tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59791135927699689272024-02-21T01:13:38.269+05:30My Diary and Few Passing Thoughts...manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-50199673056379244442014-03-12T15:54:00.000+05:302014-03-12T19:21:34.414+05:30Times Coins A New Genre For Bollywood - Favourite Rapists!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Reading newspapers every morning while sipping tea, is a custom! A daily dose of infotainment- most of which I rush through, with the headlines in the mornings and then rush back to my routine, to return for a much awaited second and a detailed reading round before calling it a day. Yesterday, as I was scanning through Pune Times, I was not awed much with it carrying an exclusive 'girl-on-girl kiss' picture from Ragini MMS2 (the paper has wiped all the 'o my gosh' feelings and 'how can they print such stuff',... long back.. ).</div>
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But then, as I ran through the bottom half of the paper, the caption of a photo read - Bollywood's Favourite Rapists.... I was taken aback. For a moment, I thought I read something completely wrong and started reading it again. The caption was screaming loud and clear, that I had read it correctly. There was an instant rage that shook me up.</div>
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FAVOURITE RAPISTS!!!!! Really??? Are there favourites for this??? Though tagged for the reel scenes, was it even necessary to print this caption and the picture at all? Rape... and now favourite rapists... such casually used words!!! To top it, written and approved by a woman! Didn't any sense of responsible writing, morality, or any bit of shame strike while doing this, at all? Isn't it a show of mockery towards such a monstrous reality? Or did they think this would be so creative, so cool, let's coin this new term? Didn't they realize anything at all before shooting it for print? No, they didn't!</div>
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To sit and think and make some calls and fetch some pictures, to write anything related to such a sensitive topic, the words should have been chosen very carefully. I felt ashamed, I felt angry, I was hurt... to have read it.</div>
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Media as the fourth pillar of democracy, media for information, media for news, media for views, media for entertainment... Everything that happens, that should have, that should not have, that is, that can be... anything that you want to know, is presented before you through media! While it serves a 360 degree view on everything that revolves around us- criticizing with strong opinions and analysis, a torch-bearer for many causes; media holds enormous power!</div>
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But, it is disheartening when it stoops to such a level.</div>
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manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-7951512351231595812013-04-30T01:41:00.003+05:302013-08-16T21:34:04.561+05:30... of people you meet, things you do, and do not!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How often do you bump into a 65 odd years old lady, who surpasses the levels of enthusiasm and eagerness to explore life and indulge into activities of interest even through the golden years of life? The answer would be quite obvious, but when you do, it leaves your mind stunned for a while, for sure! I met such a family friend this morning and have been thinking... after a glorious teaching career of 4 decades along with household responsibilities, enrolling and gradually stepping towards excellence in the field of acting, grooming herself into a classical form of dancing accompanying her daughter-in-law (more so considering it as a happy form of exercise), practices yoga, befriends like-minded people across ages, travels, avid writer and a voracious reader; <i>kaki</i> (aunt) has matured in her times, adapted herself to the changing times, and sure knows how to live life in its true sense in the time and age that she lives in today! </div>
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As they say, looks may be deceptive... she does appear like the quintessential Indian woman clad in a <i>saree</i>, wearing a big round<i> bindi</i> on her forehead; but her sense of living is far from those her age who burden themselves with the rules drawn for women by this male chauvinistic society. Sounds like a rebel for her age? Well, not even close. But she surely doesn't fit in the typical over-protective mother or an over-powering mother-in-law mold. She simply lives (and lets live) life at its best, which most of us half her age would also fail to live up to... Quite an inspiration there! Like they say, 'It's all in your mind'.. so it is time we ponder into our own minds than the rest of the world and refrain others from handling the remote control of our life. </div>
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Today's rendezvous provoked some food for thought, on a further level:</div>
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Life is an abundance of interesting things around to see and to do! While we make up to most from this kaleidoscope called life by 'seeing', we seldom respond actively to our inner voice to 'do' things we would love to. Some would disagree, but the bitter truth is, most of us simply sit and watch the greener pastures on the other side in someone else's life, while we console our mind to be content with things going on or days going by as they are. Because, we are habituated to exercise only those acts and responsibilities that we 'have to', and not what we 'want to'. </div>
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Why do they always ask for a list of 'Ten things to do before you die'? Why not, 'Things to do while you live'? Simple math would conclude that you would do many more than just ten things (that you really wish to) in a lifetime. That, while sorting your life with the many things you 'have to' as part of your responsibility, alongside. It is then that you can proudly rejoice and announce: "You live only once... but the way I live, once is enough!" </div>
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Some would love to wander around the world, indulge into all sorts of sinful taste-busters yet have a fit bod, be rich, be able to dance well, do all sorts of crazy things at the drop of a hat, have a wardrobe filled with new attires to wear everyday, learn a sport, pottery, carpentry, cooking, go trekking every weekend, do photography, take singing classes, and the list would go on... You are also allowed to have the weirdest of wishes', only, be careful to realize the sane ones : ) The biggest hurdle between your wish and your doing, unfortunately, is you yourself! You will do yourself a favor if you overcome your own mind block sooner than later. There is no age limit to undertake anything you wish to pursue. There will be no time for many things, agreed, that is why you have to make time for them.</div>
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Yet, there could be as many reasons not-to-do things you dearly wish to, as the number of hair on your head! I am being quite modest here to spill my own beans about the reasoning for turning my back on few things which later, I think 'I wanted to do', but I didn't. There are times when I feel bored and lazy, think I would be made a laughing stock, think that it does not suit my age (well, I am quite young now for those who would think otherwise :D), think that leisure is for later, discuss about doing and leave it there, confidence deficit, shyness, excusing myself for having no time, or even make up my mind that I will and simply reject the idea the very next moment, or simply because someone else opposes... urgghhh!!! And, such times pop up more often than not! Most times I groom my mind to think that it is over-worked and needs and deserves a break and just rest doing nothing at all! (though my conscious disagrees to admit that my 'desire' is made-to-believe that I 'deserve' the rest :P ). At the same time, it is also true that I can boast of living up to much of my wishlist :D</div>
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Maybe there are many like me (or, I am like many others), sailing in the same boat. And, the answer to do or not to do, lies within each of us. Like it is aptly said in Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara, "Insaan ko dibbe me tabhi band hona chahiye, jab wo mar jaye." ...till then, live life! When you look back at life, you should have more memories to cherish than regret having no memories at all. </div>
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All things said and done (and some not done), doing the little things you desire is what make life better! So open your minds to your desires and get more ticks than crosses on your wishlist. Change the 'I could', to 'I can', to 'I will', to 'I did'...</div>
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manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-7947380371413428992012-12-10T01:15:00.001+05:302012-12-10T10:01:06.430+05:30Mrityunjay - Shivaji Savant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I was
seeing this book racked in the shelf of a mini-library set-up at home, wanting
to read it since long. I made up my mind this time and was glad that I did, as
I turned one page after the other. Shivaji Savant seemed to have poured in all
his writing skills to create this classic that keeps the reader engrossed till
the very last page!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Karna, a
character depicted in Indian mythology - Mahabharat, is described as Radheya
(going by the name of his foster mother - Radha), Kaunteya (born to Rajmata
Kunti), Suryaputra (son of the Sun), Sutaputra (going by his foster father -
Adhirath's profession/caste of a horse-cart puller), Daanveer (known for
charity), Yodha (warrior), a true friend, man of his words, and a brave-heart!
As the life of Karna is unfolded through each page describing his birth,
childhood, bravery, his ability to win people's hearts who did not judge him by
his caste, sincerity, transformation to becoming a King and yet not leaving his
roots, conquering many kingdoms yet paying respect to other Kings and soldiers,
his family life - every situation keeps the reader grasped, wanting to read
more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Different
chapters in the book are dedicated to different characters who touched Karna's
life - Shon (his younger brother), Duryodhan (the Kuru Prince and his friend),
Vrushali (his first wife), Kunti (his biological mother), Lord Krishna, and few
chapters from Karna's point of view. This gives the reader a chance to know
Karna's life more closely through the eye's of these other characters and
understand the persona of this great warrior, and above all, a great person!
