tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21810759042752424282024-03-05T10:47:20.326+00:00CHRONICLES OF A DREAMERWhat do you get when you mix Chelsea, Nadal, Ferrari, Rossi, cars, movies, film making, law, London, Bangalore, Kathmandu, mountains, rivers, Johnny Depp, music, family, friends, love, life and loyalty?Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-73816233153514456992013-04-26T15:19:00.001+01:002013-04-26T15:19:12.427+01:00Just one of those days...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been almost a year since I've written on this blog! Maybe it is that I've been having so much fun with life that blogging took a back seat. That isn't to say life is in the doldrums this fine Friday, but that some thoughts floating in my head are best bashed out on a blog and forgotten then on.<br />
<br />
There are some days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. In the past few hours, I am pretty sure that waking up to the right hand side of mine, was an error in judgement. Nothing really catastrophic but more or less an emotional day on many levels. They say that when one thing goes wrong then the rest will to. So this morning, I suppose brushing my teeth for the morning with my night time tooth brush was where I went wrong.<br />
<br />
Essentially it was a day of miscommunication in plenty, magnified by the fact that thanks to technology, many things that are as normal as the sun rising in the east, are considered abnormal. And they say technology makes life easier! Poooeeey. Later in the day, I was also regaled with comments about my character. Not bad ones, just ones that I don't hear often. Maybe it is time for a re-assessment; maybe it's time to take a step back and observe. Perhaps I am too caught up in looking into the future, that I forget I have no control over it. But as I said, time to observe. Besides, thankfully, life has been kind enough to hand me people who love and care for me. Even if it mean telling the harsh truth sometimes. I am fortunate enough to have people who care enough to tell me things that maybe I don't want to hear. And life certainly is kind enough to bring me pizzas and chips, to make sure my worries and troubles melt like cheese.<br />
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Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-13958231941085447932012-06-10T14:07:00.002+01:002012-06-10T14:07:57.367+01:00What’s the good word?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">DHNS – Aakanksha Devi <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Language matters</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">From “shall I compare thee to a summer’s
day” to “aal izz well”, conversational language has indeed come a long way! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">No matter what the language, people seem to
be more influenced by the film and television culture than they are by
literature. This may primarily be due to the fact that around 20 years ago, the
television wasn’t as common as it is now. Books and stories were - up until the
early 90s - the main source of entertainment for the youth, who now continue to
carry the torch of the book culture while the new generation has grown up on
television. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The television series ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’,
which caught the attention of almost all the youngsters at the time, was a huge
factor in introducing the city to colloquial ‘lingo’. Words and phrases such as
‘like’, ‘whatever’ and ‘Oh my God’ were popularised by the six characters from
the sitcom and from then on, it seems to have stuck on as part of trendy
talk. Moreover, people, especially
teenagers, began to emulate the lifestyle of these fictitious characters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">So in doing the things they saw on
television, they inevitably began to also relate to the characters. Thereby
conversations were not only dominated by discussing programmes but also
discussed in the tone and language they were now accustomed to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Meghna D, a scientist who is a voracious
reader says that the reduction in the number of people reading has caused this
change. “It’s not really that people are more influenced by film or tv but at a
basic level it’s that they don’t know any better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Literature has taken a back seat. So if you
were to speak like Dickens or Chaucer, chances are that only one other person
is a group of 10 has understood what you’re talking about,” she says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">So in imitating dialogues, we seem to be
losing track of the traditional form of the English language, which according
to some youngsters may not be a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU29V0fyA3q7Oe8kqagNPaVARFHidiJwZLNzKiAZ1SUgmSG83Z7SUj0VW6kL52UBLc0mi_XoXmP_xpDbBcMoC3gKjOlBWiNC0ZMncoFwJhEHOG-qUQwLtHUYPlPt0Xv5CTiPk350sxJ14/s1600/Vedika+R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU29V0fyA3q7Oe8kqagNPaVARFHidiJwZLNzKiAZ1SUgmSG83Z7SUj0VW6kL52UBLc0mi_XoXmP_xpDbBcMoC3gKjOlBWiNC0ZMncoFwJhEHOG-qUQwLtHUYPlPt0Xv5CTiPk350sxJ14/s200/Vedika+R.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vedika R</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-GB">“In Shakespeare’s time they spoketh
formally. Then when the British were here it was Queen’s English. Now it’s tv
lingo, the popular culture of our time. It’s quite regressive of people to look
down on the new sort of language,” says Vedika R, a student of communication
and media. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">In addition to just moving away from the
book culture, Sahana Das, Head of Communication Studies, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mount Carmel</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place>
believes the internet that has had a massive impact on the way youngsters
behave and speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I wouldn’t say that it is only television
and film that is causing kids or all of us really, to speak differently. I
think with the advent of internet, people are exposed to various cultures,
languages and media that they pick up from their. And it is not only the
language but behaviour too…which is not really a bad thing,” she comments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtr3bOs6Ur9eLaKHiKNjYCUFOhSs9nYc-saACC3Msjo26UmcGwWbY4EK68MIDfAnB71MG8PKC1BpTNOgTsgyHsSdeacjswXCFT3hojkYsZ2hNiDUSKeQ9Wfu45YannY67jNBNE6WwG_w/s1600/Arjun+Varma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtr3bOs6Ur9eLaKHiKNjYCUFOhSs9nYc-saACC3Msjo26UmcGwWbY4EK68MIDfAnB71MG8PKC1BpTNOgTsgyHsSdeacjswXCFT3hojkYsZ2hNiDUSKeQ9Wfu45YannY67jNBNE6WwG_w/s320/Arjun+Varma.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arjun Varma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Another possible cause for increased
colloquialism may well be that film and television characters have mass appeal
when compared to the more intangible book characters. Arjun Varma, an
independent film maker and script writer says that because there is so little
time on hand these days, people take the short cut to literature by watching
movies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“Harry Potter is the best example. Everyone
knows about it but has everyone read it? Of course not! I certainly haven’t but
I know the dialogues and spells like I know the alphabet,” he chuckles. He also
believes that literature characters are looked at as more aspirational.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“People like to be ‘Romeo and Juliet’ but
essentially they are ‘Homer and Marge’! So they begin to talk like the
characters that are far more true to life…especially like dysfunctional Homer
Simpson.” Sahana too feels that language in film and television is more
accurate in reflecting the society at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“It’s that film and tv have always mirrored
the language of the people while written was considered more intellectual…like
the Victorian time. Now however, the lines are blurring and the gap between
written and spoken language is fast reducing,” she sums up.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-9879922883913971042012-06-05T07:20:00.000+01:002012-06-10T14:21:47.808+01:00Don’t spin the music, there’s ban-galore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city>, June 4 2012, DHNS: Aakanksha Devi <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lost charm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa0nKDy173TbsrFGniI4nmXVDbPvac33-wVeHCVPL4Z4PoZjIqK4cfmQsx9t2quX-twQD9qUSbZtlzGOxvI1v2HtZ6YTJv0DsHz66biR-VgJHS5INhl_GG04sc6qVQq8DDKikGSfDl0Y/s1600/5883172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa0nKDy173TbsrFGniI4nmXVDbPvac33-wVeHCVPL4Z4PoZjIqK4cfmQsx9t2quX-twQD9qUSbZtlzGOxvI1v2HtZ6YTJv0DsHz66biR-VgJHS5INhl_GG04sc6qVQq8DDKikGSfDl0Y/s320/5883172.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DJ ABDUL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2181075904275242428" name="top"></a><b>For
longer than we’d like to admit, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>
has become a deadpan City. From bustling with life until the wee hours of the
morning to being forced to close down by 11 at night, the City has indeed
undergone a huge transformation.</b><br />
<br />
And the restriction on dancing and grooving to music on a lively Saturday
night, is now but a distant memory for most Bangaloreans. Seemingly the worst
hit by the situation however, are the music spinning, energy infusing disc
jockeys (DJs).<br />
<br />
Despite being a City truly appreciative of music, dance and general partying,
the fact that DJs have to stop playing music by 11 pm, has disheartened many of
the City’s DJs.<br />
<br />
Abdul, a popular international DJ who calls <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city> his home, says that the City has
lost its charm. “It’s sad to have to play catchy music when people can’t even
sway their hips to a song. Playing in this City used to be a pleasure. And we
DJs used to feed off the crowd’s emotions and play what seemed appreciated. Now
we’re pretty much shooting arrows in the dark hoping we hit the right
note.”<br />
<br />
Although there is more to a DJ than just playing music for everyone to dance
to, the common perception is just that. While most people wouldn’t think of a
DJ when it came to playing instrumental or slow music, they’d certainly look to
one to pump up the volume and infuse energy in party-goers. One such dance and
music lover is Aditi Singh who likes to go to quieter places ever since the
dancing ban was implemented.<br />
<br />
“It’s frustrating to just sit at a table when a Michael Jackson song is
playing. For me, it’s pretty impossible. Of course, it isn’t DJs’ fault because
it’s a government rule but I find it quite pointless to have a DJ playing
energetic music when all we can do is try hard to talk over the sound. It’s a
little bit like Robbie Williams singing ‘I don’t wanna rock DJ. But you’re
keeping me up all night’,” expresses Aditi.<br />
<br />
Therefore, the role of a DJ in our City seems all but defunct when it comes to
dancing. As Abdul expresses though, it is now up to the sound mixers to change
their style and incorporate music that people will enjoy but not necessary feel
is a dance remix.<br />
<br />
“I’ve started playing mellow mixes and it’s catching on pretty well. But the
younger DJs aren’t really trained so they’re unaware of such nuances. They tend
to play only numbers they like or can play well. Those DJs will be forced to
shut shop or quickly change their game plan,” he suggests.<br />
<br />
Others however feel it is fine for DJs to continue playing peppy music because
even if they can’t dance, at least the mood is happy and vibrant. And while the
point of a party may be to dance, it isn’t the only way to have fun. Media
professional Kirthana Karumbaiah is of the opinion that DJs should continue to
do what they do with the hope of bringing back the <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city> of before.<br />
<br />
“I think it’s very important that DJs keep spinning because it isn’t only about
being a disco city. It’s about having a good time. Indeed they need to play
suitable music for the atmosphere but they seem to have adapted well to that.”<br />
<br />
<br />
Thus, while some citizens are happy to have the DJ blaring dance music, others
think that the profession of music mixing in <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city>, at least temporarily is pointless.
