It’s been a while since I last blogged. But since none of my friends got married the scope for my blogging was limited and my life hasn’t exactly been what you would call exciting, but lately the lack of complaints from my non existent audience compelled me to write this post in shame.
As a rule, I hate superhero movies. I’d never really enjoyed any until I saw Spiderman. And then came Mr. Nolan rebooting the really campy Burton franchise and so was born the new and much improved Batman. After which came Ironman and it felt really good to see Robert Downey Jr finally get his long overdue due.
But the best superhero movie by far has to be the second installment from Mr. Nolan’s gang, The Dark Knight. Having become a confirmed Batfan (Or should that be Nolanfan?), I just couldn’t wait to get a taste of what was in store and I saw the FDFS (First Day First Show, for the uninitiated) and the rest, like they say, is history. Unfortunately, my over enthusiasm has not gone down too well with a few people, most notably my roommate. Until very recently, he refused to watch the movie assumedly turned off by my enthusiasm.
Just for the record, I’ve seen the movie in the multiplex 6 times. And I also have the distinction of having seen not just the FDFS, but LDLS (Last Day Last Show) as well.
I could go on and on about Heath Ledger but I shall spare you, dear reader, from reading what you definitely would have on innumerable insufferable blogs. I’d rather concentrate on that one particular occasion when I saw the movie with an old chum of mine. Let’s just call her X, shall we (No references to that infamous Madame X please!).
So, X had just gotten out of a relationship with a broken heart and I was trying my best to cheer her up and all that. We go back a long way and share a strictly platonic relationship so all you perverts expecting to read about some sort of scandalous behavior grab your copy of letters to penthouse or call a 1-900 number. The rest, read on.
The movie got over and I was dropping her back home all the while harping about the movie.
“So cool it would be” I cooed “to be a superhero! Imagine saving the world every night. All those cool moves, all those gadgets, all those vehicles!”
She just sighed. As usual, I didn’t notice it then and went on “Life would be so interesting, bashing people up, saving beautiful women, being the debonair mystery man...Oh boy!”
I still didn’t get a response from my friend so just to make conversation I asked “Wouldn’t you like to have a boyfriend who’s a superhero? You could be like Mary Jane!”
She pondered this for a minute and sighed again “Why would I want a boyfriend who’s a superhero? He wouldn’t ever be home at night! He’d never have the time to take me out or spend time with me. And like it happens in Spiderman comics, just as we’re getting cozy, an emergency will crop up. I wouldn’t exactly feel comfortable with him saving all those beautiful women and enveloping them in his arms. Nah, it’d never work.”
“Yeah but….” I began.
“There’s more” she cut me short. “I wouldn’t like my man to wear stupid looking costumes with nipples! Or mouth inane clichés every time he opens his mouth. And I definitely don’t fancy being kidnapped by even more funny looking characters with bad make-up. Besides, being a superhero doesn’t really pay well, does it?”
I just shook my head in disbelief. Trust a woman and only a woman to come up with something like this. Must be something to do with the gene that makes them like romantic comedies and Lewis Hamilton.
The next question I asked, naturally, was “So, what kind of a boyfriend are you looking for?” (Stupid question, I know. I found out the hard way. I also know that most of you know what’s coming up next. Sorry.)
She didn’t even blink “I want someone who’s mine and mine alone. I want someone who’ll love me more than I love myself and who’ll spend a lot of time with me. I want someone funny and sincere. Someone who’ll care for me and make my pulse quicken. I want someone who looks good, smells nice, has a nice body and good career prospects. He should never let me get bored and should do whatever I ask him to do.”
“Hmm…” I mumbled and she went on.
“He should also willingly spend time with me and sacrifice his nights out with the boys. When I’m cooking I’d like him to come and help me in the kitchen and not watch stupid racing on TV. I want someone who will run errands for me like paying the bills, ordering water from the shop, talking to the cable guys when the internet or TV goes down and even haggle with the maid and other servants. I’d like the guy to be good with computers. He should also come grocery shopping with me and help me with the laundry and around the house. And he should be able to fix the small things around the house like the electricals and plumbing. He should take me shopping and to movies that I like without complaining. That’s what will make him a superhero for me. Spiderman, Superman, Batman...who needs them?”
I couldn’t agree more. Any guy who can accomplish all the things above shall definitely be hailed as a superhero alright.
