Does anyone remember the little creatures (I wonder if they are little coz I have never seen them) that we heard almost every night as kids. I dont know about the rest but the army kids definitely would have as the army quarters were almost always in the midst of a jungle. The krrr-krrr sound of theirs was synonymous with the eerieness of the night. It was a signal that the evil night has crept in and the warmth of the sun is now a distant thought. But in a way they kept the liveliness alive else the silence of the dark was so profound that it had the power to swallow you. This is something which one generally doesnt experience these days in the big cities but it still is part and parcel of every person's night life in the smaller towns. And when you talk about 15 years back, Crickets definitely existed and tortured you. Yes! Crickets is what I am talking about. Creatures that I have never seen or may be I have but the reason that I talk about them even today is because of their ability to make their presence felt.
And at some point of time in my life I used to wonder 'why are they called Crickets?' Indifferent creatures and the most valued and popular sport in India and a big part of the world share the same name!!! One of them must have got their name from the other. There had to be something - some similarity or reason for them to have a commom name between them. And I know now. They are both noisy.
It isnt for a long period that Cricket in India doesnt remain in the news. It could be for the right reasons or the wrong but Cricket has always made news. Starting right from the T20 win over Pakistan where Dhoni supposedly followed the captain's tradition of removing his Tee to his haircut which made waves among the local junta to his alleged liking for Deepika Padukone to Yuvraj stealing away the gal to blah blah.. And then the media ran out of topics but not for very long. It came back with a bigger bang. The sydney Test - partial umpiring by Bucknor and ponting umpiring by Benson. The Symonds-Harbhajan controversy over racial abuse where by the Indian newspapers are contemplating that Bhajji must have said 'teri maa ki..' and not monkey. I should give all the credits to our man Bhajji for having the English newspapers flash 'teri maa ka..' on the front page. This made a hilarious read. And if this was not enough for the media to handle, it was followed by the Perth test - a historic win as was said by Sunil Gavaskar. We dont even get the time to digest this when the news about the British PM's remark of honouring Sachin Tendulkar with knighhood comes tumbling by. And I am sure as I am writing this there is more news brewing up somewhere about Cricket.
As far as I am concerned, I am happy to have found the answer to my 15 years old question. I know now that they are both noisy. Although I yet dont know who got the name from who?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I fail to understand...
I fail to understand
Am I slow or is it too much to comprehend
Years have flown in the blink of an eye
But they still are enough to comply
I felt the surge in pain
But I chose to stay
Not aware of the repercussions
The heat of which has made me go astray
Loved I sure am
It being the only living emotion between us
But how effective is it
When I fail to understand...
Am I slow or is it too much to comprehend
Years have flown in the blink of an eye
But they still are enough to comply
I felt the surge in pain
But I chose to stay
Not aware of the repercussions
The heat of which has made me go astray
Loved I sure am
It being the only living emotion between us
But how effective is it
When I fail to understand...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Taare Zameen Par
Amir Khan has done it yet again. Some of his movies are such that I crave to be a part of them. They challenge your creativity (even if it is miniscule in you). Off late I find myself venturing into a lot of new areas, viz. reading books(thats a big one for me), getting an insight into Indian and world history, politics, economy, watching and appreciating good movies etc. So that makes me think - why not be a part of a film? Here I dont mean to be the skimpily clad item girl of a Emraan Hashmi movie , but be behind the scene and experience the making of a film. And watching Amir Khan's directorial debut only strengthened my thought. The attention to detail showed and the result was a classic. Amol Gupte's script was the strongest contender for the topspot in the movie but not the only one. The direction and the protagonists' acting stood equal chance. When the credits rolled in at the end what caught my eye was the fact that all of Ishaan's paintings were a result of Amol's artistic work. Somehow that made me believe that Amol himself is dyslexic and I could relate the story, he narrated through the film, to him. I guess like every Indian mind I was trying too to add some masala to the very simple but yet meanigful story of Taare Zameen Par. But even after enough googling I couldnt find a suitable proof for my last statement.