Summing up the mixed feeling of most party goers, Siddanth Sharma, a ‘new’
Bangalorean, says, “I think we’re somewhat forcefully listening to DJs. After
all there’s no need to really remix Pitbull or David Guetta!<br />
<br />
They’re fast paced to begin with! So I’d just play a an MP3 CD. Honestly, the
problem I feel is that we’re hanging on to DJs because we’re unable to let go
of the past of <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city>
being a party place.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-51361353205503026412012-05-29T13:30:00.002+01:002012-05-29T13:30:43.313+01:00Annoying film critiques.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For a long while I've seen my Mum, who reads the paper cover to cover, completely ignore film reviews. And rightly so. There were no reviews at all. They were plot summaries and spoilers. There wasn't any information about the direction, acting or anything about the making of the film. It was down right useless. More of a "if you don't want to watch the film or haven't the time to then read this".<br />
<br />
Slowly and thankfully, that changed. But now it seems that, in most papers, the bigger the star in the film, the better the review. Films that are arty and don't star Shahrukh Khan get a star and a half. While the waste of money, nonsense with the King Khan gets a whopping ***** and a MUST WATCH.<br />
<br />
Being a film maker - a very little one at that - I still find it extremely painful to read these reviews. I completely understand that there are good films and there are bad films. But the job of the critique is hardly to tell me whether I should or shouldn't watch the film. He can indeed help in my decision by giving an unbiased opinion. Saying DON'T WATCH THIS FILM, only makes me want to watch it more. And cross my fingers that I like it as well!<br />
<br />
Recently, I read a review of Dark Shadows. It starred my all time favourite Johnny Depp AND was directed by my other favourite Tim Burton and it was their best, but I enjoyed it. Yet the review had Johnny Depp as a very unrealistic vampire. A "<span style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">heavily powdered man with deathly dark circles and a bad manicure" to be precise! </span>What? So you've seen a real vampire or are you so influenced by the Cullen Clan that you think that's what all vampires should look like? Diamondesque and red eyed? Jokers! It's a different interpretation for crying out loud! A more "vampirey" one at that!<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am not here to defend my man Depp...that's another post altogether! So moving on...reviews. Yes the film critic of before needs very quickly to return. Adding to my woes of awful film critics, with the advent of the internet...everyone is a critic. I mean...some one can absolutely hate this blog yet my ever loving sister and my mother, will continually read it and make opinions without voicing their bad reviews. But when it comes to film and trailers...it's an absolute war out there. Youtube is a highly entertaining source of amusement. But sometimes it gets on my nerves. People who absolutely despise a certain actor/actress should really stay away from watching the concerned trailer or film clip. It seems logical no? Why would you 'torture' yourself only so you can anger a fan? Do you really have nothing else to do? Surely there's a crossword left on Earth you've not completed! <br />
<br />
But the consolation there is that it's free speech and we all have a right to opinions. Just don't force it down my throat. Just lay down the facts...I'll make my own conclusion. I have a mind of my own thank you very much.</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-37657892519952549402012-05-14T14:51:00.002+01:002012-05-14T14:51:50.453+01:00A simple yet powerful narrative<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB">Apr 24, 2012 : </span>Film Screening</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Almost documentary in its nature, ‘Elephant
Boy’ is a wonderful black and white adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Toomai of
the Elephants’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was recently screened at the National
Gallery of Modern Art in collaboration with the International Music and Arts
Society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The screening also included an informative
and in-depth introduction to Sabu Dastagir, the lead actor in the film. The
film was directed by Robert J Flaherty and Zoltan Korda and shot in the private
forests of the erstwhile Mysore Maharaja.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Brilliant in its narration and
cinematography, this 1937 film has a simple yet powerful narrative, that tells
the tale of Toomai and his dreams of becoming a hunter like his father and
forefathers. A dream that will come true when ‘he sees elephants dance’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvcXKmJZKjsMUBPsPm2Tx4WhQVBxuR-6I7EcFCsho7Ur4v9X4jl1dJA3EX1FaZ8hEaBk-hSmFDJyi7mB0O-PLu41yIV2DsHC-QA04zfpRqCtUHegEiiFAlMD7V615P1YO9P_WZbYF-Pg/s1600/elephant-boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvcXKmJZKjsMUBPsPm2Tx4WhQVBxuR-6I7EcFCsho7Ur4v9X4jl1dJA3EX1FaZ8hEaBk-hSmFDJyi7mB0O-PLu41yIV2DsHC-QA04zfpRqCtUHegEiiFAlMD7V615P1YO9P_WZbYF-Pg/s1600/elephant-boy.jpg" /></a>On watching a film that is over
80-years-old, young film-maker and audience member Kiran Ayathan says it was
interesting but marginally annoying. “Although I liked the story for its
simplicity, I found the British characters highly condescending which ruined
the experience for me,” she says.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Although it’s centred around Toomai, played
by then 13-year-old Sabu, the film gives a clear insight into the lives of
Indian villagers, hunters and of course the British officials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The village ‘sahib’, Petersen, played by
Walter Hudd, starts to hire mahouts, including Toomai’s father, for the annual
round up of elephants. On hearing that, Toomai has no one to care for him,
Petersen’s heart melts and he allows the boy to tag along. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">One night, Toomai’s father spots a tiger
lurking about camp and immediately wakes up Petersen. The two go out into the
dark to kill the animal. Unfortunately, Toomai’s father is killed in the fight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The over-the-top cruel Rham Lal is then
brought on to look after Kala Nag. Distraught at the death of her mahout and
angered by the way she is now treated, Kala Nag lashes out, injuring Rham Lal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Rham Lal is then paid off by Petersen to
keep quiet or else leave the safe boundaries of the camp. Just before the
elephant search is called off, Toomai notices Kala Nag sneak into the forest.
