The recent BlackBerry outage introduced me to someone inside me I have always I feared: the paranoid BlackBerry owner who checks her phone every five seconds. Someone who hates going to the SMS folder only because BBM is the dominant navigation feature.
I realised then that I read all the office mails I get. It annoyed me when I couldn't see any new mail after my six-hour sleep. I check Twitter even before I pick up the morning newspaper, and I can't even tell you how annoying it was to have the same tweets on my timeline for more than 48 hours. Yes, I'm addicted to my BlackBerry and I'm the one who annoys everybody in social gatherings by smiling to myself! I usually find a joke funnier when I read it on my phone... and I have no clue why! (Yes, I need help.) In fact I have a strong feeling I check my phone in my sleep as well.
So, all this while when the BlackBerry services crippled, it seemed like a part of my life was missing. As though a very dear friend of mine was not talking to me. I may sound very dramatic but the emotion was exactly that.
All those BlackBerry bashers made sure my sadness was further turned into a tragedy. No, I don't mean those fruit-ty gizmos! It's the 'Android' owners. They laughed, made BAD jokes and kept giving me that 'you-are-such-a-loser' look. Sadly, I have too many of these people around me. Their tweets were boiling my blood, because every time I had a smart reply I had to run to the closest PC around. Yes, my BlackBerry was absent and was at fault here.
One dear friend actually said, "BlackBerry is so last decade." I mean who are these people? And even if it is 'so-last-decade', then be it. I am dependent on it and more importantly, there isn't anything that I dislike about my beloved machine.
Anyway, I had faith it would get better soon and happier times will be back. My BlackBerry services are back and the world is a happier place. Thankfully, this separation was just a lovers' tiff. Otherwise, it would have been the worst break-up millions of us would have ever had.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
To Rahul Dravid, with love
Rahul Dravid finally calls it a day from One-Day Internationals. My only memory of being absolutely in love with someone is this man. Call me star-struck, but I never have rated anyone above him. His game, his style, his way of talking and the ability to remain calm and composed in the worst of all situations and I think I can go on endlessly. I must have been an eight-year-old when I first saw him play, and ever since there was not anyone whom I have liked better.
I still have a treasured scrapbook, which has all the possible pictures and newspaper cuttings of Dravid's articles, ads and those cricket cards we used to get in packets of chips. 4th May 2003 was a teary day in my life, being one out of many women who thought Dravid was the true love of my life. (That is the day he married Vijeta Pendharkar -- one lucky woman!)
Ups, downs and those quite phases - Dravid has seen it all, heard it all. Nevertheless, he stood there strong playing his game, his way and simply be himself. Many found his way too traditional to be acceptable in today's world. Many wrote him off much before his time. However, Dravid silently stood his ground, played his game, worked hard and kept himself in the game.
I remember that disastrous World Cup tour in 2007 after which everyone called him names, blamed him for the embarrassment that India faced. The man remained calm, not because he could not answer but because silence is always the stronger man's weapon. Hailed as 'The Wall' of Team India, Dravid has always been a team man; someone who has performed when nothing else worked. His records do the talking. As much of a cliché as it may sound, Dravid is indeed the unsung hero of our times.
Devendra Prabhudesai aptly named his book on Dravid 'The Nice Guy Who Finished First'. Dravid has always had an aura of being the nice guy around. Someone who would never say no, someone who would have that warm smile even on the worst of days. Seldom have we seen an animated Dravid but one memory of an elated Dravid will remain embedded in every fan's memory when he jumped with joy after getting his double century against Australia.
It is a fitting farewell for Dravid as it ends where it all began. Dravid will be seen in the Indian blues for the last time today playing against England. He made his Test debut against England in 1996 at Lord's. A memorable debut it was, he scored a spirited 95. Dravid had made a place for himself in the world of cricket for eternity.
As a fan it gets increasingly difficult for me to imagine the game being played without Dravid, it's an end of an era. The good part, however, is that with his formidable form, we can always be assured of a lot of good Test cricket left in him. Dravid will forever remain the shy guy who stood tall amongst his peers and performed for India in the most difficult of times.
