The Usual Suspects

No, it can’t be destiny

It was never meant to be with me

No, it can’t be irony

You need a meaning for that to be

I am sixty-year young

And I bleed blue

But all this while

Blood has gained a red hue

Inflicted pain, the recurring remorse

I have taken it all in due course

My modesty is often outraged

And I feel like a bird who is caged

What shames me is not the pain

Nor does anyone’s loss or gain

The fact that we often take it in stride

A feeling that we could have better tried

Pointing fingers is all we do

Some throw a bomb, we flung a shoe

Why we fail to nail the issue

Grope in the dark to find the clue

Blame it on history or someone’s felony

Innocents die, all we express is agony

Malice is stretched out wide with deeper root

Leaves are green, that healthy red shoot

You shroud it with mystery, calls of whodunit

And Find heavy black bag with electric circuit

Wait till dogs bark or intelligence intercepts

Till then we can blame The Usual Suspects

Why Mumbai? Again and Again!

Five terror attacks in less than two decades. Since March 1993, Mumbai has periodically witnessed terror attacks. The immediate backdrop to the 1993 blasts was the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the riots in the city. Why is the city being targeted again and again?

Mumbai is a thickly populated city that has a large 'floating' population. People come in and go out of the city frequently. Making it very vulnerable to terror strikes.

Cities like Mumbai and Delhi will always be prime terror targets. Mumbai is India's financial capital. An attack in the city would shock the nation as well as attract global attention.

Due to high population density, the terrorists get their desired 'impact'. Number of casualties rises; even a low intensity blast can claim numerous lives.

As rightly put by a former official, "The population of the city makes it an easy target for the terrorists. The idea behind these kinds of terrorism is to spread fear. As such, the target of the terrorists is the average citizen, which is not difficult in Mumbai."

Also, the floating population in Mumbai is high, which makes policing a tough job. “It is difficult to put in place long-term safeguards in a city like Mumbai and the police have to rely largely on the network of informers and intelligence inputs,” she added.

But does this mean we will have to live with this 'reality'? Should we think, just like rains, Mumbai would have its share of annual terror attack?

I am too shocked and hurt to think of a solution.

Keep reading this section for more.

P.S.: Mumbai, famous of for its unshakable spirit, has already taken the attack in its stride. BEST buses and local trains are bustling with passengers, the overnight rain has washed away the blood, healed the wound. Perhaps.

(With Inputs from Hindustan Times)

What Makes Wimbledon Great?

Royalty does seem to be a ‘served in a platter’ kind of affair in modern times. But there are numerous responsibilities and traditions that come attached with a royal title. British Royal Family is undoubtedly the most sought after, well recognized and still the most respected of the all royal families across the world. The pride and belonging-ness that people associate with the Family was well on display during the historical wedding of Prince Williams and Kate Middleton. Some look at the Royal Family in awe, some with anger while most just admire this cherished tradition.

Wimbledon is one such glittering tradition and extraordinary sporting event that revels in Royal Patronage. It is not just one of the four Grand Slam Tournaments of tennis, but it also happens to be the most coveted, prestigious and, of course, the oldest of them all. The green grass cover, pleasant London afternoon and the general courteousness all around transport you into a very simple and uncomplicated world. In this era, when tennis has become increasingly professional, players have become loud (pun intended), their outfits louder and advertisers have made heavy inroads (just like any other sport), Wimbledon comes as a breathe of fresh air. It reminds you of one of those classic Hollywood musicals from the 60s.

Wimbledon is a purist’s last straw, that has managed to keep itself afloat despite gigantic changes all around. The very term ‘Lawn Tennis’ would have become redundant without Wimbledon’s grassy surface. It reminds us of the roots of tennis, grass, from where it all started. Add to it the strict dress code for competitors, the spectators feasting on strawberries and cream , and you have a perfect blend of modern sport and old values.

But all of the tradition may not be relevant in the modern times and All England Club got it right when it decided to present both Ladies and Gentlemen events winner with equal prize money. And if you thought absence of sponsor advertising around the courts indicated lack of popularity of the event amongst sponsors, then you are wrong. This also forms core of the 'Wimbledon tradition'. 

Oz and US Open (Hard Courts) test a player’s power and hitting prowess. French Open (Clay) tests a player’s resilience, both mental and physical. Wimbledon, on the other hand, celebrates craft and skill of a Tennis Player. So Pete Sampras resembled a romantic prose when he was on song. Federer displayed monk like calmness and skill of a meticulous potter. Novak, the latest Victor, was poise personified and elegant to the core in his conquest of the muscular Nadal, the most ‘unconventional’ winner of the Championships.

From Renshaw to Djokovic, the Wimbledon has always patronized players with greatest skills and acumen. If the 4 slams of Tennis were like 4 Houses of Hogwarts, Wimbledon would easily be Gryffindor, where courage, bravery, loyalty, nerve and chivalry are valued. Where history is not created rather it becomes a part of it. Its amazing to see how each year 'white' comes and conquers us all in this beautiful, colorful world. Few sporting events in this world match Wimbledon's impeccable 'repeat value' and immaculate 'prestige'. 

This Makes Wimbledon Great. All of this. And Much More.

P.S. Title of the Post is 'inspired' by Wimbledon's Official Timekeeper's ad campaign. 

My Life is an Open (Face)book

Life has always taught me to 'Shut Up'. So, I remain mum when I see someone getting ill treated. I do not raise my voice when I am unhappy with what my government is doing. I also remain tight lipped when I am upset with my friends and family. Needless to say, I switch to hibernation mode, when I have a nasty fight with my girlfriend.

