Courtsey Shobha De!

I follow De's blog with zeal...not only for the way she writes... cause I like her little anecdotes and mini-travelogues. I LOVE traveling and her accounts talk of things a 'tourist' would probably miss!
Her recent post talks about this picture at a Wierzynek restaurant (I have to assume in Poland). It is an extremely witty picture that has substituted the last supper with 10 celebrities from around the globe... who would have NEVER been able to have any kind of meal together...merely cause they did not live in the same times!
I can spot Shakespeare, Monroe, Picasso and Einstein. Apart from these, Mrs. De identified Napoleon, Chaplin and Mozart.

I found this really cool! Mrs. De had this idea of coming up with more names who could take their places.So here goes.. following is my list:

• Bernard Shaw & Tagore,(for their engaging pieces of work)
• Vallabhai Patel, Mandela, Martin Luther King (For their astounding vision, courage and initiatives.)
• Indira Gandhi (was before my time..but texts on her never fail to impress me!)
• Cleopatra (For everything from her rumored beauty and love affair to her tactics..!)
• Alexander Flemming (for his penicillin and his contribution to medicine)
• Alexander Graham Bell (without whom all the teenagers... {me 2} would be lost!)
• Steven Spielberg (For his amazing talent and creativity)
• MJ (the king of pop indeed)
• and last and highest on my list Dr. Sumati Bhagwat (my grandmum: the only person I know who could have supper with them and manage to engage each of them in intriguing dialogues!)

Go on... list your top 12 (no one takes Jesus's place... I guess thats why the window is for! he's watching!!)!! I dont want to attribute this to the "TAG virus" as it spells coercion for me! But... I am really intrigued to know who would feature on Zillionbig's, Aparna's, Ramesh's and Anu bhabhi's list!

BLACKMAIL

They say a "Picture is worth a thousand words".... so here goes nothing!!

Sunday Times!

There were a couple of really intriguing articles in the TOI this Sunday...intriguing from my perspective that is!

1. Chachi Chaudhrey becomes an NRI!
This article informed its reader that Chacha Chaudhray is now spreading his wings.. he will now feature on TV and Video Games making him a global Indian hero... the Indian version of Superman and batman rolled into one! The article went to highlight his attributes namely; his wit/super sharp brain (remember: faster than the PC) and his companion, the Jupiterian Sabu and his vegetarian dog Rocket! Good times... I remember reading those things on the local (trains in Bombay) while travelling!

2. Cell Phone Novel!
This titbit announced the release of the first Indian cell phone novel by Pinki Virani that comprises 90 text messages. 'Deaf Heaven' narrates the story of a recently departed spirit who haunts specific characters pondering on 'afterlife' and the existence of 'heaven'!

Cool eh!

Potter 6: Missing Scenes!

The movie was pretty good. I would have def. liked it more, if they had stuck to the original story but to be realistic they had to cut corners to fit a 650 pg. book within a 2 & half hour movie! So I put aside by stubborn opinions and ended up enjoying it thoroughly.
This part sets up the stage for the grand finale of the series which ends with the 7th book (atleast for know.. hope JKR gives in and writes more). Harry grows up rather rapidly in these two books as he has to step up to the challenge. This movie introduces many new characters and seems to clarify quite a few things by the end of it. So... DO go and watch it....

Scenes I wish they had made: And how will they link it up without these??!!

1. No mention of the muggle PM meeting Scrimgeour the new Minister of Magic! I was dying to see the portrait that talked and scared the living day lights of the muggle PM! Now I wonder who will introduce Dumbledore’s will in the next part (in the book Scrimgeour does...may be they will introduce him directly in the next part...sigh!) as without it they cannot possibly go any further!

2. The scene where Dumbledore comes to Privet Drive and informs Harry of inheriting Sirius’s worldly possessions... gold, Buckbeak, Grimmauuld Place Number 12 along with the dubious Kreacher!! Again this part is important as Kreacher has a decent role to play in the next part.