He follows the beast and is led deep into the jungles, where from atop Kala
Nag, sees a herd of pachyderms stomping their feet as if dancing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">On returning to camp, Toomai tells his tale
of the elephants dance. Almost patronisingly Petersen says he can now become a
hunter. The film closes with Toomai being taken under the able wing of Machua
Appa, sahib’s right-hand man, so his lifelong dream can finally come true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Kripa, who came to watch the film hoping it
would be like ‘Jungle Book’, says she was a bit taken aback by the real and
authentic visuals. “Sabu is such a natural.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The whole film was very realistic. It was
jarring at times but very intriguing,” she says.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-60123397161064075782012-05-14T14:49:00.002+01:002012-05-14T14:49:32.597+01:00This is what dreams are made of...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Aakanksha Devi, Apr 24, 2012 :<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">PASSION RULES<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Breaking away from the traditional
expectation of being doctors, lawyers, engineers or even businessmen, several
youngsters are taking the road less travelled in terms of their career. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Alternate careers like acting, film-making,
music and even the risky scuba diving are becoming the norm with the youth of
today. Despite being educated in the usual fields of arts, sciences or
commerce, these youngsters choose to pursue their passion and convert their
dream careers into real ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXgIGuvp120phBVGQB6wDuScSkCms7hktYEDm0FkCuaCvZ9ymZQ5mOnFkgdu1U7FZL9IKa-L9r0ly8jmlsh7mn2qc7cHaLXNyEV7L6Qh7saCBK-H7LFJNIFF1xizJPRSBe2va4PsZ6ZI/s1600/Rohin+U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXgIGuvp120phBVGQB6wDuScSkCms7hktYEDm0FkCuaCvZ9ymZQ5mOnFkgdu1U7FZL9IKa-L9r0ly8jmlsh7mn2qc7cHaLXNyEV7L6Qh7saCBK-H7LFJNIFF1xizJPRSBe2va4PsZ6ZI/s200/Rohin+U.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rohin Unvalla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Rohin Unvalla, a BCom graduate from the
City, gleefully broke away from the business sector to take up a course in
scuba diving. “I just love the water. Swimming and diving make me happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Business wasn’t something I disliked but it
was far down on my list of hobbies. In fact before this, I was a professional
dance instructor,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Now almost three years later, Rohin works
with the coast guard in the Andamans and is a familiar face on the rescue
squads on the Indian coastline. “It’s just something I had to do for myself. It
gives me a feeling of unbelievable elation,” says the diver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOimGfpTOmwTaNGbVcVyti701QIlv8FRcgJlH2VdUNJoW1pe7shJM_QT-hKQSLmYyU_NkIuY4o2CDi94oAOYUtk6CbVzeJFKkFzKNji-JL1MriDVw0a__2pXJW-hK_exaf3sJR_2OimI/s1600/Mario+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOimGfpTOmwTaNGbVcVyti701QIlv8FRcgJlH2VdUNJoW1pe7shJM_QT-hKQSLmYyU_NkIuY4o2CDi94oAOYUtk6CbVzeJFKkFzKNji-JL1MriDVw0a__2pXJW-hK_exaf3sJR_2OimI/s200/Mario+Image.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario Jerome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But perhaps it isn’t only passion that
fuels these career changes. With an MSc in Bioscience from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Leeds</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
Mario Jerome realised he wasn’t getting optimum wages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I wasn’t very happy with the remuneration
and more importantly the type of work. So I started to spend more time on
working with a production house which was more fulfilling,” he says. He now
heads the business and planning department of a Bangalore-based production
house and sometimes, gives creative inputs too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I am a people’s person and this job is
perfect for me. I speak with people and also learn the tricks of the trade when
it comes to film-making. I miss the sciences sometimes but this suits my
personality and my balance book better,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgulupnJpSblgcrzrT2QIAKdSttOWgVZ_bz3xkTWU1i4TFLF-av6GxfZhyph_U2DstUAL8UwwkARuh9IqKhKSkPdA50-FHPMW9AgE85-CzGX28HAof85yJk5R6ZIKAcVgxo4OvTC41YQ/s1600/Sudhan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgulupnJpSblgcrzrT2QIAKdSttOWgVZ_bz3xkTWU1i4TFLF-av6GxfZhyph_U2DstUAL8UwwkARuh9IqKhKSkPdA50-FHPMW9AgE85-CzGX28HAof85yJk5R6ZIKAcVgxo4OvTC41YQ/s200/Sudhan.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudhanva Atri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Parents too seem to have eased up on their
children. Hardly a few years ago, parents lived their failed dreams through
their offspring, giving the youngsters little, if any, freedom at all in
choosing their careers. Manorama Ramesh says that initially, only she wholeheartedly
supported her son Sudhanva’s desire to become a photographer, but her husband
soon came around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I have nothing but pride and respect for
my son. It’s important that he does what he wants. As parents, we gave our
opinions but we never forced them on our children,” says the proud mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Sudhanva believes that doing what he truly
loved gave him more inspiration to excel than doing something that he just
happened to be good at. “There’s nothing like being so close to nature and
capturing moments that I’ll never see again. It’s like living a
dream...actually I am living my dream,” he chuckles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyodgw1zf5SVn_A8FqSjGKqDAMok7LZk_oSem-5L2VM0HLs5wYwx5mhWQbYnLUoFU2FxoyTjVTPZFnFyeUnsZctlZeGqQMiTM8Us1ri8fMUAB7D5FVO6SE_HUqYYqQJf02e2ef38N_Q_k/s1600/Akhil+Iyer+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyodgw1zf5SVn_A8FqSjGKqDAMok7LZk_oSem-5L2VM0HLs5wYwx5mhWQbYnLUoFU2FxoyTjVTPZFnFyeUnsZctlZeGqQMiTM8Us1ri8fMUAB7D5FVO6SE_HUqYYqQJf02e2ef38N_Q_k/s200/Akhil+Iyer+7.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Akhil Iyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Akhil Iyer is another youngster who gave up
being a brilliant computer engineer to pursue his childhood dream of being an
actor and model. “I aced my exams but being on stage gives me another high
altogether,” he confesses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">When asked if he found it hard at times, he
quickly pips in that it was difficult almost all the time. “It’s a constant
uphill climb. I don’t know when I’ll get a script or a shoot. Most times I
don’t even know what I’m endorsing until I’m at the shoot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But I wouldn’t trade anything for the
satisfaction of knowing that I did what I truly wanted to do,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So it seems that no matter how hard or
unstable the career path may be, this generation has set sight on slightly
different horizons. And there’s surely no stopping them from turning their
dreams into reality.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-6646176888084040332012-05-14T14:42:00.000+01:002012-05-14T14:42:19.458+01:00Summer food at its best<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
April 21, 2012, DHNS:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Aside from just a plain, boring salad, I want
to give guests the option of a lighter but filling main course this summer,”
says Jaydeep Patil, senior kitchen executive at Le Jardin, The Oberoi. And in
the blistering summer, this extensive seasonal menu is indeed a refreshing
change. With appetisers, soups, entrées and desserts that serve as a great
respite from the heat, the range of dishes has something for even those with
specific culinary requirements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Chef Patil says that rather than
continually reinventing the same old dishes, he wanted to experiment with
different techniques and garnishes to prepare the food. The inspiration to
evolve the existing menu came from the seemingly obvious reason of using fresh,
seasonal products. “I wanted to use fruits, vegetables and produce that are
current and seasonal so that the food complemented the weather because the
weather really determines what we eat and enjoy at various times of the year,”
he notes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRytOinsYKK-WEsd4DQfsPfDoN6EPJgznBaJ7H7o-v6-N5httkv7WWwC4p1k99Sm6XJzPjoCJ35TCqMzZyfKaLbehvRtFvN73iKQ0djxxk38R4zYeGp-4Fhh1U7hC2-QcZ201exYrRAw/s1600/oberoi-200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRytOinsYKK-WEsd4DQfsPfDoN6EPJgznBaJ7H7o-v6-N5httkv7WWwC4p1k99Sm6XJzPjoCJ35TCqMzZyfKaLbehvRtFvN73iKQ0djxxk38R4zYeGp-4Fhh1U7hC2-QcZ201exYrRAw/s1600/oberoi-200.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Using exotic berries and fruits like raspberries,
avocado and melon, the appetisers are a great way to start the meal. The choice
includes a fabulous beetroot carpaccio with chevre, orange and berries. For
those who are less adventurous, the chef also has proscuitto wrapped tenderloin
that is lightly grilled and goes beautifully before either the cold gazpacho
soup or the seafood and fennel broth. “I’ve tried to incorporate people’s
favourites like prawn and tenderloin but treated them differently. Most of the
meat on the menu is grilled or smoked and has a fruity flavour as opposed to
the heavy, butter-based, rich texture of most winter dishes,” he adds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">In his introduction to the main course,
Chef Patil emphasises that the seasoning of the meats is mostly made up of
tangy lemon sauces with sides that are cooling and rejuvenating like celery,
grapes and olives. And avoiding heavier meats like pork and lamb, the main
course offers dishes like tuna with broccoli, rucola and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state> grapes and the great favourite
and highly appetising roast chicken in herb sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I’ve retained traditional dishes like
crepes and ravioli but with herbs and relishes like capers and sage that really
add flavour to the dish making it subtly tasty and not overpowering or
pungent,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The desserts make for a fine culinary
experience. One can choose from either an unusual yet delightful pavé of
Belgian chocolate and passion fruit or the very cooling and energising
raspberry and chili sorbet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">From appetisers to desserts, Chef Jaydeep’s
summer treats truly do leave you comfortably full while also helping you cope
with the rising mercury levels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Food-lovers can enjoy this summer menu till
April 30.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-77964658349577976062012-05-14T14:39:00.001+01:002012-05-14T14:39:16.370+01:00Packed with a universal truth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
April 21, 2012, DHNS:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94XfWO13TBGdkBcgZDDJDbbL7VPFPLSJUHZl1MSvda_R6mA6gklkRQea7NVGjAaGVr3GmoGoHbeJ83jwRrWFtuVghBIn4lLlviZSDOBtayi12gJZLUVe16yfILzfOv2qWmrWhZE3lJb0/s1600/beyond-250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94XfWO13TBGdkBcgZDDJDbbL7VPFPLSJUHZl1MSvda_R6mA6gklkRQea7NVGjAaGVr3GmoGoHbeJ83jwRrWFtuVghBIn4lLlviZSDOBtayi12gJZLUVe16yfILzfOv2qWmrWhZE3lJb0/s1600/beyond-250.gif" /></a><a href="" name="top"></a>A tale
of displacement, adventure, conflict, disappointment yet hope. That was the
essence of the play ‘Boy With a Suitcase”, by ‘Do I Know You?’, a collaborative
theatre partnership between Ranga Shankara and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Schnawwl-National Theatre</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<br />
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The play opens with a fusion song in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Spanish, German and
Russian, immediately signifying the global reach of the story to follow.
