Determined!

Determined i am to lose weight.
Determined i am to not bite nails.
Determined i am to stand tall.
Determined i am to write better and consistently.
Determined i am to not procrastinate.
Determined i am to not stay up till late at night.
Determined i am to wake up early and fresh.
Determined i am to watch movies every week.
Determined i am!

Feels like a rainy July day in November

Just as i open the slides of my window, i see wetness around. Leaves dripping and cars speckled with water droplets. Cyclone-infested rains decided to show up in the middle of November.

?? What's happening... Is there something wrong with nature's health? Or are they filling up the deficit of this year's rainfall a little late.

It is not really a pleasant feeling neither is it saddening. Just concerning.

Is it a natural one-off phase or is it fury? Fury for mistreating the environment, of course. Don't know.

Actually, just watch without getting judgmental unless there is something substantial we do about the situation.

Preaching, believing and practicing

i keep preaching and thinking that one should accept people just the way they are.
i believe in it strongly.
i like to think and feel that i practice it.
Realised though that as much as i want and expect people to accept me just as i am, i don't practice the same.
From here and now, i shall accept one and all, as they are.
Just upgrade self.
:)

A fleeting glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor

Whoa.... my hands are still paining after all the pushing and shoving.
Yea...we did all of that to catch one glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor, the rock star.
The venue was the Provogue studio at Phoenix Mills.
Slated time to make an appearance 6 PM.

This was a promotional event for Ranbir's upcoming movie - Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahaani. He was accompanied by Katrina Kaif who also looked gorgeous.

me and my 2 other office friends hurried to Phoenix Mill at 1815. And the scene we saw outside the Provogue studio made us feel that we might not be able to catch even a glimpse. Hordes of young gals and guys had gathered and lined the gangway(to put it mildly).

Just as we were figuring out how would we do this arduous task of watching the stars, their car arrived and we were bulldozed to make way for it. In that, one of my chappals slipped off and i saw one of the security guards pick it up for the car to drive in smoothly.

Katrina peeked out of the car window and waved, so caught her for a teeny bit more than Ranbir. The SUV stopped and immediately Katrina stepped out followed by Ranbir. That was the first glimpse and man, it was worth it. One flash and the 2 stars went into the studio.

We stationed ourselves outside the studio, pulling, pushing, shoving, breathing, sweating, shouting. i got separated from my 2 colleagues and stood at a corner. And waited for them to step out. my phone hung up when the separated friend called, so i couldn't receive her call. They had climbed up the stairs to get a better view.

For around 40 minutes, we waited. And then, they stepped out. Katrina came out of nowhere just like a fairy. Dressed in a yellow top and a hair band (only so much was visible of her), she made a pretty picture. And out stepped Ranbir in his white t-shirt and side-parted hair. Man, he looked heavenly!!

Strong bodyguards protected them and made sure nobody could get near them. The reporters and photographers went click-click. So did the whole crowd with their mobile phones, but to stand on your toes, balance yourself and take a picture with your hands was a task, today for me, so i couldn't take any pictures.

By that time, i had misplaced both my chappals. i stood there barefoot keeping some perverts at bay.

It was some experience!!!!

i didn't faint or stuff but was close to it as people kept falling on each other. In between, there was an over smart dude, who kept saying that, itna hi hai toh sau rupaye ka ticket khareed ke dekh lona, nahi toh DVD, woh khareed lo. But he didn't move even one bit, just stood there enlightening people. Obviously, the crowd pushed him over to the other side.

When the car drove off and the crowd drifted, i looked for my chappals and found many others who were looking for theirs. One of my chappals was in the hand of my colleague and the other one i found too quickly.

We stepped into McDonald's to have some Coke and shared our feeling.

Woohooo.... some other day, i would like to have a rendezvous with Ranbir Kapoor, but this one would be a memorable one too.