Shivaji Savant has undoubtedly re-created the philosophy and psychology that
revolves around Mahabharat, justifying Karna's character in the true sense -
portraying his goodness as well as flaws.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Karna's
life is well depicted as destiny's child, who having born as the most powerful
warrior, still has to face humiliation all his life being unaware of his own
genius by birth, and being tangled amid the Kings, Prince and Princesses, and
Gurus, whose lives revolve around ego, selfishness, supremacy, treachery and
revenge. Karna's character proves to be the greatest with his life surrendered
to his ideologies, principles, integrity, selflessness, and love. Karna's
school of thought, his behaviour, valour, are laid with all transparency
by the author. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The lives
of Pandavas, Duryodhan, Kunti, Pitamaha, even Lord Krishna and other leading
characters are also shown in their true light, each having his/her glory and
grey shades as well. The description throughout the book is so immense that it
forces the reader to feel and imagine the happenings somewhere in the mind, and
that is the genius of the author's skill! Belonging to the generation that used
to be glued to the television on Sunday mornings to watch the Mahabharat
episodes for months, it was interesting to picture that same actors for each
character they played.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The book
gives a humane touch to all these mythological characters, events and
circumstances that we come across commonly, though not aggregating to
such viscious and extreme reality. Nonetheless, the book epitomises life
in its different shades and definitely gives us a learning for life. This book
is worth a collector's copy and quite ensuring that you can read it all over
again with the same interest and curiosity till the very end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-38362113492085547342012-07-06T21:20:00.000+05:302012-07-06T21:20:51.938+05:30What's the Buzzzzz.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Life has always offered gateways to indulge into activities and work that have raised the adrenaline rush in me. I could have not asked for more. So what's the new buzz now?<br />
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Well, life seems to be embracing me back in its warmth! There could never have been such an elevated feeling than the one I am basking in right now! Things seem to be moving back on track, slowly though, and I seem to be gathering back the urge within. I have at least started working again! Yes, I am the same person whose schedule would be packed right from 5:30 in the morning, until I got back to bed.<br />
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When I flash back into those flashback moments, I compose myself and feel like patting my back :) The day would start at 5:30 to get ready for the religious work-outs between 6 and 7. I must have hardly missed couple of days to hit the gym in 4 years then! Getting back home after a refreshing start, getting ready for work, enjoying the demanding tasks at work through the day, getting back home, relaxing, early to bed and early to rise.... I did indulge into many fun activities with friends too, and got intimate with nature many times. Parties, get-togethers, trailing and trekking in the beautiful mountains in Sahyadri, the Enduro3 competition, the biker tales, Everest Base Camp, Pune Marathon, cycling, and even roaming aimlessly at times!!!! Life could never be so colourful. I have made many friends all along, from all age groups and different backgrounds and interests. Each time I got a new insight to a beautiful life with new instances with all of them. I can't thank any of them enough.<br />
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Well, all days are not the same they say, and I experienced that too! Far away from being a cheerful lass who carried no baggages and a 'live and let live' attitude, I have had to live in hibernation for a year! I do not wish to spill out the details, and neither do I wish to turn back. For now, a new buzz has started creeping in and I shall not stop! Roaring to get back to what I was... to be what I am.... and never what others want me to be.... I wish to keep shuffling between the many facets of life... because, There Is Lots To Do, and You Live Only Once!<br />
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Hope everyone churns out life the way they want to, and not let ANYONE ELSE hold unnecessary control over you.<br />
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..... <i>jag lagaye mujhpe pabandi, mai hoon hi nahi iss duniya kiii</i><br />
<br /></div>manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-24213797021988545052012-02-13T15:43:00.004+05:302012-02-13T15:57:54.689+05:30Paper Boats -- from the collection -- The Crescent Moon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7JNOU9na4I/TzjlDB8o2EI/AAAAAAAADoA/qYHGJcJTLVo/s1600/paper%2Bboats.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7JNOU9na4I/TzjlDB8o2EI/AAAAAAAADoA/qYHGJcJTLVo/s320/paper%2Bboats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708564367917242434" /></a><br />I was put up on a writing assignment to review a poetry recently, when I came across Paper Boats by Rabindranath Tagore. I loved the poem and its simplicity. My fascination for kids was an ad-on to work on this assignment. Below is the poem itself, followed by the review...<br /><br /><br />Day by day I float my paper boats one by one down the running stream.<br /><br />In bid black letters I write my name on them and the name of the village where I live.<br /><br />I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and know who I am.<br /><br />I load my little boats with shiuli flower from our garden, and hope that these blooms of the dawn will be carried safely to land in the night.<br /><br />I launch my paper boats and look up into the sky and see the little clouds setting thee white bulging sails.<br /><br />I know not what playmate of mine in the sky sends them down the air to race with my boats!<br /><br />When night comes I bury my face in my arms and dream that my paper boats float on and on under the midnight stars.<br /><br />The fairies of sleep are sailing in them, and the lading in their baskets full of dreams. <br /><br />- Rabindranath Tagore<br /><br /><strong>From a child’s perspective</strong><br /><br />Rabindranath Tagore, a revered poet from India, also known as the polymath as his works in literature and poetry display, was the first to have popularised modern India in the literary world. A Bengali poet who even mastered English, he translated many of his works in to the latter. His writings have a universal appeal as they reflect the message of peace, love, joy, and humanity. He belonged to a large family of thirteen siblings. The Tagore’s were art-loving and social people, and their home was an abode to literary magazines, theatre, and recitals of both Bengali and western classical music. Rabindranath Tagore’s early childhood saw his siblings turn philosopher, poet, musician, composer, playwright, and novelist. Such background must have strongly influenced him, and he gifted us with his novel writings. Here, as I write an insight of one of his poems’ – Paper Boats – from a collection called The Crescent Moon, it only reveals his style of writing that transcends the barriers of space and time. This poem reflects the innocent psychology, imagination, and innocent dreams of a child through a simple example of a paper boat. <br /><br />Paper boats have always fascinated the playful childhood for everyone. Every game or play holds a special story for every child that revolves around his / her psyche, which highlights the innocence attached with the age. The child in this poem floats his paper boats down the running stream. Out of curiosity, he writes his name and address on each boat, hoping that someone somewhere will find them and know him -- “I hope that someone in some strange land will find them and know who I am.” Although he knows none where the paper boats will go, he feels that whoever will find them is his unknown friend. This shows that for a child the world is his own and is friendly, unlike what many of us grown-ups would assume it to be. And, for the unknown friend he also fills in the boats with flowers from his garden, which he would have himself presented if he met the friend. “I load my little boats with shiuli flower from our garden, and hope that these blooms of the dawn will be carried safely to land in the night” -- quite a thoughtful and innocent insight of a child’s psyche there by Tagore! <br /><br />“I launch my paper boats and look up into the sky and see the little clouds setting thee white bulging sails. I know not what playmate of mine in the sky sends them down the air to race with my boats” – here, the child imagines the clouds in the sky turning in to white sails just like that of his paper boats. As the clouds seem to be moving slowly ahead in the sky, the child imagines as if they are racing with his paper boats down in the stream. He supposes that there is someone in the clouds who is his playmate. The child personifies his imagination by befriending that ‘someone’ in the clouds and fancying him to be his partner in the play that he is indulged in to. The poet has impeccably captured the child’s imagination here, which holds true through different instances when we observe children at play with their mind’s eye!<br /><br />Children find happiness in the smallest of things, hopes, and even dreams. Generally, children dream of the most influential part of their day when they are asleep. Most of them vouch to have dreamt of fairies and wonderland, and themselves being pampered or enjoying the sight of it. Likewise, the child in this poem, after a day’s play with his paper boats, goes off to sleep contently. As he buries his face in his arms, he dreams of the journey of his paper boats still floating down the stream under the midnight stars. “The fairies of sleep are sailing in them, and the lading in their baskets full of dreams” – as he surrenders himself to a good night, the child dreams of fairies who too are sailing in his paper boats. The poet beautifully ends it here by expressing that the fairies of sleep too are content with the basket full of dreams with which they lay in the boats, and leaves the child to dream on. <br /><br />Rabindranath Tagore, whose appearance with his flowing hair, seemingly spiritual and mesmeric personality, and his other-worldly dressing gave him a prophet-like reputation. His elegant literature and magical poetry are testimony of his mercurial writings, which earned him the Prize in Literature in 1913 to become the first non-European Nobel laureate. Paper Boats is one such extract from his works that reiterates his style of writing and a sense of keen observation that comes out here through the psychology, power of imagination, and fancy dreams that a child would exhibit.