I still have a treasured scrapbook, which has all the possible pictures and newspaper cuttings of Dravid's articles, ads and those cricket cards we used to get in packets of chips. 4th May 2003 was a teary day in my life, being one out of many women who thought Dravid was the true love of my life. (That is the day he married Vijeta Pendharkar -- one lucky woman!)
Ups, downs and those quite phases - Dravid has seen it all, heard it all. Nevertheless, he stood there strong playing his game, his way and simply be himself. Many found his way too traditional to be acceptable in today's world. Many wrote him off much before his time. However, Dravid silently stood his ground, played his game, worked hard and kept himself in the game.
I remember that disastrous World Cup tour in 2007 after which everyone called him names, blamed him for the embarrassment that India faced. The man remained calm, not because he could not answer but because silence is always the stronger man's weapon. Hailed as 'The Wall' of Team India, Dravid has always been a team man; someone who has performed when nothing else worked. His records do the talking. As much of a cliché as it may sound, Dravid is indeed the unsung hero of our times.
Devendra Prabhudesai aptly named his book on Dravid 'The Nice Guy Who Finished First'. Dravid has always had an aura of being the nice guy around. Someone who would never say no, someone who would have that warm smile even on the worst of days. Seldom have we seen an animated Dravid but one memory of an elated Dravid will remain embedded in every fan's memory when he jumped with joy after getting his double century against Australia.
It is a fitting farewell for Dravid as it ends where it all began. Dravid will be seen in the Indian blues for the last time today playing against England. He made his Test debut against England in 1996 at Lord's. A memorable debut it was, he scored a spirited 95. Dravid had made a place for himself in the world of cricket for eternity.
As a fan it gets increasingly difficult for me to imagine the game being played without Dravid, it's an end of an era. The good part, however, is that with his formidable form, we can always be assured of a lot of good Test cricket left in him. Dravid will forever remain the shy guy who stood tall amongst his peers and performed for India in the most difficult of times.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Kishore Kumar, the man behind the yodel
Fondly called Kishoreda, India's music legend Kishore Kumar was the mellifluous master of immortal hits that redefined style in an industry governed by tradition. The man who followed in his brother's footsteps Kishore had worked as lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter.
He was also the singing voice of many actors, particularly Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. Kishore had the ability to make heroes look good, he added to any melody by his unique style of singing.
The legendary singer added soul to many songs that wouldn't have been what they are if it wasn't for the magic of Kishore.
Born in a Bengali family Kishore sang in many languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.
Say Kishore, and 'yodeling' is the first thing that comes to the mind. He popularised yodeling in India, and there are few who do it better than him. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana from Andaz is one of the most amazing songs in this style sung by him.
Kishore and Pancham, RD Burman, both were a treat to the music lover in their time, the duo have given unforgettable melodies. Both being versatile musicians gave hits after hits together. 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain', 'Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain', 'Mere Bheegi Bheegi Si' to name a few are some of the biggest hits that the two gave together.
Some of Kishore numbers like 'Kuchh to log kahenge', 'Yeh kya hua', 'Yeh Shaam Mastani',and 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat hain' are embedded in memories. His soulful voice warmed the heart has stayed and will remain with his fans' forever.
Kishore's comic timing was impeccable. Films such as Padosan and Chalti ka Naam Gadi are timeless comedies. The mischievous voice of Kishore in songs 'Hum The Woh Thi Aur Samaan Rangeen...' and 'Ek Chatur Naar' can bring on everyone's faces.
Kishore Kumar's sudden death left the fans in much grief but his voice has lived and will remain for years to come. Fan and not Kishore is a treat to listen. From soulful melodies to fun songs. Kishore's songs are for every mood and every reason.
Here are some of his best works:
1. Chingaro Koi Badke from Amar Prem
2. Yeh Sham Mastani from Kati Patang
3. Neele Neele Ambar Par
4. My name is Anthony Gonsalves
5. Dil Kya Kare
6. Phoolon Ke Rang Se
7. O Saathi Re
8. Main Hoo Jhum Jhum Jhumroo
9. Ina Mina Dika
10. Om Shanti Om
11. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
12. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain
13. Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain
14. Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz
15. Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna
He was also the singing voice of many actors, particularly Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. Kishore had the ability to make heroes look good, he added to any melody by his unique style of singing.