Talk about adventure and liberation.....

i have always had this complaint and regret with myself that i am not adventurous enough. i don't enjoy my freedom fully. My idea of adventure was - doing things that are unnatural of me. Some things that i have never tried before and essentially those that come with a feeling of liberation.

And then suddenly i realised that i've been doing and have done quite a few 'different' things.

Yesterday, i came back from my Mama's place (Wadala) at 2330 all alone in my car (haven't told my folks about it and not sure how their reaction will be like, but nevertheless....). Initially, i was scared, even negative and skeptical. What if there is nakabandi, the cops could trouble me for being alone, what if somebody mugs me. i had even locked my car from the inside. But slowly, i realised that what is happening now is an adventure.

After a few minutes of absorbing the fact, i felt so happy and 'liberated'. i put on the music and manoeuvered myself to home. There was no rush to reach home quickly, no traffic to beat, no crazy honking and no overtaking. It was not exactly like my 'so-called' notions of adventure, but again nevertheless....

And that got me thinking, actually speaking i have always had my small adventures. my life is not that boring also and without any efforts, life has thrown some pleasant adventures on me.
1. When my parents forcibly, emotionally blackmailed me to take them to some relatives' place i stayed in the car like a driver.... :)
2. i have seen 2-3 movies alone. An English play too.
3. This is too little of an adventure. i walked down on the rocks of the Worli Sea Face. Climbed down from the promenade and stayed there for a few moments. Didn't go too far.
4. Joined a group like Board Games Bash. Attend it regularly.
5. i once hit a motorcycle man while taking a wrong turn. Dealt with the police, gave my address and wrong cell phone number. Was shit scared but when it got over, i felt stronger.

That's all i can remember right now. Probably, the ones that i can't recollect aren't all that exciting after all. But with each endeavour, i feel a great sense of freedom. Something that adds to my character.

These days, i have got this immense desire to get a tattoo done. i was absolutely against it, but now things have changed. i think, for me, this will be the most liberating experience ever. A change that i cannot reverse, as this will be for life.

Looking forward to much more and much bigger....

Car parking manners

i have been taking the car to work since a few days. My office is in an industrial estate where super rich textile mill owners, printing presses, studios and the likes abound. It is a task to find parking space so I leave early from home.

There are watchmen at various places to guide and stop you from parking at an inappropriate place. And in the area, there are many buildings and a specified parking lot for each building.

Yesterday, i came in at around 1020 hours and found 2 parking spots just opposite my building. So, i pulled in the car in the open space when the watchman came and told me not to park it there. He said, "i can't let you park where regulars park. i accommodated your car the other day as a one-off thing. But if you are bringing it everyday then find parking somewhere else."

i told him that no space is allotted to anybody. So, whoever comes first parks it. Besides, if i work here why would i park somewhere else. i have full right to park the car here. You can come to my office and tell me if there is any problem, i'll move my car accordingly.

He grumbled but did not argue any further and told me to park the car in the far right corner. i did and told him that i'll leave by 1900 hours.

Then, in the evening, at around 1915, i stepped out of office to go home. There was a blue Maruti zen parked ahead of my car. The watchman had left by then so i enquired with the nearby drivers to find out who the car belonged to. After some talks, i found out that it belonged to somebody on the 2nd floor. A guard went up to the office and came back with the message that the car owner's driver has the keys and has gone for some work nearby. He'll be back soon. Sensing that it would take time, i went up to talk with him myself.

It was a deserted small office. i found a young man sleeping. His eyes were open and was looking here and there. i asked him where is the owner? He took me up the loft stairs again and showed me in. It was a dingy place. There was this middle-aged man with a temple tikka on his forehead talking to somebody.

i asked him to move the car and he repeated what the guard had told me previously. He said it’ll take about 20-25 minutes. Politely, i told him that i'll have to wait now. You should have kept some spare keys with you. i went down and waited for around 35 minutes.

