Its been an year since I started writin on facebook now. I would really like to thank Mr. Zuckerberg for findin FB because of which 2009 became more special for me and many others. And jus when I feel so, FB is among the best entertainers of this decade. Though its placed at 16th, way behind Youtube(3rd), I m still happy that it has found its place and I cant agree more. 2009, for more ways than one got me addicted to FB and I m not complaining.
But, an year ago, I rated the top 10 songs of 2008, so its time to be fair with 2009 as well. 2009 saw some wonderful music (talkin strictly about Bollywood) comin from the most unexpected music directors and in the most mellifluous way possible. So, here are the top 11 songs or I may say albums of the year, which according to me will always stay in your ears.
11. Aahun Aahun/ Yeh Dooriyan/Ajj Din Chadheya (Love Aj Kal)
I don know if even these three tracks were imported by Mr.Pritam but as long as they sounded well, I dont wanna complain much about it. Mohit Chauhan has really re-invented himself this year and that was quite prevalent in Ye Dooriyan. While Neeraj Sridhar was no less in Aahun Aahun ably supported by Master Salim. Ajj Din Chaddheya had Ustad Rahatji and I guess that speaks enough about the song.
10. Tum Mile (Reprise/Rock)/Tu Hi Haqeeqat (Tum Mile)
The original version went on to become quite popular but the soul of the song lay in the reprise version by Javed Ali and also the rock version by Shafqat Amanat Ali of Mitwa fame. Wonderful tune and guess what? It again comes from Pritam's ever-growin factory of imported items, though this one was completely original and kudos to him. The latter song, also sung by Javed Ali is another breezy romantic track which did touch many of the hearts this year.
9. Give me some sunshine/ Jaane Nahi (3 Idiots)
Easily the most successful film of the year and comin from the VVC factory with the same team of Hirani, Moitra and Kirkire, the songs were in tune with the film and widely liked as well. The former song from Suraj Jagan was really cool and had all the elements of frustration of the education system and the burden which the Indian middle class students have to go thro'. Supported by able lyrics, the song may have the distinction to have been there on most of the status updates' of many of my friends and it also has certain resemblances to the college cult song "SUTTA".The latter song saw Sonu Nigam singin it and he carried the song on his broad shoulders with equal ease. The song is one of my current favourites!
8. Barson Yaaron/Jashnn Hai Jeet Ka (London Dreams)
Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and the former sung by Shankar himself with a fantastic rendition of Hanuman Chalisa in the end (almost breathless), it came as a breath of fresh air this year. And the song was so good, I actually started chanting and knowin the words of Hanuman Chalisa which I never knew for these 20 years!! Perhaps it was utter ignorance on my side to not have known it till now, but Shankar made it enjoyable and worth-knowin also for me. The latter was sung by Abhijeet Ghoshal of Sa Re Ga Ma fame, if m not mistaken, and was quite a melodious song with fast beats as well to go with the mood of the film.
7. Tu Jaane Na (Reprise/Unplugged) (Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahaani)
Phew! Another Pritam soundtrack and perhaps Tera Hone Lagaa Hoon was far more popular than this but Tu Jaane Na was way too melodious with the efficient use of Tabla in the background and a wonderful chorus to add to it, makin it almost like a qawwali! Though Atif tried his best, the reprise version by Soham of In Dino fame and obviously the evergreen Kailash Kher took the song to a new level altogether. This was really one of the finest tracks of the year.
6. Ali Maula/ Shukran Allah/Kurbaan Hua (Kurbaan)
Salim-Sulaiman rocked back in the lime-light with a wonderful album which attained instant popularity and also acceptance. They mesmerised last year with Rab Ne and Aaja Nachle, and this year they continued it and proved that those were not jus a fluke. And as a reward, they ve become Yashraj's first choice as well! That surely speaks volumes of their capabilities and while Kurbaan Hua had the rock feelin given by
Vishal's vocals, Shukran Allah was the more traditional of romantic songs with great and varied use of instruments. Ali Maula sung by Salim Merchant was the pick of the tracks and really good.
5. Iktara (Wake Up Sid)
Comin from the most unexpected of music directors was a masterpiece which I think would ve baffled the SEL trio as well. None of the songs from the film given by SEL could even reach the level of this song as Iktara was on a different level altogether. Great work from Amit Trivedi and easily he is the find of 2009. Great song and ably sung by Kavita Seth in her rustic voice and accompanied by Abhishek Bhattacharya. This song was really heart touchin and always invites a replay.
4. Kaminey (Kaminey)
Vishal Bhardwaj and Suresh Wadkar comin up with Kaminey!! Quite strange for the latter to sing such songs,who is more renowned for breezy romantic songs you may think but with utmost ease, Vishal could do the unthinkable. Suresh Wadkar's awesome vocals to go with some fine fine lyrics from Gulzar Saab himself, this song was easily one of the best of this year. It still remains one of my current favourites and always invites a thought in you, if the world is really so kamini??
3. Aarambh/ Duniya (Gulaal)
Hail Piyush Mishraji! Where were you all these years Sir?? Though i was fortunate that I had the privilege to see you in Mood I '09, you were jus superb in this film. And m not talkin only about the music. Be it acting, lyrics or even your sheer presence, you were jus exemplary. Truly, this was Piyushji's and Anurag's film all the way. And both of the songs were sung by Piyushji and such profound lyrics to go with it. Kalakar ho to aisa!! This for some may be a surprise inclusion but for me they were obvious ones and rightly deserved. Lookin forward for more from Piyushji's arsenal of creativity!!
2. Genda Phool/Arziyan/Dil Gira Dafatan (Delhi 6)
How can a list be complete without the virtuoso himself!! AR Rahman was lacklustre in Blue accordin to his standards but he had already given his best of the year earlier. Genda Phool by Rekha Bhardwaj, Shraddha Pandit and others had the rustic feelin to it and also the beats which were unmatchable. While, Arziyan was the typical Rahmanish qawwali which he is so renowned for, and add to it the vocals of Kailash Kher and Javed Ali makes for a perfect combination. This song easily stood out among others and will remain one of my all time favorites for many many years to come. Dil Gira Dafatan was another slow breezy romantic number by Ash King and Chinmayee and I loved this song a lot. It had certain resemblances with Tu Bin Bataye from Rang De Basanti too, but it was surely very melodious.
1. Nayan Tarse/Dhol Yaara Dhol/Emosanal Attyachar (Rock and Brass) (Dev D)
And Amit Trivedi walks away with all the accolades this year. Dev D was class apart. In fact, writin only the 4 songs is injustice for the remainin 14 I guess. All 18 were superb compositions and took every one by surprise. Amit has surely made his mark this year and how?? Emosanal Attyachar almost became an anthem among college goers while Dhol Yaara Dhol was for the more "educated" audience. Nayan Tarse was extremely flowing and a wonderful song. Other songs also rocked to the core. Surely, Amit is the next big thing which the music industry desperately needed after Rahman Sir decided to take up Hollywood projects as well. Be it the classical touch, or the chalu band baja touch, or the romantic touch, this guy has everythin in him. Paayaliya and Pardesi do require a special mention apart from these 4. And I would be really disappointed if Amit does not get the awards this year. He deserves them every bit.
There were many songs still which could not make the cut. Some of them were Bikhri Bikhri from Whats your Rashee and Dard-e-Tanhaai from Jashnn, but then it would have been a really long list and hence the charm of the cream would have been lost. Nevertheless, this year was fantastic as far as music goes. Looking forward for some more wonderful music next year.
A Hardcore Hindi Fimy Songs Listener.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
My School Diaries- Part 2!!
With the response i got with "my school diaries", I would better continue with this and there arent any excitin news doing the rounds as well. Oh ya I know "Saifeena" and their bold scenes are a thing to talk about but I would rather jus see and forget it.
So, comin back to school diaries, the first one dealt with daily on goings in the school, this one will deal with "SPORTS"!! And how much we have enjoyed playin all sorts of sports in the school grounds. For those who are not much interested in "sports", I know there won be many like that, but for them jus a read will make them connect with the different sports which were invented by "07 Kabirites"!!
Wo lal lal badaam,
Aur wo recess ka time,
Jab sabne "Kartik" ke biscuit kha liye,
Tab aya football khelne ka vichaar,
Aur fir shuru hua "Foot-Badaam"!!
To kya hua ki badaam se zyada ek dusre k per zyada lagenge,
Jaad se todi ek badaam "Harsh" ne, aur lage khelne sab.
2-3 ko to zarur lagi hogi harroj,
Par wo "football" khelna zaruri tha!
Ab jab badaam ki rut chali gayee,
To kya karega koi??
Fir aya ek naya "IDEA",
Nikala kisi water-bottle ka dhakan, aur lage khelna sab.
Ek baat achi thi ki me water-bottle nahi le jata tha,
Lekin jiski bhi mili samjo gayee,
Us dhakan ka tha na koi kasoor,
Par fir bhi "Sachin" usko laat marta zaroor,
Aur "Mangesh" bhi "Sachin" ka saath deta,
Jab dhakan 1 gaya,
To samjo kisi aur ka bhi dhakan gaya,
Kyuki khelna tha hame zaroor!!
Ab baat karte hai "CRICKET" ki!!
Wo subah 5 30 baje akota jana,
Thand me "warm-up" karna,
Cycle pe bahut thand lagna,
Par school k liye khelna tha hume!!
Wo akota k 2 round,
Aur "mangesh" k liye 1,
Wo subah me catch practice,
Aur hath par chatakna,
Wo subah me nets lagane,
Aur khile thokne,
Wo meri pehli bowling aur "Sachin (Agrawal)" ki batting,
Aur wo "Javdu" ke expert comments,
Kehte the "Puri 30 over ramvani"!!,
Wo the hamesha se defensive!!
Jab khele the "Matches" hamne,
Kabhi Railways to kabhi Refinery,
Kabhi Polo to kabhi "Bal Bhavan",
Bahut kam matches the jo hum jeete,
Par aj bhi yaad hai wo "Refinery" ki match,
"IPCL" ko haraya tha humne,
Aur bahut khush hue the sab.
Wo "Vishu" aur "Varun" ki partnership,
Aur meri aur "Devrath" ki tight line,
Bade maje kiye the us din!!
Lekin haar kar bhi kabhi niraash nahi hue the hum,
Wo "Robin" k ducks,
Aur mera aur "Vishu" ka hasna,
Wo "Abhi" ko jaldi khelkar bulana,
Kyuki fir "biscuit aur nasta" nahi rahega,
Ya "Bus" chali jayegi!!
Haar me bhi hasna sikhe the hum!!
Aur wo "Tennis-ball" wali tournament,
Jisme final me pahuche the hum,
Wo "Divyesh" k throw,
Aur wo uski batting,
Usse bhi achi thi uski "bowling",
Ha, sahi me tha hamara wo "All-rounder",
Aj bhi yaad hai wo tournament,
2 medal mile the muje!!
Wo Harish Sir ka kehna,
"Come on now you all Ballyball (Volleyball in Bihari Hindi) players",
Aur wo der tak volleyball khelna,
Ladkiya bhi khelti thi hamare sath!!
Fir bhi "Aditya" ek bhi "take" nahi leta,
Aj bhi "Aditya" volleyball se football kick hi marta hai.
Ha isse yaad aya,
Wo hamara volleyball se kabhi "Handball" to kabhi "Football" khelna,
"Handball" k rules the kisiko na pata,
Fir bhi 1-2 din khele the,
Ant me "Football" hi thi sabki manzil,
Wo "Chauhan" ko bhagana,
"Volleyball" se "Football" khelna mana tha aakhir,
Fir bhi chhote ground me usse kick marne ki maja hi thi alag,
Wo "Robin" ki bina wajah ki dribbling,
Aur wo "Subhav" aur "Vora" ki die-hard goal-keeping,
Wo "Dhairya" ke bahaane,
Aur "Kshitij" ki junglee defendin,
Aj bhi yaad hai wo din.