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-38878015527329760252012-02-08T21:36:00.005+05:302012-02-13T15:40:51.754+05:30Taljai: Away From The City Buzz<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDmXurNIQUY/TzjhkfGeoEI/AAAAAAAADn0/nPoXSuZE3Do/s1600/DSC_6837.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDmXurNIQUY/TzjhkfGeoEI/AAAAAAAADn0/nPoXSuZE3Do/s320/DSC_6837.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708560544632315970" /></a><br />Ever wondered what it is like to be away from the chaos, noise, and pollution of the city? Especially, at a place right in the city, yet aloof from its buzz. If you want to be with yourself, breathe in some fresh air daily, and listen to nature’s voices unlike the city noise; Taljai Hills is a place to be! A walk in the thick woods here will soak you in the beauty of nature, present you with calmness that you seek among the chaos around, and even help you spend some quality time with friends and family. <br /><br />Nature has boundless beauty to offer in the form of flora and fauna. Alas! With the growing concrete jungle, we are forced to only imagine it through a writer’s description of it, or experience it at a faraway place that might be taxing in terms of money and time. The good news is, there are still few places in the city that have survived heavy concretisation around and have maintained their serenity. At Taljai Hills, you will be awestruck to see the green cover and will immerse yourself in a childlike happiness to walk in thick woods. Many volunteers and green activists have strived to plant and adopt hundreds of trees here. The slowly degenerating place eventually saw the light of the day and has shaped into a jungle! You will be amazed to see different types of colourful shrubs and flowers here. And, you will be lucky to spot peacocks and hare if you go steeper in the greens. The ultimate beauty of this place lies in watching the sun rise and set!<br /><br />Another aspect of this place that will keep you coming back is the peace and calmness that it offers. Your mind needs to stay calm and sane amid the hectic schedules, work pressure, competition, demands, and expectations that keep clouding. At Taljai, you are sure to forget all that for the moments you spend here and just relax. This is the magic and aura of this place. Here, you are in the city, yet away from it. Needless to say, this place will keep attracting you whenever you need be one with yourself. It is a great way to rejuvenate and start afresh with a positive mind, thoughts, and ideas. <br /><br />And why have this entire share of experience alone? Accompany your friends or family at this place and feel the difference even more. As you will experience this beauty and peace of mind, so will they. As a result, you all will share and spend some quality time with each other. Besides the great attraction that you all will develop for this place, you are sure to enhance your friendly and family relations and ties. A laugh with each other and light conversations amid nature is a priceless gift that this place has to offer. <br /><br />With more than one reason to rejoice and discover yourself each time you visit this place, Taljai Hills scores a soft corner in every visitor’s heart. This nature’s abode rested in peace and open for all to experience is definitely one of the best places’ the city has managed to survive. <br /><br />P.S. Though most would still want to complain of the growing construction and stall vendors around, this is the Taljai jungle part I am talking about that feels even more beautiful with every visit.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-77522518360226518882012-02-07T20:00:00.003+05:302012-02-07T20:20:27.847+05:30Starry Affair<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wokWmoudfpE/TzE3_-CChLI/AAAAAAAADnc/_WKccT2QqvQ/s1600/85571297.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wokWmoudfpE/TzE3_-CChLI/AAAAAAAADnc/_WKccT2QqvQ/s320/85571297.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706403774977967282" /></a><br />Trust, belief and faith are like the pillars of hope in desperate times. We tend to entrust these values upon someone who we can call our confidante or a close aide or family. Once you develop trust for someone, start believing or having faith in someone or something; it is a strong indicator that your heart lets you rely with positive conviction on them. However, this reliance on someone for an opinion or advice, in my outlook, is justified when the point in question is logical enough. And why the need for me to advocate that? Well, to my disbelief, a recent incident made me laugh out my wits!!! <br /> <br />A newly married lady (about 2 years of marriage, yet I would call it 'newly married') was unable to find her <em>mangalsutra</em> anywhere in the house; which she might have either misplaced or lost it or in the rarest case it must have been stolen. Rarest case because there were only family members in the house at that time who could not be blamed. Frustrated over the lost <em>mangalsutra</em>, this lady calls her mother and narrates the case and also about having thoroughly checked the house for it. <br /><br />The mother, a woman of ancient or should I say impractical beliefs, rushed to the nearest <em>pandit</em> for 'consultation'! According to her, he would read the stars of her daughter and tell her about the lost <em>mangalsutra</em>!!! And he did just that! He worked out some weird calculations of the stars and <em>nakshatras</em> and assured the mother that the <em>mangalsutra</em> is somewhere in the house itself. The mother did not stop here; she went to two more <em>pandits</em> to confirm and returned with similar answer. This strengthened her belief even more and kept reiterating to her daughter that the <em>mangalsutra</em> is in the house itself. She went on with it by even alleging some members at her in-law's house of playing the mischief! "<em>Panditji</em> has told me this. I have full faith in him," is what she had to say.<br /><br />If only the mother-daughter duo be patient enough and consult family members if they happened to see her <em>mangalsutra</em> and try to find it in peace! But they believe in <em>pandits</em> more than anyone else! If only the mother had asked the pandits where exactly the <em>mangalsutra</em> is, they could have answered even that, I thought. Of course, by applying all their knowledge about stars and <em>nakshatras</em>. <br /><br />I searched for a place where I could hide my disgust when I heard this. Yet at an after-thought, I was even imagining of things we could ask these <em>pandits</em>, if they were to be believed! "<em>Panditji</em>, I hear my neighbours fight every day. Will they settle with each other in peace?", "<em>Panditji</em>, I tend to forget to take things along while leaving home. When will I overcome this?", so on and so forth... On a lighter note, imagine that we won't have to keep thinking because, <em>panditji hai na</em>.... <br /><br />Quite a starry affair that!!!!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-70288408007884878752011-10-09T22:33:00.004+05:302011-10-09T23:04:19.286+05:30Revolution 2020<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUz7tR72YRg/TpHaFLhux4I/AAAAAAAADlw/o9UW9vle9Fg/s1600/chetan_bhagat_revolution_2020_05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUz7tR72YRg/TpHaFLhux4I/AAAAAAAADlw/o9UW9vle9Fg/s320/chetan_bhagat_revolution_2020_05.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661545989109892994" /></a><br />It has been like ages that I am scribbling here, again! Feels like a visitor myself on my own blog! Even now, this visit will be like a run and fly type...<br /><br />Anyways, had been to the Crossword store today! I simply keep visiting this store without any particular book in mind to be purchased. It just feels nice to walk around book racks. Reading and writing have almost become an integral part of my system by now!<br /><br />Today as i entered the store, the first book I noticed was that of Chetan Bhagat's Revolution 2020 placed right on the rack in front of the door. I knew it instantly that I have to pick it! Having read 2 States lately and in the middle of reading The 3 Mistakes Of My Life now, I am already in love with his writing style! He has a peculiar style of adding humour in his writing while even mentioning the saddest or the ugliest moments revolving around the characters or just about life in general. <br /><br />His writings somehow leave me with a smile, a relaxed feeling, relieved and puzzled at the same time to the fact that how come this guy can exactly replicate the thoughts, feelings and reactions of a reader like me to certain situations or people! Chetan Bhagat catches the reader's nerve for sure! <br /><br />Well, back to my visit to the Crossword store.... As i picked his book - Revolution 2020 today, i noticed 4 more people picking the same book. And the smile on their faces... i could simply relate to them as if in unison that 'I am so glad to buy another Chetan Bhagat book...' And somehow i had an inner feeling of happiness as if i were Chetan Bhagat myself and feeling happy to see people pick my book to read :) <br /><br />Can't help, I love reading his books... Moreover, i feel happy to have had a good read at the end of the day :)<br /><br />I was aware that a new Chetan Bhagat book is awaited this Diwali, but didn't expect to get it so soon. Feeling as I got one of my Diwali gifts' already ;) Thanks CB :) Waiting to finish reading The 3 Mistakes Of My Life to go for the Revolution :)manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-53857044922708961592011-08-23T22:06:00.001+05:302011-08-23T23:19:49.475+05:30ye Shobha-a nahi deta<span style="font-weight:bold;">Shobhaa De in the introductory lines of a new post on her blog:</span>
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<br />I am giving myself (and you!) a much needed 'Anna Break.' But this much i can't resist adding: bring media into the Bill, as well. If the P.M. is to be included, why not the media? Media must be accountable, too.......