While i was waiting, few of the drivers, guards and the temple priest told me that this car doesn't have any driver. The owner himself drives it, which meant that this man was making me wait for no particular reason. i was getting furious as i was climbing up the stairs. Just as i was reaching the 2nd floor, i saw this man coming out of his office hurriedly. i asked him, where is your driver? He said, here, the driver just came with the ladka. i said, i didn't see him coming up. i asked the watchman on the first floor. He denied having seen anybody come up. i just went down with boiling anger.

This middle-aged man got into the car and told the guy who had parked his omni van next to our cars, to park it elsewhere. His tone, demeanour all sounded shaken and guilty. And i started giving him a piece of my mind. i did not abuse him or stuff. But my voice had risen and i made my disgust very clear. He kept replying with words like – nahi beta meri aapse kya dushmani hai?

He moved his car away and was waiting at the gate.
I waited too.
He got nervous.
I kept waiting.
He did some fidgeting.
I was staring at him.
He started his car.
I started mine and followed him.
That’s the least I could do. Pinch him.
He drove himself, no driver, no child.
Guess his driver only keeps the keys and does not drive around the boss.

Such a @#$#$$%%^%#$@#$

I felt like breaking his car lights, deflating the car tyre and anything that would make him realise his folly. I took pictures of his car number plate and if my anger doesn’t subside, I might do something to teach him a lesson…..

That @#$@#$^#$^#$%^#

Bout of negativity

Sometimes, I feel stupid, insecure, sad, defeated (battling with my own self), exhausted, small, inept, irresponsible, empty, lonely, left out, dejected, incapacitated, negative.

Smileys :)

Just fascinated and amazed at the use of smileys, so often and so varied.

Some of the situations, i observe they being used, are:
1. First - time conversations where you want to create a comfort level.
2. IM conversations regarding work in office.
3. When you want to get your work done.
4. When you want to say something firmly without sounding strict.
5. When you find yourself smiling in the middle of an online conversation.
6. When you want to say a lot but are at a loss of words, the smiley says it all.
7. When you want to be sarcastically funny.
8. When you want to be polite and ignore the other person's stupid comment.
9. When you realise your folly.
10. When you want to ask for forgiveness.
11. When you want to sound funny (obviously)
And it goes on......

There are so many expressions they convey. i only use and identify the most basic ones,
:( - Sad smiley
:D - Laughing smiley
:O - Surprised smiley
;) - Flirtatious (kind of...) smiley
:p - Teasing smiley
....but there is a whole lot, out there.

They really are a cool usage. Wikipedia credits a few men for inventing it. i think they did a really good job.

Aah...and i just realised that the hyphen in between the colon and the round bracket is for the nose.
:) - without nose
:-) - with nose

Doesn't really change the meaning but i am just too fascinated.
:)

Board gaming is the way!

Jenga
Pictionary
The Game of Life
Taboo
Jenga Truth or Dare
Cluedo


These are the games i brought home, today. Wow! it is so much fun.
i plan to play one every day.
Yey!

Long time.....

It's been a long time since i've written. Maybe that has got to do with J's wedding
i was busy, yes. But happy too. All of us. There was enthusiasm, subdued though. And the wedding, it was fast forwarded. Before we could think, it got over.

But at the end of it all, there was a sense of satisfaction and a fulfilling completion or rather a beautiful beginning.

:)

Some more space in the wired world!

Isn't the heading complicated? i think so too.

It only means that i now have a new blog.
This blog is dedicated to my views on the plays, movies and books that i witness.

There is a whole new world that speaks to you through these medium.
i want to explore it and let the world know what i felt after the encounter.

People, please read it.
Here's the link - http://www.me-reviewz.blogspot.com/

The White Tiger is beautiful!

i just finished reading the book - The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.

i borrowed it from Sonal who had got it from somebody else. She wanted it back quickly 'cos she had to return it to the original source. And so, i stalled reading Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie and began reading it with an intention to finish it quickly.

There was no need to, as is it is just too unputdownable. Line after line, word after word, the book smoothly takes you into its snug, gripping fold.

