Can't help cursing...

Pozhudhu poi pozhudhu vandha autokaaranoda mallu katta vendiyirukke!! God! Am exhausted fighting with these sick autowalas. He cheats, we fight, I lose my peace of mind. They are hopeless, I can't wish for things to change. All that I wish for is that I don't have to get into an auto ever again in my life.

Delhi-6 -- must watch!!

Post delayed by a week in spite of the eagerness to write this post right after watching the movie.

Watched Delhi 6 finally after waiting for almost 2 months from the time I saw the trailer of the movie. Although I got mixed reviews after it's release, I decided to watch the movie, for I guessed I may love this movie (in spite of the fab reviews, I didn't enjoy Rang de Basanti much). Ok, no matter if the movie was bad, I wanted to watch it for three reasons (ARR's another masterpiece, AB Jr. whose big fan am these days, the stunningly beautiful and smart Sonam Kapoor).

But the movie was a fantastic experience. It was one of it's kind. The star cast and character portrayals were fantastic. Be it the sweetness of some superstitions (like the dhadhi getting the blessing of Gomaadha at a serious situation), the Hindu Muslim friendship among the people at Delhi 6, the neighbour ties, the homely atmosphere, the innocent Gobar who was actually the most sensible sometimes, the concerned, bold and casual Jalebi who did a wonderful job (proving that the character that seems outside is actually not the one inside), the growing-smarter-with-age Rishi Kapoor at his best as always, the women of two families whose friendship continued by sweet means despite the rebellious men, the damn sweet Sonam Kapoor and her dream of becoming the Indian Idol, the smart and casual Abhishek looking smarter, the sweet love that never was between the two and finally the Kala Bandhar and its nash :). I think the concept of the movie was a profound one shown in the lightest possible manner. The kala Bandhar concept and the perceptions of the people were brilliant, but at times it did get really funnier making the entire movie light.

And talk about the songs. A R Rahman's another masterpiece. Every song was fantastic. 'Masakalli' was full of life, 'Yeh Delhi hai' was fab and I'v written about it already in my previous post, 'Genda Phool' was stunning with the perfect blend of music, situation, AB's dance steps :P and the voice chasing the masakallis, 'Arziyaan' turned out to be wonderful after watching the movie. And the melodies 'Dil Gira Kahin Per Dafatan' (reminded of some other song, am not sure right now) and 'Rehna Tu' and its tail music were amazing too. Every song was brilliant.

Basically, the movie is an entertainer with a theme that was shown in a unique and lovely way. The thought behind the portrayal of the concept and the characters was brilliant. The actors were fantastic. Somehow, all the 2 and odd hours I was hoping that the movie wouldn't end. If this is a highly exaggerated review compared to all other reviews, maybe it was just me who loved the movie so much. Well, end of day, it was a great watch and I would love to watch it again. :):)

Hats Off to A R RAHMAN, the Genius!!!

Am currently listening to the title song of Delhi – 6, 'Yeh Delhi hai mere yaar'. Wow! I fell for it the first time I listened to and still falling for it. Probably, one of the few Rahman’s songs that drives one crazy the first time itself. There are many of Rahman’s songs that would be quite disappointing initially, but end up to be the most heart-throbbing ones. One musician who has reached the ultimate depth of music and has the ability to create that lingering music into the listener’s souls. He knows the music, he knows the trend, he knows the mood, he knows how to give the right mix and he did make a difference. One musician who surprised the audience with his fab songs in his first movie itself and surprises the increased number of audience more by maintaining that mastery throughout. Well, I just thought of making this post more interesting by listing some of my top favourites of every category, but then I just realised that, well, NOT POSSIBLE. Well, I do have the patience, for, thinking about his song makes me feel great, but I don’t think I can make this post run to pages.

Whatever , be it the latest “Yeh Delhi hai” song in Delhi 6 or the miraculous other songs that he has music-directed so far, can they be better than “Chinna chinna asai” or “Pudhu Vellai Mazhai” or “kaadhal Rojave” from his debut movie “Roja”? Well, it’s just impossible to compare his songs and choose the best. Appovum Genius, ippovum Genius dhaan! I heard that the famous “sottu neelam thoi” was his music composition. Really? Well, I have to listen to it again :-)

Well, what’s all this hype about the Slumdog Millionaire songs? Honestly, I didn’t like them much. If Rahman is to be nominated an Oscar and also win it, I guess there are so many other songs of his, that have proved to be highly unique and totally marvellous and the best. My personal feeling is just that the much deserved recognition for him could have come in earlier, not through a movie that’s hyped and attracted International attention coz of a Foreigner’s direction. Well, I did watch the movie and found it great, but is that one of it’s kind and have there never been such movies before? Had the exactly same movie been directed by an Indian, would it have been hyped so much internationally? :-)

Anyway, heartiest congratulations to the genius musician, not just for the Oscar winning song, but for the so many other songs of his for which he deserves true accolade.

