Friday, May 7, 2010

Sharukh says sorry Ash

It's time to kiss and make up in Bollywood, according to reports Bollywood badshah Shah Rukh Khan has patched up with the Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya Rai.

The buzz is that Shah Rukh and Ash became freinds at producer - director Karan Johar's birthday party recently. The two had not been on talking terms since Chalte Chalte days as SRK had picked Rani Mukherjee over Ash for his home production . Their relationship was further damaged when SRK was not invited to Ash-Abhi s wedding.

At Katrina's birthday bash last year it was SRK's comments on Ash that ended the SRK and Salman Khan friendship . The Bachchan family had cut all ties with SRK.

Apparently, Shah Rukh went ahead and said sorry to Ash, she was with her husband Abhishek Bachchan.

A guest at the pary has said that it was SRK who began the conversation and told Ash that he owes an apology to her because he had wronged her.

After this incident the Bachchans and Khans (SRK with his wife Gauri) danced and chatted the entire night.

Global Wobble

Haven’t we heard these words somewhere? May be few of us have written about it, spoken about it and yes lets not ignore all of us are a divine lot who are knotted to this intensely vicious circle. Nevertheless what does Global Wobble remind us of... frustrated citizens, responsible business getting weaker, emergence for the need of enhanced social opportunity and most importantly economic opportunity…after religious contemplation, retrieval of memories and excavating the relevant literature I navigated to a point where I summarized Global Wobble as an adverse impact of the sum of events done in the interest of the society by the people living in it. The check here is, this is a total parody, I mean of the first order. Anything and everything we do to protect us, to secure us, to benefit us, leaves an unseen dust which may look trifle and insignificant but when time cascades the dust accumulates and binds with the pressure of the economic, social and cultural atmosphere and creates a hurricane of pandemonium which extends beyond the statutory obligations, legislations, human relations, economic cultural and social situations.

Proponents argue that there are two classes of people first one The Approvers, they are the pioneers, the building blocks of the world, any soul rich or poor who work tenaciously to improve their lives and the world and the second The Disapprovers who work to disapprove anything and everything done by the approvers, their only motto is to swim against the sea to prove a point, what is the point??? Well they don’t have an answer, but how many questions we ask, have one? Coming back to the point where we need to reside for a moment, the Disapprovers are accused for the wobble across the world. Why??? Well! Let’s see what they do fundamentalism, terrorism, vandalism, redtapism, nepotism, religionism, communalism, capitalism, communism a bountiful of “ISMS’ and what do they get? Let’s focus on the main aspects only, firstly Publicity! Oh sure they do… books have them, Newspapers, Politicians vows, Presidential speech all of them have just these people in them, around them, beside them, all over them. Secondly Fear! Not the Evil dead types fear but the Mad dog across the road types fear ,we never know when it may bite and we never know why it may bite and we also may never know what will happen to us after the bite ,we only have the privilege to know that there are Mad dogs! Nevertheless if we do a tiny introspection, run a virtual marathon and answer few questions to see if we are thinking in right direction. The first question will be Do these classes really exist??? All of us have an approver and a disapprover residing in our minds both may meet or may just be invisible to each other, they may react together or may individually, but the fact is they do co-exist ,as human is naturally prone to act in either ways. But why do we blame the disapprovers for the wobble in the world. If this theory is true, then the world sans “ISMS” should be heaven, is that so?? I don’t think so, this is purely my perception though, all of us are responsible in our own ways for the wobble, the contribution of each one of us may differ, but all of us have to accept the blame for the situation of the Poor Globe.

Firstly, how many of us really try our best to look at the varied inputs in our life and see what biases those inputs may hold on the society and the environment?

Secondly how many of us really in some way or the other don’t perpetuate our problems?? We all have our buttons of different sizes which holds us to the fabric of life…buttons of wealth, fame and name…buttons of love concern and care, buttons of selfishness, jealousy and remorse, buttons of welfare, kindness and peace and many more.

Thirdly how many of us are unflinchingly aware and altruistic people???

India is a country where we have a refined blend of mixture of opposites, the absolutely learned and the ignorant living together, and have got nothing to do with each other. Classes who don’t know to control birth and religiously follow more kids more income philosophy, follow ridiculous customs such as child marriage, sati, honor killing, female infanticide, tenaciously follow “Don’t educate women” philosophy, shamelessly spit on roads, religiously break traffic rules, throw trash on the streets, vote for money and there is another literate lot who efficiently pursue drunk driving, in the name of freedom involve in all kinds of divine habits, they are “The unaware and not bothered to be aware class”. The other learned Class completely aware of what is going on and the distinct role they play, but all that they do is complain about the world and its ways and proudly pursue “I am not interested in corruption and anything that is marred, I am learned and I am going to mind my work” philosophy .

These classes according to me are much more detrimental and lethal to a nation than terrorists and fundamentalists put together.