It is a story of two disparate worlds that exist side-by-side, sometimes hand-in-hand in the society. A smart kid belonging to the lower strata of the society sees the world of excesses (partially) through his boss's eyes.

The world of excesses is duly filled with extremities of corruption, plastic relationships, cruelty and what not. Of course, the plot is set in Gurgaon and Delhi, which exemplifies it even better.

It surprises me and also startles me to see, how the blue-collared guys are treated like goods when they are human beings with flesh, blood, feelings and emotions. And how these poor guys go on living with crushed souls and battered hearts.

The story travels through the journey of this poor guy and how ultimately he shakes off his martyrdom status and gives a fitting reply to his boss.

All in all, it is a story with a practical and strong heart.
A worthwhile win, an even worthy read.

Super exciting is what?

There have been many things happening here.

Like -
1. Superb birthday celebrations this year
2. A long list of gifts, the best being iPod Nano 16 GB (dhin ka chika dhinka)
3. Even grander b'day celebrations for J
4. Even bigger gifts for her (am excited about her gifts ;))
5. Am taking part in a wall design for Indigo Cafeteria
6. Underdogs is the name of the team and we are a bunch of underdogs, but strong-headed, nevertheless and with fire in the belly
7. Attended the Indigo party (not too happening)
8. Eating mangoes, yummy

But still, its not exciting enough.....

Small shop owners are getting smart & how!

Sonal, my office friend, was reading a book - The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga, with deep interest. i was curious, 'cos i've never seen her so engrossed in book reading. So, i asked her about it and what she said was an insight.

She had gone to an apparel shop across the road. The shop is called 'Flirt & Flaunt'. She found the stuff interesting and bought a few things. What the shop owner did is the actual surprise. This smart fellow gave her this book saying, "This is a nice book. You can read it and then return it after a month or so." Without any friendship or acquaintanceship, he lent Sonal the book.

What a strategy!

If nothing, Sonal will at least enter the shop one more time. She may buy stuff, she may not buy, that's her choice. But just think about the way this guy capitalised on the first visit of a customer.

i think it's great. i've been to the shop. The stuff there is not all that great. But the smart intelligence-in-use floored me. As a book aficionado and a clothes lover, i think the combination is fantastic. i am sure it'll bring them great results. Regards the stuff found there, i think it can get better. And someday, i too will find something nice to buy from there.

This shop is located in the vicinity of Phoenix Mills compound with giants like Pantaloons, Lifestyle, Biba and the likes enjoying the major share of market.

i think that's the spirit of surviving and thriving in the face of tall competition.

A l'll while away from the 27th....

i don't know what it is that makes me wait so eagerly.
And a few days before it, is something like a festival.
The preparations are grand, big scale.
The thinking, planning and dreaming starts almost a month ago.
The expectations are huge.
The pretentious behaviour is at its peak.
i decide not to mind if somebody forgets, but it lingers on on my mind hurtfully.
Every year i expect it to be differently delightful, it always turns out that way, but i am never satisfied....or say fully satisfied.
What's the big deal? i think it's the fact that it never felt like one, all my school life.
i want and make sure, am treated specially that day.

Every year on 3rd April, i am reborn
:)

The Vagina Monologues.......Kudos!

i saw an English play in a long time.
i am glad it was this.

The Vagina Monologues is no ordinary play. It played for the 202nd time. It shook the way i think about an essential part of my body, every female's body. i hadn't known that it isn't just a sex organ. It truly is much more.

Most definitely, a must-watch.
If anything, it only increases one's pride of being a woman. It is in no way a feminist play. I think men should watch it. This is a show that can change the dimensions of respect towards womanhood in a bountifully positive way.

A standing ovation to the artists who intrinsically brought about Eve Ensler's vision into reality. i am sure this must have been difficult. i was travelling in a public bus while coming back at 11.30 in the night and believe me, i didn't have the nerve to open up and read their souvenir which had the name of the play written in bold. So to enact a play on a topic like that is an example of courage and conviction.