Shrunga B V from <st1:city w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:city>,
plays 12-year-old Naz, upon whom adventure and unwanted circumstances are
dumped. He is forced to leave his home and parents due to conflict, in search
of a land that is ‘heaven on Earth and milk and honey’.<br />
<br />
In this case, the destination was the aspirational <st1:city w:st="on">London</st1:city>, where his sister lives. Naz, having
being brought up on stories of Sindbad dutifully told by his mother, takes on
the misfortune like his sailor hero would — as an adventure. Director
Andrea Gronemeyer from the Schnawwl-National Theatre says the aim was to show
that Naz could be from a particular country, but his problems, are universal.
“It’s more than just a story. It is reality. Children and adults alike can
relate to the characters despite the difference in German and Indian culture.”<br />
<br />
About the experience and response from the Indian audience, Andrea says that
because of the better grasp of the English language, it is far more fun and
fulfilling to perform in <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>.
“The people here get the nuances and understand the illusions. Hearing them
sigh and laugh at the exact moments we’d imagined only means that we’ve reached
our goal of sensitising people with art.”<br />
<br />
Although the play focuses on Naz, it is in fact a flashback that is being
narrated by an older Naz, who has clearly escaped his earlier misfortunes. This
older version, performed brilliantly by David Benito Garcia, holds the story
together, shuttling the audience beautifully from past to present.<br />
<br />
Another significant character is the vibrant Krezia, played by Lea Whitcher,
another young refugee who befriends Naz on his ‘voyages’. The support caste
included M D Pallavi, Nikolai Jegorow in varying roles as well as Coordt Linke
and Konarak Reddy, who also provided live background music.<br />
<br />
Fourteen-year-old Sakshi Sinha spoke for her brother, Sourav as well when she
said that she was moved by the show. “It made me think of what I would do if
I left home. I guess the point is that eventually no matter what your
background, people all over the world struggle.” <br />
<br />
Be it border control guards or hungry wolves, Krizia and ‘Sindbad’ (as Naz
introduces himself to the girl) overcome several hurdles, as they run towards
the elusive land where troubles cease to be. And in an end that is hopeful but
realistic, Naz does get to his sister, but finds the promised land “no
different from home and is hell on Earth.”<br />
<br />
Artistic Director, Arundhati Nag, says that the collaboration was a great step
forward for theatre. “To see three years of hard work culminate in this magial
show is very inspiring. The artistes are from six countries with only two whose
prime language is English, which shows it’s not a mix but a true blend.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-33332254967238513162012-05-14T13:26:00.000+01:002012-05-14T14:54:40.343+01:00Fresh take on humour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">April 17 2012,
Aakanksha Devi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Brilliant Act<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Failure versus
success. Studies versus sports. Big brother versus little one. And an audience,
at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, left rolling with laughter!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Such was the
effect of the play ‘Big B’, co-directed and co-authored by Sayeed Alam and Niti
Sayeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Brought to the
City by the Bangalore Royals Round Table for the cause of ‘Freedom through
Education’, this ‘IND-lish’ rendition of Munshi Premchand’s 1934 short story,
Bade Bhai Saheb, ‘Big B’, took the audience back to the era of the ‘Raj’ to a
hostel room of brothers Srikant and Samrat Prasad Pande. In line with the
cause, the play tells tales of Srikant, played by Sayeed Alam, and Samrat,
played by Ram Naresh, at school, satirically critiquing the education system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JajHZQIw6dI/T7EOhvt5zXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/1j5AZv0rI88/s1600/168186-big-b-play.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JajHZQIw6dI/T7EOhvt5zXI/AAAAAAAAAWk/1j5AZv0rI88/s320/168186-big-b-play.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Opposites in
nature and aptitude, the brothers are constantly, though unwittingly, at
loggerheads. The typical father figure to the intelligent Samrat but with no
credibility, Srikant is an epitome of failure. Despite remaining in the ninth
standard for five years, he dutifully admonishes his younger brother using
broken English to literally translate his precious Hindi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">And while
suffering seems to be Samrat’s birthright, he still looks up and even looks out
for his brother by warning him from going out on dark evenings saying it was
too ‘nighty’! Unwilling, however, to accept that he isn’t the ideal mentor,
Srikant continues to give Samrat unsolicited advice causing the younger lad’s
‘head to eat circles!’ Or for current times, when Hindi is not frowned upon,
“uska sar chakkar kha raha tha!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">This performance
by <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Delhi</st1:place></st1:city>’s
Pierrot’s Troupe, used flashbacks by introducing a third character — a
90-year-old version of Samrat, played by Ekant Kaul. Sayeed says that the play
has been done so many times, a fresh take was needed. “The charm of theatre is
that it takes one back to the age of the characters. And the challenge is in
performing something that is true to an era we haven’t seen.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">While the
audience was in splits throughout, it was interesting to see that people
empathised with the characters. Nikhil Y, who studied in boarding school, said
that times indeed remained unchanged. “Some seniors were terrible at studies
yet they insisted we study hard. This was lovely. It showcased the sheer genius
of both Premchandji and the theatre company.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">By retaining the
original period of the 1930s, the play interweaved past with present,
celebrating greats like Gandhiji while ‘making jokes fly’ (mazak udana!) about
Ashish Nehra. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Sayeed
appreciatively said, “Performing in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>
is always spectacular. It’s so encouraging when people actually pay to watch
shows.” The audience was also forthcoming in their praise. Theatreperson Arushi
said that she was apprehensive of a ‘Hinglish’ play but found the show
fabulous. “The performers were brilliant and the humour so excellent; it’s a
refreshing change from the usual crappy comedy.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Her husband
Amitabh was also greatly impressed by the show. “It was nice, clean, simply and
funny,” he says between laughs as he recalled dialogues.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-28815085899904050372012-05-14T12:42:00.000+01:002012-05-14T12:45:49.862+01:00A splendid show of culture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">May 2, 2012, DHNS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Swayam’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">MVJ College of Engineering organised its
much awaited inter-collegiate cultural <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">competition recently. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Aptly named Swayam – which means self, the
fest followed the theme of <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Incredible <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The event not only brought together
students from different colleges from all over the State but also gave them an
opportunity to showcase their talent in over 20 competitions that took place
over the two days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The students battled it out in various
events including debate, music, dance and artistic and sporting events and it
wasn’t only for the trophy or the cash prize <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was in essence for the pride of their
alma mater! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> In
keeping with the theme, the light music event, brought out the enviable
cultural diversity of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
as the contestants melodiously serenaded the audience and judges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And the judges must surely have had a hard
time deciding on the winner <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">but eventually, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">St John’s</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Medical</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place> team was declared
the winners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">One of the highlights of the fest, the
‘Battle of Bands’, saw ‘Band Hungry’ from SVIT walk away with the top prize. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But that hardly took away the talent or the
brilliant performances by other bands. On a very different note, the debate
battle drew a huge crowd as people poured in to hear the discussion — and a
rather fierce one at that — about whether or not privatisation will lead to
less corruption in India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Though Nithin Yashes from SJMC was
announced the winner, the arguments <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">of the other participants would certainly
have given most politicians a good <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">run for their money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Adding to the football frenzy in the City,