The legendary singer added soul to many songs that wouldn't have been what they are if it wasn't for the magic of Kishore.
Born in a Bengali family Kishore sang in many languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.
Say Kishore, and 'yodeling' is the first thing that comes to the mind. He popularised yodeling in India, and there are few who do it better than him. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana from Andaz is one of the most amazing songs in this style sung by him.
Kishore and Pancham, RD Burman, both were a treat to the music lover in their time, the duo have given unforgettable melodies. Both being versatile musicians gave hits after hits together. 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain', 'Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain', 'Mere Bheegi Bheegi Si' to name a few are some of the biggest hits that the two gave together.
Some of Kishore numbers like 'Kuchh to log kahenge', 'Yeh kya hua', 'Yeh Shaam Mastani',and 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat hain' are embedded in memories. His soulful voice warmed the heart has stayed and will remain with his fans' forever.
Kishore's comic timing was impeccable. Films such as Padosan and Chalti ka Naam Gadi are timeless comedies. The mischievous voice of Kishore in songs 'Hum The Woh Thi Aur Samaan Rangeen...' and 'Ek Chatur Naar' can bring on everyone's faces.
Kishore Kumar's sudden death left the fans in much grief but his voice has lived and will remain for years to come. Fan and not Kishore is a treat to listen. From soulful melodies to fun songs. Kishore's songs are for every mood and every reason.
Here are some of his best works:
1. Chingaro Koi Badke from Amar Prem
2. Yeh Sham Mastani from Kati Patang
3. Neele Neele Ambar Par
4. My name is Anthony Gonsalves
5. Dil Kya Kare
6. Phoolon Ke Rang Se
7. O Saathi Re
8. Main Hoo Jhum Jhum Jhumroo
9. Ina Mina Dika
10. Om Shanti Om
11. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
12. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain
13. Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain
14. Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz
15. Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna
Monday, August 1, 2011
Nothing 'slutty' about Delhi's first SlutWalk
After a lot of anticipation and speculation, Delhi finally got its first edition of the SlutWalk. The capital's version of the protest was much tamer and smaller as compared to other cities. On a warm and humid Sunday morning, when the anticipation started building up, there were a lots of young volunteers and organisers who were running around with their walky-talkies and tense faces to make sure everything goes according to the plan (and did a good job of ensuring that there was no chaos at the venue.)
While other cities around the world had drawn thousands, Delhi drew just about 500 participants and an almost equal number of media personnel and photographers gathered in the July heat. The general notion that went around was that women will be dressed skimpy and revealing clothes as was the trend in other editions of the walk. But 'Besharmi Morcha' saw women strutting the streets carrying off the usual plain look wearing simple jeans-shirts, salwar-kurta and shirts. It was toned down and as the protesters started coming in, it was clear that there would be no mini-skirts, fishnet stockings or anything that could be subjected to 'questions'.
The organiser Umang Sabharwal said, "We are all dressed up the way all of us would be on any other day, and that is precisely the point. Because clothes are never the reason behind any exploitation, the existence is enough." The 19-year-old also adds, "I think Delhi is the city that needs the 'SlutWalk' the most. Everyone knows what the environment here is like for a woman and I think the reason why it happens the most is because we accept it."
The first-of-its-kind event in Delhi, conducted under intense media scrutiny and heavy security cover, was possibly the most peaceful march ever. The participants walked calmly on the footpaths with their signboards, discussing their reasons to participate with the media and other participants. The march peacefully gave out a strong message against the perpetrators of crime and threats from a Hindutva right-wing group proved to be irrelevant.
The organisers made sure there was no over-the-top exhibitionism at all. For instance, when the march started, a woman raised her shirt for her friend to write a slogan. As an instant reaction, volunteers ran and stopped her from doing so to avoid what they called a 'scene'. They blocked the woman from photographers and asked her to button up.
Personally, I feel the city didn't see much participation because in a city of millions, majority of its women wouldn't know what it meant. It will be insensitive to say all women are victims, but every woman in this city or any other part of the world has experienced harassment, been eve-teased, or any other form of sexual exploitation. Most of us have crossed that lonely street and have had our hearts in our throat when a man on a bike or a car crosses by. The protest, as I percieved it to be, was to fight those fears. It was to put a finger on the issue and evidently not follow a pattern that other countries have set.