But that was not the only thing that caught my attention while the credits were rolling in. Everyone has been talking/writing about the movie and the new something that it has given to the Indian cinema. But I wonder how many viewer's attention did the documentary at the end of the movie catch. I am not fond of kids. Their antics is something that I detest. Toddlers are a nuisance with their potty routine but they are cute and gentle and moreover they cant talk. I find them adorable. But these four/five year olds, with their oozing confidence of knowing the world better than you, put me to shame. And their questions leave me tongue tied. I think its not them but its my inefficiency to match up to their expectations that makes them unlikeable to me. And to negate these feelings in me would definitely take a lot of convincing and education. But the 4 mins documentary did just that. This is what is truly called 'Art' and this is why it is not everyone's cup of tea. Child's innocence is the most difficult to capture as it cannot be enacted. It comes like a whisk of fresh air and goes away as quickly as that. My perspective changed in a matter of 4 mins and trust me I am not so easy. Kudos to the documentaty maker/director. I sure am inspired.
But that was not the only thing that caught my attention while the credits were rolling in. Everyone has been talking/writing about the movie and the new something that it has given to the Indian cinema. But I wonder how many viewer's attention did the documentary at the end of the movie catch. I am not fond of kids. Their antics is something that I detest. Toddlers are a nuisance with their potty routine but they are cute and gentle and moreover they cant talk. I find them adorable. But these four/five year olds, with their oozing confidence of knowing the world better than you, put me to shame. And their questions leave me tongue tied. I think its not them but its my inefficiency to match up to their expectations that makes them unlikeable to me. And to negate these feelings in me would definitely take a lot of convincing and education. But the 4 mins documentary did just that. This is what is truly called 'Art' and this is why it is not everyone's cup of tea. Child's innocence is the most difficult to capture as it cannot be enacted. It comes like a whisk of fresh air and goes away as quickly as that. My perspective changed in a matter of 4 mins and trust me I am not so easy. Kudos to the documentaty maker/director. I sure am inspired.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Potpourri and Christmas Vs Goa and New Years
Year end always sets in a festive mood. More than being festive its the party season that December is longed for. And after all its the end of the long, fruitfull for some and unlucky for some, year. Its the time for Christmas celebrations and new year resolutions. Even as the winter chill sets in, it cannot push people indoors. There is love in the air which dances to the rythmic tunes of the music faintly heard from the near past and the coming future. The feel in the air is such. There are flowing gowns, sweet fragrance, champagne glasses cluttering and lots of laughter. There...!!!! I just described a scene from Cinderella or was it some other fairy tale. But last year's end was quite like this for me.
I had an amazing Christmas (I have had better but this one was good). Santa came by and shoved my little red sock by my bedside with a huge packet of 'ocean' scented Potpourri along with an exquisitely shaped glass bowl. I think it was the best 'Kimmas gift' I ever received after a story book(dont remember the name) that I got when I was seven. Thats a different story and the sentiments go beyond explanation. My room is small and could not make space for the huge bowl but when there is a will there is a way. Old and clichéd phrase but always makes sense to me and I swear by it. I made space and it is a part of the 'recently added attractions' of my room. You can see for yourself.
[photo would come soon]
And I was a good girl and treated Santa to Mainland China.
And then Go GOAAAAA........
I wont be exaggerating if I would use 'dream' as the word to describe my desperation to go to Goa with friends. I was there for a very short period but I think I made the most of it. Somethings still left undone and somethings went wrong this time and need to be corrected next time..(yeah I am sure now that next time will happen, also as my desperation levels have reduced).
2 guys...yes u heard it right 2 good looking decent guys flirted with me. And I responded to none. What on earth is wrong with me?? I have been single for long now and I have no past memories haunting me anymore then why did I NOT respond. I am a libran!! I am made to flirt. I have been sent on this earth to flirt, I am supposed to be flirtatious..then why didn't I??? Heehee. Ok! Its not that bad. But I really do wonder sometimes if I am too good a girl and don't want unknown guys getting near me or that I have just lost the ability to charm. Haaah!! thats not the truth..how else do you think I got my job at IBM?
Since I returned from Goa I have been happy and content. I used to never understand how a holiday can refresh you. What did people mean by - you need a holiday. I know now. This three day trip with friends has given a boost to my otherwise monotonous life and I am looking forward to the year again. I am so full of energy and everything seems bright and beautiful again. Now I need to see how long can I hold this feeling.
I had an amazing Christmas (I have had better but this one was good). Santa came by and shoved my little red sock by my bedside with a huge packet of 'ocean' scented Potpourri along with an exquisitely shaped glass bowl. I think it was the best 'Kimmas gift' I ever received after a story book(dont remember the name) that I got when I was seven. Thats a different story and the sentiments go beyond explanation. My room is small and could not make space for the huge bowl but when there is a will there is a way. Old and clichéd phrase but always makes sense to me and I swear by it. I made space and it is a part of the 'recently added attractions' of my room. You can see for yourself.