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<br />... and then, her post follows.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My comment:</span>
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<br />Even before reading this post any further... With due respect to you ma'am, what do you mean by saying an 'Anna Break'??? It is okay to talk about hundred other topics amid the ongoing movement... but you cannot ridicule it (at least it sounds so when you say 'Anna Break') because maybe you feel YOU need it! People have risen from the deep sleep and have realized the power of their voice, risen from the guilt of having been part of some wrong-doings in their life, risen to be heard, and risen for and to be a change! Today we see the tri-colour in every Indian's hand and heart! A Anna Hazare banner in their hands, on their vehicles, as a wallpaper, profile picture.. slogans that are born with the onset of his protest, or to better mention it as a 'satyagraha'! The ongoing protest is like another freedom movement! The ease with which you mention of taking an 'Anna Break' is testimony enough that people like you or me can no-where stand close to him with the amount of dedication, determination and will power that he holds, because he needs no break and no one can break him either! So, if you do / do not support him or his methods, it is your choice. At least do not come up with such absurd and untimely terminologies like an 'Anna Break'! For me, it is going to be a Shobhaa De 'break' for now! 'Coz this break will matter neither to you nor me; but the 'break' you feel you want and even felt that it is much needed for others, will definitely affect this Now Or Never sentiment!
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<br />And, a series of irony that coincides with her post:
<br />1. The title of her post is: 'Bol' - Open your mouth... and Speak Up! Well ma'am, your 'Anna Break' contradicts this, especially when the time has actually come to Speak Up!
<br />2. She thinks of an 'Anna Break' just when the government starts reacting proactively and 'break' the ice by hinting toward talks.
<br />3. The whole Anna movement or the anti-corruption movement is to clean India from the mess she is in, and ma'am feels that you and me need an 'Anna Break' and read her praises for the Pakistani Film Industry in her post that follows.
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<br />Periodmanuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-54048154442377623702011-08-16T11:57:00.003+05:302011-08-16T12:49:45.116+05:30Ab Hamare Hawale Watan Saathiyon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8peSorc9Y/TkoZSnDt4eI/AAAAAAAADlg/CAPge7wkWaI/s1600/anna.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8peSorc9Y/TkoZSnDt4eI/AAAAAAAADlg/CAPge7wkWaI/s320/anna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641349290747879906" /></a>
<br />It is time, again, to fight for a righteous Independence of our nation! Yes, there is a stir, a wave among billions of us Indians who have come together for this movement - the second fight for a Free India... a corruption-free India!
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<br />Anna Hazare, the crusader who has raised this issue and has invoked a strong feeling among all of us to dream and achieve the goal to eradicate corruption from our country, has been a source of inspiration and motivation. The tremendous amount of support that the Jan Lokpal Bill has gained, as a sea of people echoing his message only proves how deep this government has stooped in to corruption!
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<br />Government has been trying desperate measures to refrain Anna from undertaking a 'peaceful' protest against corruption. Anna is arrested on the very morning when the protest was to begin, under no charges that the police could clarify. Preventive Detention, they say, which in effect seems to be a defensive act on the government's part. There are even parallels drawn between the British regime and the present government!
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<br />Today we are witnessing another freedom movement, which will see no less sacrifices, agitation, protests and support. Every Indian today feels him/herself as another Anna who wants a clean nation. The government is trying to take away the right to protest, right to descent by taking in to custody, Team Anna. The government sure is panicked and has over-reacted! Is the government walking toward another state of Emergency? And how many more Annas will be arrested? Can they stop the protest like this? Can the government, a trustee of the nation, dictate its terms on the citizens?
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<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Anna nahi ye aandhi hai, Aaj ka ye Gandhi hai!
<br /></span> ... and, there is no stopping! As a youth of this nation, I condemn this act of the government! Today we see a new wave of Non-cooperation and Non-violence! Anna Hazare is another Father of the Nation, a corrupt-free Nation!
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<br />It is our onus now to carry forward the torch of this belief - a corruption free India! manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-1828108445999473602011-07-17T12:02:00.005+05:302011-07-17T16:05:44.228+05:30Will money buy HER a life?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5XAgfjVqcg/TiK6b__KHYI/AAAAAAAADjk/t-PKiJ5-reE/s1600/hmmmm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5XAgfjVqcg/TiK6b__KHYI/AAAAAAAADjk/t-PKiJ5-reE/s320/hmmmm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630267474362113410" /></a><br />And.... yet again the sadist approach toward the welfare of a girl child uncovers as the Pimpri-Chinhwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)announces a 'lucrative' scheme for couples, which secretly begs the damn attitude towards the fairer sex to 'change'. And how? The PCMC will start a scheme in September, of allotting Rs 25,000 worth fixed deposit in the name of the baby girl if the couple stops at one child. The child will then get Rs 1,25,000 by the time she turns 18. In the case of the next girl, the amount will be Rs 10,000; which will rise to Rs 50,000 when she turns major. The scheme will not extend beyond two girls. <br /><br />Ridiculous, I say! What time and era are we living in today? Is this air of women liberisation, revolution, empowerment; all for the namesake??? Doesn't it sound little funny and absurd that people need to be bribed now to let the girl child live and exist? And, this scheme is looked up as probably the country's strongest move to protect the girl child! <br /><br />I, being a woman, strongly condemn this! If at all this schemes fairs well to improve the sex ratio, it is only the quantity that will rise, I believe. But what about the quality of life that every girl wishes to live with? Will she grow with the fact that she breathes today for some mere thousands of rupees that were allotted in her name at the time of birth? And when she grows up, she only lives to tell the tales of how she has been discouraged or disallowed to fulfill her own little wishes and expectations of her life, in the name of the widespread gossip-mongers in society!<br /><br />Even as there is this continuous chirping going on about the sad state of what the statistics portray, why shouldn't there be any measures to kill the sick attitude toward the fairer sex? Why can't there be strict measures like some sort of rigorous imprisonment or punitive action against people who even dare to look down upon this gender instead? These measures should be so stringent, that even the thought of female feoticide or even the acts of gender discrimination of any sort should result in to a nightmare for such people. The most logical move, I think, is to exercise punitive measures there and then against any wrong-doer or even thinker toward this sex. <br /><br />And I don't see any hallmark achievement for letting a girl child to be born by any such couple who will accept the money allotted through this scheme. If people really wish to raise a girl child, who is as human as as her male counterparts, they should do so with their heart - scheme or no scheme! <br /><br />The dropping number of girl child sure is alarming. But, hopefully some jerks who exist, soon make a correction in their attitude for her. Let Her live, and let Her live life to the fullest as anyone else would wish to!<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-26530610063460755802011-07-05T11:13:00.005+05:302011-07-05T21:52:54.319+05:30Caste No Bar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzn-Y2IIt2c/ThKyL513qYI/AAAAAAAADiA/nphw2EIczKM/s1600/71273464.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gzn-Y2IIt2c/ThKyL513qYI/AAAAAAAADiA/nphw2EIczKM/s320/71273464.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625754802114242946" /></a><br />Right from filling out the forms for a birth certificate, education at various levels, domicile, nationality, marriage certificate to the death certificate - we all have been filling the column that asks us to mention our caste. The caste system has been a stronghold of our social system, which defines the various traditions, rituals and lifestyles in our country. This is even nurtured as a key political concern, especially in the rural areas, which attracts vote-banks.