MVJCE also came up with a novel game of football on water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZGiB6CSP_8TJrXNQ267rcz04jCE_3PFGHppwk1wFshnV-VwLrnWTo1kt0XsZzkJDKk8qESW8VfzKXNK6eXgH8GUCtMYoW6eFa5JM0TisUyienVYroX0wvFjvnethSmuLP1R61GMxD7w/s1600/water-football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZGiB6CSP_8TJrXNQ267rcz04jCE_3PFGHppwk1wFshnV-VwLrnWTo1kt0XsZzkJDKk8qESW8VfzKXNK6eXgH8GUCtMYoW6eFa5JM0TisUyienVYroX0wvFjvnethSmuLP1R61GMxD7w/s1600/water-football.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">And after a whole lot of slipping, sliding,
splashing and gliding, this unusual event saw a team from MVJCE, led by Vijay,
emerge as the winners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Meanwhile, in a far more graceful event, the
dance troupe Pralaya from <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">BNMIT, made sure their routine was that
much more refined as they claimed top spot in the Indian Dance Competition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">All through the two-day fest, the
atmosphere was simply electrifying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The auditoriums as well as the outdoor
stages had audiences braving the sun and the occasional rain, to cheer on their
college mates while the competitors took the stage, striving for perfection
amidst worthy opponents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">There was not a hint of negative emotion in
the entire place showing the true spirit and passion of a competition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">All one could hear was the ringing of
college names and cheers for the performers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was commendable that even those who had
lost still walked away with their heads held high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The respect they gave to each other shone
through the competitive spirit making it impressively noteworthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Swayam 2012 came to an end with a
delightful performance by eminent singers of the Kannada film Industry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Shamitha Malnad, Deepak Dodderi and Santosh
Venky had the crowd on their feet, dancing and tapping to the popular Kolaveri
Di and Chamak Challo — a fitting conclusion to the glorious fest.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-92229539824718681062012-05-14T12:39:00.001+01:002012-05-14T12:44:45.794+01:00What’s their age again?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">May 4, 2012, DHNS: </span>MATURE KIDS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">With technology moving at a phenomenal
speed, there is a new ‘toy’ out almost every other day to amuse oneself with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">This, though, seems to have brought about a
huge change in children and teenagers of the modern day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">When previously, a 12-year-old could be
seen playing merrily in a park, climbing trees, the modern day child is too
busy playing games on a recently upgraded iPad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbykQ1FYVZnTN_aWx0A66n1qoApec3OMvwxpWQCSnR6MAYNRyHhpsrxt603WgN4d52bozTjMINrvVDcHPNUgVw1Ji5EDasVUDVU5FD-5feF1mAZJ0hsB-qOnuzjoD7EWWA2oDEZfw4qoQ/s1600/children-using-gadgets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbykQ1FYVZnTN_aWx0A66n1qoApec3OMvwxpWQCSnR6MAYNRyHhpsrxt603WgN4d52bozTjMINrvVDcHPNUgVw1Ji5EDasVUDVU5FD-5feF1mAZJ0hsB-qOnuzjoD7EWWA2oDEZfw4qoQ/s1600/children-using-gadgets.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">And with content of all sorts freely
available to these adolescents, it is hardly surprising that they appear far
more precocious than ever before. Some parents are even happy to leave children
to their gadgets and gizmos just to have them out of the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Siddarth J, father of a seven-year-old boy,
says that if his son didn’t have the iPad to distract him, he would be
uncontrollable. “When the family goes for an outing, the only way to keep my
boy from creating havoc is by giving him the ‘pad’. He’s so engrossed in
it that there’s thankfully no time for mischief,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Others, however, are appalled at the way
teenagers find it essential to have the latest phones and gadgets as if they
are a symbol of their status. So much so that if they don’t have anything
flashy like an iPad or a smartphone to flaunt, they are ostracised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Sapana Appaiah, a part-time wedding planner
and full-time mother, says that she has to make a conscious effort to keep her
children away from this new craze of technology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“My daughter is one of the few kids in her
school who doesn’t have a phone. If I were to give her one, she’d become
obsessed like the others her age and soon become detached from reality. Eighty
per cent of the children are out of control. I’d rather she had a few
down-to-earth friends than several ‘wannabe’ types,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">She does, however, mention that technology
within limitations would possibly make youngsters more aware. “But it’ll have
to be strictly controlled which I think it’s already too late for,” she adds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">But the issue goes deeper than just
technology. According to child psychologist Sanjana Mudappa, this alarming
change in children is also the result of almost blase parenting. “Parents think
that giving in to their children’s whims makes them cool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And the kids think by mimicking adults,
they become adults,” she says. Under the wrong assumption that drinking,
smoking and partying makes them adult-like, children do as they see their
parents and older relatives do. That, according to Sanjana, is very harmful in
shaping the personality of these children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And in addition to being irrational and
incorrect, it gives these youngsters a false sense of identity. “Teenagers and
even younger children have grown up quicker than is necessary or even healthy.
They have no sense of who they really are,” she says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Reflecting a similar belief, Ivy D’Souza, a
teacher at a well-known ICSE school in Malleswaram, says children are more and
more confused these days due to the fact that with technology, they are living
in an almost virtual world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“These kids are losing about ten crucial
years of their lives. It’s an unreal jump in mentality from 12 to 20. And
unfortunately, I don’t see that changing for a long while — it may just get
worse,” she laments.</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-64198778885108700702012-05-14T12:36:00.000+01:002012-05-14T12:36:43.252+01:00The evolution of role models<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">May 14, 2012, DHNS:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<a href="" name="top"></a><b><span lang="EN-GB">About 30 years ago, people wanted to
be great, respectable figures of society. They wanted to be a prime minister.
In the 90s that changed a little bit. Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, the
Backstreet Boys and even the Spice Girls became role models. It had indeed
strayed from the normal and achievable path but not completely unattainable</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="unrealistic Children's role models have changed over the years."
style='position:absolute;margin-left:-90pt;margin-top:-158.75pt;width:112.5pt;
height:120pt;z-index:1;mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img align="left" alt="unrealistic Children's role models have changed over the years." height="160" src="file:///C:\Users\AAKANK~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="unrealistic Children's role models have changed over the years." v:shapes="_x0000_s1026" width="150" /><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">After all, if the little Daniel
Radcliffe could become the world-famous Harry Potter, what stopped others from
having the same fate!<br />
<br />
But as times have changed and children aren’t as innocent as they used to be,
their role models too have changed. They have become more fantastic and for
practical purposes, impossible.<br />
<br />
Siblings Varuni and Vikram Rao are exactly those sort of adolescents. While
Varuni, 13, wants to be a ‘good’ Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the <st1:place w:st="on">Caribbean</st1:place>, her younger brother, Vikram was a bit more
focused on saving the world. He said he wanted to be the Iron Man. “I really
want to have my own lab with robots and have a suit with which I can save the
universe and do anything,” he says.<br />
<br />
The advent of the internet too has contributed towards making those between the
age of five and late teens, undoubtedly more aware and exposed. However, the
quality of information and content they are exposed to leaves much to be
desired. Sonali Nikhil, mother of 4-year-old Ishaan, says that although
she’s very particular about what her son is watching, most mums leave their
kids to their own antics with the TV remote. “Kids are exposed to sometimes
inappropriate things causing their imagination to run wild. There’s just no
stopping a child’s mind. And though it is innocent and harmless while they’re
young, wanting to be unreal and outlandish adults like Jack Sparrow isn’t very
good for the child in the long run. A rum-drinking, thieving and flirty pirate
is hardly the best role model, no matter how charming the character is,”
comments Sonali.<br />
<br />
Vitradika Rajan, a counsellor, says that if the desire to be something outrageous
is outgrown then it isn’t harmful. “What is worrying however, is that
youngsters are lured by quick money and fame. They’re taken in by this
celebrity status which leads them to believe that even the impossible is
possible.”<br />
<br />
She also suggested that because of technology, people have become more lazy and
the idea of becoming famous by actually working is alien to the new generation.