Wo kabhi "Basketball" bhi khel liya karte the,
Isme bhi "Dhairya", "foul" hi chillata rehta,
Wo "Karna" aur "Kartik" k lap-shots,
Wo "Anup" k bhi "dancin" lap-shots,
Aur "Nandu" k 3- pointers,
Aj bhi yaad hai wo din.
Ab baat karte hai "RUTVIK" ki,
Tha wo sabse fav ladkiyo ka,
Aur use khelna ata tha sirf "TT",
Wo bhi kacha-pakka,
Wo aur "Ravi" hamesha khelte the TT,
Kabhi "Mihir" aur "Anup" bhi jud jaate the,
Kabhi "Vora" bhi khel leta,
Aur kabhi "Abhi" aur me bhi,
Yaad ayenge hame wo din hamesha.
HAS TO BE CONTINUED.......
Well ,here "HAS" has been used as the most integral part of sports ie "Sports Day" has not been covered here. It would have been very long if I started narratin the sports day as well in the same note, so maybe next time, I ll talk about that!! These were the "unusual" Sports which '07 Kabirites used to play!!
There have been many more but they are not as fresh in my mind as these have been!! If you all do remember some more, feedback is always invited!!
Dedicated to whoever is somehow related to "'07 Kabir"' Batch!!
A true "Kabirite".
So, comin back to school diaries, the first one dealt with daily on goings in the school, this one will deal with "SPORTS"!! And how much we have enjoyed playin all sorts of sports in the school grounds. For those who are not much interested in "sports", I know there won be many like that, but for them jus a read will make them connect with the different sports which were invented by "07 Kabirites"!!
Wo lal lal badaam,
Aur wo recess ka time,
Jab sabne "Kartik" ke biscuit kha liye,
Tab aya football khelne ka vichaar,
Aur fir shuru hua "Foot-Badaam"!!
To kya hua ki badaam se zyada ek dusre k per zyada lagenge,
Jaad se todi ek badaam "Harsh" ne, aur lage khelne sab.
2-3 ko to zarur lagi hogi harroj,
Par wo "football" khelna zaruri tha!
Ab jab badaam ki rut chali gayee,
To kya karega koi??
Fir aya ek naya "IDEA",
Nikala kisi water-bottle ka dhakan, aur lage khelna sab.
Ek baat achi thi ki me water-bottle nahi le jata tha,
Lekin jiski bhi mili samjo gayee,
Us dhakan ka tha na koi kasoor,
Par fir bhi "Sachin" usko laat marta zaroor,
Aur "Mangesh" bhi "Sachin" ka saath deta,
Jab dhakan 1 gaya,
To samjo kisi aur ka bhi dhakan gaya,
Kyuki khelna tha hame zaroor!!
Ab baat karte hai "CRICKET" ki!!
Wo subah 5 30 baje akota jana,
Thand me "warm-up" karna,
Cycle pe bahut thand lagna,
Par school k liye khelna tha hume!!
Wo akota k 2 round,
Aur "mangesh" k liye 1,
Wo subah me catch practice,
Aur hath par chatakna,
Wo subah me nets lagane,
Aur khile thokne,
Wo meri pehli bowling aur "Sachin (Agrawal)" ki batting,
Aur wo "Javdu" ke expert comments,
Kehte the "Puri 30 over ramvani"!!,
Wo the hamesha se defensive!!
Jab khele the "Matches" hamne,
Kabhi Railways to kabhi Refinery,
Kabhi Polo to kabhi "Bal Bhavan",
Bahut kam matches the jo hum jeete,
Par aj bhi yaad hai wo "Refinery" ki match,
"IPCL" ko haraya tha humne,
Aur bahut khush hue the sab.
Wo "Vishu" aur "Varun" ki partnership,
Aur meri aur "Devrath" ki tight line,
Bade maje kiye the us din!!
Lekin haar kar bhi kabhi niraash nahi hue the hum,
Wo "Robin" k ducks,
Aur mera aur "Vishu" ka hasna,
Wo "Abhi" ko jaldi khelkar bulana,
Kyuki fir "biscuit aur nasta" nahi rahega,
Ya "Bus" chali jayegi!!
Haar me bhi hasna sikhe the hum!!
Aur wo "Tennis-ball" wali tournament,
Jisme final me pahuche the hum,
Wo "Divyesh" k throw,
Aur wo uski batting,
Usse bhi achi thi uski "bowling",
Ha, sahi me tha hamara wo "All-rounder",
Aj bhi yaad hai wo tournament,
2 medal mile the muje!!
Wo Harish Sir ka kehna,
"Come on now you all Ballyball (Volleyball in Bihari Hindi) players",
Aur wo der tak volleyball khelna,
Ladkiya bhi khelti thi hamare sath!!
Fir bhi "Aditya" ek bhi "take" nahi leta,
Aj bhi "Aditya" volleyball se football kick hi marta hai.
Ha isse yaad aya,
Wo hamara volleyball se kabhi "Handball" to kabhi "Football" khelna,
"Handball" k rules the kisiko na pata,
Fir bhi 1-2 din khele the,
Ant me "Football" hi thi sabki manzil,
Wo "Chauhan" ko bhagana,
"Volleyball" se "Football" khelna mana tha aakhir,
Fir bhi chhote ground me usse kick marne ki maja hi thi alag,
Wo "Robin" ki bina wajah ki dribbling,
Aur wo "Subhav" aur "Vora" ki die-hard goal-keeping,
Wo "Dhairya" ke bahaane,
Aur "Kshitij" ki junglee defendin,
Aj bhi yaad hai wo din.
Wo kabhi "Basketball" bhi khel liya karte the,
Isme bhi "Dhairya", "foul" hi chillata rehta,
Wo "Karna" aur "Kartik" k lap-shots,
Wo "Anup" k bhi "dancin" lap-shots,
Aur "Nandu" k 3- pointers,
Aj bhi yaad hai wo din.
Ab baat karte hai "RUTVIK" ki,
Tha wo sabse fav ladkiyo ka,
Aur use khelna ata tha sirf "TT",
Wo bhi kacha-pakka,
Wo aur "Ravi" hamesha khelte the TT,
Kabhi "Mihir" aur "Anup" bhi jud jaate the,
Kabhi "Vora" bhi khel leta,
Aur kabhi "Abhi" aur me bhi,
Yaad ayenge hame wo din hamesha.
HAS TO BE CONTINUED.......
Well ,here "HAS" has been used as the most integral part of sports ie "Sports Day" has not been covered here. It would have been very long if I started narratin the sports day as well in the same note, so maybe next time, I ll talk about that!! These were the "unusual" Sports which '07 Kabirites used to play!!
There have been many more but they are not as fresh in my mind as these have been!! If you all do remember some more, feedback is always invited!!
Dedicated to whoever is somehow related to "'07 Kabir"' Batch!!
A true "Kabirite".
My School Diaries!!
Today, while studyin a subject as borin as "PEDC" (for laymen: Power Electronic Devices and Circuits), i was wondering about my school days. Of all the fun my friends and I ve had. So, decided jus to write somethin about it.
I am sure you would agree with me when i say "School Days are the best days of life"! True, no arguments. So, on reflectin upon my school days, I find there are many things which I do miss a lot. Moreover, there have been so many "eventful" incidents, some worth rememberin and some worth regrettin. But to start with, I would like to share with you guys that I ve had the privilege to be a part of a school as good as "ST.KABIR" and that too right from Jr. Kg. So, addin up all the years, it comes to 14 years in one school. Now, that speaks volumes of the School's greatness and even my patience. Though by tellin the latter, I am bein too too rude to my lovely school. So, I ll better stick with the former one itself.
So, here are some of the moments which "Kabirites" will always cherish, specially the '07 batch. For those who cannot relate to it, you may still enjoy it.
Wo assembly me prayer aur "School Song" gaana,
Wo "Anup" pehla aur mera dusra khada rehna,
Wo assembly me news padnewale par hasna,
Wo "Mihir" ka "Thought of the Day" samjana,
Wo Urmi wale jaad par "Kabootar" ko dekhna aur fir muh chhupake hasna,
Wo vapas class jate samay "Council Members" ki maarna aur unhe kehna "Maine tuje "Head Boy" ka vote diya tha sale",
Wo kabhi line me na jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo pehle lecture me hi gana "Good Mornin Mam" aur fir aalas khana,
Wo beech lecture me ladkiyo ko dekhna,
Aur fir vapas dekhna,
Wo class me likhte likhte "comments" pass karna,
Kabhi sari row ya fir kabhi puri class ko hasana,
Wo kabhi kabhi mam ka bhi hasna,
Aur kabhi daant khana par fir bhi haske, class ke bahar nikalna.
Wo dusre lecture me andar ana,
PT period pata lagne par ground ki aur daudna ya khidki kudna (Urmi),
Wo "Chauhan Sir" ka relay race,
Wo ladkiyo k saamne "First" ake dikhana,
Kabhi haar rahe ho to ghir jana,
Aur fir shirt saaf kiye bina hi firse daudne lagna,
PT period khatam hone par "Chauhan Sir" ko gaali dena,
"Bole the Football khelne denge aakhri 15 min",
Wo class me fir se udaas aur gussa hokar jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo gussa "Janki Mam" par nikalna,
Unka hume samjana.
Meri, anup, mihir ya abhishek ki 1 comment,
Aur fir, unka "That's a good one"! kehna,
Wo "Anup" chillana,
Wo robin k hasne par aur hasna,
Aur wo "History" k class me bada maja ana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo "Parul Mam" ka harmonium aur unka music class,
Yaad nahi kitne attend kiye the?
Ground me hi jana hota tha sabko,
Par fir bhi kabhi kabhi "Raag Bhairavi" sikh lete the,
Wo Rutvik ka hota tha fav class,
Par use bhi ground me ana padta tha,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo free lecture me "Monitor" ka khada ho jana,
Wo "Mihir"(monitor) ka board pe sabka naam likhna,
"ANUP, KINJAL,ROBIN,NIRMIT",
Fir bhi hamara na sudharna,
Kabhi "Mihir" ko ground pe jane ki permission k liye bhejna,
Aur kabhi khud fresh hone k liye toilet jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Kabhi chhuti hone par "Puff" khane rukna,
Aur wo "Robin" ka kharcha,
"Robin" hi tha sabka "Financer",
Aur uska haste haste sabko ek cold-drink aur pila dena,
Piyi hogi hamne 1 Re wali Pepsi bahut,
Aj 50 rupye ki Pepsi peekar bhi, pyaas mitti nahi,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
To be Continued.......
Well, this was jus some of the many unforgettable moments which my friends and I ve had. I am eager to write more on my school diaries. This actually is only what we used to do in the classes and school. There have been funnier and absolutely fantastic memories of everythin "WE" did in school, right from Annual Day practices to Cricket tournaments. I really will write more on this. This is jus the "Beginning" and I know "It Will Last A Life Time"!!
Dedicated to whoever is somehow related to "'07 Kabir"' Batch!!
A true "Kabirite".
I am sure you would agree with me when i say "School Days are the best days of life"! True, no arguments. So, on reflectin upon my school days, I find there are many things which I do miss a lot. Moreover, there have been so many "eventful" incidents, some worth rememberin and some worth regrettin. But to start with, I would like to share with you guys that I ve had the privilege to be a part of a school as good as "ST.KABIR" and that too right from Jr. Kg. So, addin up all the years, it comes to 14 years in one school. Now, that speaks volumes of the School's greatness and even my patience. Though by tellin the latter, I am bein too too rude to my lovely school. So, I ll better stick with the former one itself.
So, here are some of the moments which "Kabirites" will always cherish, specially the '07 batch. For those who cannot relate to it, you may still enjoy it.