But, this is not the case anymore. I am not spineless. Now, I have an opinion, I have an ass and I flaunt it. Shamelessly. You see, this world has two kinds of people. One who die without making any noise. And Others, who die trying to make some noise. I belong to the second category. So, right from shit schedule in the early morning to the late night good bye, everything is there on Facebook. It is a small little world of mine, where I feel happy, where I feel I 'belong'.

You can call me addicted or term me as a wannabe. But I do not have any regrets. I already had my share of regrets. Now, I 'share' my regrets and my friends 'like' it. Each like makes me feel better. A virtual euphoria shoes away the misery, just like wind sweeps dark clouds off the sky.

This world gives you ample reason to rejoice. And also there are occasions when you feel lonely, devastated, filthy and disgusted. One can not expect to have a support or a friend by his/her side on all of these occasions. Life is a long, tumultuous journey, which is often (and perhaps best) traveled alone. It is during those moments of jubilation and disappointment that you require a book, Facebook to be precise, by your side.

You just had an amazing dinner after long, tiring day at office. Put this as your status on Facebook, and you realize that the dinner gets yummier and the tiredness evaporates. You are furious with the way this government functions or a policeman asks you for a bribe. Vent out your anger on Facebook, you never know ripples may reach the echelons of rich and mighty. Remember, Egypt was liberated and Anna was made a hero, right here, on Facebook.

Cut. 

I was talking about my life. My life being an open (face)book.

कुछ समय बाद...

• Just got my 'dream job'. Easily the happiest day of my life :-)
• There is no better feeling than Gifting your parents a new car :-)
• Hmmmphhh. Getting your family's consent for marrying the girl of your choice is a pain in ass. :O
• Finally, Everyone has said 'yes'. :-)
• is married <3
• is soon going to be a Dad :D
• Anxious. In Hospital. Stay tuned for updates :P
• is a proud daddy of a sweet angel. :D
• had a terrible fight with my wife over Angel's nappy changing schedule :X

Its a whole new world out there. You and your dreams. Your happiness, your sorrows. Some Likes, No Dislikes. It doubles your joy and divides your pain. A rare level-ground in this world of glorious contrasts. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is a 'Friend'.

If I had my way, I would call it Sir Facebook, Lord Facebook. Whatever. Call it Loner's Paradise. Social's Bliss. Again Whatever.

'Comment' and 'Share'.

Delhi Belly is Yummy Shit!

The punch-line of Delhi Belly says ‘Shit Happens’. Very True. Shit has been happening in the name of comedy for too long in Hindi Cinema. So, 'Masters of Laughathons' serve us with some rotten, run-of-the-mill ‘no-brainers’ in the name of comic flicks. We are supposed to leave our brains at home but carry our wallet to the theatre, pay heavily and watch ‘shit’ in the name of comedy. I won't take names here, but biggest of stars, some renowned directors and famed production houses have done this to us again and again. Only the timing of release differs. Some throw shit at you on occasion of Diwali, some prefer Summer Holidays while others wait till Christmas.

In this regard, Delhi Belly is a refreshing shit, I mean change. The film does not take its audiences for granted, there are no ‘forceful’ laugh riots here. Delhi Belly is a fine example of exemplary execution of situational comedy. My first hug goes to the writer of the film Akshat Verma, who has written a very smart yet bizarre script. The scenes, the situations and the characters infuse laughter spontaneously.

All the three male leads are in terrific form. But it is the debutant Kunal Roy Kapur (Playing Nitin), as a fat, farting, pottying photographer from Patna who steals the show. His exploits will contribute to legend of gross and you may well develop signs of nausea next time orange juice is served to you. Vir Das (Playing Arup) is a marvelous comedian. In fact, he is a master of situational comedy and this ensures that he does not have to break any sweat for making audiences laugh. And yes, there is Imran Khan (playing Tashi) who gets his shares of passionate smooches & 'erection' and in the process, makes you laugh. The two girls, the landlord and Vijay Raaz as the potty-receiving gangster play their part well. Vijay Raaz remains subdued (for a change) throughtout the movie, only to break into cuss spree towards the climax.   

  

The Director, Abhinay Deo, who made a rather lackluster debut with ‘Game’ early this year, leaves a massive impact with Delhi Belly. The way he executes funny sequences, maintains dignity while filming so-called bold scenes, is commendable. And yes, he along with the writer, deserves all the credit for sketching and portraying such ‘relatable’ characters who land up in unimaginable situations.

Ram Sampath’s music is the highpoint of Delhi Belly. Not a single song is second best or an 'also-ran'. Its tough to chose your favorite. For me, Switty edges past DK Bose by a whisker. Background score is compelling and songs have been very well fused in the scenes, which makes Delhi Belly a slim-trim film, length-wise.

Kudos to Censor Board, for passing this movie without any cuts. Yes, the film has been A-rated but that’s actually required but hardly a matter of concern for producers now a days. In fact, Delhi Belly is India’s first Wholesome Adult Entertainer. Abuses and cuss words fly thick and fast but they do not look vulgar. The entire narrative is so beautifully woven in the script that it leaves no scope for complains. Also, the film shocks you with its boldness at places. So, you gape in utter surprise when Kunal Roy Kapur gives a ‘delicate touch’ to a sex worker’s…well…bosoms. Imran Khan’s much publicized ‘erection scene’ also makes you sit upright in your seat. And yes, the concept of 'Blow Job' has been immortalized by Delhi Belly.

