A sunny weekend on a gloomy one...

These are some of the pics that I had completely forgotten about. But on a dull, gloomy Sunday I thought of looking at some old pics in my camera and this is what I found. Call them memories of a sunny day.
I have never seen so much of Sun continuously in the time that I have spent in this country. My trip to Blackpool was an amazing May, long weekend. It was bright and warm, so much so that the thought of removing sunglasses for photographs was disturbing.

Day two of the trip was a visit to Lake District. As the name suggests it is a mountain region with several tarns and mere.

The most common activity one would expect to do on such a trip is a ferry ride and I did that as well. But when you are in water the list of things to do go bigger and better. I saw people sailing, water skiing and canoeing. People were out and about in sun. Obviously that encouraged the child in me to try everything is one go.

Rowing was fun. On our boat, the official photographer took all these pics and more, so what I did in terms of adventure is not beyond imagination. Everything was fine till I saw an old man enjoying on the boat all by himself, it sort of encouraged me to try that very deeply.
Now, I know exactly what to do when I am there next. Till then I am watching and sharing these pics for some brightness.

V!

BlackBerry says...

When you say you love BlackBerry , the obvious answer is 'BlackBerry loves you too'...It definitely sounds better, sweeter and humbler than human beings.

Sailing on a sunny Sunday...

The whole idea of sailing all day on a Sunday was thrilling actually. I enjoyed it one way but wanted to take a bus back home. I can make this sound very lavish but some facts about sailing are:

• MUST go with like minded people
• If not, take a book to read
• MUST carry a Sunscreen lotion and sunglasses

These pics were taken on 05/10/2009 and as the title suggests, it was a sunny day.

Exploring water can be fun and risky, so do grab if you get such an opportunity.

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Love is ....(II)

Hahahaha....another interesting one and once again about a machine. I heard a guy saying that iPhone is his cuuuuuuuuuute littttttttle baby. The only thing that came to my mind after witnessing something as funny as that was how some girls take care of dogs (pets) like their own baby.

Hey! It's not a post on Men vs Women, so please don't get me wrong.

Thank god some people like to care for living beings ;)

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Love is ...

Few days back a friend said to me that he loves his Blackberry and then another friend very sweetly expressed that he can't live without his iPhone. They really sounded like people in love.

Consumerism has changed people's understanding of love. This sounds like the love that comes from brand loayalty and is very capable of encouraging people to fight over their preferred brands. I wont be surprised to see the world getting divided into such brand religions where there will be no hindu, muslim, sikh and christans but just Nokia, Blackberry, iPhone, Reebok, Nike, Coke and Pepsi.

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Machhar Ki Candy!!!

Back in 2002 I saw a program on Discovery Channel about exotic and yet very disgusting food products as per my understanding. Snake blood and ant candies were shown as delicacies enjoyed in some parts of world and in my comfort zone I could never imagine something on television becoming a reality. Now, imagine when you lick a candy of Machhar (mosquitoes) coated with Tequila and caramel only to find out that there is a Machhhhhhhhar in there and not by mistake :D

Check out these pics that were taken purely in a state of shock and excitement. Let me know if you want some gifts ;)

Enjoyed??????

V!!!

Bulla ki jana...

The greatest lyrics ever!

Not a believer inside the mosque, am I nor a pagan disciple of false rites. Not the pure amongst the impure. Neither Moses, nor the Pharoh. Bulleh! to me, I am not known.

Not in the holy Vedas, am I nor in opium, neither in wine, Not in the drunkard`s craze Niether awake, nor in a sleeping daze. Bulleh! to me, I am not known.

In happiness nor in sorrow, am I neither clean, nor a filthy mire. Not from water, nor from earth. Neither fire, nor from air, is my birth. Bulleh! to me, I am not known.

Not an Arab, nor Lahori. Neither Hindi, nor Nagauri Hindu, Turk (Muslim), nor Peshawari. Nor do I live in Nadaun. Bulleh! to me, I am not known.

Secrets of religion, I have not known. From Adam and Eve, I am not born. I am not the name I assume. Not in stillness, nor on the move. Bulleh! to me, I am not known.

I am the first, I am the last. None other, have I ever known. I am the wisest of them all. Bulleh! do I stand alone? Bulleh! to me, I am not known

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Life...a literature in hurry

WARNING: This post is bitter in flavour and reader is free to go to another blog.

The other day a thought made me realise that everything around us is subjective and is based on our own interpretation. One good step for someone can be bad for another. How many times are we able to comprehend the implications of our prayers when we ask god for favours.

Something exciting for one can be life threatening for a fellow human being. Salman Khan after all did kill people due to his thrill and not to forget that most children do realise at some point or the other that they were a resultant of a two minutes passion and nothing more. Something similar has also been said in Hindu holy book Shreemad Bhagvad Geeta. Lord Krishna told Arjun to do what he was supposed to do in a battle field as a fighter. The focus was on Karma and not worrying about its result. So what if that very suggestion killed so many people and the loved ones. After all it’s all about perception.