Wo assembly me prayer aur "School Song" gaana,
Wo "Anup" pehla aur mera dusra khada rehna,
Wo assembly me news padnewale par hasna,
Wo "Mihir" ka "Thought of the Day" samjana,
Wo Urmi wale jaad par "Kabootar" ko dekhna aur fir muh chhupake hasna,
Wo vapas class jate samay "Council Members" ki maarna aur unhe kehna "Maine tuje "Head Boy" ka vote diya tha sale",
Wo kabhi line me na jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo pehle lecture me hi gana "Good Mornin Mam" aur fir aalas khana,
Wo beech lecture me ladkiyo ko dekhna,
Aur fir vapas dekhna,
Wo class me likhte likhte "comments" pass karna,
Kabhi sari row ya fir kabhi puri class ko hasana,
Wo kabhi kabhi mam ka bhi hasna,
Aur kabhi daant khana par fir bhi haske, class ke bahar nikalna.
Wo dusre lecture me andar ana,
PT period pata lagne par ground ki aur daudna ya khidki kudna (Urmi),
Wo "Chauhan Sir" ka relay race,
Wo ladkiyo k saamne "First" ake dikhana,
Kabhi haar rahe ho to ghir jana,
Aur fir shirt saaf kiye bina hi firse daudne lagna,
PT period khatam hone par "Chauhan Sir" ko gaali dena,
"Bole the Football khelne denge aakhri 15 min",
Wo class me fir se udaas aur gussa hokar jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo gussa "Janki Mam" par nikalna,
Unka hume samjana.
Meri, anup, mihir ya abhishek ki 1 comment,
Aur fir, unka "That's a good one"! kehna,
Wo "Anup" chillana,
Wo robin k hasne par aur hasna,
Aur wo "History" k class me bada maja ana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo "Parul Mam" ka harmonium aur unka music class,
Yaad nahi kitne attend kiye the?
Ground me hi jana hota tha sabko,
Par fir bhi kabhi kabhi "Raag Bhairavi" sikh lete the,
Wo Rutvik ka hota tha fav class,
Par use bhi ground me ana padta tha,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Wo free lecture me "Monitor" ka khada ho jana,
Wo "Mihir"(monitor) ka board pe sabka naam likhna,
"ANUP, KINJAL,ROBIN,NIRMIT",
Fir bhi hamara na sudharna,
Kabhi "Mihir" ko ground pe jane ki permission k liye bhejna,
Aur kabhi khud fresh hone k liye toilet jana,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
Kabhi chhuti hone par "Puff" khane rukna,
Aur wo "Robin" ka kharcha,
"Robin" hi tha sabka "Financer",
Aur uska haste haste sabko ek cold-drink aur pila dena,
Piyi hogi hamne 1 Re wali Pepsi bahut,
Aj 50 rupye ki Pepsi peekar bhi, pyaas mitti nahi,
Yaad ayenge wo din hume hamesha.
To be Continued.......
Well, this was jus some of the many unforgettable moments which my friends and I ve had. I am eager to write more on my school diaries. This actually is only what we used to do in the classes and school. There have been funnier and absolutely fantastic memories of everythin "WE" did in school, right from Annual Day practices to Cricket tournaments. I really will write more on this. This is jus the "Beginning" and I know "It Will Last A Life Time"!!
Dedicated to whoever is somehow related to "'07 Kabir"' Batch!!
A true "Kabirite".
2 States--- Book Review!!
Though this book was released last month, I read it only yesterday. Obviously, it was not a book I was dying for. It jus accidentally fell to me courtesy "Dhagash" and then I had a read. "2 States-- The story of my Marriage" is the latest Chetan Bhagat book to hit the stands and I m not sure if it has rung the cash registers but as proclaimed by him as "India's most Loved Writer", I guess it would have done decently enough.
Published by Rupa Co(No, not the "undies" company) again, it is lowly priced at around 99 bucks without any concession and if you are a Chetan Bhagat die-hard fan, you would have already read it. So, here's the first of my book reviews, atleast its the first on FB, its not the ideal book to be reviewed specially if its your first review but since I ve not read any other book recently, I ll make do with this book!
The author, plays himself, and tells that it is a true story of his, with certain changes due to some unknown reasons.The story starts with a visit to a psychiatrist and then goes into flashback which is quite predictable. The protagonist, Krish, on his first day at IIM-A canteen, meets her batchmate Annanya, who is a Economics Gold Medalist while the former is an IIT-D graduate as read in "5 POINT SOMEONE"! The two meet, kiss, have fun and get placed into MNC's thanks to brand IIM-A. But, Krish has future plans about writin and wants to take up a job and save as much and as fast as he can so that he can devote time to his loved profession. Now, he is so much in love that he defies his mothers' wishes and takes his postin at Chennai, the same city where his girlfriend and her family live. Then he tries to woo his would be in-laws and no prizes for guessin that they do eventually accept him inspite of their cultural differences and he bein a hardcore Punjabi and they, Tamil Brahmins.
Now, the story repeats, but this time Annanya comes to Delhi and woos Krish's family. Meanwhile, Krish and his Dad are at loggerheads with each other and always tend to end up abusin, quarellin and sometimes even slappin each other. Now, its the time for both the families to accept each other's families. So, they arrange a get away at Goa but nothin works out and Annanya's parents feel insulted by Krish's mom. So, they separate. But, this isnt a HAPPY ENDING!! So, obviously, the most unexpected, (actually: the most expected) hero aka "Krish's Dad",who never had a sound relationship with his son, comes to the party and saves the marriage. He secretly visits Chennai and convinces Annanya's parents and finally both the families decide for the marriage. And thus, Annanya's dream of seein her parents and Krish's parents smiling at their weddin comes true!!
The story ends with Annanya deliverin twins.
Chetan Bhagat lives upto his "filmy" style in the book. No wonder all his former books are major films now. And I am pretty much sure this too may well be one. Infact, I bet Sooraj Barjatya would have already contacted the author for the script rights!!
But I would like to give credit to Bhagat for the mere fact that he somehow manages to retain interest in his book. Jus when you feel like closin the book and take a nap, either a funny one-liner or a sex scene comes up and you are compelled to read a bit more. He knows his audience well and that is his strength. He knows what turns on the Indian reader and what does not and probably thats why he is one of India's most undeservin(a bit too rude) yet India's most "loved" writer. As far as writin skills are concerned, he is good in pieces, but when compared to other Indian authors, he lacks that witty sarcasm which may be seen in Mistry's books.Though, it won't be fair to compare him with Mistry, as both of them write very differently and have a different audience to cater too, with Mistry bein famous among the more "educated" one, Bhagat,too, to some extent describes the "Madrasis" and the "Punjabis" with equal flair.
But it is the sudden abrupt endings of Mistry which are more charmin than Bhagat's more expected ones. Bhagat sets you up for the endin and you almost know it, Mistry makes you think, without you knowin it yourself!! Also, endings are rarely a happy one for Mistry, but since Bhagat, has to write in such a way that directors come to him for script rights, he keeps himself to the more "tried and tested" endings and does not tamper much with the endings.
Though Bhagat claims these are real events of his life, its hard to believe that everythin had a happy endin for him. Lucky Chap, I must say!!
But, after all, Bhagat is a "people's" writer and does manage to pull it thru with ease and this book too is all set to become a bestseller. Surely, his writin is nose-divin since he started with "5 Point Someone", which by far, is his best work till date, yet he is good enough!!
Rating-- ***
PS: Comparison with Mistry is because, I ve read all books of Mistry and Bhagat and want to popularise the former one and make him a household name as Bhagat is!!
And no Mistry aint my cousin by any chance, I simply LOVE his writing!!
Published by Rupa Co(No, not the "undies" company) again, it is lowly priced at around 99 bucks without any concession and if you are a Chetan Bhagat die-hard fan, you would have already read it. So, here's the first of my book reviews, atleast its the first on FB, its not the ideal book to be reviewed specially if its your first review but since I ve not read any other book recently, I ll make do with this book!
The author, plays himself, and tells that it is a true story of his, with certain changes due to some unknown reasons.The story starts with a visit to a psychiatrist and then goes into flashback which is quite predictable. The protagonist, Krish, on his first day at IIM-A canteen, meets her batchmate Annanya, who is a Economics Gold Medalist while the former is an IIT-D graduate as read in "5 POINT SOMEONE"! The two meet, kiss, have fun and get placed into MNC's thanks to brand IIM-A. But, Krish has future plans about writin and wants to take up a job and save as much and as fast as he can so that he can devote time to his loved profession. Now, he is so much in love that he defies his mothers' wishes and takes his postin at Chennai, the same city where his girlfriend and her family live. Then he tries to woo his would be in-laws and no prizes for guessin that they do eventually accept him inspite of their cultural differences and he bein a hardcore Punjabi and they, Tamil Brahmins.
Now, the story repeats, but this time Annanya comes to Delhi and woos Krish's family. Meanwhile, Krish and his Dad are at loggerheads with each other and always tend to end up abusin, quarellin and sometimes even slappin each other. Now, its the time for both the families to accept each other's families. So, they arrange a get away at Goa but nothin works out and Annanya's parents feel insulted by Krish's mom. So, they separate. But, this isnt a HAPPY ENDING!! So, obviously, the most unexpected, (actually: the most expected) hero aka "Krish's Dad",who never had a sound relationship with his son, comes to the party and saves the marriage. He secretly visits Chennai and convinces Annanya's parents and finally both the families decide for the marriage. And thus, Annanya's dream of seein her parents and Krish's parents smiling at their weddin comes true!!
The story ends with Annanya deliverin twins.
Chetan Bhagat lives upto his "filmy" style in the book. No wonder all his former books are major films now. And I am pretty much sure this too may well be one. Infact, I bet Sooraj Barjatya would have already contacted the author for the script rights!!
But I would like to give credit to Bhagat for the mere fact that he somehow manages to retain interest in his book. Jus when you feel like closin the book and take a nap, either a funny one-liner or a sex scene comes up and you are compelled to read a bit more. He knows his audience well and that is his strength. He knows what turns on the Indian reader and what does not and probably thats why he is one of India's most undeservin(a bit too rude) yet India's most "loved" writer. As far as writin skills are concerned, he is good in pieces, but when compared to other Indian authors, he lacks that witty sarcasm which may be seen in Mistry's books.Though, it won't be fair to compare him with Mistry, as both of them write very differently and have a different audience to cater too, with Mistry bein famous among the more "educated" one, Bhagat,too, to some extent describes the "Madrasis" and the "Punjabis" with equal flair.
But it is the sudden abrupt endings of Mistry which are more charmin than Bhagat's more expected ones. Bhagat sets you up for the endin and you almost know it, Mistry makes you think, without you knowin it yourself!! Also, endings are rarely a happy one for Mistry, but since Bhagat, has to write in such a way that directors come to him for script rights, he keeps himself to the more "tried and tested" endings and does not tamper much with the endings.
Though Bhagat claims these are real events of his life, its hard to believe that everythin had a happy endin for him. Lucky Chap, I must say!!
But, after all, Bhagat is a "people's" writer and does manage to pull it thru with ease and this book too is all set to become a bestseller. Surely, his writin is nose-divin since he started with "5 Point Someone", which by far, is his best work till date, yet he is good enough!!
Rating-- ***
PS: Comparison with Mistry is because, I ve read all books of Mistry and Bhagat and want to popularise the former one and make him a household name as Bhagat is!!
And no Mistry aint my cousin by any chance, I simply LOVE his writing!!
Friday, October 9, 2009
"Olympic" Dreams!!
With exactly an year to go before New Delhi hosts the “Commonwealth Games”, Brazil, which is one of the fastest growin economies of the world has been announced as the venue for the 2016 Olympics. This comes as a surprise to many who thought with Obama lobbying for Chicago, his adopted hometown, it would be tough for the other 3 contenders. But, as Rogge’s and his committee members would ve it, Chicago lost in the first round of the voting itself. And, thus “Rio Di Janiero”, was awarded its first ever Olympics. Obviously, it is Rio’s first and Brazil’s first but it is “Latin America’s” first too!!