Till now, i wasn't very willing or comfortable telling Pa, which play i had gone for. That has changed now. i have no inhibitions now.

Wassup!

Hey! What's happening world?
Lots happening here and nothing much happening too, at the same time.
:)

There seems to be a lull.
Not going to the gym.

Lots of buzz.
Kids busy in exam.
Business people busy in taxes and year-ending round up.

Work's good.
Excitement's palpable.

And i am rambling
Ok, off i go....

Jai Ho....A. R. Rahman, Gulzaar!

i am absolutely thrilled for A.R.Rahman. i think he totally deserved it.

His music has been liked and admired, right from the time he started making music. He is the perfect example of consistent excellence in his art.

In every venture that he takes up, there is something that is fresh. The variety of singers he introduces and uses to give justice to his creation is amazing. The other day, i read about the divinity he exercises for his work. He made a veteran director gargle his mouth and enter the studio when he was composing music, because his (the director's) mouth smelled of alcohol.

Otherwise also, he comes across as a humble and God-fearing human being. His Vande Mataram renditions are mind blowing.

Actually, why am i adding my two bits of info on Rahman and his body of work. It's known now and across boundaries.

And i loved his confidence and shyness while performing on stage at the Kodak Theatre. Wow, the place rocked with his music.

i specially liked the words Jai Ho, very positive and confident. Thanks to Gulzaar for this and others of his beautifully penned lyrics. i remember Lead India campaign's anthem and prose penned by him. Hindustan ummed se hai.

Hats off! Proud to be an Indian 'cos of you guys.

Jhingalala services from Tata Sky

A simple service, delivered with earnestness and wholesomeness can garner accolades and stickiness with the brand. That's how my experience with Tata Sky was.

Tata Sky is our digital satellite television service provider. Very recently, we got the connection. This month, from the 20th - 22nd, they had made this new movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' available on demand for Rs. 25/-.

We wanted to watch it but didn't know how to go about it. Pa asked me to just call up the number, which i thought is toll-free, but later realised, isn't. The IVR was pretty simple and soon i was talking with an executive.

He gave complete information about the process, how many times we can watch it, replying patiently and sincerely to every little detail i asked for. After all confirmation, i made a request and within a few seconds, the movie was playing on 3 channels. 2 in Hindi and 1 in English, all for Rs. 25/- any number of shows.

Then Pa wanted to get the recharge done also. So, i mentioned about it to the executive and he guided me through it. Pa then asked me to get it recharged after getting all the info. The impressive part was, while the same executive directed me to the recorded voice instructions,he was with me all the while, guiding me. i found it very efficient. And my recharge happened without any hassle, whatsoever!

Having had experiences where customer service executives pass on the line to other individuals for any other service, this one got me everything in one go, without wasting any of my time. Also, out of the many queries i posed to him, not once did he say no, or something like - no, madam, you can't do this. Whenever there was something that was not available with my connection, he said, if you get this, you get to do that. Like for example, i asked, can i record the movie? To which he said, "Madam, Tata Sky Plus enables you to do that" and not, "No, not with your connection" That makes a difference. His marketing skills also showed.

There was nothing revolutionary in this but the service and assistance was really commendable. i forgot the name of the executive, but i would really like to thank him genuinely.

Keep up the good work, guys!

Stay at Delhi 6

Yes, you can stay at your seat in the theatre to watch Delhi 6. It may not be a must-watch, but it is a nice movie. Contrary to what critics suggested, it does not fall flat.