And lastly, let’s laud the man, Aamir Khan. You need lots of courage and conviction to back a project like Delhi Belly. His mind-blowing pelvic moves in ‘I Hate You Like I Love You’ culminate the proceedings on a high. He charms you with his antics and seems to be enjoying the golden phase of his career as producer.

 Delhi Belly is bold, intelligent and funny. It is one of those rare comic films that does not try to make you laugh. The decision is entirely left to you. 

Go, celebrate Hindi Cinema’s coming of age. You will find Mr. ROFL and Miss LMAO sitting next to you. Let Naysayers sulk!

Rating: **** (Excellent)

P.S.: I brought this quote from the film back home, “Your Ga**d is like Full Solar Eclipse”. (Vir Das to Kunal Roy Kapoor)

The Sea and the Telephone

Remember, that walk in lush green ground

The moon above and the glittery surround

How every foot-tap made you wonder

Has anyone seen us dancing to tunes of destiny

How easily together we got things done

Sunshine in a rainy night or shade in the scorching sun

Now that you are not here, the sun burns bright

The wind does not blow, sky is torn by strife

Distances can never keep our feelings apart

What if not together, we’ll make a new start

Because love is incomplete without a stringent test

This too shall pass with a bit of agony and some jest

When you are sad, feeling lonely in the big bad city

Go to the sea-shore, find peace and me in the vicinity

Make a palace of sand and decorate it with pebbles

We will be kings and queens of those famed fables

After the sea calms down, drowning the orange sun,

I will wait near that old Beetel telephone.

The tring-tring sounds like a orchestral melody,

And red blinker resembles a star that has always shone.

The days of separation won't last long

Our love would have its final swansong

Whenever your heart beats faster or you are alone

Find me somewhere near the sea and the telephone.

This 'Shaitan' Packs a Punch!

Very few films make you happy after disturbing you to the core. Even fewer films engross you to an extent where you do not mind watching blood and gore on screen. To be honest, I have a very weak heart, I can not stand too much of violence, blood and other 'dark' domains. It is here that a film like Shaitan scores brownie points. It makes you a 'Shaitan' for that duration of nearly two hours. You become a part of that extraordinary ordeal and your innermost demons rule roost, without your conscience realizing the same.

Shaitan is the story of five friends (Emmy, Zubeen, KC, Dash, Tanya) who in the process of getting their asses saved get involved in a series of botched crimes. The film beautifully sketches the lives of affluent youngsters who devastate their lives by committing crimes which are more circumstantial than intentional. Shaitan quite correctly depicts youngsters as sexual, compulsive, edgy and aggressive. It reveals the dark undercurrent that lies beneath youth's trendy outfits, cool demeanor and attractive persona. 

Revealing too much about the storyline of the film would not be justified, as there is a wafer thing plot in first place. All I can say is that Shiatan is the sum total of umpteen 'judgmental errors' made by the characters in a matter of few hours. 

The film never gives you a chance to recover. It weaves a certain magic around you, which does not let you come out of the lives of those five friends. Apart from subtle doses of psychotic behavior, erratic waves inside a youth's mind and dark emotions, the film also dishes out some very basic, simple and 'worth-repeating-numerous-times' kind of lessons. I extracted the following lessons from the film:

• Always be very careful in selection of your friends
• Drug addiction is worse than death, it kills life every time it plans to resurrect itself
• And the most important, committing a new crime is never the best way to hide your criminal past

The film boasts of splendid performances. The entire ensemble cast of Shaitan breathes fire from scene one. There are no mediocre or even average actors involved here. Kalki Koechlin (in the role of Emmy) is the show stealer, she is one of those rare new talents in the industry who can enact both a 18-Year Old and a 80-Year Old with utmost ease. Rajeev Khandelwal (as Inspector Mathur) is super effective in the role of a frustrated cop, while Shiv Pandit (Dash) comes of age in the role of a mysterious drug peddler cum friend of other 4 central characters.

Gulshan Devaih (KC) and Neil Bhoopalam aka Zubeen (Who enacted Shayan Munshi's role in No One Killed Jessica) are terrific. Their peculiar behavior in first half of the film is sure to enthrall the audiences. Kirti Kulhari looks gorgeous as Tanya Sharma and emotes really well in the second half. Also, Rajat Barmecha (of Udaan Fame) appears in a very interesting cameo. 

The director, Bejoy Nambiar, deserves rich accolades for not faking the dark theme. There is strong logic behind every crazy move that characters make in the film. Abuses, dirty jokes fly around but they do not look vulgar. They complement the mood and tone of the film. The director maintains a hawk like grip over the proceedings, throughout the film. He gets into the psyche of Shaitan just so beautifully. Also, I laud Anurag Kashyap for producing a film like this. His taste for anything dark is quite legendary now, but this one is dark as well as beautiful.

Special credit must be given to the scintillating background score (Ranjit Barot), captivating cinematography (Madhie) and impactful dialogues (Abhijeet Deshpande). These are the three pillars of Shaitan on which hinges the overall receptivity of the film. 

There are a few glitches too. Rajiv Khandelwal's marriage on the rocks track looks futile. Also, the ending leaves you begging for more. But nevertheless, the movie as an entire package packs a massive punch. Shaitan is cunning, disturbing, dark, witty, gory, edgy, racy and scintillating.

This one is the best 'beat-the-heat-deal' on offer. Grab it!

Recommended!