However let’s not ignore, a substantial class in the world,” The not so aware but willing to know class,”. They show concern, participate, go through all the hardships and humiliations, but still endeavor for the common good. They don’t save the world, but they leave a positive contribution and pioneer a genuine path to inspire the rest.

But the point here is, these classes are not the classes of people, these are the classes of mindset. We could have a person acting responsible and participative at an instance the next he may be indifferent. Same person could have different schools of thought at different instances.

In short, we’re all culprits, and we’re all victims.

So what is a society to do? How about its citizens? What’s the value in pointing out faults if we fail to offer any solutions?

So I have made my list to see how much I can try to reduce the wobble. It is more of a checklist, before I end my day, check them and see how much of it, do I really pursue.

My checklist enlists the following :

When we encounter the “Retail temptation” let us chose to meditate, read, or find some other channel.

Let us shop only if there is something we must have and on items that support life and is sustainable.

Let us buy things which can be recycled and can last longer.

Let us reduce consumption of Oil, Natural gas, Water and other Natural resources.

Let us protest against “free” trade agreements.

Let us support non profit organizations and NGO’s by volunteering money and time that support life, promote noble cause and have noble intentions towards the society.

Let us not stock up cars, home, and wardrobe. Three huge cars for a family of three make absolutely no sense.

Let us support local merchants, local growers, local farmers’, producers and suppliers rather than huge international brands.

Let us vote for relevant and productive politicians.

Take a walk or public transport, or do carpooling or take company cabs for office rather than own means of transport.

Ensure that all the investments we make are economically socially and environmentally responsible investments.

Talk to pervade awareness, at schools, slums, colleges about the impact of over population, sex education, pollution, poor working conditions, and other environmental, social, and political factors that contribute to a better living condition to avoid ramification of future generations.

Let’s turn off the idiot box for sometime and go for a stroll, meet new people, explore nature, pursue a hobby, enrich our creative stream.


At the end of the day, I do fall back on the list, I do not say I have done it all, but this acts as a control check, there is no hard and fast rule that we have to live in a specific way.
We might have a point of view which may say “ If I can afford, why should I underplay”. The quest here is why not??? If underplaying can do some good to us and our future generations in the long run, we can be a little selfless, can't we????

Lots to contemplate, it is our onus to make a contribution to the globe.

Evading might be impossible but atleast lets try to reduce the wobble.

Have integrity, let’s stand for something and believe in ourselves.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Skin Should Be in ?

Dress codes are omnipresent in today's life. It has been imposed into us by our workplace or educational intuitions or places of worship alike. Modest dressing is highly necessary. But are we not crossing the border and breaching into others personal life by telling them what to wear.

Some many say lack of such checks will ruin culture. Culture is a safe word like God. So what is culture? Culture might mean several things but for now it means only one thing make sure everyone is depressed in all sense and block individuality. We want creative, happy and energetic individuals as only they add to the good of the society. People are old enough to know how to behave and what to wear. If they dont then they will be the ones who will face the consequences.

We do not need narrow minded people to steal our identity. We need wise people to enrich our consciences. We need someone to teach us to tell right from wrong. With this value we must be the one to decide what to wear. For an India the west seems to dress provocatively. For the west the Indian clothes like dhothi or saree might be quite odd. So even the term modest is relative. It varies from person to person.

When none of the parameter are same in this context then why frame rules? Why bond people in their sense of expression? True some control is needed but I think that slowly but surely it can be cultivated. There is no use forcing people as soon they will learn to hate it. More often these so called dress codes are new ways to target and control women. 

Let us all act like big tall individuals. We are all grown up and responsible people. When I can choose who should lead my country why cannot I choose what to wear?

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Thread Bear

The closer I get,
The farther you tread.
Don't stray too far,
I fear you will bear the thread.

Meant to be so close,
To have symbolized harmony.
But God went deaf to my words,
His benevolence must prevent antagony.

I try so hard to make it work,
I try to be the apple of you eye.
The harder I try the more in wane,
Word we has long gone by.

I looked up to you,
You are still up there.
Then what went askew,
What made our relationship thread bear?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Ring A bell ?

"We love our bread,
We love our butter,
But most of all,
We love each other." 

Did those lines ring a bell or stir a thought? If those didn’t try the next one:

I love you,
You love me,
We’re a happy family,
with a great big hug,
and a kiss from me to you,
Won’t you say you love,
me TOO!

Did this one clear the mind block? If you’re still clueless then you might have not been one of those kids who enjoyed seeing those cute cartoons like Madeline (former poem) or Barney and friends (The latter poem). Recently I took time to sit and see these shows. I felt rather silly but it was very engaging and fun. It was a trip down the memory lane.

Our generation has had the best of the entertainment. Let it be' Little red riding hood' or 'Snow white' we saw it through cartoons and cherished all of it. My favorite was 'Scooby Doo'. I never used to miss a show. That title sequence is something that ill never forget.

Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where Are You?
We got some work to do now.
Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where Are You?
We need some help from you now.

Come on Scooby-Doo, I see you... pretending you got a sliver
But you're not fooling me, cause I can see, the way you shake and shiver.

You know we got a mystery to solve,
So Scooby Doo be ready for your act. [Scooby Doo] Uh-uh Uh-uh
Don't hold back!
And Scooby Doo if you come through
you're going to have yourself a Scooby snack!
That's a fact!

Scooby-Dooby-Doo, here Are You.
You're ready and you're willing.
If we can count on you Scooby Doo,
I know you'll catch that villain.

I had utter fascination for the dog.  Cartoons then were so cute and lovable. Sadly thought nowadays the cartoons are about fighting and killing. Why bother kids with such things. Childhood is the only time in our life that we get to be care free and naive. That has been deprived from the life of children today. I don't want to name few cartoon not because I care for them but that I don't want to skip the other bad ones. All these cartons leave a mark on a child's head. If we want nice and upright individuals in the future then I think that we must divert little bit more attention towards what cartoons must be seen by our children. We cannot make the producers stop making bad cartoons. But we can indeed teach our child right from wrong.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Enlighted

That fine day,
The way you made me feel,
Will linger in my mind,
For posterity.

Those sharp rises,
All in glory,
And those sudden falls,
With all that grace.

The way every note landed,
The way you reared them home,
Made me feel that may be,
You were the Shepard and raga the lamb.

Neither to feeble to push aside,
Nor too loud to subdue.
With flawless tone,
You won my heart.

Every time you said Kanna,
I could feel His presence,
Heard that song millions of time before,
But first time I felt the essence.

Some say music makes us forget,
They are liars I say,
For I may forget my name,
But not the song you sang!

Every time you said 'Kannanai Kandayo'
I wanted to nod,
Not that I have seen Him before,
Not until you manifested him in the song.

Utter happiness is what I felt,
If that is divinity,
Then God I have seen,
Not with my eyes but through your song.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Sura Film Review



It is very rare that a mass hero like Vijay’s movie hitting the silver screen with less than 30% pointing in the expectation meter. Yes, trust me only 30 out of 100 Vijay fans had expectation on Sura unfortunately the Hero’s 50th movie. I fall under the 70% still finding it hard to digest that my Hero has hosted such a disappointing show in his Golden Jubilee. Let us keep it apart and have a glimpse of how the movie goes.

The film starts with Cyclone hitting the coastal part of Tamil Nadu and the fishermen who left for a week did not return back home, the director shows few hundred standing on the shore and waiting for their counterparts. The Government saves every other fishermen using their coastal force but the fail to save one who comes out of the sea, he is none other than our Golden Jubilee hero and runs on to dance out gracefully his intro song “Vettri Kodi Yethu” thoroughly enjoyed by the fans in the theatre, unfortunately this turns out to be the last laugh for fans in the first half of the movie. Let me not waste time in explaining about Inspector Villan, Fair & Lovely heroine who keeps falling in love for the hero as usual. Melody when the Hero and heroine fall in love. As usual a big senseless scene to show the Villan is a Villan. After that the Villan wants to acquire the small village where the hero is the demi-god. Now you know what happens and it happens without any twist and turns. Sura starts biting your seat via the effective screenplay by S.P.Raajakumar.

The second half has two reasons to smile “Bomayee” and “Nan Nadandhal Adhiradi” song, it was out of the world experience when one could see Vijay dancing on the screen for a few steps in the former and the entire song in the latter. Action sequences were well choreographed but again his highness S.P.Rajaakumar forgets to display the reason for why an action block was needed there. So, after the final song the movie travels towards the end as usual with a hero-villan clash. I am strictly a commercial movie fan. But this movie was an overdose for me. Few differences in this movie, Vadivelu portrayed a Villan for the audience, whenever Vadivelu appears on the screen audience fear if he would make them laugh. The Villan made us LOL, he was the best comedian trying to show himself as a Villan with 0% lip-sync, he irritates. Vijay except for selecting this script has done his job, I enjoyed nothing except the dance for the intro and the two songs in the second half. Tammanna can never be blamed, she wanted to do a movie with Vijay and it was fulfilled. After biting the Hero’s 50th movie success, the Banner and heroines victory run (hopefully) Sura has managed to disappoint Vijay’s fans also.

Any fanatic would want to write a sensational review of his Hero’s golden jubilee flick and Sura bites it as well. Vijay has been bouncing back from a string of flops in his career, this time it takes a while for him to budge. I would expect his 51st movie would bring him and his fans back on track.

CLAPS: Vijay and his Dance. BOOS: Vadivelu, Mani Sharma, His Highness S.P.Raajakumar, Tamanna, Dev Gill et al. MY RATING: 0.5/5