<br /> <br />There have been many cases where parts of public staged protests against the reservation policies based on castes in the fields of education and the job market, which was considered positive discrimination. The caste system has always been a 'talking point' for everyone at various points in their personal, professional and social lives. <br /><br />This is now not limited to only this! Until now we have grown with the fact that the caste system is politicised time and again, but it will now be economically driven as well. Thanks to BSNL that it will soon be banking on this very caste-ism and converting it in to a 'talking point', literally! It plans to launch the special OBC scheme that will 'enable' those belonging to this caste to have a free 'OBC to OBC' talktime, special SIM cards, and other facilities. The rat race among the mobile giants is not new to us. Number of schemes like group chatting, family plans, this plan and that plan have been hammered upon us by posing emotional drama through all possible marketing gimmicks. <br /><br />And now, BSNL seems to strive and move ahead of all by striking a chord with one of the most sensitive issues' of our country, literally enterprising the 'Caste No Bar' campaign when it comes to making business out of it! We have long enough accepted the need to raise the social and economic status of those belonging to the lower castes, to help them desire and deserve things in life that others have not had to struggle as much as them due to the negative impacts of the caste system that prevailed. <br /><br />Yet, the case in point here is that, is it judicious or progressive to society that the system itself will now be used as a means for monetary gains? Will this not harm the very people belonging to such castes and hinder their growth graph? Is it not like offering them a handicap in the name of their caste? Won't this give rise to various debates from other castes or religions? Doesn't this smell like the birth of yet another negative discrimination? <br /><br />For common people like us, 'Caste No Bar' in its literal terms means that we see caste as no bar in anything related to education or job or lifestyle. These are too trivial issues to even think of, for us. But this very 'Caste No Bar' term for politics or business means - caste is no bar to fulfill our selfish desires. For the <span style="font-style:italic;">janta</span> living in the 21st century, such organisations seem to be implanting such schemes and policies as slow poison in society which is so dying to break free from such nonsense! <br /><br />Or do we have more to come in the name of caste and in the name of business? Does BSNL's 'Connecting India' theme seem to be Dis-connecting India somewhere?<br /><br /><br />http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/obcs-getcallbsnl/441556/ <br />The link above talks about the OBC scheme.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-48215250315215056542011-06-30T21:06:00.003+05:302011-06-30T21:54:08.805+05:30Show TimeMaking a last minute movie plan and watching it with friends has been part of an exciting, entertaining and fun schedules' followed like a ritual at least twice a month on my list. Most often, keeping in mind the daily schedules, a night show was always preferred. In no time, the last shows proved to be convenient and more-so, more fun to ride back home on the quiet and chilly roads. <br /><br />However, until recently, watching a movie was synonyms to pure entertainment! But lately, management has become the core for making movie plans! And how? In the course of time I have lately bumped in to couple of friends (read 14-15 of us each time) who are movie buffs too, or simply stated - like minded people who love to get together and have fun whichever way (movies, rides, hanging out at the beautiful hills in Pune, dinners or brunches or just chai)<br /><br />The entertainment quotient in the whole planning, especially for movies, has raised its bar and I end up being 'The Planner' for all of us :) After all, it is quite a task to match up with the timings that will suit all along with the show timings, which should also have reasonable rates and of course, the ticket availability for this huge group with all the available multiplexes in the city! And, sometimes, the vicinity for couple of friends in the group also needs to be taken in to consideration. Hmmm.... Lotta permutations and combinations to be done to accommodate all (yes, we keep changing even our final plans if even one or two of us can't make it). <br /><br />And, the whole process of informing everyone and getting feedback and replies makes me go mad with frustration at times and a laugh riot at the same time. In the end, we need to make all the ends meet until we make sure that an entire row at the screen belongs to us :) The fun quotient does not depend on how the movie was, but the fact that we could all come together yet again to have a nice time out :)<br /><br />The latest planning mission that we accomplished was for Cars2 and now, back to the process for Delly Belly :) <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-21040544986955261582011-03-08T12:44:00.003+05:302011-03-08T17:57:36.237+05:30De Ghuma Ke<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span><br /><br />A boy riding his bicycle over a bridge.. suddenly loses balance and falls down..I apply the brakes for a sudden stop.. and there arrived a few men growling without knowing the head or tail of this episode, just because it was a female driver... guess what.. the car did not even touch that boy.. HATE SUCH CHEAP mentality people... <br /><br />This is a narrative of my sister's experience couple of days ago, in her own words. Such incidences bring to fore, again and again, the male chauvinist attitude that few of them live with and exhibit it too! Alas, such instant reactions from them only depict their choked sense of acceptance towards their female counterparts who no more live under any shadow! <br /><br />I was in the car at that time and so have seen what happened actually. The boy who was riding the bicycle just at the start of the Neelayam bridge, suddenly raised his ass and started riding faster in the middle of the traffic. He fumbled over the small speed breaker there and fell ON HIS OWN under his bicycle. We were just behind him and had to apply sudden brakes to avoid any further mishap. That is when an asshole appeared and started arguing with us saying, "What are you riding? If you can't drive properly then why do you?".. and all that rubbish... That was it! I was not going to take shit for nothing from anyone, unless it was really a mistake on our part. <br /><br />I gave him a good piece of my mind and that is wen they all went back to their roadside adda. The boy who had fallen down, ultimately was walking back with his bicycle all alone on the bridge! The point here is, the roadside assholes came barking just because it was a female driver! And they thought that whatever they were swearing in the name of female drivers, would be listened to, expecting some sort of guilty-feeling expressions on our faces!<br /><br />This is just one incident that I am sharing where the male bashing rushes and surrounds females, epitomising any and every act of theirs as if a god-sent virtue! Every time anything of this sort happens, the feeling of 'De Ghumake' with the help of some really pricking words or even hitting, urges through the mind!<br /><br />I do not wish to generalise this for the entire 'male breed', but it is just for males who live with this cheap mentality. Those who read this and mind my language, please take note that there is nothing to mind unless you think you belong to such category of men. <br /><br />And, for all the women reading this - it is okay to accept your mistakes, but it is a sin to keep mum when you are clean! So chill and stay bindaas and happy :) <br />Have a Happy Women's Day, today and always!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-37168330261851788492011-03-03T11:05:00.003+05:302011-03-03T11:28:55.379+05:30I Can... :-)Husshh... what a morning! Just as I was sipping my beloved chai :) dad called me out in the parking and said that we need to change the punctured tyre of the car. Usually I enjoy sipping my morning tea while reading the newspaper, but today I gave it up and finished it in a hurry. I thought I was to assist dad by just being there if he needs anything as he changed the tyre. <br /><br />As I got near the car, dad was just standing there and he handed me the task! I gladly accepted it. Not that I have any experience in changing car tyres, rather it was my first attempt today. But as I got my hands on the tools, I was through with my job quite easily! Right from positioning the jack, to removing the studs and then replacing the punctured tyre with another one...<br /><br />It wasn't as tedious a task as it normally appears to be. And I was happy that I did it, especially as I had no know-hows of it except for enjoying the drives ;)<br /><br />And, I always hated to watch it in movies where they show a helpless female protagonist in a similar situation especially in a no-man's-land, not knowing what to do; and that is just when her male counterpart appears from nowhere and does the job as if doing some kind of magic that only his breed can perform! <br /><br />Well, now this task is added to my 'I can do...' list :)manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-33309139734540589982011-02-04T22:21:00.002+05:302011-02-04T22:39:30.490+05:30Marathi Cinema - Dawn Of A New Beginning<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>A movie buff that I am, cinema has always been one of the major sources’ of entertainment for me, Bollywood being my favourite. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I haven’t seen much Marathi movies and can only name few Marathi actors correctly. I won’t say I have been consciously avoiding films of my own mother tongue, but it is true that they never caught as much interest (barring a few exceptionals). <br /><br />Pinjra, Maaficha Sakshidar, Chaukat Raja, Mumbaicha Faujdar, and a few otehrs have been classics. While in the recent past, films like Shwaas, Mi Shivaji Raje Bhosale Boltoye, Dombivali Fast, Vihir, Valu, Gabhricha Paaus, Natarang, Jogwa, Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, Pak Pak Pakaak, Lalbaug Paral, Mee Shindutai Sapkal, Jatra, Haapus, and many more (these are the ones that came to my mind instantly as I was writing this) are not only worth watching, but they have brought about a complete renaissance in the industry! My mistaken point of view towards Marathi films has been completely erased and now I enjoy them like never before, I even prefer watching them on the big screen! Marathi cinema has been as rich and entertaining for that matter, but the new blood in the industry is definitely carrying forward the legacy in a polished manner (of course, under the guidance of their seniors). <br /><br />Criticizing and complaining about the lack of freshness, new ideas, risks and a realistic theme seems to have become bygones with a completely new approach and talent that Marathi cinema has been blessed with in the past half a decade. <br /><br />The age-old standard techniques used in our films and cringing about the woeful lack of good films made by directors with potential seems to have fading and paving new ways for those who are ready to challenge or face their critics on the front foot. If you believe in quality films then it might be a good idea to catch a few Marathi films that have released in the last five years and have infused fresh blood in a sagging industry. <br /><br />So much so, that even Bollywood stars are now appreciating Marathi cinema and its quality. Many Marathi films have tasted the sweet box office success and have even treaded their paths through some of the national and international film festivals. Bollywood movies that were reining in the multiplex success now see Marathi movies standing next to them in the race.