But in actual life people are left to read between the lines. And often there are times when one gets stuck between those lines and cannot interpret. The difference between right, not so right, wrong and not so wrong fades away. As the confusion in my head seemed never ending over these thoughts I suddenly thought of a principle that was taught in middle school.
'Survival of the fittest'
This fits very well in most modern life situations. Whether it’s about life, death or relationships. One who is tough enough to battle the pressure from all ends will exist and not the rest.

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Jai Ho for Congress

Jai ho seems to be a lucky composition by music director A R Rehman. It got him an Oscar and also happens to be one of the best things about Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. It has attracted attention which is the reason for Pussycat dolls singing English version of the song and cashing on Jai Ho.

Congress realised the song's potential as much as the filmy world did. Jai ho worked for Congress in the General election's campaign in India more than BJP's India shinning. Infact BJP had to suffer immensely for India Shining in 2004.

Enjoy the campaign video after the election result.



V :D

British Summer - 2

This Summer is my second in UK and I am loving it. Long sunny days with showers twice or thrice a week and trees plants covered with colourful flowers. I am posting some of the pics taken recently with the hope that I will capture more beauty in the coming days.

V!

Alton Towers

This is my 100th post and I have loads to share.

Alton towers trip was meant to happen last year in summer with uni friends, actually it did happen but without me. I got a second chance to see one of the most visited theme parks in Europe. This place made me forget everything including recession and credit crunch which is the hottest topic of discussion these days. The car parks were full and it was one of those rarest occasion where I got to see crowds queuing up to buy tickets. The fast track tickets were all sold out and Alton towers was jam packed, no wonder it was an Easter Sunday.





Here is the map of Alton Towers to plan your day. Alton Towers has everything one wants to see but not the time. So its the best to plan what all you would like to see specially in groups.



If you think the park is for kids then you are right. It has a monorail, sea world and lots of other attractions.


And I got most of my courage from children getting out with smiling faces from rides in which I could not even open my eyes. Must take rides in the theme park are:

• Oblivion - I had the hardest time waiting for this in que. Announcements like 'Are you ready for it' on mike made everything worst. My heart was pumping and my head kept on telling me not to do it. This ride was smoothest and makes you feel breathless, weightless, endless and not to forget tension less as one has better things to worry about. Guess what??? Life of course :D

(Pic bought from Azahar Machwe in one pence ;) )

• Air - My friends enjoyed this one the most. It happened to be the only ride where I managed to open my eyes. But I found it too long as it was just 10 seconds longer than the other rides. Every second was IMPORTANT.
• Nemisis - when you are around Nemisis you know it is going to be scary. The sound around the area is crazy. I wonder how people manage to work in a surrounding like that. People say that it is one of the best roller coaster rides in the world. I say that the ride made me understand what darkness is like when eyes are tightly shut :D
• Spinball wizzers - Was the most irritating and jerky of all. But it helped to prepare for the coming thrills as this was the first ride in Alton Towers.




• Rita- I missed this ride as it wasn't operating on that day probably due to technical problems. But it is known to be the best roller coaster there.
• Congo river ride - this was my kind of ride. This was one ride I admired in all Hindi films with foreign locations. I would recommend this for people of all ages.

Important things:

1. Must take hair bands, head bands and bandanas to cover hair during the rides. It can get very difficult to sort them out after roller coaster rides.
   
2. Don't wear hanging stuff like long earing and chains.


3. Don't be afraid of taking the single ques as most of the thrilling rides are about individual fun and saves a lot of time.
   

In the end I want to introduce the castle I thought of seeing when I entered and happily forgot about due to rides and is the first thing on my list for next visit.

V!

Finally got D(e)V D

It's a film that I eagerly waited for and was disappointed when it was not released in any theatre near my house. I am an Abhay Deol fan and the whole idea of doing Devdas in today's scenario was an appealing concept and enough a reason to wait for a good online DVD print for downloading.

Dev D got very good reviews from the critics and I would like to agree with what most people have written about it. It does deserve a 5 star for the script, details and acting. Director Anurag Kashyap has done a brilliant job in carving out a striking story set in today's Punjab and Delhi. The whole definition of love seems to have changed and emotions have been replaced by needs. It’s a straight forward story and I admire the director's guts to do another film on Devdas after Sanjay Leela Bansali's attempt, which is still quite fresh in our memory.

There is no comparison between the 'dress drama' Devdas and Dev D. The only comparison I would like to draw is between SRK and Abhay Deol's acting. Abhay Deol was superb and I wonder what SRK could do minus the dress drama, huge sets and unrealistic world of emotions.

Mahi Gill (Paro) and Kalki Koechlin (Chanda) were very well suited in their respective roles. The music is enjoyable, however the film feels like a musical in patches. Emosanal Atyachaar and Duniya Gol were my favourite songs. My only complaint is with the use of MMS case for sensationalising the film as it must have made the lives of those involved even worst all over again.

On the whole Dev D was a very different cinematic experience and I enjoyed the no-nonsense approach of the film.

V!

What's in the initials...

If you ask me I would say Friday, the 13th. Yes it was a Devil's day of sorts and it began to be different from the first thing in morning. My day was very well planned for a change. What did change everything was a mail from HSBC on my name. It was a good morning letter asking me to pay 70 pounds 63 pence to clear off all debts immediately or a legal action would be taken against me and a solicitor would contact soon .