3. Remaining faithful to the main theme of the movie which Screams ‘Teenage Romance’ I find it hard to believe that they skipped Fleur and Bill’s appearances completely. After all the next part starts off with their wedding. I am sure the director and script writer will not be able to resist including their wedding in the movie, as it is possibly the only ‘happy & bright’ occasion in the entire book! And they WILL need it to offset the otherwise somber and serious movie with an overdose of moroseness!

4. Another significant scene they excluded was the memory of acquiring the ring. Or other memories collected by Dumbledore that indicated what Voldermort was upto after he graduated from Hogwarts. Without these memories they have failed to explain how Voldermort chooses his Horcruxes and sheds no light on his narcissistic character. Without these it’s almost impossible for the next movie to continue as the Harry in the movie has been given no clues as to what objects may be construed as Horcruxes (he intends to look for the remaining ones) making his entire mission – IMPOSSIBLE!

5. Most importantly, Vodlermort’s mother’s history as it actually shows how & why Riddle became Voldermort has been excluded. This would probably have been responsible for invoking some sympathy from the audience for Voldermort. This is essential as Harry DOES feel an iota of sympathy towards riddle and asks him to repent at the very end.

6. Also excluded are Percy’s visits during Christmas... but I guess it was insignificant enough to cut.
As the movie’s parallel focus was Harry’s obsession with Malfoy, they probably should have included the Elfs tailing Malfoy. Again may be was not very important and worthy of exclusion as well.

7. Voldermort’s request of joining as Defense Against Arts teacher was way too crucial to exclude... wonder how they are going to explain this expulsion in the next part. (If I say more... will ruin the next book for those who haven’t read it!)

8. They really did no justice to the fight scene at the very end. Made Harry look like a coward instead of highlighting his bravado. This scene was one of the ‘character defining’ moments for Harry and they have really botched it!
Also, the same scene is principally responsible for creating the main villan and they just ate his moment! He would have done soo much more justice to the story if the scene was rightly included. This was important as without it, they are not building the suspense of the series to the desired degree.
Also, without the entire fight scene I wonder how they are going to explain Bill’s marred face.

9. Lastly, skipping the Funeral was just plain wrong. This book/movie says adieu to a central character and they should have done more than just raising wands to pay respects. Very Very crass.

However, inspite of these points, I will reiterate that for those of you who follow the movie series or have read the books... please do go and see this one. For others who haven't seen the previous installments, no matter... this one is full of drama and magic and watching it is time well spent. So hurry on.. I actually wouldn't mind seeing it again in 3D when they release it sometime near July end...what do you say G? Up for it??!! :)

Wasted: Kambakt Hindi Movies

These days watching hindi movies can be counted as one among the many means of torture. Apart from a handful of movies that are dished out by the hindi film fraternity, majority of them have a pathetic screenplay that has no semblance to reality. They seem only to focus on the ‘oomph factor’ and the glamor is added extravagantly in an attempt to divert the focus off the poor script and an impossible story line. The movie Kambakt Ishq falls in this genre of movies that major in ‘frivolities’ and ‘larger than life characters’.