And you know what, I even have a name for him.
He shall be called HANDYMAN! DC Comics, are you listening?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Friday, May 16, 2008
Of real virtuality
The wedding season is in full swing. I can safely make that statement because in the past month, two of my friends tied the knot (I’d like to add “to the rope around their necks” but I’ll let that pass).
The second marriage is where I shall concentrate my energies for the sake of this blog and traditionalists, be warned. This definitely is not going to be to your tastes.
May 5th, 2008.
5:15 PM, IST.
I was in the throes of solving another knotty (funny how many ‘knot’s I’m using) problem when my phone interrupted my reverie. An unknown number flashed on the display and in spite of my principle of not answering calls from unknown numbers, I answered the call.
Surprise, surprise! The caller turned out to be one of my oldest childhood friends’ from school. The reason for the call, you guessed it, was to invite me for her imminent impending doom, er, wedding ceremony in Mysore the following weekend. Talk turned to the lack of time and how it had affected the giving out of invitations. She informed me that she’d sent me the invite in an email and was following it up with a call to personalize it a little bit more, what with me being an old friend and all that. I was a little miffed about the fact I wasn’t invited in person and made my feelings known.
“Come on dude! I would have liked to invite in person but I’m really pressed for time. Besides, everything is virtual now, isn’t it?” I’d have loved to respond saying that I’d be virtually there for the wedding but I digress.
But she did have a point, you know. Traffic has made traveling a logistical nightmare and if you have to invite, say, 500 people, that’s 500 trips you have to make and plaster that “Plastic Wedding Smile” on your mug 500 extra times apart from the time spent for two days on the dais greeting people and introducing the other to unknown acquaintances. I digress again. I wish I wouldn’t ramble so much but what the hell!
The ‘virtual’ remark stuck in my head and a little later it did set off on a tangent as always. I’m an extremely lazy person except when it suits me and I find weddings and other ceremonies a big bore, yes even my own wedding, from my point of view will be a boring chore that I’ll have to endure. No reflection on any of the people whose weddings I’ve actually attended so far.
But I have thought of how I could inconvenience people a lot less. Perhaps, I shall set a new trend…
Step 1: Finding a chick
Traditionally, it involved putting a word out amongst relatives and friends and visiting prospects before reaching a conclusion. I shall use Orkut for a love match or a matchmaking website for arranged matches. It’s virtual you see.
Step 2: Getting to know each other and finally agreeing to tie the proverbial knot
Traditionally, this involved talking under the supervision of chaperones and restricted visiting hours. Now think ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, Gtalk, Skype…
Once both the concerned parties had agreed to the arrangement, the process of verification started with visits and phone calls. Emails will save those interminable trips and ensure discretion.
Step 3: Engagement
A restricted access undertaking, this ceremony, even traditionally did not involve too many people. This can be cut down to just the immediate family and perhaps, the partners can finally meet in person to figure out who got the worst of the bargain. Online horoscopes shall decide the day your fate is going to be sealed forever.
Others can log on to Picasa, Fisheye, Orlut, Facebook to view pictures. Perfect!
Step 4: The wedding
This is the killer part folks…..
Traditionalists are going to cry foul about lack of preparations, but I implore you all to be a little patient.
Traditionally, this involved booking the wedding hall months in advance, spending thru the nose on jewelry, clothes and the myriad paraphernalia associated with such endeavors. A pundit had to coerced into presiding over the wedding to bless the condemned souls. The caterer had to be cajoled into providing at least three meals for the assembled gathering and if the food was edible, it was an added bonus. The hall had to be decorated with tons of flowers and whatnot. Finally, the ceremony itself with it’s inexplicable rituals had to be performed while the world showered with rice that could be used to feed a few million starving kids in Africa. To top it all, the bride and the groom had to stand for a few hours on the dais, dressed in insufferable clothes, weighed down by enough gold to fill a pharaoh’s tomb, with that “Plastic wedding smile” and greet the hangers on with enough enthusiasm to get even our politicians to start working. Whew!
I’m going to create a group on Orkut / Facebook after sending the invite in an email so people who want to attend can register for the event. The group will contain the timings of the ceremony along with space for a live pod cast of the ceremony with a link that says “Rain red rice!” for that special moment. Unfortunately, since I can’t do much about the actual ceremonial ritual itself, I shall just have to suffer through it but I can go one step further and have a pundit on a video call from a different location. For those who want a photo with the couple, all they’ll need to do is send in a photo of theirs. Photoshop shall ensure that their presence shall be ‘virtually’ created. No travel, no traffic, no extravagant budget, no caterer, no hall…no headache! But there’s one definite drawback I can think of.