So, what exactly turned it around for the “Sambas”?? True, their President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva was present in Denmark lobbying for the games to be held in Rio, but that cannot be the only reason with the presence of other big-wig’s like US President, Spain’s King and Japanese Prime Minister too, since Madrid and Tokyo were also in the race, apart from Chicago. I do feel for Spain who had lost out in the bidding for 2012 Olympics as well, when Tony Blair took the games to London. But, that amazes me more of how much IOC expects from Brazil and most of the developing nations should be encouraged by these signs. Obviously, IOC took a gamble by givin it to Beijing in 2008, though m bein very rude to China by callin it as “IOC’s” gamble, but with the grand success of the ’08 games, IOC’s faith in developin nations has surely been given a boost.
Brazil will be put to test when they host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They will be havin their work cut out to host world’s two biggest sportin events inside two years. That will be a really note worthy achievement if they do it, though it seems quite a reality as of now. So, Brazil havin put forward a very convincing proposal of a successful ’16 Games, their main worry will be the pumping of millions and millions of dollars for the show- piece event. Though, one might argue Brazil got the games mainly because of the sympathy factor and the fact that Latin America has never hosted the Games, they will surely try to prove their critics’ wrong.
So, is India ready for 2020 bid? Obviously, Delhi will be the obvious choice if by any means India wants to bid for 2020 games. But, the situation that has arised for holdin the CWG aint very promising. Accordin to the report 13 out of the 19 stadiums are running behind the schedule. Also, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of CWG, is yet to undergo refurbishing. With the CWG team constantly warnin India about their lack of effort to meet the schedule and Mr. Suresh Kalamadi regularly assuring them of 100% successful games, it remains to be seen if the Govt. can keep up to the pace and stage an event so big as the CWG. Obviously, India’s chances of 2020 will surely get a boost if CWG ’10 goes as per planned. But, another thing that may also be a hindrance, is the country’s performance itself in the Games. India ranked 50th in Beijing ’08 with total 3 medals of each variant. That is an amazingly poor performance of a country which boasts of the largest population in the world, second only to China. Lack of proper infrastructure is the main reason for Indian athletes’ poor show time and again but all that may change pretty soon with India finally getting an individual Gold at Beijing ‘08.
On the other hand India seriously needs to pull up its socks and try to complete the unfinished projects as soon as possible. I am sure the Govt and its team are workin day and night to make this possible. Even the work for Delhi Metro has been quickened to make it accessible and operational to the tourists from the Games’ Village to other areas of the city and provide quick and better connectivity at nominal rates. But, with the biddings for 2020 games startin in 2011, India, firstly needs to stage a successful CWG.
Even then I guess 2020 games will be a distant dream as India will have stiff competition from other cities of the likes of Madrid and Chicago. So, as the Indian Army asks, “Do you have it in you”??...., I would like to ask all those involved in Indian Sports Ministry and those holdin high offices for the welfare of the nation, “Do You Have It In You”??.
“Can you give India and its sports’ fanatics like me the Games of the stature of the OLYMPICS in 2020”??
If yes, I would be more than grateful to you.
A true “Indian Sports’” fan.
So, what exactly turned it around for the “Sambas”?? True, their President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva was present in Denmark lobbying for the games to be held in Rio, but that cannot be the only reason with the presence of other big-wig’s like US President, Spain’s King and Japanese Prime Minister too, since Madrid and Tokyo were also in the race, apart from Chicago. I do feel for Spain who had lost out in the bidding for 2012 Olympics as well, when Tony Blair took the games to London. But, that amazes me more of how much IOC expects from Brazil and most of the developing nations should be encouraged by these signs. Obviously, IOC took a gamble by givin it to Beijing in 2008, though m bein very rude to China by callin it as “IOC’s” gamble, but with the grand success of the ’08 games, IOC’s faith in developin nations has surely been given a boost.
Brazil will be put to test when they host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They will be havin their work cut out to host world’s two biggest sportin events inside two years. That will be a really note worthy achievement if they do it, though it seems quite a reality as of now. So, Brazil havin put forward a very convincing proposal of a successful ’16 Games, their main worry will be the pumping of millions and millions of dollars for the show- piece event. Though, one might argue Brazil got the games mainly because of the sympathy factor and the fact that Latin America has never hosted the Games, they will surely try to prove their critics’ wrong.
So, is India ready for 2020 bid? Obviously, Delhi will be the obvious choice if by any means India wants to bid for 2020 games. But, the situation that has arised for holdin the CWG aint very promising. Accordin to the report 13 out of the 19 stadiums are running behind the schedule. Also, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of CWG, is yet to undergo refurbishing. With the CWG team constantly warnin India about their lack of effort to meet the schedule and Mr. Suresh Kalamadi regularly assuring them of 100% successful games, it remains to be seen if the Govt. can keep up to the pace and stage an event so big as the CWG. Obviously, India’s chances of 2020 will surely get a boost if CWG ’10 goes as per planned. But, another thing that may also be a hindrance, is the country’s performance itself in the Games. India ranked 50th in Beijing ’08 with total 3 medals of each variant. That is an amazingly poor performance of a country which boasts of the largest population in the world, second only to China. Lack of proper infrastructure is the main reason for Indian athletes’ poor show time and again but all that may change pretty soon with India finally getting an individual Gold at Beijing ‘08.
On the other hand India seriously needs to pull up its socks and try to complete the unfinished projects as soon as possible. I am sure the Govt and its team are workin day and night to make this possible. Even the work for Delhi Metro has been quickened to make it accessible and operational to the tourists from the Games’ Village to other areas of the city and provide quick and better connectivity at nominal rates. But, with the biddings for 2020 games startin in 2011, India, firstly needs to stage a successful CWG.
Even then I guess 2020 games will be a distant dream as India will have stiff competition from other cities of the likes of Madrid and Chicago. So, as the Indian Army asks, “Do you have it in you”??...., I would like to ask all those involved in Indian Sports Ministry and those holdin high offices for the welfare of the nation, “Do You Have It In You”??.
“Can you give India and its sports’ fanatics like me the Games of the stature of the OLYMPICS in 2020”??
If yes, I would be more than grateful to you.
A true “Indian Sports’” fan.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Please Listen to "Whats Your Rashee??"
Guys, you would ve checked out the music review of "Whats Your Rashee?" by now ,ie if you ve bothered to do that, but if you havent, then you may well not. Ashutosh Gowariker has roped in Sohail Sen, son of Sameer-Sen who forms a not so famous music duo of Dilip and Sameer Sen. But, Sohail has got some talent, surely. I realised it only yesterday when i heard the 13 song long album of "WYR"!! And i m tellin you, most of them are really good.
The album starts with the title song "Pal pal jisko dhoondhe" which is quite a soothin and a pleasant song.
Then, comes one of the gems, with Sohail Sen himself lendin his voice to "Jao Na", the song is truly romantic and the guitar used needs special mention. Its been hittin the charts on all the radio stations as well. Most of you might ve heard it by now, but those who haven, you all should better listen it at the earliest.
Then comes a peppy number by Shaan "Aaja Lehraate". Its a mediocre song but the song has its moments.
Then comes my favourite "Bikhri Bikhri", again sung by Sohail Sen. Its a slow-paced song and absolutely fantastic. Its the type of song you ll love it hearin all alone at night, thinkin of your past memories. This song really gives a boost to this album. Love the soft Tabla in the background.
"Bikhri Bikhri" is followed by "Maanunga Maanunga" which is sung by Ashutosh himself. It has no resemblance to "Pal Pal Hai Bhari" from Swades and i recommend you better not download this song or jus fast forward it, if by chance you ve downloaded the whole album. "Sau Janam" has the syrupy "Madhushree" and the evergreen, undisputed king of Nepal "Uditji". This song is particularly melodious and the singers as mentioned add to the charm of the song. It is most likely that after seein the film (ie if you do take that risk), you ll come out hummin this very song.
Next is "Aa Le Chal" , which has good beats and is worth hearin but personally i don like the song much. This song is followed by "Pyaari Pyaari" which is also good in pieces with some good piano work. "Su Chhe", with some Gujarati lyrics, has really good music and has been an instant hit with the audience. I recommend you don give much importance to lyrics then m sure you ll like the song a lot.
"Salone Kya" starts with a nice harmonium piece which almost sounds like a spanish song. The song is good and induces a seductive mood and has "Aslesha Gowariker" singin it. She looks quite promising and don be surprised if you hear her quite frequently now, especially in Gowariker's films.
But, the best is saved for the last. "Koi Jaane Na" is a fantasic song. If you hear it carefully, you may find it "inspired" from some song but yet its a very touchin and melodious song. This song is followed by one last song "Chehre Jo Dekhe Hai", which again is a fabulous song and is currently bein aired in "WYR" promo. It sums up the whole album with music pieces from all the songs kept together. Thus, the album finishes on a perfect note though in between there are some cliche tracks but they are easily compensated by some fantastic tracks in the beginnin and at the end.
And, guys don be surprised if "Sohail" is seen on the "Filmfare" stage next year receiving the RD Burman Award for Emergin Talent in Music. I personally would like him to get that prestigious award. If you guys thought, "Blue" and "London Dreams" would be good, then "WYR" is fantastic!!
Final Verdict : "Whatever your Rashee may be, you are sure to love this album"!!
The album starts with the title song "Pal pal jisko dhoondhe" which is quite a soothin and a pleasant song.
Then, comes one of the gems, with Sohail Sen himself lendin his voice to "Jao Na", the song is truly romantic and the guitar used needs special mention. Its been hittin the charts on all the radio stations as well. Most of you might ve heard it by now, but those who haven, you all should better listen it at the earliest.
Then comes a peppy number by Shaan "Aaja Lehraate". Its a mediocre song but the song has its moments.
Then comes my favourite "Bikhri Bikhri", again sung by Sohail Sen. Its a slow-paced song and absolutely fantastic. Its the type of song you ll love it hearin all alone at night, thinkin of your past memories. This song really gives a boost to this album. Love the soft Tabla in the background.
"Bikhri Bikhri" is followed by "Maanunga Maanunga" which is sung by Ashutosh himself. It has no resemblance to "Pal Pal Hai Bhari" from Swades and i recommend you better not download this song or jus fast forward it, if by chance you ve downloaded the whole album. "Sau Janam" has the syrupy "Madhushree" and the evergreen, undisputed king of Nepal "Uditji". This song is particularly melodious and the singers as mentioned add to the charm of the song. It is most likely that after seein the film (ie if you do take that risk), you ll come out hummin this very song.
Next is "Aa Le Chal" , which has good beats and is worth hearin but personally i don like the song much. This song is followed by "Pyaari Pyaari" which is also good in pieces with some good piano work. "Su Chhe", with some Gujarati lyrics, has really good music and has been an instant hit with the audience. I recommend you don give much importance to lyrics then m sure you ll like the song a lot.
"Salone Kya" starts with a nice harmonium piece which almost sounds like a spanish song. The song is good and induces a seductive mood and has "Aslesha Gowariker" singin it. She looks quite promising and don be surprised if you hear her quite frequently now, especially in Gowariker's films.
But, the best is saved for the last. "Koi Jaane Na" is a fantasic song. If you hear it carefully, you may find it "inspired" from some song but yet its a very touchin and melodious song. This song is followed by one last song "Chehre Jo Dekhe Hai", which again is a fabulous song and is currently bein aired in "WYR" promo. It sums up the whole album with music pieces from all the songs kept together. Thus, the album finishes on a perfect note though in between there are some cliche tracks but they are easily compensated by some fantastic tracks in the beginnin and at the end.