FIRST PAGE NEWS OF THE DAY!

Hot news at Karnataka

PRIVATE FIRMS CAN BUY FARM LAND FOR INDUSTRIES
GOVT TO AMEND LAW TO ENCOURAGE HOUSING TOO

What??? Best way to handle recession? What are we planning for a few years down the lane - Artificial plantations, artificial rains and artificial Nature itself?? How could such a narrow-scoped and selfish decision be taken?

SESSIONS COURT SENTENCE UPHELD FOR SERIAL RAPIST AND KILLER

Ex policeman, serial rapist and killer, who escaped from the bars quite a few times and committed more crime. A psycho gang of men and women with some still happy outside. Ignored by local inspectors and as policemen had not regularised his arrest, they tried hushing it up. Talk about law and security and oath and responsibility.

MINISTER TO BRING GANGA TO KARNATAKA

About 50,000 litres of Gangajal from Lakshman jhula near Rishikesh will arrive here by train to be distributed to all major Shiva temples across 175 taluks in the state to mark Maha Shivaratri.

Yeah, the most important thing of the current day scenario has been attended to. No other better things to do than this.

Where are we going? With so many literates and so many facilities to bring about a good quality of life in the country, what's all this??

But, one good news...

RESIDENTS TO MAKE A NOISE FOR SILENCE

More than 50 families will protest by blocking traffic on their road on Thursday evening. Their aim? To restore silence and peace in this particular road, the traffic density of which has grown shockingly high. With no proper response to their repeated representations to authorities at all levels throughout the year, residents have finally decided to take this extreme measure.

Hats off and all the best!!!

The focus has shifted, as expected..

I was suffering from severe sinusitis early last week. My headache was really severe and that's obviously due to the later effects of negligence despite being aware of this sinus problem. I knew that the gradual and natural cure was vapour inhalation and not negligence. So, when my headache got really unbearable this time, I took the tablets (that I was advised to take regularly) and took vapour inhalation regularly. Four days back, I was affected by Eye conjuctivitis. Now my eyes started disturbing me more than the headache. My focus shifted (not the focal length ;) ). So am applying the eye drops regularly putting aside my sinusitis tablets and vapour inhalation as the sinus headache is not intense now. But I know that it's there and this negligence of mine is going to lead to a severe headache again soon, just that everytime, it gets worse. The right thing to do would be to place my major focus on the conjuctivitis while still paying some attention to the sinusitis so that the sinusitis wouldn't erupt again in a worse form.

India has been suffering from the shocking Mumbai attacks about a couple of months back. This time the attacks were really severe and that's obviously due to the later effects of negligence despite being aware of this terrorism. We knew that the gradual cure was alertness and focus and not negligence. So, when the attack got really unbearable this time, there was large focus for quite a few days. When they happened, everybody said that this would create hype now, but when the next issue pops up, this will die and will be neglected until the next terror attack happens. But surprisingly, till a few days back, the newspapers and news focussed on the Mumbai terror attacks. Recently, India was affected by the news of Satyam fraud (how dare to name the company 'Satyam'?). Now, corporate fraud started disturbing the country more than the terror attacks. The focus shifted. Satyam and World Bank's barring of top Indian companies are on the new regularly putting aside the analysis and detailed reports behind terror attacks as the latter is not intense now. But we know that it's there and negligence is going to lead to something more severe again, just that everytime it gets worse. The right thing to do would be to place a balanced focus. I understand that there are different teams working on different issues, but here, am talking about the FOCUS of the media (who blamed about focus shift when the Mumbai terror attacks happened)and public and the Government that has shifted because that means a full stop to more detail questioning and analysis into issues.

First case, jujubi (Imagine Rajni sayin that ;) ). Second case, same mindset, but just thinking about the intensity and the mass being affected.