To begin with there is no originality. The character played by Kareena is taken from ‘Isabel Stevens’ played by Katherine Heigl in the hit drama series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Even the set is the same. Sadly, the similarities end there. The prude doctor played by Kareena has no ‘God-complex’ which is ingrained in most surgeons. What’s worse, is that the same character who doubles as a model to amass her tuition money seems to have more pride in her ability to act & model; rather than the expected superiority complex budding from her ability to skillfully wield a scalpel. The plot is ruined further as Kareena and all her colleagues walk around the hospital set with immaculate hairdos and perfect makeup. Furthermore, the director has shot the operation scenes unskillfully. In one close up you can actually notice Kareena wipe her forehead with her gloved wrist while she stands over an open body cavity! I suppose the director should have cut a make-up artist or two from what I can only assume was an army of makeup crew. And instead should have hired an actual surgeon to mimic the scene who would have definitely caught such obvious mistakes. On second thoughts, I wonder if a doctor was present and if he missed it anyway!!May be it was necessary to act so, so that we all know when exactly Kareena dropped the damn watch.But seriously... how dumb do you have to be, to not know that doctors strip themselves of all hand jewelery that includes rings, bracelets and watches before they scrub in! Grrr.... its high time the film makers realize that they have an educated, audience on their hand (our literacy rate is way up) who is well aware and has tons of common sense. I have news for you... just being size zero and pouting and swearing 'dog' or overusing the word 'bitch' does not make you a great actor. Research your roles and play them more convincingly.

Moving on... the entire story line unfolded rather rapidly and it moved from one part to another before the viewer had digested it all. That haphazard handing is also responsible for such a poor outcome. Also, the comic part is overdone and the jokes seemed worn out. The popular belief that making somebody laugh is the most difficult emotion to evoke in show business is true indeed and this movie seems to reiterate the point as it moves from scene to scene failing to induce comedy. Also, too many kissing scenes in the movie that are not shot tastefully. They were intended for publicity but fail to portray the delicate situation and instead border on vulgarity. Tone it down guys.... copy that from from your Hollywood peers (again selected ones please)! Let us relish the moment of shared love rather than gawk at their awkward stances.

Akshay Kumar has finally shown a shimmer of acting in a couple on scenes, though I had to look hard to find those scenes. The rest of the ‘supporting actors’ are like extra ingredients that fail to add any spice to the movie which just looks okay and lacks flavor. The action scenes are simply superb and as usual Akshay has the audience gripping their seats. But even that is not enough to save an entire film. Again too many songs...fast forwarded through them all to survive the entire showing. Even the last scene that plays in the background as the credits roll on in bold letters; is taken from the movie ‘Hitch’ where everyone dances in a line after the fat guy and popular girl’s wedding!

All in all... you can skip this one folks. It seems like entertainment set up to brag about their budget showcased via an entire closet full of designer clothes, heaps of makeup and barrels of hair spray!

Huff & Puff!

So..I joined a gym! Mostly out of boredom, and because a little part of me wanted to shed the 20 odd pounds my body has accumulated over the past 2 years! However, my primary objective was being able to hit the swimming pool everyday! I LOVE swimming...... serious swimming and fooling around both! Anyhoo... so I pack my gym gear and ride to the gym with the jubilant smile stuck on my face as it hangs out of the open window....can almost identify with a dog who hangs his head out of the car window in sheer excitement! (woof woof!)
So after my unbearable minutes of cardio, I hit the weight section of the gym. For starters, I find this section rather intimidating. In my defense, I see girls half my size exercising with 50+Lbs of metal rings. And here I am, cautiously pausing at each and every machine, trying to read the instructions carefully in order to avoid any further embarrassment! And just as my gut had cautioned me, I have to lower the weight scale at every machine as I proceed through the work out session! Perhaps had there been out of shape people heaving beside me as well, my discomfiture would have reduced considerably! However, as fate would have it, predictably there are beefy men and women lugging weights of tantamount proportions (ranging from 75 to 150 Lbs) around me, quiet oblivious to my awkwardness! Show-offs... I mutter reassuring myself that I am more brainy than brawny and so naturally this is ok! I know... I know... but hey there is only soo much strain my exhausted muscles(and grey matter) can handle!!
I finally get through my weight workout and stagger to the pool wincing at my sore, rudimentary, nonexistent muscles! AAAAh! Now comes the best part of the routine... so after 15 laps, I wearily pull myself out of the lap pool and drag my feet to the hot tub. After 60 mins of cardio or the weights (I alternate).... that jet propelled hot water transports me to HEAVEN. I lose interest in EVER leaving the tub when the wall clock that is strategically placed right above the tub (I suspect there are many others feeling like me and they want everyone to get a chance in the hot tub) rudely reminds me of dinner time! Sigh! I drag my seriously exhausted self out... to somehow make it back home! Until the next evening!