And, guys don be surprised if "Sohail" is seen on the "Filmfare" stage next year receiving the RD Burman Award for Emergin Talent in Music. I personally would like him to get that prestigious award. If you guys thought, "Blue" and "London Dreams" would be good, then "WYR" is fantastic!!
Final Verdict : "Whatever your Rashee may be, you are sure to love this album"!!
Austerity Pledge: A Step in the Right Direction!
Guys, if you ve been followin Indian Politics recently, I m quite sure you would have come across the news about UPA ministers’ Austerity Pledge!! Many have been criticizin it as merely a popularity gaining gimmick in the eyes of the “Aam Admi” ahead of the assembly elections comin up in several important states includin Maharashtra. The UPA Govt. actually went quite seriously about it by asking SM Krishna and Shashi Tharoor to vacate the luxurious Hotels they were livin in New Delhi due to the reconstruction and renovation work takin place at their home. And they had no option but to oblige immediately and shift to the guest houses alloted to them.
But our Agriculture Minister and BCCI Chairman, Sharad Pawar had other views. He complained that pledgin austerity may delay the rate of their work. He cited excuses like travellin in economy class,due to congestion, they won be able to work freely and would be disturbed by the so called “Aam Admi” or(Mango man as in Love Aj Kal) and may decrease their work efficiency. The irony bein that their intention is to woo the same “Mango Man”. So, what actually is UPA tryin to do? M too amateur to know the politics of all this, but what I do know is that it’s a really significant step and needs to be taken very seriously and if it is done so, m sure it ll have far-reachin effects in the future.
With Indian Economy not growin at the projected 9% due to the slowdown and risin inflation, “Austerity Pledge” may play a very crucial role in savin valuable Govt money. Pranab Mukherjee has already taken the pledge and has been flyin in the economy class and that too of Air India bein India’s national carrier. But, what amuses me is will savin only on travellin expenses fulfil their pledges?? They have to go about the pledge in a very systematic manner. The VVIP’s got to cut down on every possible thing and not only travellin expenses. True, travellin expenses constitute about 75% of the total expenses, accordin to a survey, but there are other things in which they can cut down on.
Surely, the pledge if taken in a right manner ll help India in some way and it is a very thoughtful move taken by the UPA. Whether it is jus to woo the “Mango Man” or not,still remains to be seen but atleast the thought of it is commendable. Had this pledge be taken durin the Nehru’s era, who was accused of wastin a lot of precious public money in petty things like clothin and roses, India could ve been a different country by now.
But our Agriculture Minister and BCCI Chairman, Sharad Pawar had other views. He complained that pledgin austerity may delay the rate of their work. He cited excuses like travellin in economy class,due to congestion, they won be able to work freely and would be disturbed by the so called “Aam Admi” or(Mango man as in Love Aj Kal) and may decrease their work efficiency. The irony bein that their intention is to woo the same “Mango Man”. So, what actually is UPA tryin to do? M too amateur to know the politics of all this, but what I do know is that it’s a really significant step and needs to be taken very seriously and if it is done so, m sure it ll have far-reachin effects in the future.
With Indian Economy not growin at the projected 9% due to the slowdown and risin inflation, “Austerity Pledge” may play a very crucial role in savin valuable Govt money. Pranab Mukherjee has already taken the pledge and has been flyin in the economy class and that too of Air India bein India’s national carrier. But, what amuses me is will savin only on travellin expenses fulfil their pledges?? They have to go about the pledge in a very systematic manner. The VVIP’s got to cut down on every possible thing and not only travellin expenses. True, travellin expenses constitute about 75% of the total expenses, accordin to a survey, but there are other things in which they can cut down on.
Surely, the pledge if taken in a right manner ll help India in some way and it is a very thoughtful move taken by the UPA. Whether it is jus to woo the “Mango Man” or not,still remains to be seen but atleast the thought of it is commendable. Had this pledge be taken durin the Nehru’s era, who was accused of wastin a lot of precious public money in petty things like clothin and roses, India could ve been a different country by now.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
F1 should "GO"!!
Well, for those who have been followin my notes or have been forcefully made to read (due to tagging), here's some respite from my travellin diaries. This note is about F1 and why I support Mr. MS Gill in callin it as mere entertainment!!
Jus a few days back, a verbal duel ensued between our very own liquor baron "Dr. Mallya" and the Sports Minister "MS Gill", after the latter called F1 nothin but entertainment and did not term it as a sport. The latter did not grant permission for the proposal of India hostin an F1 race in 2011. The reason cited by him were pretty valid accordin to me.
The Olympics defines sports in three words, ie "CITIUS", "ALTIUS", "FORTIUS", which mean "Faster", "Higher", "Stronger" respectively. The Olympics includes sports which involve and tests human strengths and endurance and by no means does it support technological involvement in the sport. Hence, doping is considered a serious crime which enhances human capabilities unnaturally. So, what's the difference between doping and using highly efficient fuel or engines to enhance the workin efficiency and speed of the car??
True, F1 is among the most-watched programme all over the world, and is a real revenue generator for the organisers, but in no condition does it fall into the specifications of "SPORT"! You may well argue that there are a thousand sports which are not a part of olympics though they test human capabilites, but the only reason for them bein not included is because of its world-wide acceptance. Say for cricket, only 10 nations are official cricketin nations out of the 180 odd countires. Which means only 1/18th of the countries of the world play it. So, m not surprised that its not a part of the Olympic Sports'. There are numerous other sports like kabbadi, bull-fightin,etc which do test human endurance but do not qualify as olympic sport only because of their less world wide acceptance.
Comin to F1, jus imagine how much fuel is bein burnt every weekend durin the season?? The drivers keep practicin and use up gallons and gallons of fuel only for test-drivin leave about the race. And with global-warmin activists and environmentalists takin out rallies every Sunday to make our mother earth "Greener" , hostin F1 races is like a slap on their face. F1 is really goin no where. Constructor Teams have been callin it quits since they no longer find it interestin to modify their engine specifications every weekend accordin to rules which the FIA keeps changin as frequently as a Bollywood heroine keeps changin them in a dance sequence or a romantic song!! Bernie Ecclestone, is fightin a lost battle for the survival of F1. I do feel for him but somehow I don feel like F1 by any means is goin to last longer. Though Bernie's endeavour has made "SCHUMI" to think of a comeback to save the dyin sport but that are all speculations and no body knows if "SCHUMI" can revive the sport from the dumps.
Comin to India as hosts for F1, 2010 Commonwealth Games are jus round the corner and only 50% of the work has been completed, acc to a recent survey. And there's lots to do. So, the foremost thing India should now be thinkin upon is how can it finish all the arrangements for "DELHI '10" before the deadline, which seems a distant dream. Surely, makin plans of hostin an F1 race and startin arrangements for the same won help the cause. India, though may well profit by hostin it , but it won give an impetus in buildin interest in sports in the country. F1 is all about better engines, better fuel and less about human endeavour and hence India should first think of gettin the basics right (read: Commonwealth Games) than go for the outright exuberance of an F1 race.
Final Verdict: "F1 has crossed the CHEQUERED FLAG"
An ardent "SPORTS" fan.
Jus a few days back, a verbal duel ensued between our very own liquor baron "Dr. Mallya" and the Sports Minister "MS Gill", after the latter called F1 nothin but entertainment and did not term it as a sport. The latter did not grant permission for the proposal of India hostin an F1 race in 2011. The reason cited by him were pretty valid accordin to me.
The Olympics defines sports in three words, ie "CITIUS", "ALTIUS", "FORTIUS", which mean "Faster", "Higher", "Stronger" respectively. The Olympics includes sports which involve and tests human strengths and endurance and by no means does it support technological involvement in the sport. Hence, doping is considered a serious crime which enhances human capabilities unnaturally. So, what's the difference between doping and using highly efficient fuel or engines to enhance the workin efficiency and speed of the car??
True, F1 is among the most-watched programme all over the world, and is a real revenue generator for the organisers, but in no condition does it fall into the specifications of "SPORT"! You may well argue that there are a thousand sports which are not a part of olympics though they test human capabilites, but the only reason for them bein not included is because of its world-wide acceptance. Say for cricket, only 10 nations are official cricketin nations out of the 180 odd countires. Which means only 1/18th of the countries of the world play it. So, m not surprised that its not a part of the Olympic Sports'. There are numerous other sports like kabbadi, bull-fightin,etc which do test human endurance but do not qualify as olympic sport only because of their less world wide acceptance.
Comin to F1, jus imagine how much fuel is bein burnt every weekend durin the season?? The drivers keep practicin and use up gallons and gallons of fuel only for test-drivin leave about the race. And with global-warmin activists and environmentalists takin out rallies every Sunday to make our mother earth "Greener" , hostin F1 races is like a slap on their face. F1 is really goin no where. Constructor Teams have been callin it quits since they no longer find it interestin to modify their engine specifications every weekend accordin to rules which the FIA keeps changin as frequently as a Bollywood heroine keeps changin them in a dance sequence or a romantic song!! Bernie Ecclestone, is fightin a lost battle for the survival of F1. I do feel for him but somehow I don feel like F1 by any means is goin to last longer. Though Bernie's endeavour has made "SCHUMI" to think of a comeback to save the dyin sport but that are all speculations and no body knows if "SCHUMI" can revive the sport from the dumps.
Comin to India as hosts for F1, 2010 Commonwealth Games are jus round the corner and only 50% of the work has been completed, acc to a recent survey. And there's lots to do. So, the foremost thing India should now be thinkin upon is how can it finish all the arrangements for "DELHI '10" before the deadline, which seems a distant dream. Surely, makin plans of hostin an F1 race and startin arrangements for the same won help the cause. India, though may well profit by hostin it , but it won give an impetus in buildin interest in sports in the country. F1 is all about better engines, better fuel and less about human endeavour and hence India should first think of gettin the basics right (read: Commonwealth Games) than go for the outright exuberance of an F1 race.
Final Verdict: "F1 has crossed the CHEQUERED FLAG"
An ardent "SPORTS" fan.
Friday, September 4, 2009
"ST ni savari, Salamat Savari"!!
The GSRTC has come up with this slogan about 3-4 years ago, when they were accused of bein late every time. State Transport buses have always been victims of punctuality related charges, be it drivers takin too many stops, or the engine gettin over-heated repeatedly and sometimes even the passengers stoppin for nature's call repeatedly!! So, the GSRTC came up with this smart slogan to counter their punctuality charges by atleast assurin safety if not punctuality. And this accordin to me, was a very smart and wise decision.
But what i can speak of my experience of travellin every fortnight between Vadodara and Ahmedabad, i can assure you all guys, ST is safe and PUNCTUAL!! I know the expressway not only helps but forces the ST buses to reach in time, even if they don want to, but still it suits me and am a great and loyal fan of travellin by public transport. And this my friends, does not imply only to Vadodara-Ahmedabad routes, it holds true even for Rajkot bound buses in which I am a frequent traveller in vacations owin to the large number of my relatives residin there. Yesterday, while comin to Vadodara, heavy rains had struck parts of Anand and Nadiad which had led to heavy rains durin the travel.
Now, the ones which had occupied the window seats due to the humid climate in Ahmedabad, came under the firin line. Even I wanted to get a window seat but failed to get one. And after that I only had to thank my luck for not gettin one. As soon as we reached Nadiad, the downpour started and the guys sittin in front row became the first victims. For initial protection, they did close the windows as tightly as they could, but closin windows in a downpour is hardly any solution when you are travellin by a half-naked GSRTC bus which almost invites water to come in and drench its fellow passengers. The conductor tried his best by coverin the "air-gaps" (Gosh!!electric engg lingo) by some card-boards which he managed from somewhere but they kept flyin around in the bus due to the strong winds. Result: Passengers in the first row had to eventually stand thro' the whole journey and curse themselves for optin to sit in the first row, jus because they could get that extra comfort of stretchin their legs durin the 2 hr long journey! Huh, now i second the fact "LALACH BURI BALA HAI"!!