Rating: **** (Very Good) 

P.S.: Do not watch it if you are below 18. Strictly Not. Few scenes are indeed very disturbing. Be Strong. And your girlfriend might develop symptoms like nausea and headache, if you plan to watch the film with her.

A (Drunk) Man's Best Friend

Alcohol is my way of getting closer to the almighty. I experience orgasmic illusions, divine hallucinations and several other visual/non-visual sensations of this order, every time I am drunk. You may find me weird but try and get into my psyche. You will understand what I mean. That feeling of being ‘free’ and ‘on top of the world’ can only be achieved when a certain amount of alcohol embraces your blood.

*********************

My friend CB is an asshole, a teetotaler to be precise. I never wish CB long life on birthday. What’s the point of living a long life when it’s not sprinkled with colorful, volatile and semi-soluble liquids. You may think that I am very rude, how can I say such things about a person whom I call as a friend. But I don’t mind that you think this way, I am sure CB would not take it otherwise. CB is a sweetheart, like a tiny little bird residing in a cozy nest.

*********************

I have always tried to locate a best friend in my life. You know it's very necessary that you have a best friend in your life. Not only he/she is supposed to help you swim across troubled waters, double your joy when you are happy and provide unconditional support, but also make it to the ‘featured friends’ section of Facebook. A best friend should be like a movie poster, glitzy and glamorous, worth attaching your name with.

Let’s rule out women from contention straightaway. All men suffer from some serious diseases related to adrenalin and libido. How so ever, asexual they might pretend to be, there would be a moment in time, when they will think for her ‘that way’. And needless to say, women as best friends would bring in some unwanted baggage like commitment, truthfulness, decency, secretiveness, loyalty and several other such humongous concepts. And most importantly, she would never ever let a sexy, smoldering-hot girlfriend enter your life. If given a chance, she would hook you up with a cow or a duck for that matter.

Those who say that things like books, music and teddy are their best friends are great losers. They just try and hide the fact that they do not have a best friend in their life. You must have a living thing by your side, when you require. What’s the point in crying while submerging your face inside the teddy, when all it can do is quickly soak the salty liquid.

I also rule out Girlfriend and family members from the list. I will not explain, why I have left them out. I am drunk, you are supposed to be in senses. And if you are in senses, you would know that being a 'man' you would never share all your secrets with your Girlfriend (Until you happen to be a pet dog) or with any of your family members (Until you are straight out of some daily soap).

That leaves me only with the option of men. A man can be a man's best friend. Yes of course, they can share dirty jokes, collaborate in women scanning, sit over for a drink, smoke, the list is endless. But, is that all in a man's life? Perhaps, I am coming back to my senses, so whatever I say now onwards is supposed to be taken seriously.

Why men bond only over women, drinks, cricket and things like that? Why do they talk less and hope to be understood more? What makes them so egoistic, stubborn when it comes to reacting to situations and persons ? No answers. No one has answers.

"For us friendship is like a engine that never runs out of gas. We kick around but leave imprints rather than cracks." I continued with my sermon.

"Please shut up. I have been hearing this all night long" CB finally spoke up.

"Look, I am not drunk. But, I feel like telling it to you. You are my best friend. You are exceptional" I shook vigorously while speaking. CB smiled at me. 

"You also consider me as your best friend. Say, yes." I was expectant.

"Yes, we are good friends." CB said

"Why just good friends, why not best friends, just because I am drunk. No one wants to be Drunk Man's Best Friend. Sad!" I was disappointed.

"Look into my eyes, can you see something" 

Next moment, I was kissing CB (Chetna Bakshi) passionately. She became A Drunk Man's Best Friend, at least for next few minutes..err..Hours. 

P.S. : There must have been some very good logic while designating the role of 'A Man's Best Friend" to Dogs.  

Film Review: Ready

Morning shows the day. Whosoever said this, must have been a man/woman with great wit and intelligence. When all the supposed Special appearances of Ready winded up within first 15 minutes of the film, I knew I was being taken for a ride. There was no logic whatsoever to cram Sanjay Dutt, Arbaaz Khan, Ajay Devgan, Kangana Ranaut and that Katrina Look alike (she finally has flab at right places) in the initial reels of the film. Cameos and special appearances are supposed to be ‘significant’ for the film, they are supposed to add some value. Only Zarine Khan had something to do as she sizzled in the character dheela number while Ajay and Sanjay looked completely out of place. I instantly got a feeling, Salman Khan, family (Arbaaz and Sohail, the producer) and friends (Sanjay, Kangana, Zarine) have made this film for fun, they must have had a gala time shooting in picturesque island of Sri Lanka.

So how is Ready? Firstly, it’s not just a no-brainer but actually a non-film, a tangy docu-drama, whose sole purpose is to glorify and further glorify the Larger than life image of Salman Khan, the lead protagonist. Nothing wrong with it. Salman Khan is a mega-star who is perhaps going through the purple patch of his career. In fact, he does give that periodic feeling of Vintage Salman. I mean only he can pee on a hay stack and ask you to go into interval and look cunningly at the audiences every time after getting hold of Asin’s Body. He plays it to the gallery and deserves all the sities and taalis. But…

There are several moments in the film when you feel like holding the director (Anees Bazmee) by his collar and ask him, “WHY”? This man has been dishing out rotten potatoes to the movie-goers for years now. I have seen good side of him (Deewangee, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha), he can be a master at comedy too (No Entry) but off late he seems to be driven by moolahs only. What explains his precarious decision of working on three films simultaneously (No Problem, Thank You, Ready). Even Ram Gopal Verma would be ashamed of such audacity. Bazmee virtually made No Entry Part 2 in form of Thank You (by the way, No Entry 2 is still on!), now he picks up Welcome’s script, replaces Bhais with mamas, expands the family on both sides and makes Ready! Outrageous.