[photo would come soon]
And I was a good girl and treated Santa to Mainland China.
And then Go GOAAAAA........
I wont be exaggerating if I would use 'dream' as the word to describe my desperation to go to Goa with friends. I was there for a very short period but I think I made the most of it. Somethings still left undone and somethings went wrong this time and need to be corrected next time..(yeah I am sure now that next time will happen, also as my desperation levels have reduced).
2 guys...yes u heard it right 2 good looking decent guys flirted with me. And I responded to none. What on earth is wrong with me?? I have been single for long now and I have no past memories haunting me anymore then why did I NOT respond. I am a libran!! I am made to flirt. I have been sent on this earth to flirt, I am supposed to be flirtatious..then why didn't I??? Heehee. Ok! Its not that bad. But I really do wonder sometimes if I am too good a girl and don't want unknown guys getting near me or that I have just lost the ability to charm. Haaah!! thats not the truth..how else do you think I got my job at IBM?
Since I returned from Goa I have been happy and content. I used to never understand how a holiday can refresh you. What did people mean by - you need a holiday. I know now. This three day trip with friends has given a boost to my otherwise monotonous life and I am looking forward to the year again. I am so full of energy and everything seems bright and beautiful again. Now I need to see how long can I hold this feeling.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Pune chi mulgi
:) I like the title. Not that I literally mean that for myself, but then I definitely am more of a Puneite than anything else. Having spent almost half of my living years there so far, the city has gotten into me. I am today what that city has made of me. My thoughts, my approach, my reactions, they all talk of the ways Pune has moulded me into a different person. Not that if I was brought up somewhere else I wouldn't have been 'upto the mark' but I would rather say, Pune has given me space to grow and become, what I would call, a better person.
Last week on my trip to Pune, more official than personal, the above sentiments were seconded. I felt so much more confident and aware. But then strangely I didnt feel the urge to come back to it. I was satisfied staying away from it. I can relate these sentiments of mine to the popular U2 song - 'With or Without You'. Yeah, its a different thing that there are lot many moments, instances and people that I can relate this song to. But that is beside the point. The point is that I have so many memories attached to that place that it pulls me back and hinders me from moving forward. And I dont want my past to obstruct my movement instead I want it as the foundation to my happy future...(yeah yeah...).
The day I was to fly to Pune I had this 'not so positive' feeling. I was a little scared. I don't know of what. May be because I was apprehensive about the response the city and its people (my friends and acquaintances) would give me or because I was dreading running into some one I didnt want to. But to my surprise my apprehensions were proved wrong and I didnt run into anyone I didnt want to.
Though it was a 7 day long trip, I fell short of time to meet everyone I would have liked to meet. I was clearly overwhelmed to be there. Not just for the people, but for its wada pav and kachchi dhabeli, for Bombay Store and Wonderland, for Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar, for Flags and Toaks and also for that small, tiny Hanuman Temple at MG Road. I had tears in my eyes as I stood in front of that disoriented Hanuman idol recalling the times when I used to visit him so often and fight with him for everything that I thought went wrong in my life. I was infused with emotions which I cannot even explain. There were only two people who knew exacty what I felt - my Mom and Madhav. I was going berserk trying to cover every part of the city and experience all aspects of it. And I am happy that I could manage to squeeze in quite a lot.
Debjani, Charu and me finally had our 'Niiiiiiiiice' dinner followed by a stayover at Charu's place. It had been pending for quite sometime. And I must say it went out pretty well and it would be something that I will cherish for quite a while till a similar something would happen next. Chantili Merlot, a corner table with the right amount of light, elegant dresses and well suited fragrances - best way to meet up with old friends and cherish those long lost college memories. The night came in with each of us sharing our experiences on the much hyped topic - love. Naaa, that actually was not the topic. We still haven't gotten that lame. Well, we were talking about relationships - Our relationships, a topic which has never been a part of our conversations for the 3 years that we knew each other. Some long distance relationships dont work and some grow stronger. I guess the latter is the case with us. I was happy I met them - my beloved Prozzhect Parrrtnerrs.
Munira's/Anjali's place was like an abode in heaven. By Bangalore standards, the rent was reasonable for the posh locality that it belonged to. A nice 2BHK with a homely feeling which I am sure is Munira's and Anjali's effort. Munira's room was very well kept. It forced me to gather my scattered thoughts of how I would have liked to have my own place/room once I start working. A lamp would be on top of the list and she had just that - a very smart lamp. I was surely impressed. But then some practicalities have to be lived with. I cannot have a room that I had dreamt of in my college days and before in the near future. Thats the end.