Alas, the gifts are going to be virtual as well!
The second marriage is where I shall concentrate my energies for the sake of this blog and traditionalists, be warned. This definitely is not going to be to your tastes.
May 5th, 2008.
5:15 PM, IST.
I was in the throes of solving another knotty (funny how many ‘knot’s I’m using) problem when my phone interrupted my reverie. An unknown number flashed on the display and in spite of my principle of not answering calls from unknown numbers, I answered the call.
Surprise, surprise! The caller turned out to be one of my oldest childhood friends’ from school. The reason for the call, you guessed it, was to invite me for her imminent impending doom, er, wedding ceremony in Mysore the following weekend. Talk turned to the lack of time and how it had affected the giving out of invitations. She informed me that she’d sent me the invite in an email and was following it up with a call to personalize it a little bit more, what with me being an old friend and all that. I was a little miffed about the fact I wasn’t invited in person and made my feelings known.
“Come on dude! I would have liked to invite in person but I’m really pressed for time. Besides, everything is virtual now, isn’t it?” I’d have loved to respond saying that I’d be virtually there for the wedding but I digress.
But she did have a point, you know. Traffic has made traveling a logistical nightmare and if you have to invite, say, 500 people, that’s 500 trips you have to make and plaster that “Plastic Wedding Smile” on your mug 500 extra times apart from the time spent for two days on the dais greeting people and introducing the other to unknown acquaintances. I digress again. I wish I wouldn’t ramble so much but what the hell!
The ‘virtual’ remark stuck in my head and a little later it did set off on a tangent as always. I’m an extremely lazy person except when it suits me and I find weddings and other ceremonies a big bore, yes even my own wedding, from my point of view will be a boring chore that I’ll have to endure. No reflection on any of the people whose weddings I’ve actually attended so far.
But I have thought of how I could inconvenience people a lot less. Perhaps, I shall set a new trend…
Step 1: Finding a chick
Traditionally, it involved putting a word out amongst relatives and friends and visiting prospects before reaching a conclusion. I shall use Orkut for a love match or a matchmaking website for arranged matches. It’s virtual you see.
Step 2: Getting to know each other and finally agreeing to tie the proverbial knot
Traditionally, this involved talking under the supervision of chaperones and restricted visiting hours. Now think ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, Gtalk, Skype…
Once both the concerned parties had agreed to the arrangement, the process of verification started with visits and phone calls. Emails will save those interminable trips and ensure discretion.
Step 3: Engagement
A restricted access undertaking, this ceremony, even traditionally did not involve too many people. This can be cut down to just the immediate family and perhaps, the partners can finally meet in person to figure out who got the worst of the bargain. Online horoscopes shall decide the day your fate is going to be sealed forever.
Others can log on to Picasa, Fisheye, Orlut, Facebook to view pictures. Perfect!
Step 4: The wedding
This is the killer part folks…..
Traditionalists are going to cry foul about lack of preparations, but I implore you all to be a little patient.
Traditionally, this involved booking the wedding hall months in advance, spending thru the nose on jewelry, clothes and the myriad paraphernalia associated with such endeavors. A pundit had to coerced into presiding over the wedding to bless the condemned souls. The caterer had to be cajoled into providing at least three meals for the assembled gathering and if the food was edible, it was an added bonus. The hall had to be decorated with tons of flowers and whatnot. Finally, the ceremony itself with it’s inexplicable rituals had to be performed while the world showered with rice that could be used to feed a few million starving kids in Africa. To top it all, the bride and the groom had to stand for a few hours on the dais, dressed in insufferable clothes, weighed down by enough gold to fill a pharaoh’s tomb, with that “Plastic wedding smile” and greet the hangers on with enough enthusiasm to get even our politicians to start working. Whew!