The central message of the movie is heartwarming and something that we tend to have forgotten in these supposedly troubled times. Look within and remove the black that is inside you. Look at yourself in the mirror and see if you can watch without guilt, remorse, or any negativity, for that matter.

i'll jump to the characters because they define the film and the ethos it projects. Abhishek Bachchan is marvellous. The kind of restraint he shows is so powerful and has a dynamite embedded in it. i particularly like the scene where he is not allowed to enter the mandir. It would have been very easy for anybody to be provoked there and with reason. But the bottom line, beautifully represented, is, that does not solve the issue. So, why act in a fruitless manner. The director rises above the ordinary by showing him talking it out rather than creating further havoc by reacting to it. i didn't find it preachy at all. And the exact contradiction is the scene where he slaps a boisterous police officer who is in the wrong. He does not fear the consequences and stands up for what is wrong. There is a possibility that he might not be in the know of the rules. But, the point being, he is very sensible in the choices he makes. He is not weak and he does not show off his might at the wrong places. He is very sensitive too. He understands the sensitivity of a father-daughter relationship too. i think, Abhishek takes it all.

Of course, the other artists have given outstanding performances too. Special mention here about Dobriyal. His anger when his shop is burned down and his helpless feeling when he shoots down the supposed Monkeyman. Beautifully portrayed. Atul Kulkarni is good too but does not rise above his character. He is a brilliant actor and that's what he can bring to the table. Nothing drastic.

Others have performed well too.

The cinematography is mind blowing. The Namaaz scenes are shot like never before. Salutes to Binod Pradhan.

The music is a-maaa-zing. Of course, it is A.R.Rahman. Now that the world knows about his genius, it is expected. But the music beautifully embellishes and at the same time adds soul to the film. Prasoon Joshi is at his best again. This man's usage of regular words in a different and refreshing context is superb. Darare Darare Mathey Pe Maula, Maramat Muqaddar ki kardo Maula. Double superb.

The editing is not tight, i agree. The grip loosens at some ends too, but compared to the overall experience, it is forgivable. The Ramayan intercepts are a little difficult to decipher and tend to be a little too forced. Ditto with Amitabh Bachchan's appearance, didn't really drive home the point.

All in all, a sit-up-and-take-notice movie experience!
Recommended.

Twelve / two

This date has many things attached to it.

This is the same date J had got married.

This is the same date Pa had an heart attack.

This is the same date when we purchased our first car.

This is the same date that Kamna masi had passed away.

And today, this is the same date when Guruji has passed away.

This also is the date for a closure and a new beginning for J.

All this happened in different years in the last decade.

But this date has significant meaning in our lives. Almost like milestones.

Some good, some sad entries.

Strike of change

You have to come out of your boredom yourself. Nobody is going to do it for you. Nobody should. Nobody can.

And it is not all that difficult. Unless you make it so.

But it takes a hell lot of effort and undoing of the conditioning. Or so it seems in the initial attempts.

Either you make revolutionary, rebellious changes to stop getting back into the pan or make peaceful compromise with the situation.

Getting rebellious is drastic. Not just for you, but for those connected to you, too.

That kind of shackles you, but you gotta take risk for a big leap. Come out of the comfort zone and explore and discover and live and be.

One step at a time or plunge head down, that is the question????

What's goin on here?????

i am getting bored and feeling stodgy.
i think i'll elope tomorrow morning or late tonight.

Luck By Chance - Watch it by choice

Long time, no review. What the heck, Dishpa :)

Yea...i just watched Luck By Chance. Its a nice movie.

i really liked the slick direction style. Both brother-sister duo are smart, modern, urban individuals. Performances are marvellous, by each one of them. The plot is very interesting and is treated in a very stylised manner. It has ample substance to it too.

The reality of the Hindi film industry is beautifully portrayed. It's not treated starkly and intensely, as Madhur Bhandarkar does. But it drives home the point, quite resonantly.

i can't comment much about the technical details as i am not equipped to, but seemingly, it's all reasonably good. The casting is just perfect. All the characters fit quite snugly. Farhan Akhtar is ok, i mean, he is good, but nothing great. Maybe, that's what the role demands. If he wants to seriously pursue acting, he needs to do a variety of roles. But, its only his second movie. So, fair enough. i like him nonetheless. And maybe my expectations are quite high for him. Dimple, Isha, Rishi Kapoor, Farhan's friends - they are all good. Special mention here about Juhi Chawla - she plays, i think the most difficult character. Loud, sensitive, ostentatious, but played so damn convincingly. It would have been very easy to overdo it, but she draws a fine balance to it. Good work there. The show stealer, undoubtedly, is Konkona Sen Sharma.