<br /><br />Those who feared the risk of investing in this league of routine Marathi films, now seem to have been more than pleased to be associated with today’s revolutionary phase that the industry is undergoing. Marathi Film Industry, yes! Now looked at with respect and a new avenue to venture in to, Marathi films are now mushrooming with quality, ideas, techniques and talents to make it a full fledged and an organized industry. <br /><br />It had a glorious past that has strived to showcase the face of Maharashtra, especially relative to a major audience in the rural and outskirt areas and imaginary for those who lead an urbane life. This had created a vacuum that restricted an interest level among an audience that needed a break from the clichéd style and themes. The much needed breakthrough has arrived in the Marathi film industry and it has caught attention of even the non-Marathi audience. <br /><br />This boom in the industry has proved to be a boon for producers of Marathi cinema who vouch to carry a smile with the success of these movies and overall appreciation. The industry is now flourishing with 100-125 releases per year, yet needs to arrive a decent number of hits that it provides. A complete makeover that this industry is witnessing, it definitely promises to open doors of opportunities for fresh talent in all aspects – be it acting, directing, or even the technical departments. <br /><br />The Marathi film industry is blessed with the Midas touch of people like Mahesh Manjrekar, Ajay-Atul, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Smita Talwalkar, and the likes. This industry now also boasts of making a style statement with the dressing and make-up that matches standards with its Hindi counterpart. For producers, this industry is like a platter to unleash the undiscovered path and bask in the glory of new heights that it promises to behold. The industry is now graduating in its post-production stages like marketing, promotion, premiers, etc. which were known terms but now are being executed – which if polished, shall work wonders with the money matters in terms of returns. <br /><br />To watch the kind of approval for the film discussed by those who watch Marathi films on the big screen, is a delight and encouragement for a producer’s hard work! A large number of audiences still need to be attracted to the theatres to start churning the returns on investments and see Marathi films for longer durations on the multiplex screens. <br /><br />Judging by the changing trend of the last five years, it might not be an exaggeration to say that these small progressive films might just bring back the golden era of the sixties when the likes of V Shantaram and Dadasaheb Phalke changed the face of not just Marathi cinema, but scripted a new chapter of Indian cinema. The recent past in the industry is testimony enough that even small budget films click if they are well planned throughout the pre-production stages. Marathi cinema has proved that with an entry in to the Oscars!<br /><br />One thing that I like the most about this industry is that it is sans any typical grapevine that its counterpart is engulfed with. It boasts of a much cleaner and friendly atmosphere even among costars (a healthy competition is what can be sensed among them, unlike most of their counterparts) and is far from being westernized, as yet!<br /><br />Marathi Paaul Padate Pudhe....!!!!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-11556417343401712122011-02-02T13:32:00.002+05:302011-02-02T23:21:50.200+05:30Anil Sonawane to Yashwant SonawaneFew days back we heard and read of the ruthless murder of Additional DC of Nashik, Yashwant Sonawane. Everyday we get to read various news, stories, profiles in newspapers; that leave us thinking for a while. As I was running through today's newspaper while sipping my morning tea, Manjusha Sonawane's story came in as a shocker! <br /><br />This was a story of an ordinary woman who earns her bread and butter by working as a domestic help in few families in Pune, but it spoke of her extraordinary (bold and fearless) statement and thoughts. Today she lives hand to mouth because she became a victim of this spineless sarkar one and a half years back. Barely four years in to her married life, Manjusha was living a better life with her husband and in-laws in a small village in Ahmednagar. Her husband, Anil Sonawane, was working as a kotwal at the sand dealers' and was the only bread winner for the family. <br /><br />He knew of the misconducts going on in this business and also feared threat to his life at some point. After a few days, in July 2009 he died under a tractor carrying sand; which was registered as an accidental death in the police records. However, Sonawane's family and even the villagers believe that he was murdered by the sand mafai. Manjusha lost her husband to some people's selfish gains and cruel acts. This, when she was carrying her second child, soon to be delivered! <br /><br />She was quoted saying that it came thousands of times to her mind to end her life, but how could a mother leave her children alone in this ruthless world? Her children would be orphaned had she given up on her own life, but she gathered the courage to live on for her children. Lot of efforts have been taken to follow-up her husband's case for justice and compensation for her family, but to no avail. <br /><br />Manjusha had no option but to leave the village and come to Pune to live with her parents and earn through these means, which wouldn't have been possible in the village. She dreams of educating her children and herself (she has studied until the 9th grade) so that she could earn a decent sum for her children's future. <br /><br />She reiterates that there is no value for a kotwal's life in the eyes of the government. The poor are orphaned by the inefficient and heartless government. She therefore did not give in to her thoughts of ending her life, looking at her children. Else what difference would remain between the government and me, is what she fearlessly stated! This is definitely a big blow to this sarkar by an ordinary woman, as to what people think about it. She is still waiting and hoping for justice to be done!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-89202745514211467632011-02-01T22:03:00.003+05:302011-02-01T22:55:36.814+05:30127 Hours!A beautiful movie indeed, as though crafted especially for the adventure lovers, yet for everyone at the same time! The movie quite aptly depicted the craze that an adventure enthusiast lives with, rather for! They worship nature's beauty and keep treading in pursuit of their religion, Adventure! <br /><br />Aron Ralston's story in this movie is one which every fellow adventure lover will identify with. Though the movie revolved around a single person stuck in a sure death situation for 127 hours, it kept the audience engaged on the edges of their seats as though experiencing themselves in the same situation! It personified the very survival instinct that mankind is all about. As the film progressed, Aron's desperate measures to free himself from the trap amazes us. <br /><br />An Engineer by profession, an adventure enthusiast at heart! A very well informed guy about the geography and topography, his mind filled with all sorts of preparation plans and escape routes for every planned adventure to be unfolded, power-packs him with the zeal and guts to conquer it. <br /><br />While he is trapped in there, all that he runs through his mind are his past mistakes that he should have not committed. He is left lonely in there, and that is the time when he becomes closer to his conscience. All this while as I was almost feeling Aron's experience, I was also flowing in to retrospect of the special adventures that I have done in my life. Be it the Everest Base camp, Kedarkanth trek in Uttaranchal, the Enduro3 Adventure race, treks with Wanderers, biking, cycling... everything was just flashing back in front of me. <br /><br />These adventures not only take you high on the adrenaline rush, they also take you closer to your own self. Every time you are out and one with nature, it brings you closer to yourself. You talk to yourself, you push yourself, you encourage yourself, you be yourself! This is the time when you look back on your good and bad deeds and thoughts. And as you go further ahead, your mind becomes clearer. <br /><br />As Aron is shown basking in the luxury of soothing his cold feet in the sun for 15minutes, every drop of water becomes precious; it reminded me of similar experiences on the various adventures I had been to, where we ought not take anything for granted. <br /><br />The most nerve cracking moment shot in the movie was the one when Aron frees himself from the trap and is limping out of it, at the expense of cutting his own arm! And then, he turns back and says, "Thank you"! A bitter-sweet feeling expressed there by a man who lost his arm, yet came out alive from the sure death situation. The best part is, Aron still continued to pursue his love for adventure after that. That is what exactly replicates an adventure lover's poise! A never say never spirit! They never curse any unfortunate event on their path, but they only seek divine pleasure and positivity. That is what drives them again and again back in to nature's lap. Of course, like Aron did, every new venture omits previous mistakes and gains new learnings and experiences. <br /><br />Mere words won't do any justice to any such experience or journey! One ought do it to feel it! Loved the movie, love the spirit, love adventures! I thank all my fellow mates with whom I have had opportunities to tread through the beauties of nature. Looking forward for more!