The 'SlutWalk' aka 'Besharmi Morcha was nothing as many were expecting it to be. It had nothing indecent. Despite the Indian version being called Besharmi Morcha, the event had no shamelessness (besharmi) in it. But it has definitely opened up a debate. So, in coming years, there may be more participation and the capital may get a little more receptive to it. Apprehensions and debates on aping the West and crossing the line of 'traditional' values of Indian culture can be overcome and the cause can be addressed in a more deserving manner.
As is always blamed, the Walk seemed to be more a media hype than substance. Just that this time media and almost 60 per cent of the crowd was byte-hungry. The participants didn't lack any enthusiasm though Delhi definitely lost in numbers.
While other cities around the world had drawn thousands, Delhi drew just about 500 participants and an almost equal number of media personnel and photographers gathered in the July heat. The general notion that went around was that women will be dressed skimpy and revealing clothes as was the trend in other editions of the walk. But 'Besharmi Morcha' saw women strutting the streets carrying off the usual plain look wearing simple jeans-shirts, salwar-kurta and shirts. It was toned down and as the protesters started coming in, it was clear that there would be no mini-skirts, fishnet stockings or anything that could be subjected to 'questions'.
The organiser Umang Sabharwal said, "We are all dressed up the way all of us would be on any other day, and that is precisely the point. Because clothes are never the reason behind any exploitation, the existence is enough." The 19-year-old also adds, "I think Delhi is the city that needs the 'SlutWalk' the most. Everyone knows what the environment here is like for a woman and I think the reason why it happens the most is because we accept it."
The first-of-its-kind event in Delhi, conducted under intense media scrutiny and heavy security cover, was possibly the most peaceful march ever. The participants walked calmly on the footpaths with their signboards, discussing their reasons to participate with the media and other participants. The march peacefully gave out a strong message against the perpetrators of crime and threats from a Hindutva right-wing group proved to be irrelevant.
The organisers made sure there was no over-the-top exhibitionism at all. For instance, when the march started, a woman raised her shirt for her friend to write a slogan. As an instant reaction, volunteers ran and stopped her from doing so to avoid what they called a 'scene'. They blocked the woman from photographers and asked her to button up.
Personally, I feel the city didn't see much participation because in a city of millions, majority of its women wouldn't know what it meant. It will be insensitive to say all women are victims, but every woman in this city or any other part of the world has experienced harassment, been eve-teased, or any other form of sexual exploitation. Most of us have crossed that lonely street and have had our hearts in our throat when a man on a bike or a car crosses by. The protest, as I percieved it to be, was to fight those fears. It was to put a finger on the issue and evidently not follow a pattern that other countries have set.
The 'SlutWalk' aka 'Besharmi Morcha was nothing as many were expecting it to be. It had nothing indecent. Despite the Indian version being called Besharmi Morcha, the event had no shamelessness (besharmi) in it. But it has definitely opened up a debate. So, in coming years, there may be more participation and the capital may get a little more receptive to it. Apprehensions and debates on aping the West and crossing the line of 'traditional' values of Indian culture can be overcome and the cause can be addressed in a more deserving manner.
As is always blamed, the Walk seemed to be more a media hype than substance. Just that this time media and almost 60 per cent of the crowd was byte-hungry. The participants didn't lack any enthusiasm though Delhi definitely lost in numbers.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Food - the simple joy of my life
I love my food and all the passion, surprises, and indulgence that comes along with it. Although eating is one food related activity I enjoy the most, but cooking and then getting appreciated for it is a close second.
I don't know what food particularly is for rest of the world but what I do know is that it is the central theme of my (and most people around me) existence. I spent most of my teenage years in a boarding school, and that too an Army Public School. So, nutrition was the key ingredient in every meal that was served and, believe you me, taste is not what the Army cares about (with all due respect). Except those very rare "dinner nights" when we could really indulge in food and appreciate the chef's real talent. I have grown up eating Maggie made in geyser water and still, if you ask me, there is nothing better than that perfect midnight Maggie. Ghar ka khana was a luxury and such a rarity that still the happiest part of my day is having a homemade meal.