Ready has no story to write about. There are simply too many characters. Salman has three uncles (sorry two if you do not count Paresh, his adopted uncle), each uncle has a wife. He has a father too, who also has a wife. Then there are two maids in his house, a Guruji and his accomplice. Asin’s family tree is worse. She has two Mamas, respective mamis, a rowdy cousin and the entire goon clan of the Chaudharies, as they call themselves.Thankfully, her parents are dead.

The entire first half is wasted in establishing the characters. Story and screenplay not just have loopholes but huge potholes. Talented actors like Paresh Rawal, Sharat Saxena, Akhilendra Mishra, Manoj Pahwa and Mahesh Manjerekar (he repeats Suneil Shetty's Act in Awara Pagal Deewana) have been terribly wasted. Only Sudesh Lahiri (of Comedy Circus fame) manages to tickle your bones. I have a feeling that director or the script writer contributed little to his achievements, his stint at Comedy Circus and his own sense of comedy saved the day for him. Asin Thottumkal needs to pay attention to her skin. Her face appears to be pimplified through out the film. For acting part, she is her natural self, vibrant in whatever little she has got to do.

Salman is the only savior. I am sorry, this film was made to show him as the savior. His screen presence his fantastic, you can not take your eyes off him when he is around. He throws some quirky one-liners (Its hilarious when he starts singing Chaudhary ka chand ho), packs some double meaning dialogues too. He is in top form, doing virtually everything possible in front of the audiences.

Music (by Pritam) is Ready's highpoint. Dhink chika and Character Dheela are chartbusters and other songs too suit the mood of the film. There is nothing special about Sunil Kumar's and Thomas Xavier's cinematography. As far as the story and script are concerned, well, JFI (Just Forget It).

I am not a Cinema scholar who tears apart every commercial cake thats on offering. But there should be a limit to what you offer in the name of fultoo entertainer or paisa vasool. The sad part is that makers of Ready seem to be arrogant and non-sensitive, in the way, they serve out this non-sense. Sheer star power of Salman Khan seems to have gone on to their heads rather than the actor himself.

Akshay Kumar too had a similar streak of success some years back. Salman Khan is different from him in the sense that he enjoys much larger and far more loyal fan following. It wont be an exaggeration if I say he is turning to be Rajnikanth of North. Wanted and Dabangg were the perfect fodder, but Ready flatters to deceive.

Final Verdict: You will be disappointed if you expected Ready to be the first big entertainer of the year. You will be exasperated if you thought Ready would give you a relief from scorching heat and overdose of cricket.

I would not state the cliche: The film is strictly for the die-hard Salman fans. 

My Rating: * 1/2 (Poor)

Salman Khan: A Star Away from Galaxy

While I was coming back from my office to home in the yellow-green Delhi Auto (I love this color combination!), my gaze fell on a small sticker pasted above the rear view mirror. I had seen posters of this man on almost all the autos, taxis, buses, small shops, in short in every nook and corner where India resides. The autowalah saw me looking at the sticker and put across a query " Bhaiya, Are you going for 'Ready' this Friday?". The exemplary glee and pride in his voice was evident.

That's the unique charm, charisma and mass appeal of this extremely good looking and 'somewhat' talented superstar of Hindi Cinema- Salman Khan. With uncountable flops to his credit and a not so sober image, Salman still manages to catch the imagination of the great Indian Aam Aadmi. But what exactly makes this Super-brat click? Where does he stand in front of the other two Khans..? Well, lets diagnose..

Salman Khan is not an actor, let's face it. He is a mere performer, a terrific one. His strength lies in being himself, not pretending (even remotely) to be someone else. Salman connects with the audience because, he does things that an ordinary young man fantasizes to do. So he rips apart his shirt and flaunts his muscular body, cracks jokes on farting, laughs very naturally, plays guitar on the seaside, dances with firangi girls on the beach, crushes the enemy with utmost ease and flamboyance. And ofcourse, woos women by singing romantic songs, dressing up in designer tees et al.

The audience also sees the 'rebel' in him. A guy who has broken law on many occassions, but is good at heart nevertheless. A friend of friends and a bitter enemy (Ask King Khan for both the aspects). The world also has a soft corner for him as he is perceived to be a man who has been betrayed in love time and again. So, the common perception implies that Aishwarya left her after climbing the success ladder, so did Katrina (if at all).

While SRK and Aamir are more like Businessmen, Salman is the people's man. The two of more illustrious Khans are shrewd intellectuals, very conscious of their image, the films that they do and how they behave in public. Off late they have presented themselves more like producers than Stars. They mean business, they deal in huge numbers.

Salman is a touch different, he walks in a friend's film just like that and research & preparation are two terms alien to him. Directors who know to tap Salman's " being self" talent, have succeeded in dishing out hits. Rest of them have just used him for no use effectively.

The original macho man of Indian Cinema, Salman Khan's career is very interestingly poised. His raw appeal seems to be working with masses but the urban audience might have developed a disconnect.His way forward heavily depends on films that he does post Dabangg, because there can't be many Wanteds and Dabanggs. He has already cashed upon trash masala stuff , the challenge is to go a step beyond and walk in a new lane. The question is what exactly can he offer us through 'Ready'?