I’m going to create a group on Orkut / Facebook after sending the invite in an email so people who want to attend can register for the event. The group will contain the timings of the ceremony along with space for a live pod cast of the ceremony with a link that says “Rain red rice!” for that special moment. Unfortunately, since I can’t do much about the actual ceremonial ritual itself, I shall just have to suffer through it but I can go one step further and have a pundit on a video call from a different location. For those who want a photo with the couple, all they’ll need to do is send in a photo of theirs. Photoshop shall ensure that their presence shall be ‘virtually’ created. No travel, no traffic, no extravagant budget, no caterer, no hall…no headache! But there’s one definite drawback I can think of.
Alas, the gifts are going to be virtual as well!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Aditya's Law
I spent a most agreeable Sunday morning yesterday watching the race and exulting at Kimi’s win even though the race itself was a tad boring. We’d originally decided to do Sunday brunch at Casa del sol, but their obduracy of not playing the telecast of the grand prix assured them of not having a chance at entertaining a table of seven who’d have drunk more than eaten. So just as I’m about leave for Casa del Sol, I receive a call canceling our plan B, Purple Haze, as well. I was assured that Leela Galleria did indeed play the live telecast so that’s where I headed and Sunday morning traffic ensured that I reached the place only 10 laps into the race.
Uday, Manjiri and Siddharth were already there and I looked around to see the promised big screen. The gods were not very well disposed towards me so all I saw was sofas at the end of the room which was in darkness. Shaking my head in disbelief I turned towards the bar counter and saw not one but two TVs sitting side by side. And they looked identical to each other but my surprise was reserved for the fact that both of them were the same 21” ers that Viki has in her place which was my first choice for a venue to watch the race. And to think I’d traveled all the way to watch the race on the same TV that is at home.
The excellent beer(Isn’t it always?) conspired to put me in better ‘spirits’ and soon I was guzzling away and happily expounding my ignorance of F1, which I’ve collected over the years. But I get ahead of myself.
Just as the pitcher of beer was being ordered, Manjiri was asked if she’d have a glass or two as well. “No I will not. I’ve put on weight. I’m on a strict diet and I’m so fat!” was the response which I’ve I have come to believe is the standard response of that sex no matter what the question.
Now, looking at Manjiri, one would be hard pressed to call her plump let alone fat and I even though I did not manage to convince her of that, it did set my feeble brain off.
I don’t claim to be Fraud (Oops, Freud) or some such authority on psychology so I shall not even bother going into what makes women think in that particular manner, but I do believe I have a solution for the issue at hand. This is strictly to make women feel better and I’d like to put up a disclaimer before I proceed.
The following observation has been made by a trained professional. Do not try this at home. And oh, no animals were harmed in the making of this axiom.
I shall now proceed to what I’d like to call ‘Aditya’s Law’ and explain a little bit about the origins. I’ve never been a fan of Math but equations come easily to me and the vagaries of English language have been most helpful in the creation of my theory.
Aditya’s Law:
Fat chance = Slim Chance
Strikeout 'chance' on both sides of the equation as drilled into us by our Math teachers and...
Therefore, Fat = Slim
So you see, senorita, no problem!
Uday, Manjiri and Siddharth were already there and I looked around to see the promised big screen. The gods were not very well disposed towards me so all I saw was sofas at the end of the room which was in darkness. Shaking my head in disbelief I turned towards the bar counter and saw not one but two TVs sitting side by side. And they looked identical to each other but my surprise was reserved for the fact that both of them were the same 21” ers that Viki has in her place which was my first choice for a venue to watch the race. And to think I’d traveled all the way to watch the race on the same TV that is at home.
The excellent beer(Isn’t it always?) conspired to put me in better ‘spirits’ and soon I was guzzling away and happily expounding my ignorance of F1, which I’ve collected over the years. But I get ahead of myself.
Just as the pitcher of beer was being ordered, Manjiri was asked if she’d have a glass or two as well. “No I will not. I’ve put on weight. I’m on a strict diet and I’m so fat!” was the response which I’ve I have come to believe is the standard response of that sex no matter what the question.
Now, looking at Manjiri, one would be hard pressed to call her plump let alone fat and I even though I did not manage to convince her of that, it did set my feeble brain off.
I don’t claim to be Fraud (Oops, Freud) or some such authority on psychology so I shall not even bother going into what makes women think in that particular manner, but I do believe I have a solution for the issue at hand. This is strictly to make women feel better and I’d like to put up a disclaimer before I proceed.
The following observation has been made by a trained professional. Do not try this at home. And oh, no animals were harmed in the making of this axiom.