“For teenagers, being in the limelight no matter what, is more appealing than
being a doctor saving lives,” she laments.<br />
<br />
The reason children earlier wanted to be teachers, doctors, nurses and pilots
was because they came across these people face to face. This made the source of
inspiration for the children’s future more tangible and realistic.<br />
<br />
Mediaperson Kiran A is also of the opinion that superheroes and film characters
have become so convincing that kids are bound to find the characters more
appealing than their paediatrician or teacher! “Kids are living in a
make-believe world for longer periods than before. It’s like a virtual reality
with all these video games. So in a way, they’re not actually more exposed but
are exposed to different things. Unfortunately and very misleadingly, makes
them believe that this fantasy world and lifestyle does exist,” she points out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-8551694463275742012012-05-14T12:35:00.001+01:002012-05-14T12:54:01.570+01:00Two sides of the same coin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
May 5, 2012, DHNS:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">PASSIONATELY YOURS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">In a transition similar yet not as sinister
as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, several professionals in the City are making time to
pursue their interests and hobbies that are as conceivably far from their
careers as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">One such person is Dr Bryan Nobbay, a
well-known dermatologist who has chosen to follow his passion for theatre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">He was recently seen in ‘When Did You
Last See Your Trousers?’ among several other plays over the years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“One needs a break from work. Life isn’t
about working like a donkey. I love being in plays and meeting like-minded
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It’s a beautiful distraction because work
and play are like yin and yang! It’s all about balance,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">What’s more interesting is that rather than
taking the focus away from their <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">careers, pursuing hobbies in fact
rejuvenates them. R Dev, a businessman from Monday to Friday, and a veteran
wildlife photographer during the weekends, says that it helps break the
monotony and “pumps” him up for the coming week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I’m far more passionate about photography
than business. So giving up my hobby is absolutely out of the question.
Photography gives me a greater sense of satisfaction than when I make a profit
in the market,” he exclaims. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And it isn’t only the older generation that
is finding time for hobbies. Robin D’Souza, a software engineer, spends most of
his evenings and weekends dancing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnRUmj4E3EK0wwOrWoRK16syOinkiXrO8hmURlWfYjaPNFaUhqs_I0kvBUyymaozBN3zXokZ3s0FIbjzEGre0pbqAmkzfCmTYjixL_q4tUwwV0bC6JiLkZFwEQ959BC04KUbfiBOmjno/s1600/246915_thump.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnRUmj4E3EK0wwOrWoRK16syOinkiXrO8hmURlWfYjaPNFaUhqs_I0kvBUyymaozBN3zXokZ3s0FIbjzEGre0pbqAmkzfCmTYjixL_q4tUwwV0bC6JiLkZFwEQ959BC04KUbfiBOmjno/s320/246915_thump.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"> “Dancing is my life and my passion. Work is
just a part of life for me,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Not only does Robin participate in
competitions but he is also an instructor for several dance forms with the
dance troupe Tarantismo. “After all if we only worked in firms and businesses,
arts and culture would completely die out,” says the dancer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Some people also seem so passionate about
their hobby, that they pay more attention to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Twenty five-year-old Sonal Bhuwalka, of the
steel company Bhuwalka Pipes, says she’s so focussed on ‘creative packaging’
that work has taken a backseat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“I always liked to accessorise things. So
now, I design gift boxes and decorate things like trays and ring boxes for
weddings. It makes me happy and doing what I love is eventually, most
important,” she says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">That attitude seems to be fast spreading.
Chandni Jain, who deals with real estate, has found that baking is taking over
as a priority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“Making desserts distracts me from work.
It’s a fantastic way for me to unwind,” she says. She experiments with
different recipes and makes a minimum of two desserts a day for her neighbours
and friends. “Recently though, I’ve started baking for parties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">I haven’t started charging for them though.
Why monetise a passion?” asks Chandni.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">To retain the enjoyment factor, it is
perhaps beneficial to separate work from play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">“Initially I only did photography when I
was younger, but unfortunately it didn’t pay my bills! Besides, I enjoyed it
less and felt guilty when I got paid for the prints,” reveals Dev. So
profession to pay bills and passion to fuel the soul… it’s the balance of life!</span></div>
</div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-17506893580481492752012-02-13T12:50:00.005+00:002012-02-13T13:05:04.533+00:00BLR – COORG – BLR. All in a day's work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIF1ZTHzFIMDWcHJGTt7KZOtSG-NPfGcCmqEl6oJIdI5AB7D5CAQoT42ipdjUNw_S58y8um-bWLkxX2WafzP19IHhM6fW1A0kPc5p6m2p7jpTnfZsxMFrWTLNYj527ilvTZ-n_xwnpn4/s1600/coorg_loc.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIF1ZTHzFIMDWcHJGTt7KZOtSG-NPfGcCmqEl6oJIdI5AB7D5CAQoT42ipdjUNw_S58y8um-bWLkxX2WafzP19IHhM6fW1A0kPc5p6m2p7jpTnfZsxMFrWTLNYj527ilvTZ-n_xwnpn4/s320/coorg_loc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708603846953405842" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">I love holidaying. It’s probably an inherited gene from my Mum who eternally has wanderlust. This leads us to pick up on any opportunity to HOLIDAY. Which is why, you’ll understand the reason I planned a 1 day trip with my friends to Coorg – The Scotland of South India. A.K.A. the massive coffee land with delicious pork curry. </p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A colleague of mine was to be married in Coorg on the 28<sup>th</sup> of January. And after months of detailed and focussed planning, it was agreed that we’d drive down the 300 odd kilometres to get there. A lovely lad even booked us beautiful rooms in a hilltop bed-and-breakfast. Needless to say, like all plans, this one too got canned. From 6 wanderers we were reduced to 3 enthusiastic girls.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />So off we went at 10am hoping to get to our destination by two. Oh and yes, we now had an extra seat. The third musketeer was a no show! But it worked out well for my rather large picnic basket. It now blissfully sat within easy of my eternally food finding hands., waiting to get away from the city. And from a swanky car driven by an equally swanky boy, we found ourselves at the Mysore Road Bus Station. Ah well at least it was an air-conditioned bus!</span></p><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It’s hard really to say the journey was splendid. It wasn’t. But it wasn’t horrific either. We had a couple of stops for food and other necessities (yes, apparently drinking Coconut water on the highway and halting to pick up random non-ticketed people has become a necessity) and eventually made our winding way to Mercara – Coorg at 4pm.</span></p><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mhI725MOz3VVTbYjSfC0EAF5wX8NXQxDsa4ESxOqHGgNDDgmmLcbf-Zd242xC3ONrlGTnpbzeldJjQwSUEEkNQp82Fvqb_iTl_N5VBVdzfazMWeH_3j6AXq86kXfLDQoFi3YIGEyBeg/s320/DSCN0206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708603250462218146" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">My travel mate and I know had this daunting task ahead of us. 1. Find a vehicle to get to the “home stay”. 2. Find “home stay” 3. Find a way to speak in the local people in order to a. Find a vehicle to get to the “home stay” and b. Find “home stay”. And now that it is clear that we have no idea what to do and how to do, let us go about figuring out this task! </span></p></div><div><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">After much persuasion using some semblance of sign language and frantic waving of arms, we got into an auto rickshaw and pretty decent one at that. So off we went in the general direction of “Balakrishna Niwas” – the afore mentioned ‘homestay’. Thanks to my memory (It’s as good as that of a half dead goldfish) I managed to direct my travelmate and the auto driver up the completely wrong hill. Luckily, the gentleman we ran into gave us accurate directions to the place with of course, a brief history lesson on how he knows Mr. Babu Sommaiah. They were class mates you see! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">On reaching hill number 2, we realised that we had a mountain to climb. No seriously. The vehicle couldn’t climb the gradient and as I realised later, neither could my co-traveller! But somehow (she clawed and crawled up) got up the hill and to the quaint Balakrishna Niwas.</span></p><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5btz2gAVsVA0PyJfqi3iL46vr-mYwRfftUwy05zeG0BX1HCljbsgSDmeNcsh9unpasEpEVfgpBpCgj6bp46ylgc7vtFO_6u3bLbQu8L_Sbq9JB86HwV3K8j4RvR-SYvbCpWf-CvNXrc/s320/DSCN0210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708602427161022578" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It was truly a lovely sight. The place even had its own personal hill. Yea that’s right! Some more climbing!