Man, what role, what portrayal! The depth of this character, understanding, acceptance level is amazing. You'll just fall in love with this character. i did. Konkona oozes loads of talent, so convincing, so beautiful. She has now become one of my favourite actors.

i absolutely love the scene in the end where she has this talk with Farhan. She so casually, without creating a fuss, genuinely tells him about his selfish nature. Most importantly, it is not derogatory, she does not harbour any ill-feelings and moves on quite confidently giving a complete closure to her relationship. Absolute perfection.

Konkona rocks, so does Zoya, the director!
Looking forward to more works from such artists.

Thank-you!

i got back home. Pa was having dinner. As he finished, we sat down to watch TV together.

i saw this ad. An amazingly beautiful woman with beautifully flowing hair holding a coffee mug, looking out of the window, carefree and confident.

i turned to Pa and asked him,
"Is our past karma responsible for the way we look?"

He laughed.

i asked, "why are some people so beautiful and others not? Is it some kind of a punishment?"

He was going through some statements and said,
"To think that you are not beautiful is itself a wrong way of looking at things. Just quote me for these words."

And he laughed again and looked at me, smiled and looked at the TV.

i smiled back and looked at the TV.

Are all Dads fantastic or is it my good karma?

Breakfast at Taj

After the scintillating performances, the CM of Maharashtra arrived. i don't know exactly why he was there, because he had missed the major part of the program. He came up on the dais, felicitated the artists and gave a small speech ending with a Jai Maharashtra :)

There was a cyclist amongst us who also was felicitated. He was on a mission to bike from Gateway of India to India Gate in 4 days starting on 26th January and reaching on 30th January, which is Gandhiji's death anniversary. He intended to cover 400 kms a day. He was carrying a message titled 'Heal on wheels' for the terror attack victims with a global warming message attached to it too. Good stuff! When we saw him from close quarters, he looked a man in his 40's. Wow, good spirit!

And then as promised by Pa, we entered the Taj to have breakfast. The performing artists were there too. We looked around the lobby and saw the place a bit. They had put up a place holder with the names of the victims and a prose on the attack and state of things. Of course, i took pictures of them all.

We went to Shamiana and were wondering what to eat. There was a buffet breakfast spread laid out. And just then, a young lady got us the menu card. Ma was, as usual, looking at the price. But surprisingly, she was not oh-my-god-so-expensive!!! in her expression. i think she had expected it. :)

Me and Ma looked at the food available in the buffet. It was wholesome and for Rs. 1000/- only :). After a lot of deliberation, i ordered a Masala Dosa, Ma Medu Wada and Pa Toast Butter. And to drink, Cappuccino for myself, simple tea for Ma and masala tea for Pa.

The masala could have done with a little more salt. The chutney was a little bland for its taste. Cappuccino was perfect. i ate very forgivingly though because it was the Taj :)

Ma's chai was awful according to her. Masala tea was only comparatively better but that too wasn't satisfactory. So, they decided to voice their opinion. i was against it and was telling them to drink it quietly. They were laughing and smiling and i was worried.

They did it quite graciously and the attendant was happy to make a fresh pot for them. That also was not up to the mark, but better nevertheless. i told them you'll be charged for this. They were confident it won't be charged. i was worried again. i told Pa, don't fight for it, it'll be just 500 bucks extra, at the most.

i was being such a....... :)

Eventually, it was not charged. And everything went by smoothly. But i had fled the scene sneaking in the wash room, to avoid any embarrassment. BTW, the rest rooms are wow!

:)

We then saw Leopold Cafe too.

It was my first 5 star experience, guys!

But Pa told me you are behaving as if you frequent such places.