~Victorian~

I have heard soooo many references to the Victorian era on American Television. At first I thought that it was the most popular of all eras!! Or may be the writers of American entertainment are terribly prejudiced(pun intended)and have literally overused pointers to this era!
Talks about the Victorian house, music, romance stories made me real curious.
Turns out, it was a time associated with the second English Renaissance. Contrarily, it was also a time when 'prudishness' was in vogue! Surprisingly enough, "my beloved" Bombay's main train terminal was named after the same Queen Victoria who reined England in the late 1800s to early 1900s! This age gave birth to artists and thinkers who made their mark in history. Lastly, from what I have read, the term 'my love' was coined somewhere around this period...another cheesy & corny term, I grudgingly like! :)

Public displays: Swayamwar!!??!!

I read TOI everyday... partly out of habit and cause a little obstinate avtar of me is unwilling to let go of news in Mumbai! So being far away from Mumbai (sniff sniff..), it was TOI who informed me about Rakhi gearing up for her Swayamwar! First reaction...shock mingled with disbelief. Not because I am that prude (I am to a large extent, but the so called ‘western civilization’ has toned me down and diluted that aspect of my thinking and beliefs)....but really?? I do realize that the ‘reality show’ buzz has - as though caught fire and the frenzy has begun.. but isn’t this concept a little too brazen for the majority of the population?

So... as usual I Googled to know, if it was just a publicity stunt that would most likely end in hers truly making a scene and mockery out of herself! But turns out she intends to marry the ‘lucky guy’ at the end of this very controversial contest! I even went a step ahead to gauge people’s reaction to the launch of this show. A handful are interested and think that it’s a great idea. But the majority of the clout expressed open condescension and mild disgust at the idea conceived! To begin with, Rakhi had publicly claimed that this trend was initiated by Sita who was lucky (or rather unlucky??) to wed Sri Ram! So with my usual course of curiosity running at an all time high, I watched several episodes of this public selection on youtube.

Full marks to the guys responsible for setting up the stage and developing this concept. Unlike the countless other reality shows, this one is set up at a gorgeous venue in line with the ‘mood’ & ‘view’ of the show. The large halls, sprawling lawns and the grandeur of the palace helps offset the frivolity of the show. The host speaks good hindi which too helps to tone down the shallow quotient of the contestants and their prize who is dressed in designer Indian clothes with oodles of decency! Her overall act is what’s more surprising than her attire. Ms. Sawant is all docile with an occasion slip of her formal self that makes her sound more jarring than usual. She moves around with surprising poise and holds her fort with decency which was missing in her other shows and countless media clips. This new character she is playing is bizarre and makes the audience wonder if she was coached to behave this way or if her ‘act’ was actually genuine making this just another facet of her personality! She is pretty surprising throughout the 2 episodes that I watched. At times, she had me giggling at the naivety of her questions and assumptions though soon enough my notions vacillated as she had me cringing at her crude humor and crass conduct!

As mentioned in numerous other blogs and other forms of news, this indeed is a twisted form of entertainment which almost makes you ‘not want’ to look away inspite of the occasional gruesome sights! Beneath it all, I see (or may be I just wanted to see so) a girl who wants to be loved and feel special and hopes to find that guy to sweep her off her feet with just the right amount of charisma, love and valor. I say valor because he sure needs to be brave to enter this contest. After all if you are rejected on national television, chances of his tying the knot with someone else just plummets! So if not anything this outrageous concept is sure to raise TRP on the basis of its novelty and ‘paisa vasool’ tamasha! However at the sametime, I cannot help but hope that she finds her prince & has her happily ever after ending!