</span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We were given an attic room with glass windows instead of walls. With the sun setting over the horizon, the view was perfect. It was absolutely worth the trek up to get to watch the golden and orange hues lazily withdraw into darkness across coffee plantations. And some tea with piping hot pakoras made it that much better. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">True to its website ‘Balakrishna Niwas’ was indeed the “perfect setting to rest your body and still the mind”. We walked up the hill and spent the rest of the even gazing at the undulating hills and fields as they faded into oblivion until the moon came out. As gorgeous as the place seemed in daylight, it was perhaps more so at night. For the first time in many months I actually saw shooting stars. Ah...absolute bliss.</span></p><div><br /></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The night was made even better by the spectacular dinner! Although it did come onto the table only at 10 at night! Since we were two young, innocent, famished, tired (and lazy) girls, we decided against wandering into town for dinner. So we took up the owner Mr.Babu on his offer to have tradition Coorgi food. And my my...what a treat it was. The chef and staff we all from Orissa which was lovely as my co-traveller was from there too. So after a brief exchange of “oh you’re from there” and “ooh I’ve been there too”, we got on with the fabulous dinner of Pandi curry (pork curry), chicken masala, akki roti (rice roti), sautéed potatoes, ladies finger, rice, dal, and pumpkin curry. Mmmm perfect! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We went for a stroll around the plantation and then made our weary way back to beds. And you can’t stay awake even if you tried. What with the trek up, the meal and the serene surroundings. Nature will herself sing you a lullaby. And then gently wake you up too!</span></p><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvrGMEtfPHp1-KEZoF_y2hGO_zzintirEpcq2z7Cnlr9U0LszLAeI2IqNhnxo2zkNIFyWryZcDnYLcGa2G1bc2U6tw7uG9-tDSc3nDKdnHzaGeKHGhtnad3p3f_m5A6AYWtVJAY5e150/s320/DSCN0233.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708602790100806930" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We woke up to the dazzling sun streaming in from the glass panel and that is when I realised that this was really a relaxation haven. The hospitable staff lived up to their expectations and gave us a spectacular breakfast of idilis, sambar, aloo parathas and fresh juice. It really was unfortunate that we had to leave immediately after the wedding. I was just about getting used to the pampering! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The wedding was a lovely event and it goes without saying that it was great fun. What more can one expect when there’s free flowing alcohol, unlimited supplies of good food and great company! And of course, a newly married happy couple! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We just managed to get away from the wedding in time to pack, change and rush to the bus station to catch out bus home. It had hardly been 24 hours since we even got there and we were ready to get back home. But as they say, girls will be girls. So we found exactly 7 minutes to do some shopping before we got on the bus back to Bangalore. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Despite the hectic nature of the trip and the long detours that our bus took, one things was certain...COORG...we’ll be back! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-12222433016800115162012-02-08T12:59:00.010+00:002012-02-10T11:17:44.169+00:00Nepal – The Ultimate Adrenalin Rush<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">If you enjoy the thrill of jumping off a mountain bridge into a gorge, or like the adrenalin rush of floating (hardly!) down the mighty Himalayan rivers or perhaps even fancy a shot at climbing Mount Everest then Nepal is THE place to go. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">Flying into the country itself is a bit of an adventure, as the towering snow-clad mountains provide the perfect obstacle course for the pilots. If your heart is still intact on landing then perhaps you are fit enough to carry on with you holiday! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify;mso-list:none;mso-list-ins:"Aakanksha Devi" 20100728T1415"><span lang="EN-GB">Kathmandu is a delightful city with the perfect blend of old and modern. You really can fit in somewhere. But for those with an eye for adventure and excitement head straight to Thamel.<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Aakanksha%20Devi" datetime="2010-07-28T14:15"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">The heart of adventure and the life of the city, Thamel has the ability to convert a fraidy cat into a brave, daring eagle!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">The atmosphere there will make you want to climb mountains and walk with the Yeti. The streets are filled with tourists and locals bustling about either shopping for antiques, pirated DVDs or investing in mountaineering gear. But most will just be soaking in the vibrancy in the air. And don’t panic if you suddenly find yourself singing out loud or skipping along the street. Just follow the music and let it lead the way. Most likely it will take you straight to the Rum Doodle Bar and Restaurant.</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQua3fkQamHaE7CZ3-X6qr3YRgtrNivlBOIfO2LqXmhXlsaIs_DsmUg7Fe3-UyVxItp1WlY3zIenp3dhWbwpsTmCPeAj6avqJk3BaWoX03GzLm6vIy1c6zAuSJ_9gyWkxi3b-fZGEH0A/s320/the-rum-doodle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706751258533646050" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">Aside from bumping into people who have possibly just climbed Mount Everest, the food and music at this place is outstanding. You’ll find autographed footprints (yes, of that mysterious Yeti, of course!) all over the walls with success message from mountaineers, following the tradition that began with the autograph of Sir Edmund Hilary himself. You can join the ranks with your own ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ message too.</span></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">When or rather if you manage to get out of Rum Doodle, you may want to dive into the tourist offices to finalise your other adventure trips, primarily because you do need permission to go both rafting and trekking. If you’re going trekking (congratulations on being so fit), it is advisable that you go about the whole exercise officially because there are taxes and fees to be paid for climbing. Yes, you do the hard work and pay for it!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD-EYZ4zzcZ63Hrbdv8CbJu3TabVHyfaovt5lbti_9qB96fQS832rkhiR-N3W81ZuVMNNd8H3Asp_fWgdL2rlBbK7Nl8Txtl47ookJ7T60zSuEkm4ZdluGNhAbX1HVIDUNop81AGIyN8/s320/14239_637337089473_27209848_37640554_7935183_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706749626743245026" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Besides obviously mountaineering, most people make a bee-line to Nepal for white water rafting, and make no mistake, it is absolutely worth the courage and partial insanity to navigate rivers like the Kali Gandaki, the Karnali or the Bhote Kosi - all of which are further up in the mountains. In addition to the sheer thrill of riding the rapids and rough white waters, the scenery is so breath-taking, you really must try to keep your eyes open despite the looming rapids. If you are daring enough, you could also go kayaking down these rivers and hope that you navigate correctly to rejoin your party for lunch!</p></div><div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bwrtb4bybGLMLGI9vkXRPl1T7MwMQkpA2b8La-crfKYha1uk3jUXd_AGLwG2yBjZ2z0Rk2hDt5w_LqqIlk-G98xNGidAdiXP-m3iPXIJ5Z2cUvxbmsgzRXQ6JuVs82fPxDg4e06K-JE/s320/27735_678861599023_27209848_38961696_7940791_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706750062160759410" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; ">While you are on a rafting trip, you could also throw in some canyoning. If you like to climb, walk, swim, jump and rappel, then you are sure to enjoy this. It involves rappelling down deep gorges, sliding down water falls when there is no other path and swimming across rivers while following the path the canyon has set. It’s best you use waterproof bags for cameras and other electronics because when there is no rock or sand beaches, the only way to go forward is to swim.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; ">In and around Pokhara, a lovely lake town just a 20-minute flight from Kathmandu, you’ll find several mountain biking tracks as well as hiking paths. Pokhara is also the starting point for most mountain climbers. It is also close to Sarangkot, another mountain village which over looks the Himalays and has Pokhara for its front yard. The walk up to Sarangkot to see the sunrise is tiring yet highly fulfilling when you see the vista. Also, once you’re up there, you might as well put those adventure boots back on and treat yourself to some paragliding so you can have a birds eye view of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the glistening Phewa Lake.</span></div><div><br /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">Now if you have really toughened up and gathered your beastly courage and are raring to go on, I strongly recommend you make your way to Bhote Kosi. Located on the Kathmandu-Lhasa highway, this area is the ultimate paradise for thrill seekers. It’s got the white water river for possibly the best rafting experience as well as a host of other extreme sports. The exact place you want to head to is The Last Resort. No really it is, because beyond it lies the mighty China! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">Only a three hour drive away from the capital city, The Last Resort is a dream come true for the venturesome. They offer a variety of extreme, adventure sports including, bungee jumping, Canyon Swing, Canyoning and high ropes.