A surprising 'good' visit was that of Honnatti's. We were together for 4 hours and we spoke non-stop without either of us getting bored or running out of topics. There are some friends with who the distance in the time dimension doesn't matter. Even though you meet that person after a time span that is long enough to have forgotten his/her face, you can still relate to him/her without that awkward feeling of 'not being in touch' haunting you. Pranav is one of them and I felt the same for Honnatti.
All in all I had a fun time in Pune. Thanks to IBM that made my stay there so comfortable and inexpensive (I was in love with my Hotel room). Heehee. Although I got MicroStrategy Certified in this trip (which is a big thing), there would be other things/feelings that I would remember this trip by.
Last week on my trip to Pune, more official than personal, the above sentiments were seconded. I felt so much more confident and aware. But then strangely I didnt feel the urge to come back to it. I was satisfied staying away from it. I can relate these sentiments of mine to the popular U2 song - 'With or Without You'. Yeah, its a different thing that there are lot many moments, instances and people that I can relate this song to. But that is beside the point. The point is that I have so many memories attached to that place that it pulls me back and hinders me from moving forward. And I dont want my past to obstruct my movement instead I want it as the foundation to my happy future...(yeah yeah...).
The day I was to fly to Pune I had this 'not so positive' feeling. I was a little scared. I don't know of what. May be because I was apprehensive about the response the city and its people (my friends and acquaintances) would give me or because I was dreading running into some one I didnt want to. But to my surprise my apprehensions were proved wrong and I didnt run into anyone I didnt want to.
Though it was a 7 day long trip, I fell short of time to meet everyone I would have liked to meet. I was clearly overwhelmed to be there. Not just for the people, but for its wada pav and kachchi dhabeli, for Bombay Store and Wonderland, for Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar, for Flags and Toaks and also for that small, tiny Hanuman Temple at MG Road. I had tears in my eyes as I stood in front of that disoriented Hanuman idol recalling the times when I used to visit him so often and fight with him for everything that I thought went wrong in my life. I was infused with emotions which I cannot even explain. There were only two people who knew exacty what I felt - my Mom and Madhav. I was going berserk trying to cover every part of the city and experience all aspects of it. And I am happy that I could manage to squeeze in quite a lot.
Debjani, Charu and me finally had our 'Niiiiiiiiice' dinner followed by a stayover at Charu's place. It had been pending for quite sometime. And I must say it went out pretty well and it would be something that I will cherish for quite a while till a similar something would happen next. Chantili Merlot, a corner table with the right amount of light, elegant dresses and well suited fragrances - best way to meet up with old friends and cherish those long lost college memories. The night came in with each of us sharing our experiences on the much hyped topic - love. Naaa, that actually was not the topic. We still haven't gotten that lame. Well, we were talking about relationships - Our relationships, a topic which has never been a part of our conversations for the 3 years that we knew each other. Some long distance relationships dont work and some grow stronger. I guess the latter is the case with us. I was happy I met them - my beloved Prozzhect Parrrtnerrs.
Munira's/Anjali's place was like an abode in heaven. By Bangalore standards, the rent was reasonable for the posh locality that it belonged to. A nice 2BHK with a homely feeling which I am sure is Munira's and Anjali's effort. Munira's room was very well kept. It forced me to gather my scattered thoughts of how I would have liked to have my own place/room once I start working. A lamp would be on top of the list and she had just that - a very smart lamp. I was surely impressed. But then some practicalities have to be lived with. I cannot have a room that I had dreamt of in my college days and before in the near future. Thats the end.
A surprising 'good' visit was that of Honnatti's. We were together for 4 hours and we spoke non-stop without either of us getting bored or running out of topics. There are some friends with who the distance in the time dimension doesn't matter. Even though you meet that person after a time span that is long enough to have forgotten his/her face, you can still relate to him/her without that awkward feeling of 'not being in touch' haunting you. Pranav is one of them and I felt the same for Honnatti.
All in all I had a fun time in Pune. Thanks to IBM that made my stay there so comfortable and inexpensive (I was in love with my Hotel room). Heehee. Although I got MicroStrategy Certified in this trip (which is a big thing), there would be other things/feelings that I would remember this trip by.