So, at first I did not know what it meant. Then I tried searching for details in a five page letter, whether that was for a debit card, credit card or a bank overdraft? My head was full of questions and the letter did not contain any information to settle curiosity. The next best thing was to call the bank and I did exactly that but in a jiffy. The gentleman on the phone was polite and my guess is that he spoke in Spanish or may be french accent. Not to blame him but that's how things were meant to be, my phone banking security code was locked due to misunderstanding of questions asked.

Then I rushed to the bank. Now, with two problems, one the letter and if I was needed to pay and for what when I have the basic account which means no debit card, credit card or overdraft facilities, second to unlock my security code. I explained my first problem to an executive to which she promptly replied that the letter was for my spouse. I felt like laughing in nervousness and told her that fortunately I was not married after which she asked me to wait. Experience in bank was pleasant enough minus the waiting time. This waiting time was good 15 minutes and the worry of the rest of the plans started to bother.

The lady then checked account details which were fine and she could not think of any reason of why that letter was in my hand. The only thing she said was that occasionally people of same initials move to same houses and the bank continues to send letters to previous occupants. The account was unlocked with the mystery solved and lesson learnt. The rest of the day was good and for the first time I got satisfaction from the money that goes in for a day bus ticket.

This whole incident reminded me of a quote.
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
However, in my case these first things happen without much effort.

V !

Slumdog millionaire has done it!

This film has got luckier than expected even by director Danny Boyle. SM was an obvious winner in Golden Globe, BAFTA and Oscars. But what has it done for Indians, has it really taken us to an international platform? I have been reading about what Indian film professionals think about SM. Some think the film has shown India in awful light by screening its slums and not the development it has undergone over the years. The film's screenplay was an adaptation and therefore the scope for deviating was not huge. However, it was a bit complicated to understand how children raised in Mumbai slums start talking in British accent.

As far as Indian film industry goes, the success of SM may not bring in major changes to the way things happen here. Most good films like Oye Lucky...still go unnoticed in our award functions and instead SRK gets a nomination in best actor category for Rab ne...a film that I have not heard one person appreciating. On the other hand, the west appreciation has never concerned seasoned actors like Om Puri and directors like Shekhar Kapoor. A minor revolution that can be expected is in the treatment of technicians like sound mixers, editors and cinematographers. They are the people who make films and never get appropriate recognition. Resul Pukutty’s win at the Academy awards has opened a new world for our creative technicians.

The only major change that I can see is for slum children Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail who actually got the opportunity to be on the red carpet in Oscars. The west recognition does not matter to them, they are probably not even aware of what they participated in. It felt good to see their innocent and non-business faces amidst publicity seekers. My day was made when Azharuddin after returning to India said in an interview, that they have done something that even Amitabh Bachchan could not do for the country. Now people in slums look upto them and are probably waiting for their turn to be a Latika or a Salim.
:)

Snow of Feb, 2009

First heavy snow of 2009 brought cheer and brightness to the bleak atmosphere. People came out with families and friends to play and make snowmen. I had some fun too, here are the pics that were taken in the backyard and front yard. My favourite are ones of the bench covered with snow. It looked so beautiful in the neighbourhood house that I dint hesitate to peek-a-boo.

Frontyard looked lively with neighbourhood children playing with snow and giggling.
Cauliflowers in the backyard. Is it?It really looks like one.
Footsteps...Feel free to follow at your own risk. Peek-a-boo in neighbour's garden was worth the effort.

A better angle for clearer and wider view.

:)

When can I return to work: PM

This is one of the first questions Indian PM Manmohan Singh asked the doctors after a heart surgery in AIIMS.

My interpretation of his statement is effortless, puzzled and humorous. The PM is too eager to get back to his office, the office which rules the world’s second largest population and is striving too hard to grab the first position. But why is he too keen to get back? Is he anxious on the subject of Mumbai attacks, dialogue with Pakistan on terrorism, introduction to Barack Obama or Satyam scam.

Or the worries are deeper, internal and more personal. Does the statement indicate his limited fondness for officiating PM Pranab Mukherjee? Well, may be! But the message is very strong and clear to a hopeful mother Sonia Gandhi that he is not letting the throne go to toddler Rahul Gandhi so soon. To make sure it all goes well and PM is not poisoned to death in AIIMS, he wants to return to his wife Gursharan Kaur for home cooked food.

Politics is good fun and provides better entertainment than hindi films!

:)

At your own risk!

I am finally posting a film that I directed in 2005 with two friends. I say finally because finally I have managed to gather the guts to do so. It's a documentary film and after noticing people's reaction I started to believe what a documentary filmmaker once said to me, filmmaker has to be passionate enough to make a docu as there are no audiences for it.

Somebody very close actually got up for a glass of water in an eight minutes film. Many a times I have forwarded this link to my good friends, so I am now extending the torture by posting the link here with expectation that viewers will be generous enough to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy the experience.


:)

Whats new ?

The above pic was taken on a road journey. A planned journey without any plans as such towards new life, new place and a new year 2009.

:)