I shall now proceed to what I’d like to call ‘Aditya’s Law’ and explain a little bit about the origins. I’ve never been a fan of Math but equations come easily to me and the vagaries of English language have been most helpful in the creation of my theory.
Aditya’s Law:
Fat chance = Slim Chance
Strikeout 'chance' on both sides of the equation as drilled into us by our Math teachers and...
Therefore, Fat = Slim
So you see, senorita, no problem!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Some of my favorite performances
These Bollywood award functions kill me. I’m so tired of seeing the Chopras, Johars, Barjatyas, Bachchans, Kapoors and other arbit characters walk away with awards like ‘Best performance as a car’, ‘Best performance in a wig’ that I’m compelled to write about what I think have been some of the best performances so far. Agreed that most of these performances have been acknowledged but when Pankaj Kapoor was awarded the ‘Best actor in a negative role’ for Blue Umbrella, I did laugh my ass out despite the channel’s best intentions.
Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri: This is unarguably the best performance by any actor in Bollywood, period. Making people laugh is serious business and when he does it by just batting his eyelids you know its pure genius. Priyadarshan’s best movie ever, I’ll never tire of this “Devi ka Prasad”! Classic!
P.S: Om Puri gets a special mention.
Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hai: The phone ‘conversation’ between him and Suchitra Pillai as Aamir and Akshaye look on is one of the finest scenes to be ever canned. A mighty fine start to the reinvention of the Chote Nawab. Brilliant!
Sanjay Dutt in Vaastav: A departure from the comic genre but what a performance! Watching the movie, not once did I feel that Mr. Dutt was acting. And that’s the greatest compliment that an actor can get. Mahesh Manjrekar’s finest effort till date, I rate this as one of the most complete movies ever made.
P.S: Special mention of ded-phutiya (Sanjay Narvekar) and Reema Lagoo.
Saif Ali Khan in Omkara: Again, a smoldering performance. Agreed, a role like this probably is easier than a comic turn, but not once did I not feel utterly disgusted with the wily langda Tyagi. To top it all, Mr. Bhardwaj showed immense maturity and genius when it came to everything about the movie. The subject, the dialogues, the music and the inspired choice of actors except for Vivek Oberoi. My personal favorite.
Zakir Hussain in Johnny Gaddar: Flowery shirts, arrogance, condescension and disdain at his wife’s all day long jig saw solving. Hats off Mr. Hussain!
P.S: Special mention for the ever dependable Vinay Pathak and Ashwini Khalsekar in one of last year’s best movies. Thank you Sriram Raghavan.
Aamir Khan in Andaz Apna Apna: Hilarious movie which has me in splits every time I watch it. Although, most of his movies are a great watch, this one stands out for pure fun. A few more memorable roles include Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Dil hai ke manta hi nahi, Hum hain raahi pyaar ke, Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai.
P.S: A special mention for Salmaan Khan, Paresh Rawal and Shakti Kapoor.
Arshad Warsi in Munnabhai: One of our most underrated actors, he tasted well deserved success with this enterprise. Although I’ve always liked his performance in any of his movies, this one is my favorite.
Ranvir Sheorey in Khosla ka Ghosla: Again, one of last year’s best movies, Ranvir’s portrayal of a fast talking typical Delhi-ite was nothing if not a hoot! Hilarious!
Ajay Devgan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: I’ve always hated Sanjay Leela Bhansali but Ajay’s performance in this movie was very endearing. My favorite scene? When he’s asked to sing for his future in-laws and the sincerity with which he ‘sings’"chingari kohi badke... tho saawan usse bolaye...."
Irrfan Khan in Metro: Again, one of India’s finest as acknowledged by Michael Winterbottom. All his performances have been great but this one is the best.
Nana Patekar in Bluffmaster: I mention only Bluffmaster because it revived the long forgotten tradition of quotable dialogues. I don’t think self worship can be given a more literal meaning than seen in this movie. Of course, I could go on about a host of other movies but I’ll stick to this one, ‘Dus Kahaniyan’ and Salaam Bombay.
Shah Rukh Khan in Chak de India!: Lets face it. The king has never been known as a serious actor what his Rahuls and Rajs and formulaic movies. Or hasn’t he? You just need to take one look at Chak de! And all doubts are dispelled. A towering performance perhaps matched only by ‘Swades’.
Naseerudin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri and Satish Shah in Jaane bhi do yaaron: A brilliant satire on the business ethics of Bombay played host to brilliant performances by the above mentioned actors.