Now, the window seat seekers were in for some afternoon bathing!! The rains gave them a torrid time with water drippin from the windows and the upper portion of the windows. One of them was a smart fellow though, who took out his umbrella and sat in the bus. I must say that was completely great presence of mind from him but at the same time an irony as well. And guess what, a couple of them who did ve umbrellas followed suit. Novel ideas are always welcome in this world! But the ones who dint ve protection again had to stand thro' the journey owin to the leakage.
But, if drippin water from the windows was not enough, take this, the middle passage which separates the 3*2 seats was continuously receivin water thanks to the open passages near the non-workin tubelights in the bus. So, the guys who had stood up from their places had to again think out a place where they could stand without gettin wet completely. Gettin wet was inevitable anyways, they jus had to reduce the degree of gettin wet!! So, they kept jostlin for some space where they could stand safely and did manage some. Findin space somehow in a jam-packed vehicle is one of "The Great Indian Commuter's" finest skill which has to be admired by one and all.
Finally, Vadodara approached and the rain subsided and the water stopped comin inside. Thus, the journey came to an end and the ones standin, finally heaved a sigh of relief. So, guys even in such heavy rains, ST managed to cover the distance in jus about 2 hrs and well we reached safely too.
A "Great Indian Commuter Skills" Fan.
But what i can speak of my experience of travellin every fortnight between Vadodara and Ahmedabad, i can assure you all guys, ST is safe and PUNCTUAL!! I know the expressway not only helps but forces the ST buses to reach in time, even if they don want to, but still it suits me and am a great and loyal fan of travellin by public transport. And this my friends, does not imply only to Vadodara-Ahmedabad routes, it holds true even for Rajkot bound buses in which I am a frequent traveller in vacations owin to the large number of my relatives residin there. Yesterday, while comin to Vadodara, heavy rains had struck parts of Anand and Nadiad which had led to heavy rains durin the travel.
Now, the ones which had occupied the window seats due to the humid climate in Ahmedabad, came under the firin line. Even I wanted to get a window seat but failed to get one. And after that I only had to thank my luck for not gettin one. As soon as we reached Nadiad, the downpour started and the guys sittin in front row became the first victims. For initial protection, they did close the windows as tightly as they could, but closin windows in a downpour is hardly any solution when you are travellin by a half-naked GSRTC bus which almost invites water to come in and drench its fellow passengers. The conductor tried his best by coverin the "air-gaps" (Gosh!!electric engg lingo) by some card-boards which he managed from somewhere but they kept flyin around in the bus due to the strong winds. Result: Passengers in the first row had to eventually stand thro' the whole journey and curse themselves for optin to sit in the first row, jus because they could get that extra comfort of stretchin their legs durin the 2 hr long journey! Huh, now i second the fact "LALACH BURI BALA HAI"!!
Now, the window seat seekers were in for some afternoon bathing!! The rains gave them a torrid time with water drippin from the windows and the upper portion of the windows. One of them was a smart fellow though, who took out his umbrella and sat in the bus. I must say that was completely great presence of mind from him but at the same time an irony as well. And guess what, a couple of them who did ve umbrellas followed suit. Novel ideas are always welcome in this world! But the ones who dint ve protection again had to stand thro' the journey owin to the leakage.
But, if drippin water from the windows was not enough, take this, the middle passage which separates the 3*2 seats was continuously receivin water thanks to the open passages near the non-workin tubelights in the bus. So, the guys who had stood up from their places had to again think out a place where they could stand without gettin wet completely. Gettin wet was inevitable anyways, they jus had to reduce the degree of gettin wet!! So, they kept jostlin for some space where they could stand safely and did manage some. Findin space somehow in a jam-packed vehicle is one of "The Great Indian Commuter's" finest skill which has to be admired by one and all.
Finally, Vadodara approached and the rain subsided and the water stopped comin inside. Thus, the journey came to an end and the ones standin, finally heaved a sigh of relief. So, guys even in such heavy rains, ST managed to cover the distance in jus about 2 hrs and well we reached safely too.
A "Great Indian Commuter Skills" Fan.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
"The Great Indian Commuter Skills"
"Yaatri krupya dhyaan de, Bandra se a rahi aur Jodhpur ki aur janewali 2480 Suryanagari Express, platform no.2 par a rahi hai", the train chugs in and the people standing near the "GS1" and "GS2" board get ready for the battle that will ensue for the next 5 mins (duration of its stoppage in Vadodara). Just as the train stops, wild scenes await us. People throng the doors, pushin and pullin each other, the passengers are not allowed to alight first but they somehow manage to, thats after all the Great Indian Commuter Skills possessed by one and all Indians specially if they travel by the Indian Railways!!
My friend and I somehow get in GS2 and the cacophony of the vendors (who ve easily managed to sneak thru the compartments!!) starts. You get all varieties of items on sale here. Perhaps its a bigger supermarket in the compartments than the Walmarts and others. (Somethin for them to think). Right from "Chana chor garam" to "Imitation necklaces" to "Evenin Newspapers" and obviously the Indian Travellers' Fav Drink "TEA", you can get everythin here. Most of the people who ve jus entered the compartment are busy searchin for a place to sit and put their luggages such that they can see it easily from any angle they sit. (Another Indian traveller's admirable quality). I try to get a seat but the person sittin besides quickly retorts "A raha hai"!. And I, not bein an expert in stealin seats, have to resign to my fate and stand for the next 2 hours.
The train leaves Vadodara in the next 6 minutes. People finally get their seats (obviously the daily "pass holders"). Amateurs like me jus keep starin at those wicked "(p)ASS holders" waitin for them to offer atleast a quarter of a seat but all in vain. Now, the train is headin towards Jodhpur and obviously the compartment has a lot of "Rajasthanis" speakin in their peculiar and incomprehensible accent. You also have the Gujju contingent who are mainly the pass-holders. People who had their upper berths reserved thanks to "handkerchiefs", "bags", "bottles", etc are givin a harrowin time for the one's sittin on the lower berth. First, they climb up with their shoes on and then keep their legs jus inches above the one's sittin below. Such a situation always induces an altercation. This time too, a quarrel started. But, fortunately ended with only a few exchange of abusive words.
The worst sufferers in the "General" Compartment of an Indian Railway Train are its "FANS"!! No, not those facebook fans, the "DHONI-ENDORSED PSPO" fans. I ve no clue if they are actually "PSPO" fans as they do not comply their standard of "Kone-Kone me zyada Hawa"!! The fan has all varieties of shoes on it with most of em unpolished and cow-dung stuck on it. It is actually a very smart and safe place to keep your shoes as there are literally no chances of them gettin stolen from there. (Hats off to the Indian Traveller Again)!! But the fans which are not workin are troubled the most. Everybody tries their hand, in their own way, to get the fan workin. One of the persons inserts a ball pen and comes up with some magic which actually makes the fan rotate. Bravo!! (Hence, India does not need to invest in R & D. The Indian Traveller is so "INVENTIVE"!!)
The train picks up speed and most of them are now sittin either on the floors or near the toilets and blockin the way of the people in urgent need to go to the loo. Then, from one of the other compartments comes a "magazine wallah". He has all the books(readable) in his stock. Right from "SMS jokes", "Shayaris" to even the erotic ones like "PATNI, PATI SE KYA CHAHTI HAI??","Sex aur Sansar", etc. And no prizes for guessin about the ones in demand. Few try to pass their time by jus going thru the books without paying. Some others buy the "SMS" one's and others the erotic ones. The erotic ones have bold pictures as their cover and the ones who havent bought it, keep starin at it either with amazement or with annoyance. Not many people fall in the latter category though! The ones who havent bought it , keep tryin to peep in those books to catch a glimpse of whats written in it or get their eyes on a bold photo.
Finally, the 2 hour short journey is about to end but not without a twist. At Maninagar, though its not an official stop for the train, the pass-holders again swing into action, this time by pullin the chain and savin the precious 20 mins it takes to reach Kalupur. Surely, time saved is money saved. The train eventually reaches 10 mins after its scheduled time which is a commendable job considerin the punctualness of the Indian Railways. The train finally chugs in at Kalupur , which is a 12 platform large station, at platform no 4 and similar scenes as described earlier are to be witnessed. My friend and I get down but not before fightin our way thru the doors.
This was a very short trip in the General Compartment but whatever it was, I thoroughly enjoyed observin the people and will like to write more on "The Great Indian Commuter". Standin on the platform, I realised how the normal Indian middle-class Traveller earns his bucks, by toilin not only in the fields and offices but also while travelling. Hats off to "The Great Indian Commuter"!!
A true "The Great Indian Commuter" fan.
P.S:- If you are still not inspired to take a trip in the general compartment, its only your "BAD LUCK"!!
My friend and I somehow get in GS2 and the cacophony of the vendors (who ve easily managed to sneak thru the compartments!!) starts. You get all varieties of items on sale here. Perhaps its a bigger supermarket in the compartments than the Walmarts and others. (Somethin for them to think). Right from "Chana chor garam" to "Imitation necklaces" to "Evenin Newspapers" and obviously the Indian Travellers' Fav Drink "TEA", you can get everythin here. Most of the people who ve jus entered the compartment are busy searchin for a place to sit and put their luggages such that they can see it easily from any angle they sit. (Another Indian traveller's admirable quality). I try to get a seat but the person sittin besides quickly retorts "A raha hai"!. And I, not bein an expert in stealin seats, have to resign to my fate and stand for the next 2 hours.
The train leaves Vadodara in the next 6 minutes. People finally get their seats (obviously the daily "pass holders"). Amateurs like me jus keep starin at those wicked "(p)ASS holders" waitin for them to offer atleast a quarter of a seat but all in vain. Now, the train is headin towards Jodhpur and obviously the compartment has a lot of "Rajasthanis" speakin in their peculiar and incomprehensible accent. You also have the Gujju contingent who are mainly the pass-holders. People who had their upper berths reserved thanks to "handkerchiefs", "bags", "bottles", etc are givin a harrowin time for the one's sittin on the lower berth. First, they climb up with their shoes on and then keep their legs jus inches above the one's sittin below. Such a situation always induces an altercation. This time too, a quarrel started. But, fortunately ended with only a few exchange of abusive words.
The worst sufferers in the "General" Compartment of an Indian Railway Train are its "FANS"!! No, not those facebook fans, the "DHONI-ENDORSED PSPO" fans. I ve no clue if they are actually "PSPO" fans as they do not comply their standard of "Kone-Kone me zyada Hawa"!! The fan has all varieties of shoes on it with most of em unpolished and cow-dung stuck on it. It is actually a very smart and safe place to keep your shoes as there are literally no chances of them gettin stolen from there. (Hats off to the Indian Traveller Again)!! But the fans which are not workin are troubled the most. Everybody tries their hand, in their own way, to get the fan workin. One of the persons inserts a ball pen and comes up with some magic which actually makes the fan rotate. Bravo!! (Hence, India does not need to invest in R & D. The Indian Traveller is so "INVENTIVE"!!)
The train picks up speed and most of them are now sittin either on the floors or near the toilets and blockin the way of the people in urgent need to go to the loo. Then, from one of the other compartments comes a "magazine wallah". He has all the books(readable) in his stock. Right from "SMS jokes", "Shayaris" to even the erotic ones like "PATNI, PATI SE KYA CHAHTI HAI??","Sex aur Sansar", etc. And no prizes for guessin about the ones in demand. Few try to pass their time by jus going thru the books without paying. Some others buy the "SMS" one's and others the erotic ones. The erotic ones have bold pictures as their cover and the ones who havent bought it, keep starin at it either with amazement or with annoyance. Not many people fall in the latter category though! The ones who havent bought it , keep tryin to peep in those books to catch a glimpse of whats written in it or get their eyes on a bold photo.