Walking in the park on a beautiful morning

-- Jayanthi Vivek

One of the two good things of living in Bangalore is its beautiful parks (and the other being the climate, which although is shocking these days, is much better than Chennai). Not only are the parks dense with trees, they are also beautifully maintained (at least the parks if not the roads). They are inviting. I went to a nearby park for a walk (actually "walking" :-)) once and I was so carried away by the bliss that I wanted to go there just everyday. This particular park is like a maintained forest that has a pathway inside. The association (I guess that's how they call) maintains boards at the corners in the park that have a quotation and its meaning written in both English and Kannada (thank Goodness, atleast here there's not just Kannada, enabling everybody to read). And trust me, there is a new quotation everyday. Early in the mornings and evenings, one hears beautiful music or devotional songs or slokas in just the right volume that makes your walk a truly enjoyable one.

Nothing can be just perfect, you know. Talk about the crowd, but then I have no rights to blame the number of people there, all I need to do is go early :). But then, the way they walk, oh my God! Should we bring about something like Park Etiquettes? One common scene is two or three women chatting and walking and blocking the way for others. It's funny when some of them walk really fast and still manage to keep talking. Wonder if they believe that it's a good breathing exercise, as in, control over breath, contrary to the popular belief of taking long breaths. :):). Of course, there are some, who loiter talking about what happened when the neighbour's son returned from the USA or when their friend participated in that cookery show or when their troublemaker neighbour made that dish (recognised from the smell). Don't ask me about how I knew all that, but when one has to slow down and ask an excuse and walk past them (should I also mention their volume), one cant help hearing what's the discussion about. And, it's frustrating!!!! Wonder what the benches in the park are for.

Some clap all the way when walking, but then, excused if that's some walkin therapy although it's such a disturbance when it prevents one from walking past them due to the vigorously swinging hands. But I should appreciate those who are thoughtful enough to do such a walking outside the park where the crowd is really less and they are not a hindrance to those walkin behind them. And, some do the criss-cross walking, wonder what's that for. I walk behind and when I try to walk past them thru the left, there they cross, and when I move to the right, there they come too. Common sense! Can't they even see people walking behind them and finding it very hard to cross them and go? If the concept of criss-cross walking is to increase the number of steps, why not take an extra round? This is the better than the silliest I could think of.

Once, there were a group of eight to ten men loudly chatting and laughing and walking (two or three in a row, some fast and some slow) in the park. Disappointing many's expectations, they took so many rounds. And, this was at 7 AM on a Sunday morning. Seriously, what business do you guys have there? All that I could do was shout an "Excuse Me! Pls. give way" and walk past. Everytime I do this, there is some kind of satisfaction of making these people know that they are not the only ones in the park(as if they didn't know?) and that there is atleast one showing out the frustration. Should be of some use :)

Not to mention about some Parkside Paramatmas who exercise to impress or those who just happily sit and birdwatch. As long as they are not a hindrance and can be ignored, why complain? :). At least they stick to the benches or exercise in the lanes where poeple don't walk. There are these men who stand in the middle of the lane for minutes together worshipping the Sun. Sirs! You will be Blessed with a healthy life, but please don't stop others who walk for their good health. Finally, a mention about those who eat snacks walking in the park and throw away the paper, too dumb to even think about how beautiful the parks are being maintained.

Hmmm!!!!!

The parks are lovely, neat with nice weather,

But I have promises to tether,

Metres to go for me AND OTHERS

Metres to go for me AND OTHERS.

Dedication from the heart...

I lost my father in law recently. He lives in Dubai and when trying to cross the road, he was hit by a mini van. How the accident happened is a story by itself. We have digested the fact that he is no more, but what we are not able to digest is the accident, for he was somebody who always abided by the law. He would never talk over the phone or to anybody while crossing the road and used to follow the road rules very religiously. Even in India, when everybody takes traffic rules for granted, he would religiously follow them. Accident should have never happened to such a man. But whatever happened, a wonderful man is no more.

A group of students who were in the van and who acted very responsible at the spot wrote an article about the accident and prayed so much. Unfortunately, my father in law didn’t make it, the strike was so severe that he passed away at that second. Was so touched by these youngsters acting so responsible at the spot and not stopping just there, but also spreading a message. Gave them this article as a reply and thought of posting it in my blog also. My blog just got better by writing about him and this is not an exaggeration. Just that the man who was reading my blogs has now become the source of inspiration for this write up and there will be no more visits from UAE that always made me smile thinking that my father in law was frequently visiting my blog.

