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.