Everything about the Taj was grand, obviously. All in all, good fun.

Totally paisa vasool!

P.S. A lot of firsts for me. Pleasant ones, yipppeeeeeee!

What a way to start the day!

On the 26th of Jan, i had the best start to my day in a long time.

Though i got up at 0430 hours, i was looking forward to the events that were about to unfold. i left home at 0535 and was late as planned by Pa. i was driving fast and was expecting to reach Gateway of India in half an hour but was amazed to find traffic, yes traffic, at Sion and we were stuck for a good 20 minutes. Some nakabandi for security reasons. But man, having to get stranded in traffic in the early morning darkness is something else. A real test of patience!

Only that patch of road was blocked. The rest of the trip was smooth and quick. So, reached Gateway at 0620. Parked the car and was seated by 0635. But, i must say, i felt a chill run through the spine when i was passing CST. The darkness was adding to the scary feeling. The blurry scene started playing on mind. But as soon as we reached the venue, it all felt hopeful. i was thinking about all the people who went through it. Brave souls!

Anyways, when we were settling down, Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pandit Jasraj and the organiser responsible for putting the event together gave a brief speech and introduced the artists. Before the performance began, a short film was shown on the history of the national flag, which was very informative. The national flag was the theme of the morning.

Javed Akhtar then recited a poem on the colour orange, the first colour in the national flag. And then followed flute recital, which just set the mood. Very profound, very soulful. i was constantly shooting videos and photos with my phone. White, green and then the chakra. Poetry, sitar, vocal, tabla, mridangam, flute performances took place. All refreshing, tuning the inner chord of life in the right rhythm.

The morning was pleasantly cold, i had just casually wrapped around a shawl to keep warm. The Gateway of India shone majestically in the early dawn lighting and then in the natural sunlight. In the midst of all this, the sun silently came up to say his hello. A bright orange hue turning into a golden halo. It was very symbolic of the sun to have risen just above the placard of Mumbai. Also, a few minutes after that, some of the jawans unfurled the national flag atop the Gateway.

i have captured all these magical moments in my phone and am waiting to transfer it on the computer.

It was so beautiful and serene and captivating. i think for the first time in my life, i have witnessed a sunrise so closely and so consciously. Sunsets, i have seen many, but sunrise was a first for me.

Lovely!

Fulfilling promises!

Sunday, 24 August 2008
Shopping List :))
1. N 96 (whoaaa..)
2. Guitar
3. Diamond Ring / s (??)
4. Branded Watch
By the end of 2008, I will be having all of them :) and some more.
Er....Am i being too materialistic? Well, does anybody mind? Awwrightt then!!!!!

This was the list i had made a few months ago. Well, reviewing whether i kept promises. The verdict is, i kept some and some are pending.

1. In place of N96, i bought 5800 Xpress Music (not bad) but not in 2008 :( But that's ok
2. Guitar is pending (have to enroll for a class first)
3. YESssss! This one i fulfilled in full blast (large grin). Very happy! Diamonds are indeed my best friends
4. Branded watch, pending too. But i gifted one to J, which is not bad. And it wouldn't be long before i own one myself. (positive)

It's time now for some more items on the list. But let me just tick off the pending ones first.

So far, so good!!!!

Zara zara touch me touch me touch me!!! ;)

Ahem, people!

That's for my Nokia 5800 Express Music touch screen phone.

Yes!!!!!!
Ladies & Gents, i have finally got myself a new phone. i bid farewell to my ancient, archaic phone (Nokia 2300) the evening of 3rd Jan. 2009. The old phone had given me company for 5 odd years. Gifted to me by Pa afer my post graduation, this phone was the first phone i ever owned. After loyal service for so many years, it deserved a peaceful place in heaven. God bless his soul!

i called a few of my friends & family who were very keen on having a new phone for me, from my new phone of course. Their joy was palpable, only adding to mine.

The new one is my darling only waiting to be touched & explored!

Wow!

Let the feeling just sink in!