Just for thought.- Have you seen anyone dance better than Salman Khan in 'Munni Badnam' ? Thats DANCE for you, rest of them I call as CHOREOGRAPHY.

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Don't miss Review of Ready on June3-4.

Cosmic Romance

I don’t know what it is

But there is a shadow behind me

Every time I fly into dazzling blue light

That gaze is uplifting, what if it’s slight

No name can justify

The bond we shared and smiles we had

Saccharine murmurs are still fresh very much

I miss your bioscopic eyes and feathery touch

Those lunar walks amid the setting sun

We chased stars, wiped out the rainbow

But one avian stunt you failed to notice

As I took Cloud Cover after planting that kiss

Love is about taking that extra mile

And we had a sky to cover

Carefree Hover, Buoyant Us

Blue was Sky, Free of Worldly Cuss

One fine day, We got a new life, supposedly a better one

But Being Human was a web of complexities

Burdened flights forced emotions to soften

We experienced Jet lag so more than often

And Then Love was interrupted

As reason controlled nonsensical heart

Soon we headed to that dreaded state of Separation

Amalgamation Aplenty Led to Sublimation

Now, Up in the heaven, I wish to call you back

But I wonder whether you would like an Afterlife

Love should give us that second chance

It's time, we rekindled our Cosmic Romance

To Rahul, With Rancor

Dear Rahul,

You troubled me a lot last week by shamelessly occupying news space, my staple diet, for a reason, which I found hard to comprehend. You must understand that you are to politics what Ranbir Kapoor is to Hindi Film Industry. You are media’s favorite pin-up boy, single and available for marriage and also prime ministership, (in your case). But that does not give you the liberty to poke your nose in each and every affair of this country. Ranbir can get away with fooling around every now and then, but sorry you are not so lucky. The same people who hail you as the Next King of India would banish you to death if a single step goes wrong.

Firstly, who are you? What is your qualification and distinction? Why shall I trust you when you say that women have been raped and there is a mass grave in Bhatta Parsaul? Do you have any substantial evidence to back your serious charges? The answer is in negative and your flip-flop post that overzealous statement is a testimony to this fact. I will not, and no Indian should, trust you blindly just because you carry that illustrious surname. You have achieved little in your life other than that scion tag and your theatrics seem to be mere eyewash.

You have a fetish for rural India and poor milieu. When you get bored, swimming in the political waters of Delhi, you swiftly retreat to a untouchable’s house in some non-descript hamlet, shake hands with villagers, carry mud on your head and spend a night there. What difference does this trip of yours make in the lives of those poor villagers? They only find themselves in the news headlines along with you.

Why is it that you take up farmers’ issues only in the states that are not ruled by your party? Is the UP land agitation the only of its kind in India? Where were you when farmers were shot at in Jaitapur, Maharashtra and in Andhra Pradesh? You don’t bother to go there just because these are congress-ruled states. You have one-point agenda in your mind: To strengthen Congress’ base in states where its clout has eroded. Nothing wrong with that, its your duty as the party’s youth leader and General secretary. But why do you 'fake' issues? Why are you hell bent on playing politics over dead farmers in UP? Why have you exaggerated the issue and made Mayawati look like Muammar Gadaffi? Rahul, you have misled the already 'lost Prime Minister' of this country, and the ignorant Indians at large.

I applauded when you took that Bombay local to defy goon politics of Shiv Sena. I liked the way you raised the issue of Kalavati in the Parliament. But you seem to have lost plot here. You are behaving like an  ill-informed kid who is dying to get his share of lolly. Truth and honesty, which made you distinct in initial stages of your political career, have deserted you. But let me remind you, Uttar Pradesh wont be reclaimed by these 'one-day retreat' dramas of yours. Mayawati is no saint. But you are no God either.

With Rancor,

A Non-Congressman

Where the Mind 'Was' Without Fear...

As a school kid, I often wondered why West Bengal was called 'West' Bengal when it was located on the Eastern side of India. A concrete answer was elusive until a subject called history made a quiet entry in my academic life, perhaps in class VI.

With time I came to know about Bengal's glorious past and how it played a pivotal role in shaping India's history. Other than the fact that Calcutta served as the capital of British Raj for several years, Bengal was intertwined in almost every significant historical landmark that India crossed. Right from the first war of Independence in 1857 to the tragic partition in 1947. From Bose to Rajaram Mohun Roy, Bengalis contributed immensely to the cause of One India and 'Indian-ness'.

Gradually as my knowledge and understanding of the world started to take some vague shape, I started to appreciate the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and Bankimchandra. They were not only great artists and carriers of the lantern of knowledge in the dark days of British Rule, but were in fact somewhat ahead of their times. Somehow, I always put Tagore and Socrates in the same league, they shaped conscience, philosophy and outlook of their respective countries.

And like any other common Indian, Films caught my imagination once I was an adolescent. Here also Bengal was ruling the roost with likes of Kishore Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Mithun, the list is almost endless. As a student of Film Making in my graduation days, a man called Satyajeet Ray was definitely the most talked about, may be along with a certain Alfred Hitchcock. Art, music, literature (Devdas!), colors (Durga Puja), life, happiness Bengal was simmering with every divine aspect of human existence. (Also, somewhere around 1999, Sourav Ganguly bewitched me).

But every shadow of white is accompanied by a tinge of red. Nothing in this world is spotless. Bengal learned this fact quite literally by getting itself embroiled in the Red Cauldron for 34 long years. Freedom of expression was brutally suppressed in a regime that thrived on an obsolete ideology. Wheels of development came to a screeching halt in the state, which was once the fountainhead of India's growth and industrialization. Lathi & cadre Raj took center stage in lives of modest and soft spoken Bengalis who relished ink, brush-strokes and strings.

