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"!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
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.
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