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-80551831857466191832011-01-25T21:59:00.002+05:302011-01-26T00:03:29.827+05:30Ridiculously CasualI was watching TV one evening to kill my boredom. While surfing through the channels, I stopped to watch ZOOM to catch up with some Bollywood 'News', so they call it! But there wasn't any interesting grapevine here that could keep me from boredom, yet I stuck to this channel as I was further getting bored of surfing through the remaining!<br /><br />Not listening to it quite intently though, I was also trying to score some points in the game on my phone. Suddenly one 'news' snapped my attention, not for wanting to know more but because I was startled to hear this utter nonsense! The 'news' was thus: "Hum sab Emraan Hashmi ko ek on-screen serial kisser ke roop me jaante hain...." followed by a 'detailed' history of his lip-locking scenes in his movies so far and his views too, about them. The news furthered then by adding, "Ab Emraan ko promotion mil gayi hai. Apni agli film me wo ab rape bhi karenge...."!!!!!!! <br /><br /><br />That was it! I was fuming with disgust that is this what the channel had to make news out of? That he will be promoted from only being a kisser to a rapist in his next film??? Whatever his role maybe in his next flick, whatever the story be.... But this channel 'reported' it so damn casually, it kept me wondering that has this disgusting act like 'rape' become so damn casual in today's conversations? To top it, it was a team of girls who reported this, gave a voice-over for and one who hosted this damn episode for the show!<br /><br />The same day I happened to watch a News Channel where they were showing about a historic decision of the Supreme Court to accept and hear the petition of Aruna Shanbaug's lawyer for Euthanasia / Mercy Killing . This very lady was a rape victim in 1973 at the KEM Hospital in Mumbai, by its staffer. She was even strangled and till date she lies in the hospital bed in vegetative state, declared brain dead! She has to be forcefully fed by the nurses twice a day, she has lost her sight, cannot hear, can't take any decision, has not been visited by any of her relatives' or friends' for the past 36 years!<br /><br />This is what the heinous act such as this can do to a victim!!!! And ironically, it was a damn casual 'Bollywood News' for this channel. <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-68142403326885398432011-01-25T15:58:00.004+05:302011-01-25T16:30:31.807+05:30Democracy Ridiculed!It was a shocking news to watch sometime back about Additional DC Yashwant Sonawane's brutal murder! The First Additional DC of the Malegaon District in Nashik was burnt alive by the oil mafai while he was on duty. <br /><br />Something is terribly going wrong with the mindsets and attitude of people, and especially with the law and order situation of not only any state but the entire nation. Cities which were known as the faces of their cultural, economic, traditional heritage and progress; are gradually losing their identity and are now gaining a status for all the wrong reasons. Nashik is now a city popularly known as home for the oil and kerosene mafai of the state! <br /><br />Yashwant Sonawane, who was on his way for a meeting to some other place, sensed some fishy goings-on at a place somewhere 10kms away from Manmad. He immediately went to check at the spot and saw the oil marketeers involved in adulterating. The magnitude of this racket seems to be so strengthened and their conscience so dead, that they burnt alive this officer! <br /><br />An officer of such stature, when is on his way to perform his duties, was brutally murdered in broad daylight! And, it is a shame that such an incident should occur just a day before when we are all set to celebrate the biggest day of our democracy - our 61st Republic Day!manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-82162167875839275652011-01-20T22:57:00.003+05:302011-01-21T09:50:10.723+05:30Yes Minister, It Is A Cosmetic Surgery!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TTh-1AFxKoI/AAAAAAAACiA/FRZSjXHLNqE/s1600/hhn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TTh-1AFxKoI/AAAAAAAACiA/FRZSjXHLNqE/s320/hhn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564336788638608002" /></a><br />I may not be very well-informed or may not possess the right knowledge of the know-hows of the political affairs, yet as a common citizen of this nation I try to put my common sense to its best possible analysis. And why am I digging my nose in this whole political scenario? Well, all of us should! These 'ministers' (babus) who enjoy their berths in the cabinet, take decisions that directly affect our living. <br /><br />The great Indian Political Tamasha played yet another innings of fooling the aam aadmi. The much awaited and now, the much debated political reshuffle took place yesterday. Reshuffle, did you and me think is what happened? Well, if you draw parallels between this tamasha and that of scuffling the playing cards, then reshuffle is what took place in every sense of the word. You scuffle the playing cards to play a fair game before distributing them. The point is, the cards that you ultimately play with, remain the same. Similar is the case of this very political reshuffling, where very carefully ministers have been made to agree the change of berths. <br /><br />Prafull Patel is now burdened with the heavy industries portfolio while his 'wings' are chopped. The best bet here could be that the new face in the aviation ministry can now assure no alleged relationships with airline companies. Sharad Pawar retains agriculture and foord processing industries, while losing consumer affairs and food & public distribution (Mr Pawar wanted lesser responsibilities now, as what he had been urging). During the times of food prices inflation, the Pawar power managed to conveniently nail the crisis that he would have to face, had he still retained the ministries that he no longer holds. He would have face the music of criticism from the janta directly, which now the new face for these ministries will have to face. <br /><br />Murali Deora, shifted from the petroleum ministry! When oil prices are touching the skies, this minister is 'reshuffled' elsewhere to save him the public brunt. Many more examples can be similarly highlighted, which will repeat this saga. Those who are accused of corruptions, inefficiencies; will still rule the roost under some or the other ministry. Just when the government realised that their powerful ministers will be shacked by public anger, it conveniently replaced them with new faces, who will have been 'trained' to answer any question guilt free - "I am new to this ministry. I do not know or have nothing to do about any allegations you are talking about" (?!) <br /><br />As my common sense prompts me, these changes (which made me compare them also with the musical chair), have been made either because the government lacks effective leadership, cannot afford to make their ministers unhappy, have to play their cards keeping in mind the forthcoming polls, or whatever their reasons be. <br /><br />For me, this reshuffling had nothing to do with the aam aadmi's plights or concerns. If there is someone who gained anything, it is the government itself, who has been successful in retaining a mix of confidence and support of its ministers and allies. Government is indeed a master surgeon who could alone bring about such cosmetic changes!!! Thanks to the spineless government that seems to be afraid of making some stern decisions. <br /><br />The janta is yet again left to mull over the same issues that it has been sentenced to, and it seems that we will continue to be haunted by them. As always, these ministers will have the last laugh. It seems to be like a chameleon that changes its colours as the circumstances demand, of course to its own benefit.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-3462975498289267112010-12-20T21:15:00.004+05:302011-01-03T14:34:54.610+05:30Slap With A KissTraffic in Pune can be looked at with various perspectives. Chaotic, amusing, disgusting, irritating enough that many times gives you a chance to vent out your frustrations. It is quite a sight to keep witnessing varied driving skills that most people have adopted themselves to, which they proudly exhibit even on jammed roads! The occasional war of words in the middle of the roads and a public gathering around as if watching a street play, just add to the spice. <br /><br />How-much-ever we protest against the traffic scene by means of criticism or otherwise, it is ultimately left up to us to save our own skin between the rush hour madness on roads. I would like to share one of the most entertaining incidents' that such madness had to offer at Karve road recently. <br /><br />An old person (who we would call <span style="font-style:italic;">ajoba</span>, even if unknown), was riding his scooter on Karve road. A young boy in all his <span style="font-style:italic;">josh</span> and form, zoomed through the road least bothered of how others were disgusted in an attempt to give him way, rather to save themselves a bump. This <span style="font-style:italic;">Ajoba</span> too, had to follow suit. <br /><br />The young fella had to finally cut his speed and wait at the red light, which had quite annoyed him (so spoke his face). <span style="font-style:italic;">Ajoba</span> caught up with him at the same signal. The conversation that followed at this junction at Karve Road, was a classic example of what is called - 'A slap with a kiss'.<br /><br />He said to the young boy (a friendly greeting as if he knew the boy), "<span style="font-style:italic;">Kaay Karve</span>?" (Hello Mr. Karve). The boy was amused and replied somewhat irritatingly, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Aho mi Karve nahi. Mi Joshi aahe</span>". (I am not Karve. My name is Joshi). To which, <span style="font-style:italic;">ajoba</span> said, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Mala vatla baapacha rasta aahe mhanun garditun hi gadi palvat hotat. Mhanun Karve mhatla</span>". (I thought you father owns this road so you were speeding your bike even in such traffic. So I greeted you as Mr. Karve).