Finally, the 2 hour short journey is about to end but not without a twist. At Maninagar, though its not an official stop for the train, the pass-holders again swing into action, this time by pullin the chain and savin the precious 20 mins it takes to reach Kalupur. Surely, time saved is money saved. The train eventually reaches 10 mins after its scheduled time which is a commendable job considerin the punctualness of the Indian Railways. The train finally chugs in at Kalupur , which is a 12 platform large station, at platform no 4 and similar scenes as described earlier are to be witnessed. My friend and I get down but not before fightin our way thru the doors.
This was a very short trip in the General Compartment but whatever it was, I thoroughly enjoyed observin the people and will like to write more on "The Great Indian Commuter". Standin on the platform, I realised how the normal Indian middle-class Traveller earns his bucks, by toilin not only in the fields and offices but also while travelling. Hats off to "The Great Indian Commuter"!!
A true "The Great Indian Commuter" fan.
P.S:- If you are still not inspired to take a trip in the general compartment, its only your "BAD LUCK"!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Ab Yeh Cup to Gaya!!
Well, as the title goes, this cup is no longer India's now. So, what went wrong that India could not hold on to its cup?
There are many reasons given by purists,self- proclaimed experts,players and Dhoni himself. Right from Fatigue to tactics to over-confidence and what nots! But for me, the reason more than all that is "South Africa". Forget patriotism and nationalism, I support India, no doubt... M a die hard fan but m a bigger fan of "CRICKET", the game itself.
Cricket requires a new "Champion". And that can well be provided by South Africa. Australia, West Indies,India, Pakistan have all had their glory, but now, its time for the so called "Chokers" to rise, to shed their chokers tag and win it from here. Its really a perfect settin for South Africa to lift the trophy at the "Home Of Cricket" this Sunday and stamp their arrival, now for sure, as the International Sporting Giants!!
South Africa is turnin out to be a perfect "Sportin Host" Nation! IPL, followed by the on-going Confederations Cup and finally the FIFA WORLD CUP next year!! It speaks volumes of the country's growth and how far it has come as compared to the fellow African nations who are still reelin under poverty. South Africa itself is not a very prosperous country with the high number of cases of AIDS/HIV and racism still going on even in late 90's. But it shows that they are workin towards development and makin it a better place to live in.
Back to Cricket now, for cricket to become a "Global" sport, it needs a new winner. South Africa have been in the fray way back since the '92 World Cup but have always had something or the other going wrong for them at crucial junctures. Right from the weird mathematics of the "rain-interrupted" matches in '92 to Steve Waugh in '99 and back to miscalculations in '03, it has never gone their way. South Africans almost hired a mathematician strategist after the miscalculations!! (fictional and hyperbole). But this time, we may well see them at the "Lords Balcony", (the place I dream of visitin some day)!!
So, guys and gals (in case any of them is readin), South Africa seems to be the best bet right now and deservedly so. The Rainbow Nation surely needs to come off age this time and prove a point. The onus is on them to do well in the rest of the tournament now and ensure that nothing goes wrong this time.
P.S.:- Indians need to support South Africa with the way they managed to stage the "IPL" at such a short notice! (Personal View)!
There are many reasons given by purists,self- proclaimed experts,players and Dhoni himself. Right from Fatigue to tactics to over-confidence and what nots! But for me, the reason more than all that is "South Africa". Forget patriotism and nationalism, I support India, no doubt... M a die hard fan but m a bigger fan of "CRICKET", the game itself.
Cricket requires a new "Champion". And that can well be provided by South Africa. Australia, West Indies,India, Pakistan have all had their glory, but now, its time for the so called "Chokers" to rise, to shed their chokers tag and win it from here. Its really a perfect settin for South Africa to lift the trophy at the "Home Of Cricket" this Sunday and stamp their arrival, now for sure, as the International Sporting Giants!!
South Africa is turnin out to be a perfect "Sportin Host" Nation! IPL, followed by the on-going Confederations Cup and finally the FIFA WORLD CUP next year!! It speaks volumes of the country's growth and how far it has come as compared to the fellow African nations who are still reelin under poverty. South Africa itself is not a very prosperous country with the high number of cases of AIDS/HIV and racism still going on even in late 90's. But it shows that they are workin towards development and makin it a better place to live in.
Back to Cricket now, for cricket to become a "Global" sport, it needs a new winner. South Africa have been in the fray way back since the '92 World Cup but have always had something or the other going wrong for them at crucial junctures. Right from the weird mathematics of the "rain-interrupted" matches in '92 to Steve Waugh in '99 and back to miscalculations in '03, it has never gone their way. South Africans almost hired a mathematician strategist after the miscalculations!! (fictional and hyperbole). But this time, we may well see them at the "Lords Balcony", (the place I dream of visitin some day)!!
So, guys and gals (in case any of them is readin), South Africa seems to be the best bet right now and deservedly so. The Rainbow Nation surely needs to come off age this time and prove a point. The onus is on them to do well in the rest of the tournament now and ensure that nothing goes wrong this time.
P.S.:- Indians need to support South Africa with the way they managed to stage the "IPL" at such a short notice! (Personal View)!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Nerves of steel required urgently!!!
Lasith Malinga runs and Shane Warne keeps his cool to throw it to the non-strikers' end and runs malinga out, and with that mumbai is nearly shown the door for the second consecutive time in the IPL..... Guys, arent you reminded of the '99 World Cup semi-final between Aussies and the Proteas, where a bizzare goof up between Lance Klusener and Allan Donald meant curtains for the Proteas which looked like their best chance of winnin the world cup that year..... Shane Warne was victorious then, and even now.
So, what has actually gone wrong for Mumbai in the last 2 years??.... In a startling announcement by Bhajji, he admitted that he still does not know of his role in the team..... I mean with that statement, who is he blamin??, the captain,the coach or himself??....
Surely, Pollock has missed a trick or two this season.... The mumbai think tank has gone awry, there's no doubt about that... In a must-win crunch game, Yogesh Takawale gets promoted to open the innings, fair enough, but what amuses me more is that he's promoted for the first time in the tournament in such a vital game..... I mean what was Pollock upto??... Or for that matter the coachin staff and the senior pros like Sachin,Bhajji and Sanath??...
Isnt it Cricket's most basic rule that your best batsman should play the maximum no. of overs, be it any form of cricket???.. True, they wanted to strengthen the middle order so that a late onslaught is possible, but isnt that a negative mindset??... They should have been more positive in their approach and let Sanath and Sachin open and maybe they would have taken the game away in the first 6 overs itself as 140 odd runs is no big a total to chase....True, Sanath is not in the best of his form, but everybody knows he flourishes only when the field is up, he's a veteran when it comes to powerplay hittin and probably the best person in the "field up" situations....
And ya maybe the strategy went wrong, but after Abhishek Nayar's heroics, panic button was again pressed and it just slipped out of mumbai's hands... It was the same case last year when in a crunch match, they could not keep their nerves against punjab and lost the semi-final spot by a whisker.... These guys need "mind trainin" rather than physical or cricketin trainin..... It also shows keepin cool is not in their blood, they ve messed up big time, this season too....
Nevertheless, We arent still out mathematically... 2 more games, Against the table toppers, Delhi and Chennai, and a win against both of em, and probably a bit of luck if rajasthan and bangalore lose their games, we still have a chance for that elusive semis spot... Its tough, probably unrealistic, but there's still HOPE...2 more tough games to go, jus hope mumbai does not mess up once again and keep their nerves and pull it thro....
GO MUMBAI INDIANS, its your last chance now.........
A true MI fan.
P.S.- No criticism was directed towards Yogesh Takawale.
So, what has actually gone wrong for Mumbai in the last 2 years??.... In a startling announcement by Bhajji, he admitted that he still does not know of his role in the team..... I mean with that statement, who is he blamin??, the captain,the coach or himself??....
Surely, Pollock has missed a trick or two this season.... The mumbai think tank has gone awry, there's no doubt about that... In a must-win crunch game, Yogesh Takawale gets promoted to open the innings, fair enough, but what amuses me more is that he's promoted for the first time in the tournament in such a vital game..... I mean what was Pollock upto??... Or for that matter the coachin staff and the senior pros like Sachin,Bhajji and Sanath??...
Isnt it Cricket's most basic rule that your best batsman should play the maximum no. of overs, be it any form of cricket???.. True, they wanted to strengthen the middle order so that a late onslaught is possible, but isnt that a negative mindset??... They should have been more positive in their approach and let Sanath and Sachin open and maybe they would have taken the game away in the first 6 overs itself as 140 odd runs is no big a total to chase....True, Sanath is not in the best of his form, but everybody knows he flourishes only when the field is up, he's a veteran when it comes to powerplay hittin and probably the best person in the "field up" situations....
And ya maybe the strategy went wrong, but after Abhishek Nayar's heroics, panic button was again pressed and it just slipped out of mumbai's hands... It was the same case last year when in a crunch match, they could not keep their nerves against punjab and lost the semi-final spot by a whisker.... These guys need "mind trainin" rather than physical or cricketin trainin..... It also shows keepin cool is not in their blood, they ve messed up big time, this season too....
Nevertheless, We arent still out mathematically... 2 more games, Against the table toppers, Delhi and Chennai, and a win against both of em, and probably a bit of luck if rajasthan and bangalore lose their games, we still have a chance for that elusive semis spot... Its tough, probably unrealistic, but there's still HOPE...2 more tough games to go, jus hope mumbai does not mess up once again and keep their nerves and pull it thro....
GO MUMBAI INDIANS, its your last chance now.........
A true MI fan.
P.S.- No criticism was directed towards Yogesh Takawale.
Mandate and Stability!!!
Guys, if u ve been followin Politics for the past 3 days, the two words "Stability" and "Mandate" won be alien to you, surely..... How many times ve we heard Prannoy Roy or Arnab or Rajdeep utter this word???.... Almost countless!!!...
With 262 seats for the UPA, surely its a clear "MANDATE", India has spoken and spoken in one voice...
Surely,we are headin for a "Stable" Govt which was actually the need of the hour. There was no doubt that India was the Largest Democracy but what these results also show is that it is also the Most Mature Democracy now. Dr. Singh will be sworn in again and he ll continue his term for 5 more years... The Stocks responded to the Results positively.... BSE had to actually stop tradin in less than 2 mins!!!....Phew!!!.... Even after reopenin it hit the upper circuit twice and then tradin had to be halted for the entire day......
India Inc is goin gaga about this result, no doubt.... But what it also shows that there is a lot of expectations from this govt. now. With indications of younger ministers to be kept in the cabinet, it surely is a one-step forward for Indian Politics. Congress or should i say "Indian Politics" has come of age, literally.
Assignin portfolios to the younger candidates ll surely be a welcomed decision by one and all and could well prove to be a wise decision even politically. But what ll please the Indian Public most ll be exclusion of people like "Arjun Singh" from the cabinet. I really wish "Rahul Gandhi" replaces him, as HRD ministry is a very important ministry for a developin country like us.
With Left stayin out this time, it surely is a big blow for em and i seriously feel that this was on the cards. The way they had been a thorn in every matter, last term, for the UPA, Congress ll surely be breathin a sigh of relief that they do not need their support anymore. Hopefully, Trinamool and DMK do not play spoilsport this time.
True, people are talkin about fast-paced growth with no speed-breakers(read: LEFT), but what worries me most is "Internal security". UPA don ve a handsome marksheet to show off when it comes to security, and this time around also i think that ll be their biggest challenge. They ve to seriously think about this and take adequate steps or else it may spell trouble for them. I jus hope that they do somethin concrete about the security thing as they have failed, time and again, on this front,last term. Hope the Home Minister(read: Chidambaram) is listenin.
As the dialogue from Spiderman goes,"WITH POWER, COMES RESPONSIBILITY". UPA surely has the power now for 5 years atleast, what remains to be seen is if they can rise and be responsible enough, to guide the World's largest Democracy.