Nadir is an understatement for what Bengal achieved in 34 years of Left Rule. Cultural decimation, intellectual erosion and mental repression were the gifts presented by a ruthless communist regime in the garb of socialism and poor-protectionism.

Mamata Banerjee might not be the best orator, she might lack the quintessential charm and polish of a politician, but she surely is a fighter. A street fighter who has risen above all odds, taking blows after blows, to fulfill a dream that looked impossible to be realized. The lady who wears simple cotton Saris, bathroom slippers and carries a small little world in her Jhola has definitely created history by toppling the longest ruling, democratically elected (sadly) Left regime. 

Its time for her to celebrate, relax and unwind. She deserved every bit of it after fighting relentlessly for all these years. History awaits her transition from a dogged fighter to an able administrator.

Why Ganguly is the eighth wonder of Indian cricket: Avijit Ghosh

The Times of India Blogs

Sometimes fairytales come true. In the case of Sourav Ganguly, it almost always does. Playing for Pune Warriors India in his debut IPL 4 game on Tuesday, the former India captain showed once again why he would always be the prince of hearts for his fans.

On the face of it, an unbeaten innings of 32 runs off 32 balls can be dismissed as anything but special. Ten out of those 32 runs happened due to errors -- a miscued pull that fell in no man's land and went for two, a Dale Steyn fielding mistake that got him a boundary and a French cut off the South African paceman that fetched him four.

Only two shots -- the smashing drive over extra-cover off a 143.2 km fast delivery against Ishant Sharma and a six over mid-wicket off leg-spinner Amit Mishra - were of any substance.

But that's entirely missing the human drama that this innings was all about. When PWI announced that they had signed Ganguly to play for the remainder of the IPL, even his most ardent fans had mixed feelings. They wanted him to succeed but they were not sure if he could.

After all, the 38-year-old cricketer had not picked up a bat in the past five months, as he himself revealed after the match.



Many others would have refused the offer. Ganguly didn't. He had always maintained he wanted to play in the IPL. Of course, the money was a factor. But it was also evident that he enjoyed playing the game. Perhaps he also accepted the offer even at this late stage because he wanted to show that the fat cats had made a mistake in not selecting him at the auction.

On Tuesday against Deccan Chargers, the left-hander once again showed that it is possible to put mind over matter. You can, if you think you can.

The crowd understood this frisson between the heart and the body that happened in Hyderabad as Ganguly guided his team to a victory. They applauded him as much for his courage -– he prefers batting to pontificating from the commentators' box or passing judgments like Javagal Srinath in his column -- as for his shots.

No single has been more cheered and clapped in IPL history than the first run he scored. And he was not even the home boy.

Sportsmen generally generate only two emotions: euphoria and despair. But like a rock star, Ganguly can make you run through the entire gamut of emotions.

Being a Ganguly fan means being part of an unpredictable emotional journey. You never know what will come your way on a particular day. Nobody else has the power to enthrall and exasperate like him.

His fans understand the wonder of Sourav Ganguly.


Source: The Times of India

Boria Majumdar: IPL's showcase face-off

An impending battle between KKR owner Shahrukh Khan and his former skipper Saurav Ganguly will be a treat for sore eyes in the IPL.

By Boria Majumdar

I have been grumbling for a while that the IPL isn’t just taking off. No major controversy yet, the usual suspects performing, no major organizational lapse, expected drop in television ratings given the cricket calendar and also the killing of Osama Bin Laden, which had taken over the world of news across the globe the past week.

Amidst all of this there was one piece of news that helped light up the IPL horizon—Saurav Ganguly making yet another comeback as a Warrior and will be padding up against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on 19 May. Yes the Warriors are languishing at the bottom of the IPL table given their inability to close out matches from winning positions but that doesn’t take anything away from this very special contest, one between Bengal and Kolkata perhaps.

Ganguly is still the single biggest icon in my part of the world in the East and it is an ethnography worth doing to check how many in Bengal supports Pune on the 19th with their favorite son playing for the Pune outfit against KKR. It will be a different version of the Tebbit Test, city loyalty versus individual charisma, support for the city team versus love for an individual. Signs are it will be a very close contest with Kolkata and Bengal deeply divided on the issue.

Knowing Saurav Ganguly well it is only foolish to write him off. Having said that, it is a fight that is going to be the most difficult of his career, a reality he knows only too well. When he made his fairytale comeback in 2006, he was an international cricketer and was in constant touch with the game. Even when he answered the Buchanan snub in 2010, he had played a lot of domestic cricket leading up to the IPL and coupled with his incredible mental resolve was favorite once again do it at IPL stage.

2011, however, is different. Saurav hasn’t played much domestic cricket at all in the lead up to the competition. The call up, to quote one of his closest aides, was “totally unexpected.” In fact, when Warriors team Director Abhijit Sarkar, the brain behind this move, called him on the Sunday night, he was almost in bed! That he got his kit out after the hour long conversation with Sarkar only proves how much he was craving for this opportunity, the most important factoid that makes the contest on the 19th a really special one. Saurav sweated it out at the Eden for more than three hours on Monday morning and has been practicing twice a day for hours since he joined the team on Wednesday, 4th May.

For him it is not about money. As he has himself said on many occasions, it doesn’t matter whether he gets his 400,000 USD or not. What does matter is can he redeem himself? Can he avenge the ill treatment meted out to him at the IPL auction and can he demonstrate for one final time that there’s some cricket left in him?