<br /><br />The young boy's face filled with shame, and he could not utter a word. Rest who witnessed this 'scene' (or <span style="font-style:italic;">'kissa'</span> as we call<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> it) on the signal had a hearty laugh as they moved ahead at the green light.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Pune traffic can be looked at with various perspectives,<br />There is no way to remotely understand the drivers' motives;<br />Those behind the wheel exhibit their skill,<br />Some barely manage to escape and some zoom out with thrill.<br /><br />There is not a trace left of traffic sense,<br />Who cares for rules, at every step they commit an offence;<br />Traffic lights shine merely like a showpiece, <br />Disrespect for traffic rules result in breaking them at ease. <br /><br />Riding is no more just a means to commute,<br />It now even personifies adventure and attitude;<br />While we await some strict measures to retain safety on road,<br />It would be a favour to discipline ourself first, as the best mode.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-74915143130627179092010-12-18T13:34:00.005+05:302010-12-18T13:50:25.119+05:30Innocent Doubt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TQxuvgiqmWI/AAAAAAAACW8/8sukqBb7Ps0/s1600/today.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 197px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TQxuvgiqmWI/AAAAAAAACW8/8sukqBb7Ps0/s320/today.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551934203109218658" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>Christmas holidays have begun for the little ones. My niece, Aarya, came home for a day and filled the day with her drawings, childlike innocence (this, I mention ‘coz this 10 years old likes herself to be called a grown-up), curious questions and talks. <br /><br />One thing that I do quite often is, conveniently slide some boring tasks to kids by flattering them. “I know you can do this job well. Let me see your skills”, and such statements are enough to ready the kids and get the job done, more-so, a job well done! Quite mean on my part, but it is fun to be involved with kids as they do this ‘job’ for you. It’s a chance to be a kid yourself and join the naughty brigade. You may have some hazy memories of your own childhood, but the child in you is always ready to play its role for sometime. As the kid is doing the ‘job’ you also need to become a commentator and appreciate every task that they perform, be it just moving a paper and placing it where it is supposed to be! <br /><br />When Aarya had come home the other day, once again I shifted the boring task of arranging the old Marathi and English newspapers as separate stacks. This is a very unexciting and unimportant task for me but, for her, it was a fun task to do. Why? I wondered. There were some papers stacked separately, and those left were to be piled in those lots. But kids as they are, Aarya pulled all the newspapers out from the rack and sat in the middle of the sea-of-papers. <br /><br />I had already done my part by flattering her for her skills to do any work tidily (this work was no where related for the need to be neat and tidy, but still ;-) ) and quickly (which was my concern, else mom would scold me for the mess and also for little Aarya doing this work – who had come at Aji’s to play). Oh, and i even added that 'Aarya even I cannot do this work as good as you can!' ;-)<br /><br />I must say, she made this dull task appear to be so much fun! As she was bundling up the Marathi and English papers separately, she would read out some sentences or headlines to me, which gave her a sense of pride. “See, I can read the newspaper now. Even the Marathi sentences!”, she exclaimed, of course expecting a pat on her back :-) She went on to read few lines, see pictures and could even recognize some people in those. This was very exciting for her, and as she separated the papers, it kept unfolding for me as to how such a lame task (according to me) be so much fun? As I had flattered her, she did her 'job' really well – tidily and quickly, and of course better than me :-) <br /><br />While doing this assigned job, she pointed out a query, which startled me. I had asked her to pile up separate Marathi and English newspapers. She was doing it well, until she came across some supplements of the Marathi paper that had names in English! ‘Property Today’, ‘Classifieds’, ‘Lifestyle’, ‘Uth Tube’, ‘Jobz’, etc. She asked me innocently, “Now where should I place these papers? They have names in English, but all the content is in Marathi! Should I stack these separately as well? These are neither completely English, nor Marathi”. I had a hearty laugh on this, to which even she joined me, but rather puzzled. Her query had me thinking for a while, and I even concluded that wasn’t she right? Her doubt had a point there after all. <br /><br />I had no logical answer to this, which she kept demanding. I could not provide her Marathi names for the English titles of these supplements. All I could say was, that’s the way it is, these names are catchy and are now popular. She resumed her task as she kept that query aside (maybe she understood that I really couldn’t answer) and kept the fun rolling with her reading and staring at pictures. <br /><br />While I was posting this, I saw the title of my earlier post ‘Agar Biscuits Nahi Hote Toh Mera Kya Hota…’. Yet again I had a hearty laugh, without bothering myself to reason :-)manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-25335401900592745602010-11-25T16:32:00.006+05:302011-01-03T13:58:36.870+05:30A Writer or a 'Type'-Writer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TSGIhTsNPsI/AAAAAAAACYU/Ov_gGQnWmkg/s1600/writing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TSGIhTsNPsI/AAAAAAAACYU/Ov_gGQnWmkg/s320/writing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557873520954654402" /></a><br />Writing has become my passion ever since I could start making sense of what I read. The thought process that follows after reading something that has an impact on you, is what exactly made me dive in to writing. My words started giving shape to my thought process and writing has thus become one of my identities. <br /><br />Yet, I wonder at times - I say I am a writer, but I hold no pen or paper. The keyboard on the laptop punches each letter for me and completes my script. Of late, I have realised that I have lost touch with the hand-written skills that formed the very basis of my writing. It seems as though I have always been punching letters on the keyboard. <br /><br />There are very rare occasions when I need to actually write with the help of a pen, yet it seems a new experience each time. It is difficult to believe that my handwriting looks no more than few letters scribbled on a page. I was once proud to receive the best handwriting award in school, used to be happy to see the 'good' remark made by a teacher for my neat writing in the notebooks. <br /><br />Alas, the hand-written script has taken a back seat with the convenience that the keyboard offers. The new age writers now hold a laptop/pc/i-pads... Earlier, a pen was the symbol for writing. And now, fingers running through the keyboard symbolises it. Holding a pen after a long time today, punched my mind hard as I could barely write with the speed that I used to, when I was not even introduced to the computer-aided writing!!!<br /><br />Everything around has become digitised, so has my writing! I used to hold a pen in my hand and words would flow from my mind. Today, words do flow and faster, only that I am a slave to the keyboard now. <br /><br />Yet, I hope to still write back with a pen in my hand. And, even hope that it turns out to be a neat script.manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5979113592769968927.post-50534174263549310442010-11-23T00:23:00.005+05:302010-11-23T02:33:08.607+05:30Agar Biscuits Nahi Hote, Toh Mera Kya Hota...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TOrIx8YMgyI/AAAAAAAACWg/N87uSDkAVog/s1600/biscuits.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PoC5A5WIKgc/TOrIx8YMgyI/AAAAAAAACWg/N87uSDkAVog/s320/biscuits.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542463051779572514" /></a><br />Agar biscuits nahi hote, toh mera kya hota.... Wohi hota jo wo nahi nahi hote toh hota... :)<br /><br />For me biscuits are a saviour :) Oh yes, they are! and how... When I am down with any kind of illness, medicines become an integral part to recover asap, back to a normal ill-free life, which we often take for granted. <br /><br />Well, back to the biscuits. I take pleasure to write this, as biscuits save me hell lotta disgust than the illness itself! Biscuits, medicines...??? I won't ask you to do join the dots and try to find a logical connection here... <br /><br />Here is what biscuits do to me :)<br /><br />Illness catches me rarely,<br />And when it does, it drives me crazy, literally!<br />More than the sickness and the pain, <br />It is the medicines that drive me insane!<br /><br />But what to do, can't stay ill until I fall,<br />And that's how medicines get a call!<br />And, that is when biscuits gain high regards from me,<br />After all they save me from the dreaded medicines, you see!<br /><br />Medicines and me don't get along quite well,<br />When I force them through my throat, it feels like hell!<br />And then, I immediately gulp some water,<br />To have a quick bite of a biscuit later!<br /><br />Nothing special about these biscuits otherwise,<br />But they are a real saviour post a dose of dismal medicines, to be precise!<br />They help me overcome that miserable taste of a pill,<br />That's how biscuits play their part for my recovery, and then I can chill!<br /><br />So that's the connection between the medicines and the biscuits for me,<br />I have stopped wondering about the logic behind this, but I am happy :)<br />If it were not biscuits, I could have had a cake or something,<br />But it is biscuits that fill the <em>khau cha dabba </em> first than anything!<br /><br />Tabhi toh,<br />Agar biscuits nahi hote, toh mera kya hota.... Wohi hota jo wo nahi nahi hote toh hota... :)manuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547703983115423244noreply@blogger.com0