arena or in the public. As he says in one of the interview that, “I take time to have a bath, wear my clothes, eat breakfast. I never rush things and that sort of sets up my mood for the rest of the day”. His interviews are really motivational.

Former Indian coach writes about him,” I have never seen a more dedicated player than Rahul Dravid in the nets” and he goes on to write “He never made the same mistake twice”. He worked hard, discussed with coaches and senior players to overcome the the mistake he made in the previous game.

He wasn’t gifted as some players of that time were like Sachin, Lara, Steve Waugh but he was hard working. He worked relentlessly to learn one thing. He wants to achieve perfection and for that he could do anything.

As Suresh Menon, editor of wisden cricketers writes, “Talent without hard work withers early, hard work without talent gets you know where”.

After 2^nd test against Australia in Eden Garden which will always itch in our memory where RD scored 180 and along with VVS (281) and leveled the series by 1-1 and the rest is the history we all know, he said “It would define our careers from now on, irrespective of what we achieved or dint achieve after that”.

Once he was asked if he is eying to break Lara’s 400 records he grins, “Four hundred? For me to score 400, the test match would have to go into sixth day”

A man who has scored more than 13000 test runs has never been dismissed for first ball duck. He was though run out for 0 without facing the ball once. That speaks about him that he was always prepared to bat at any situation and at any number.

He opened the inning, batted at no 3, 4, and 5, and kept wickets at the age of 38. He could do anything for the team. He was the most selfless cricketer.

As he says the moment you are determined that bowlers have to take their wicket and you will not throw it just like that (unlike Rohit, Dilshan), you wouldn’t have burden to perform, runs will come automatically.

For him the dropped catches mattered the most as he feels that he let down the bowlers personally who try hard and create chance and it’s all gone.

He helped his junior team mates and always encouraged to do well. Suresh Raina writes, “He said a lot of glamour, fame and money would surround you as an international player but the key thing for you is to keep in mind at all times to never lose your focus on cricket, to be disciplined and remember that you are a person”

He showed the way to youngsters and told that “practice what you preach” (unlike the politician: D)

He always enjoyed the process, personal battles and sacrifices he made to achieve that, he never played for accolades or for money.

His wife Vijeeta says about his husband perfectionist, “I often tell Rahul that he is very good husband but would have been a very boring boyfriend”. “He doesn’t like the word hero being used carelessly, because to him real heroes are soldiers, scientist and doctors”.

That tells you that at the end of the day he feels about himself as a simple human being like we are.

One thing that I have noticed about Dravid is that he always takes the first name while speaking like Sachin, Grieg, Sourav, VVS, Gauti, John, MS. I don’t know how many of you have noticed that.

This is a must read those who love Rahul Dravid and cricket in general and test cricket in specific. He is the best test cricket player to have played the game. When we have IPL and meaningless T20, his priority was always test cricket. He always believed that to do well in test cricket in overseas is the ultimate satisfaction.

The book could have been a more palpable read had there been views and thoughts of groundsmen, camera persons when he drove to the off side, his team mates like SRT Dada and his best mate on the field VVS.

This is the nicest book I have ever read and in the finest read “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand tops the list.

Happy Friendship Day!

India At Olympic!

So we have come to the half way in London, some disappoint, some glory for India and some still vying to add in the medal count. All in all it hasn’t been that disappointing and not that glorious that we had hoped for.

Surely Deepika’s exit in first round was a set back but Vijay Kumar’s silver medal was out of no where. (specially for me). We surely have hatched some talents in this Olympic, some went little further while some faltered in initial stage but none the less they caught 120 crore people’s eyes. Kashyap went till Quarters after bowing to No 1 Malaysian Lee Chong Wei while Joydeep finished fourth in 50m Rifle prone and lost the bronze just by a whisker. Had it not been world no 1 Yihang Wang we surely had another medal in badminton but Saina is still in pretty much contention for bronze later today.

While Abhinav Bindra and Ronjan Sodhi disappointed us we managed our only medals in shooting only so it is still better that other sport so far. Gagan and Vijay rose to the occasion and performed their skin out.

Had Vishnu Paes won the tie break in the first set against Frenchmen Tsonga Llodra story would have been different now but what a game they played against world no5 Tsonga. But surely Vishnu is a good prospect after Paes and Mahesh. Paes Sania is playing their mixed double unfinished match against top seeded Mirnyi Azarenka of Belarus. India pair is trailing 2-3 in 2^nd set after losing the first one by 7-5.

Hockey was big disappointment, losing 3 games in a trot against the Dutch, New Zealand and yesterday against the Germany when they were hammered by 5-2. India’s problem is the finishing touch; they create the opportunity but most of times fail to capitalize on them.

There are few athletes who are in contention and one medal hopes Mery Kom is still to start her campaign on Sunday. And then there are Vijendra Singh, Poonia, Devendro Singh and of course Saina Nehwal.

I am still hoping that India will finish with 5 medals. How many you are hoping for?