Sadashiv Amarapurkar in Sadak: As the vile contemptuous ‘Maharani’ I felt enough loathing to kick his ass myself. What a performance!
You might have noticed by now that I’ve left out some obvious candidates like Mr. Bachchan and his family. And contrary to what you think, I haven’t lost my marbles. Any of the above performances will give him a run for his money, anytime.
I’ve also missed out on a few other mentionable. Leave a comment and the blog shall be edited suitably. And for you feminists, another list with actresses is on the way.
Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri: This is unarguably the best performance by any actor in Bollywood, period. Making people laugh is serious business and when he does it by just batting his eyelids you know its pure genius. Priyadarshan’s best movie ever, I’ll never tire of this “Devi ka Prasad”! Classic!
P.S: Om Puri gets a special mention.
Saif Ali Khan in Dil Chahta Hai: The phone ‘conversation’ between him and Suchitra Pillai as Aamir and Akshaye look on is one of the finest scenes to be ever canned. A mighty fine start to the reinvention of the Chote Nawab. Brilliant!
Sanjay Dutt in Vaastav: A departure from the comic genre but what a performance! Watching the movie, not once did I feel that Mr. Dutt was acting. And that’s the greatest compliment that an actor can get. Mahesh Manjrekar’s finest effort till date, I rate this as one of the most complete movies ever made.
P.S: Special mention of ded-phutiya (Sanjay Narvekar) and Reema Lagoo.
Saif Ali Khan in Omkara: Again, a smoldering performance. Agreed, a role like this probably is easier than a comic turn, but not once did I not feel utterly disgusted with the wily langda Tyagi. To top it all, Mr. Bhardwaj showed immense maturity and genius when it came to everything about the movie. The subject, the dialogues, the music and the inspired choice of actors except for Vivek Oberoi. My personal favorite.
Zakir Hussain in Johnny Gaddar: Flowery shirts, arrogance, condescension and disdain at his wife’s all day long jig saw solving. Hats off Mr. Hussain!
P.S: Special mention for the ever dependable Vinay Pathak and Ashwini Khalsekar in one of last year’s best movies. Thank you Sriram Raghavan.
Aamir Khan in Andaz Apna Apna: Hilarious movie which has me in splits every time I watch it. Although, most of his movies are a great watch, this one stands out for pure fun. A few more memorable roles include Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Dil hai ke manta hi nahi, Hum hain raahi pyaar ke, Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai.
P.S: A special mention for Salmaan Khan, Paresh Rawal and Shakti Kapoor.
Arshad Warsi in Munnabhai: One of our most underrated actors, he tasted well deserved success with this enterprise. Although I’ve always liked his performance in any of his movies, this one is my favorite.
Ranvir Sheorey in Khosla ka Ghosla: Again, one of last year’s best movies, Ranvir’s portrayal of a fast talking typical Delhi-ite was nothing if not a hoot! Hilarious!
Ajay Devgan in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: I’ve always hated Sanjay Leela Bhansali but Ajay’s performance in this movie was very endearing. My favorite scene? When he’s asked to sing for his future in-laws and the sincerity with which he ‘sings’"chingari kohi badke... tho saawan usse bolaye...."
Irrfan Khan in Metro: Again, one of India’s finest as acknowledged by Michael Winterbottom. All his performances have been great but this one is the best.
Nana Patekar in Bluffmaster: I mention only Bluffmaster because it revived the long forgotten tradition of quotable dialogues. I don’t think self worship can be given a more literal meaning than seen in this movie. Of course, I could go on about a host of other movies but I’ll stick to this one, ‘Dus Kahaniyan’ and Salaam Bombay.
Shah Rukh Khan in Chak de India!: Lets face it. The king has never been known as a serious actor what his Rahuls and Rajs and formulaic movies. Or hasn’t he? You just need to take one look at Chak de! And all doubts are dispelled. A towering performance perhaps matched only by ‘Swades’.
Naseerudin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri and Satish Shah in Jaane bhi do yaaron: A brilliant satire on the business ethics of Bombay played host to brilliant performances by the above mentioned actors.
Sadashiv Amarapurkar in Sadak: As the vile contemptuous ‘Maharani’ I felt enough loathing to kick his ass myself. What a performance!