With 262 seats for the UPA, surely its a clear "MANDATE", India has spoken and spoken in one voice...
Surely,we are headin for a "Stable" Govt which was actually the need of the hour. There was no doubt that India was the Largest Democracy but what these results also show is that it is also the Most Mature Democracy now. Dr. Singh will be sworn in again and he ll continue his term for 5 more years... The Stocks responded to the Results positively.... BSE had to actually stop tradin in less than 2 mins!!!....Phew!!!.... Even after reopenin it hit the upper circuit twice and then tradin had to be halted for the entire day......
India Inc is goin gaga about this result, no doubt.... But what it also shows that there is a lot of expectations from this govt. now. With indications of younger ministers to be kept in the cabinet, it surely is a one-step forward for Indian Politics. Congress or should i say "Indian Politics" has come of age, literally.
Assignin portfolios to the younger candidates ll surely be a welcomed decision by one and all and could well prove to be a wise decision even politically. But what ll please the Indian Public most ll be exclusion of people like "Arjun Singh" from the cabinet. I really wish "Rahul Gandhi" replaces him, as HRD ministry is a very important ministry for a developin country like us.
With Left stayin out this time, it surely is a big blow for em and i seriously feel that this was on the cards. The way they had been a thorn in every matter, last term, for the UPA, Congress ll surely be breathin a sigh of relief that they do not need their support anymore. Hopefully, Trinamool and DMK do not play spoilsport this time.
True, people are talkin about fast-paced growth with no speed-breakers(read: LEFT), but what worries me most is "Internal security". UPA don ve a handsome marksheet to show off when it comes to security, and this time around also i think that ll be their biggest challenge. They ve to seriously think about this and take adequate steps or else it may spell trouble for them. I jus hope that they do somethin concrete about the security thing as they have failed, time and again, on this front,last term. Hope the Home Minister(read: Chidambaram) is listenin.
As the dialogue from Spiderman goes,"WITH POWER, COMES RESPONSIBILITY". UPA surely has the power now for 5 years atleast, what remains to be seen is if they can rise and be responsible enough, to guide the World's largest Democracy.
The Worsts' of IPL '09!
Guys, u can check out the top 11 guys of IPL on any site or newspaper..... But what about those who failed miserably??... They need recognition too.... Here's ,me, bringin them into the limelight.... I' m sure, when the transfer window or the auction thin is done again, these guys ll be sought after to be thrown away from the team and eager to send to other teams so that they can spoil the opposite teams' party too!!!
Here are the 11 and the reasons why:
1. ROBIN UTTHAPA(wk): I guess there is somethin in the name "ROBIN"( with reference to robin ramsinghani) which jus refuses to do well. He was a total failure in this year's IPL and Dr. Mallya's biggest mistake for swappin Utthapa for Zaheer Khan. Even if he had won the finals for RCB yesterday, he would ve featured in my list. Right from pathetic battin to school-boy stuff catchin(read: droppin), he was not at all upto the mark and deserves to be in this list.
2.SOURAV GANGULY: Don raise your eyebrows, guys, he's been a total failure this season.... I jus remember his 1 innings against the royals, where he hit a quickfire 40 odd but yet dint see his team thro' and the match ended in a superover with the royals winnin. His fieldin as always has been atrocious and dint play well at all, considerin him bein an ICON player. "DADA", its better if you bid adieu to the cricket field now. You may be the "GOD in OFF-SIDE" but when it comes to short-pitched stuff, atleast keep your eyes open while playin the ball....
3. SWAPNIL ASNODKAR: IPL 08 was a grand success for this young lad but IPL 09 proved to be equally bad for this man. Truly, Cricket is a great leveller. But it also exposed his weakness that he's not a technically correct player. He can jus clear the in-field as he used to do in the power plays in 08. But,here the pitches bein more bouncy and fast, he jus could not get his eye in and always ended up givin away his wicket. My advice to him, Get your basics right,plz.
4.VVS LAXMAN: Another icon player features in the list. The "Very very special" turned out to be a total failure and actually had to be dropped from the team. He jus could not acclimatize to this format and to add to it his fieldin was even more pathetic. Laxman, this is not your form of the game, plz stop mintin money and concentrate on the longer format of the game where truly you are a "GEM".
5. LUKE POMERSBACH: I have been a bit unfair in includin this guy in the list but bein an "Australian", he needs to live up to that reputation which obviously he dint. He did get run out in a couple of innings and hence could not capitalise on his starts but bein a "foreign" player and only 4 allowed in the team, all of them need to stand up and be counted. Hopin for a better performance from him in the next season.
6. KEVIN PIETERSEN: He played only 6 matches but could not click in any of them. With the kind of player he is and the exorbitant sum that he was brought for, he could not provide the goods for his team and went away leavin the team in a disarray and it was only because of the inspirational "KUMBLE", that RCB managed to reach this far. Waitin for some fireworks from you next year or even in the champions league.
7. JACOB ORAM: He was surely not the "ORAM", i knew of this season. Could not fire with the bat and neither with the ball. Makhaya Ntini had to stay out of the team because of him with MSD preferin all-rounders. But, he was a total failure and dint stand up to his reputation and played just 1 good innings. His bowling,too, was not upto the mark and was taken for runs all around the park. May we get to see a rejuvenated Oram next season.
8.AJIT AGARKAR: Only 6 balls bowled by him in the 19th over against DC were worth watchin in the whole tournament. Still, DC managed to win eventually and his good work was undone by Rohit's heroics. He was awful in his bowlin, sprayin balls without any direction and mixin it up predictably. He bowled short,wide and asked to hit the batsmen and in this form of the game, the batsman gleefully obliged. KKR need to get rid off him as early as possible. He aint addin any value to the team even though bein a senior pro and havin vast experience at the international level.
9. ASHOK DINDA: Another player who impressed last year but could not do well this season. He dint even take 5 wkts in the whole tournament and also gave away runs at will. He could not get his line and length right and was poor right thro' the tournament.
10. JESSE RYDER: Since i could not get a single spinner who played badly this season, i ve decided to go for an extra all-rounder. With all the hype and hoopla of him bein bought by RCB, he was totally out of sorts and dint look the ryder who tore apart India's bowlin attack not more than 10 days ago. He dint click at all and also got involved in some supposedly "drinkin" problem which he is quite famous for. Surely, let himself down.
11. DHAWAL KULKARNI: When Zaheer got injured, he was entrusted of the job to partner Malinga, but he succeeded only in bits and pieces and went for a lot of runs. He was jus not upto the mark and proved to be Mumbai's weak link though their middle-order was more pathetic. Bein a star in the domestic tournaments, a lot was expected of him.
Coach: JOHN BUCHANAN: His tactics failed from day 0, even before the tournament started. Multiple captain theory was not at all required and dint bear any fruit. He may ve guided Australia to World Cup wins but he surely could not repeat it for KKR, who finished at rock-bottom of the table. Waitin for some changes from him for next season, ie if he is not sacked.
P.S.:- This is my personal opinion and players who ve played 5 or more than 5 games only ve been taken into account. If possible, plz suggest a spinner who bowled badly, i could not figure out any. Performance wise, Delhi was the best team as none of its players feature in this list.
Here are the 11 and the reasons why:
1. ROBIN UTTHAPA(wk): I guess there is somethin in the name "ROBIN"( with reference to robin ramsinghani) which jus refuses to do well. He was a total failure in this year's IPL and Dr. Mallya's biggest mistake for swappin Utthapa for Zaheer Khan. Even if he had won the finals for RCB yesterday, he would ve featured in my list. Right from pathetic battin to school-boy stuff catchin(read: droppin), he was not at all upto the mark and deserves to be in this list.
2.SOURAV GANGULY: Don raise your eyebrows, guys, he's been a total failure this season.... I jus remember his 1 innings against the royals, where he hit a quickfire 40 odd but yet dint see his team thro' and the match ended in a superover with the royals winnin. His fieldin as always has been atrocious and dint play well at all, considerin him bein an ICON player. "DADA", its better if you bid adieu to the cricket field now. You may be the "GOD in OFF-SIDE" but when it comes to short-pitched stuff, atleast keep your eyes open while playin the ball....
3. SWAPNIL ASNODKAR: IPL 08 was a grand success for this young lad but IPL 09 proved to be equally bad for this man. Truly, Cricket is a great leveller. But it also exposed his weakness that he's not a technically correct player. He can jus clear the in-field as he used to do in the power plays in 08. But,here the pitches bein more bouncy and fast, he jus could not get his eye in and always ended up givin away his wicket. My advice to him, Get your basics right,plz.
4.VVS LAXMAN: Another icon player features in the list. The "Very very special" turned out to be a total failure and actually had to be dropped from the team. He jus could not acclimatize to this format and to add to it his fieldin was even more pathetic. Laxman, this is not your form of the game, plz stop mintin money and concentrate on the longer format of the game where truly you are a "GEM".
5. LUKE POMERSBACH: I have been a bit unfair in includin this guy in the list but bein an "Australian", he needs to live up to that reputation which obviously he dint. He did get run out in a couple of innings and hence could not capitalise on his starts but bein a "foreign" player and only 4 allowed in the team, all of them need to stand up and be counted. Hopin for a better performance from him in the next season.
6. KEVIN PIETERSEN: He played only 6 matches but could not click in any of them. With the kind of player he is and the exorbitant sum that he was brought for, he could not provide the goods for his team and went away leavin the team in a disarray and it was only because of the inspirational "KUMBLE", that RCB managed to reach this far. Waitin for some fireworks from you next year or even in the champions league.
7. JACOB ORAM: He was surely not the "ORAM", i knew of this season. Could not fire with the bat and neither with the ball. Makhaya Ntini had to stay out of the team because of him with MSD preferin all-rounders. But, he was a total failure and dint stand up to his reputation and played just 1 good innings. His bowling,too, was not upto the mark and was taken for runs all around the park. May we get to see a rejuvenated Oram next season.
8.AJIT AGARKAR: Only 6 balls bowled by him in the 19th over against DC were worth watchin in the whole tournament. Still, DC managed to win eventually and his good work was undone by Rohit's heroics. He was awful in his bowlin, sprayin balls without any direction and mixin it up predictably. He bowled short,wide and asked to hit the batsmen and in this form of the game, the batsman gleefully obliged. KKR need to get rid off him as early as possible. He aint addin any value to the team even though bein a senior pro and havin vast experience at the international level.
9. ASHOK DINDA: Another player who impressed last year but could not do well this season. He dint even take 5 wkts in the whole tournament and also gave away runs at will. He could not get his line and length right and was poor right thro' the tournament.
10. JESSE RYDER: Since i could not get a single spinner who played badly this season, i ve decided to go for an extra all-rounder. With all the hype and hoopla of him bein bought by RCB, he was totally out of sorts and dint look the ryder who tore apart India's bowlin attack not more than 10 days ago. He dint click at all and also got involved in some supposedly "drinkin" problem which he is quite famous for. Surely, let himself down.
11. DHAWAL KULKARNI: When Zaheer got injured, he was entrusted of the job to partner Malinga, but he succeeded only in bits and pieces and went for a lot of runs. He was jus not upto the mark and proved to be Mumbai's weak link though their middle-order was more pathetic. Bein a star in the domestic tournaments, a lot was expected of him.
Coach: JOHN BUCHANAN: His tactics failed from day 0, even before the tournament started. Multiple captain theory was not at all required and dint bear any fruit. He may ve guided Australia to World Cup wins but he surely could not repeat it for KKR, who finished at rock-bottom of the table. Waitin for some changes from him for next season, ie if he is not sacked.
P.S.:- This is my personal opinion and players who ve played 5 or more than 5 games only ve been taken into account. If possible, plz suggest a spinner who bowled badly, i could not figure out any. Performance wise, Delhi was the best team as none of its players feature in this list.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