My father in law was a very honest and straight forward man and sometimes, did get into trouble because of these traits. He was 56, but never looked like one. He was always full of life, the perfect companion for anybody of any age. He would talk philosophy to a 60 year old and also run around with a 4 year old. He was the best friend of many, from his 4 year old neighbour to 75 year olds. He was so traditional and yet so trendy. He would religiously perform all the duties and rites for God without the slightest compromise and also roam around with folks and friends and enjoy that so much. He had strong beliefs but a very broad mind to accomodate them appropriately. He was strict and yet the liveliest companion with whom anybody would be comfortable with. He would scold anybody who does a mistake, without any reluctance and yet shower so much affection more than one could imagine. He did so much to so many, he always believed in being a friend in need. He might not even be in the scene when you are fine, but when something is wrong, he would appear from nowhere and be there with you and do all that you might not even know you want. He would chat with his sons' friends so casually pulling their legs all the time that he was their best friend. What's surprising is that there are so many outside the family who grieve for the loss of their best companion. He rocked wherever he went, never sat idle for a second (remember, its our laziness most of the times thats the cause for not fulfilling our duties), was so CHEERFUL and YOUTHFUL (trust me, these are THE first adjectives for him), always had a fan following and still the most down to earth companion for anybody. He would talk away heartily, sit and pull everybody's legs and we all would laugh away heartily.

I have known him for a little over 2 years and have spent very less time with him, he being there and we in India, but I know that he is the best father in law one can ever imagine. All that we could think of now, is him. We have so many people in our lives and we know the people who have created an impact. Its just that we like them or love them deep inside and we carry on with the feeling lying within. But how often do we stop to think exclusively about the people in our lives. In the first few hours, the more I thought about him, the more I missed him. I cant write as his son or wife, for, the feelings are natural and can't be explained. But as a daughter in law, I believe that my feelings are more general, not just the family ties. It was then that I realised, that even if we spend a few hours thinking about just one person in our life, we will realise the true worth of all the people in our lives who mean so much to us, within a few days, be it our own parents too. Just that during such an event, the realisation is more like an enlightenment, something that cannot be obtained by going around with just the subconscious love for the people in our lives. People say that a person's worth is not felt as long as he is with us, but I believe that we do know the worth, just that we don’t know it completely. And when we know it, trust me, we can do so much more for them. For, a later realisation is horrible. We love some people so much that we would do just anything for them. But believe me, when they are no more, we always realise so much more and regret for the things we failed to do. What use?

Everybody is unique, but to many of us, ' M R Mohanamuraly' is the definition for the word 'unique'. He has always brought so much cheer into the lives of all the people that he met. He has done so much to so many without expecting anything in return that each and everybody today, feel that they haven’t paid him back for all the goodness he has brought into their lives. He was such an active man, so active that his every day had at least a couple of things done for others besides his job, be it even staying awake with his sons, setting question papers and helping them prepare for their exams. How many of us can go for work, come back, assist the spouse with household work and stay awake and help the children prepare for their exam. This is probably the simplest thing he has done. He was sincere, dedicated, meticulous and tireless when it came to taking care of all the people around him, from his family to his relatives to his friends to even his sons’ friends. I am not able to express completely the things he has done, but believe me, it’s hard to find somebody who has never compromised on anything for his own tiredness or laziness. Staying active is also a state of mind. But when it comes to the physical aspect, he took such good care of his health and ensured that he remained active and healthy. He was fit and trim and never looked like a 56 year old.

Most importantly, he was such a contented man, loved his life, his family, his friends and we are sure he would regret his own death so much. Just that the strike was so severe that he had died even before he could have realised what was happening. I have written so much in my blog about how reckless people are on the roads, that one needs to be very careful even when one is following the rules, but now, there is such an irrepairable experience. All that we need to do is be sincere in whatever we do, for we have so many people behind us and others. Am not talking about just this accident or the driver or my father in law. Negligence is the reason behind every evil happening today and if that can be removed, if we become more sincere and honest about whatever we do, we can definitely prevent mishaps atleast from our side, and what goes around comes around. :)

It's just one life we have and let's live it. Let us be sincere about every simple thing we do. Live your moment, for the loss of alertness for just a moment could lead to a very big tragedy. Always be the friend in need. And coming back, let us spend some time thinking about the people in our lives. Let us be cheerful and happy about our own lives and let us bring cheer into the lives of everybody else. After all, everybody has just one life. And when we are no more, they are only the memories that we can leave as a solace to the bereaved ones. This is the message my father in law has conveyed, while he was there and when no more too. He has set an example for us. We thank the wonderful youngsters for all their prayers.