You might have noticed by now that I’ve left out some obvious candidates like Mr. Bachchan and his family. And contrary to what you think, I haven’t lost my marbles. Any of the above performances will give him a run for his money, anytime.
I’ve also missed out on a few other mentionable. Leave a comment and the blog shall be edited suitably. And for you feminists, another list with actresses is on the way.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Bragging, bragging and more bragging
Destiny is a strange thing. Although, I'm not very comfortable with not having a say about how or where my life will end up, I have to confess that so far, I've been treated extremely well. One point to you Ms. Fortune (I'm intentionally calling her that).
For those who came in late, a little bit of background is required. I know, I know you really don't want to be subjected to my sob story, but what the hell, it IS my blog. So if you're not interested, sod off!
Looking back, seven years ago, nobody I knew would have even suggested that perhaps one day, I shall actually be doing something useful with myself. No fault of theirs let me assure you.
College, for me, was a place to seen in only on days when the college fest was in full swing. I have the distinction of having spent more time in other colleges than the students themselves of that particular institution. Sigh, I wish they'd taken attendance for me in SJCE....And of course, Cue Surfers thrived for three years on my money not to mention 'Temptations', 'Roost' on K.D Road and 'Pattar' & 'Kerosene' in Mandi Mohalla.
Now, being a chap who looks at the bright side of things when it suits me, I can tell you that I did learn to play snooker and pool really well and never missed a single episode of 'That 70's show', 'Dharma & Greg', 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and 'Frasier'. A few other compensations were that I never had to worry myself silly about things like assignments, internals, exams and classes. Not very surprising that my absence served to make me really conspicuous to my lecturers. I had a million friends all over the town who had a ready companion for pretty much any misadventure they had in mind. And I saw movies which passed my contemporaries by. I can also prepare the meanest barbeque in town, as attested by Sultan, a Jordanian belonging to a category of wastrels similar to myself. My infamy knew no bounds and I can proudly say that Mysore has and never will see a more popular vagabond (I was a damn sight more popular than you ever were Sid).
Cut to the present: I’ve just finished co-authoring a book that’s being published by Rupa & Co. The final draft is being sent on Saturday and I’ll keep everyone informed of the slightest progress. Also, managing operations for a start up is bucket loads of fun as I’ve discovered over the past 14 months.
For those who wrote me off, don’t give up hope just yet. Things might not turn out that well for me even now. Then perhaps, I’ll take up photography or painting or farming.
Mr. Waters was always right you know, when he said
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
For those who came in late, a little bit of background is required. I know, I know you really don't want to be subjected to my sob story, but what the hell, it IS my blog. So if you're not interested, sod off!
Looking back, seven years ago, nobody I knew would have even suggested that perhaps one day, I shall actually be doing something useful with myself. No fault of theirs let me assure you.
College, for me, was a place to seen in only on days when the college fest was in full swing. I have the distinction of having spent more time in other colleges than the students themselves of that particular institution. Sigh, I wish they'd taken attendance for me in SJCE....And of course, Cue Surfers thrived for three years on my money not to mention 'Temptations', 'Roost' on K.D Road and 'Pattar' & 'Kerosene' in Mandi Mohalla.
Now, being a chap who looks at the bright side of things when it suits me, I can tell you that I did learn to play snooker and pool really well and never missed a single episode of 'That 70's show', 'Dharma & Greg', 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and 'Frasier'. A few other compensations were that I never had to worry myself silly about things like assignments, internals, exams and classes. Not very surprising that my absence served to make me really conspicuous to my lecturers. I had a million friends all over the town who had a ready companion for pretty much any misadventure they had in mind. And I saw movies which passed my contemporaries by. I can also prepare the meanest barbeque in town, as attested by Sultan, a Jordanian belonging to a category of wastrels similar to myself. My infamy knew no bounds and I can proudly say that Mysore has and never will see a more popular vagabond (I was a damn sight more popular than you ever were Sid).
Cut to the present: I’ve just finished co-authoring a book that’s being published by Rupa & Co. The final draft is being sent on Saturday and I’ll keep everyone informed of the slightest progress. Also, managing operations for a start up is bucket loads of fun as I’ve discovered over the past 14 months.
For those who wrote me off, don’t give up hope just yet. Things might not turn out that well for me even now. Then perhaps, I’ll take up photography or painting or farming.
Mr. Waters was always right you know, when he said
We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
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