Can he still face up to Brett Lee on a bouncy DY Patil track and prove his critics wrong? It is all about reputation and that’s what has made the contest the real big face off between the country’s two leading icons, Shahrukh Khan and Saurav Ganguly. Pune Warriors and KKR have suddenly turned incidental to the whole script with these two leading entertainers taking center stage.

For Khan and his men Ganguly will provide that extra incentive to perform, not to mention the opportunity to make the play offs. If they are able to get Ganguly cheaply, their owner, more than anyone else, will breathe a sigh of relief for anything to the contrary and he will have to answer a million questions when he makes it to Kolkata before the match against the Mumbai Indians on the 22nd.

The stakes, one must admit, are high making it the IPL’s showcase face off, something that the tournament was badly in need of. Let’s hope the days leading up to this contest will spice it up further. It might well be that the match turns a must win for Kolkata to make the next stage while a loss against Pune might yet again shatter Shahrukh Khan’s dream of winning the coveted IPL trophy. Neither Khan nor Ganguly will want to lose this one. Yes, this is what sport is all about. A captivating tale of high intense drama with more than credibility is at stake. I, as a fan, can’t wait for this one to unfold.

Courtesy: Boria Majumdar/Sports.ndtv.com

Mr. Mirror

We often look into each other, our eyes meet

I glare and you pass that friendly glance

We neither converge nor tread the similar path

Why are our perspectives different?

I experience guilt and you have no remorse to show

My tears fail to make headway too

Jubilation is your muse while I sulk

Like a frowning old lady

Virtual is you they say

Your reflections are funny I feel

Sometimes I wonder

Do you know what apathy is, what’s zeal

The world outside staggers

Brilliant red blood oozes its way out

And you flatter to deceive

Showing the red rosy picture

Light is your best friend

But I want to look at you when its dark

Queries are aplenty, some lush more stark

Mr Mirror, Give me the Answer. (I am told, you don't lie too often)

1 Dead Man, 10 Uncomfortable Questions

So the United States has finally hunted down world’s most dreaded terrorist. In a swift operation that lasted merely 40 minutes, US forces killed Osama bin-Laden in Abbottabad area of Pakistan. Contrary to earlier reports which suggested that Osama might be hiding in some inaccessible hilly area near Pak-Afghan border, the Al-Qaeda leader was found hidden in a posh mansion merely 90 kilometers away from Pakistani capital. As reports filter from Pakistan about what led to eventual fall of the man who shook the world nearly 10 years ago, several questions pop up in mind.

Disturbing Picture

• How on earth the world’s most wanted terrorist stayed in a residential area near Pakistani capital and nobody had a clue? Were the inhabitants of Abbotabad aware of Laden’s stay in the area? Was there a moral support given to Laden, if not logistical, by the people of Abottabad?

• Abbottabad is the hub of the Pakistani Military. There is a Military Training Academy at a stone’s throw from where Osama lived. Regular security drill and stringent checks are common near a military base. How come Pakistani Army missed out on the biggest mansion in the area that stood like an invincible fortress? It is next to impossible to imagine that an army as shrewd as Pakistan’s would not have the knowledge of such a great phenomenon. Did the Pakistani Military provide safe haven to Osama? Was he hiding there under the aegis of Pak Army?

• It’s a known fact that Pakistan is a divided state. Almost like various slices of bread in a packet. Was Pakistan’s civilian government totally unaware of Osama’s whereabouts? Is the Pakistani army so independent and powerful that it can hide world’s most wanted terrorist, without letting the government know?

• What was the role of Pakistan’s Intelligence agency (ISI) in the entire setup? Did they mastermind Osama’s stay inside Pakistan? Were they involved, in any capacity, with the US operation that led to Osama’s downfall?

• Who provided Osama with financial and logistical help in all these years of his stay at Abbottabad? If there was no internet and telephone in the mansion, how did he communicate with rest of his mujaheedins? Did Pakistan Army act as a carrier and courier?

• If the US treats Pakistan as its ally in the War against Terror, why it did not share information with them? Is there any lack of trust between US and Pakistan? If yes, Why is US still hanging on with a bunch of liars?

• If the US authorities were sure about Osama’s location 10 months ago, what made them wait for so long? Was President Obama seeking a ‘right time’ to launch the operation? Has this entire thing  some connection with Obama’s re-election bid?

• Why did not US come out publicly with Osama’s identity? Was he given a chance to surrender inside the mansion? Was not he shot in his eyes at point-blank range? Where is the justice? What is the difference between Obama and Osama? Why everything was such a hush-hush affair? Why bury Osama in the Sea?

• What is the US stand on Pakistan now? Has not India’s claim that, all terror groups find shelter in Pakistan, been proven correct? Pakistan lied for years. What action can US take against Pakistan’s double game?

• What next? Where does US’ war on terror go from here on? Is the job done? What are US’ future plans in Afghanistan?

Osama is dead. But his fear psychosis lives on. He promised to produce a million Osamas before he died. Time will tell how successful has he been. Some hail him as the champion of oppressed Muslims across the world, most loathe him as a cynic Jihadist who brought disgrace to his religion and was responsible for killing of thousands of innocent civilians. I remember him for the way he screwed a US president, who was equally villainous, if not more.

P.S.: The Writer welcomes death of Osama Bin-Laden. He is not a conspiracy theorist. He just seeks a bit of clarity..and justice (President Obama's favorite word).