Well now those dependencies are passé and I'm the queen of my kitchen (err... hope my mom and sister are listening!) and it's my happy space, cooking, eating and making (read forcing) others to eat what I cook is the simple joy of my life!
It just makes me feel absolutely elated (successful) when that cake comes perfectly out of the oven or that pasta tastes exactly like what I'd wished it to be. Gives me a boost, encourages me to cook better (eat more!!). And I think most of get that exact same feeling? These days there so many food reality shows are on TV and I love the way how a televised version can make the most difficult preparations look so simple! (More on that in my next post.)
Food as I mentioned earlier gives us such simple joys of life like, a hot cup of cappuccino on a cold winter day, a divine pink lemonade on a hot sunny day, that perfect chaat on a weekend, that wonderful waffle in the morning for breakfast and steaming hot perfect tasting aloo ka parantha made by mom for lunch.. Ah bliss!
And for us (the women), we have food for every mood and occasion, for fighting break up blues buckets and buckets of ice-cream, chocolate for celebrations, caviar as an aphrodisiac and of course tons of coffee and tea for all the gossip sessions.
I like to believe that everybody is a little bit of a foodie inside, some admit while others just don't (I fail to understand why though).
Thankfully, I was born in Delhi and I love this city for more than just one reason. But the best part about Delhi is that it's a food lover's paradise. It has got every possible variety of food, from world class cuisines to yummy street food (Slurp!). This City is heaven for people who live to eat! For those who know how to pamper their taste buds, those who can appreciate that Karim's Nahari, that and also the perfectly made Blueberry Cheesecake at Big Chill at the same time.
There's an old French proverb "Appetite comes with eating; the more one has, the more one would have." I couldn't agree more.
I don't know what food particularly is for rest of the world but what I do know is that it is the central theme of my (and most people around me) existence. I spent most of my teenage years in a boarding school, and that too an Army Public School. So, nutrition was the key ingredient in every meal that was served and, believe you me, taste is not what the Army cares about (with all due respect). Except those very rare "dinner nights" when we could really indulge in food and appreciate the chef's real talent. I have grown up eating Maggie made in geyser water and still, if you ask me, there is nothing better than that perfect midnight Maggie. Ghar ka khana was a luxury and such a rarity that still the happiest part of my day is having a homemade meal.
Well now those dependencies are passé and I'm the queen of my kitchen (err... hope my mom and sister are listening!) and it's my happy space, cooking, eating and making (read forcing) others to eat what I cook is the simple joy of my life!
It just makes me feel absolutely elated (successful) when that cake comes perfectly out of the oven or that pasta tastes exactly like what I'd wished it to be. Gives me a boost, encourages me to cook better (eat more!!). And I think most of get that exact same feeling? These days there so many food reality shows are on TV and I love the way how a televised version can make the most difficult preparations look so simple! (More on that in my next post.)
Food as I mentioned earlier gives us such simple joys of life like, a hot cup of cappuccino on a cold winter day, a divine pink lemonade on a hot sunny day, that perfect chaat on a weekend, that wonderful waffle in the morning for breakfast and steaming hot perfect tasting aloo ka parantha made by mom for lunch.. Ah bliss!
And for us (the women), we have food for every mood and occasion, for fighting break up blues buckets and buckets of ice-cream, chocolate for celebrations, caviar as an aphrodisiac and of course tons of coffee and tea for all the gossip sessions.
I like to believe that everybody is a little bit of a foodie inside, some admit while others just don't (I fail to understand why though).
Thankfully, I was born in Delhi and I love this city for more than just one reason. But the best part about Delhi is that it's a food lover's paradise. It has got every possible variety of food, from world class cuisines to yummy street food (Slurp!). This City is heaven for people who live to eat! For those who know how to pamper their taste buds, those who can appreciate that Karim's Nahari, that and also the perfectly made Blueberry Cheesecake at Big Chill at the same time.
There's an old French proverb "Appetite comes with eating; the more one has, the more one would have." I couldn't agree more.
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