</span></p><div><span style="text-align: justify; ">It is located on an exotic mountain ridge, with the Bhote Kosi River beneath and can only be reached by crossing a simple suspension bridge at a height of 160m. Remember this bridge though, because this is the one you’ll soon be diving off when you go bungee jumping.</span></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3KdYveyuHQ4sm-nHOnvEOZFqtbhZoqz8XOjKSPG8AeLlFuyDsYuu_m-IeHWi1g0vibkmVGX2Jm9A2NucJOkvps8KEYc5y0gVqha_OZhewr6yGrQodX7I19aI-FEHCZO16Y8IxHTDLgs/s320/399730_10150548406115680_501830679_8801226_1276418335_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706750363521439346" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " /></div><div><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-align: justify; "><br /></span></div><div><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-align: justify; ">Considered to be one of the most spectacular jumps globally, due to its location and free fall, the bungee jump gives you the ultimate adrenalin rush. But if you don’t think you can stomach the thought of plummeting towards a gorging river, - head first at that - then maybe you co</span><span style="text-align: justify; ">uld opt for the canyon swing where in you are harnessed around the waist and jump feet first off the bridge and then are swung 240meters between the canyons. Of course, both the bungee and the swing have their thrill but swing is in all likelihood the lesser evil. And if you hesitated at the top then don’t pretend you made a lovely swallow dive because you have been captured on camera! You’ll even get a tee-shirt that says you bravely took the plunge along with the DVD of the graceful (or not) jump.</span></div><div><br /></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">No need to sign up for climbing because you automatically, get your share of climbing. To make your way back to the resort you have to trudge up the mountain face and skip over little rivulets which in itself is a baby adventure! Be sure to get gather you wits about you, along with your breath and senses and focus after the jumps before you begin you ascent. If you fail to do so you might end up in the river without a harness or raft! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">I recommend staying over at the resort in one of their luxurious safari tents and perhaps wind down with a drink in their dip pool while enjoying the live music in the background. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB">After all of this, if you still have some nerve and courage left over then sit back and enjoy a mountain flight which takes you within touching distance of the Himalayan range (don’t expect to be hugging Mount Everest though). After all, you deserve some glory after your adventure trip. At least you can tell the world you went all the way up to the peak of the highest mountain in the world – in an airplane! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span><br /></span></div></div></div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-84948444834623142462011-12-26T07:04:00.002+00:002011-12-26T07:14:42.851+00:00It's Chriiiiiiiiiiiiistmaaaaaaaaaaas!!<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">“Silver bells, silver bells, it’s Christmas time in the city!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">And of course at home! To begin with Grandmum is in town to that automatically bumps up excitement levels and then there’s so much cake and so many presents and just...everyone is smiling! It’s the perfect time of year. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">India isn’t massively big on Christmas as a religious occasion, but as always, we know how to appreciate and we just need an excuse to have huge celebrations! It has changed though, since I was little. What used to be a quiet season with sweaters, mufflers, and NO SALES, it has turned into quite the festive season! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Streets are filled with lights, Christmas trees decked up with wonderful accessories (and sometimes scary looking angels!), and then the differently shaped Santas! Oh it’s simply wonderful to walk about the city during Christmas. Everyone is happy, smiling, shopping, window shopping and just generally spreading good cheer! And strangely, you don’t see this sort of happiness and warmth during any other season. You really cannot help but grin and sing along to the carols being played on slightly scratchy speakers!</span></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dUu7rbMN4K0GFNNLz-LLz493TUGklShAqao9b2OuZ8rzv0wXvnqZDB0yk1IhyphenhyphenXLZ72efPKcyz7Yhbu9SpgUI22qm8GElQ-AaMSgV190UcBrUdmR3KMvAaSGt3NMpNktbCpIEMIaJ1wM/s320/holiday-cheer-christmas-tree.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690331293417815602" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Oooh then work doesn’t look like office anymore! It looks uncannily like the North Pole! Christmas trees, mistletoe, stars, balloons (Which adult boys take extreme pleasures in bursting! But that is another story titled : The 20 something babies : Arjun & Gautam) and then the party! Food glorious fooooooood! Absolutely marvellous! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Ah and then there’s my tree. Dear ole tree. He (yes, we had a boy!), was perfectly little and sweet when we (Mum) brought him home four years ago and my oh my, how he has blossomed! He’s at the awkward teenage stage when his top leaves are much longer than the bottom ones. So he does look a bit gangly and strange but he’s my little perfect tree! And he’s very well dressed with baubles and stars and bells! Needless to say, it is always a white Christmas with cotton wool! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Then there are presents! No I am not shallow but I do love presents! Even if it’s a big bear hug from someone or a nice kiss on the cheek! But of course it’s not just that! The whole family branches off is different directions to do the shopping. Very secretly of course. And then we all troop back at exactly the same time, awkwardly shimmying up the stairs with big bags, trying very hard to not show what has been bought! Haha! It’s lovely! As if we don’t know who the pressies are for! Then that evening, everyone will suddenly pretend like that have extremely long business in their bathrooms and will sneak past their desks and grab coloured pens, scissors, scotch tape, wrapping paper and ribbons and casually go into the bathroom only to emerge an hour later looking way too calm to have not been up to mischief! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Once that is all done, the eating begins( Read:Continues) and Christmas Eve dinner is just something else! My brain becomes 9 years old and my tummy enlarges 9 fold! Sheesh. 24 years old and I still can’t sleep on Christmas. MUST LEAVE SANTA HIS COOKIES AND WARM MILK! Ah little pleasures! The minute the clock strikes 12, I become mental with excitement. Like a drunkish little puppy! And of course I wake up Grandma and tell her it’s Christmas! As if she didn’t know! Hahahaha! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">And then BOOM it’s 9AM and it’s present opening time! Aaaah the joy of opening presents with the family! All that sneaking about and hiding was worth it then! The day that follows is full of happiness, eating, being merry!Turkey, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, turkey, plum pudding, wine, turkey and Oh yea...some more turkey! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">As I write this – on a cold WORKING Boxing Day – I wonder why I am not getting over my post-Christmas upsetness by shopping. At Oxford Street. Or Regent Street. Or Orchard Street. I think all this unhappiness started post becoming an adult. When work and all that came up. So I’ve decided...that’s it. I going to be 9 again! Yaaaay!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-83514756079862582692011-10-04T15:36:00.009+01:002011-10-05T17:26:24.517+01:00It's funny how life can be...<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes when I sit down and think about life, I realise that I draw a blank. Not really because it's a boring, mundane world I live in but because I'm so full of various thoughts, I'm not quite sure what to focus on. Chaos with no EXIT sign.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now it sounds a bit odd and marginally insane but truth be told, I cannot finish one thought at a time. While I am thinking of A, I'm already planning about B while continuing a chain of thoughts on C. People find it hard to figure out what I am saying because more often than not, I answer my questions in my head and move on to something else before the person even has a chance to analyse my question! But that now brings me to this question....on life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How is it that some stranger pops out of the most random rain cloud and is so very similar to me and can keep track of my continuing 11 thoughts while I am currently explaining the 12th? How come I have the best of friends and need nothing more because it doesn't get better than them but still there's always room for that one more special someone? Shouldn't there be a rule for the number of people who can just march into your life, hold a sacred place in your heart and just never leave there after? Maybe it's just me. Maybe my heart is like Hotel California...you can check in anytime of year but you can never leave!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had the most insanely awesome night on Saturday. A group of colleagues-now-good-friends and I had a night out. At work they're completely different people. So professional. So prim. So proper. So colleagues. But come sunset, they're so...normal. They do the things I do. Eat the same kind of stuff I do. Know the same music I do and stunningly for the same reasons I do. For example, we all seemed to blame our knowledge of songs from the 70s on our parents. And I thought I was the only one! Haha. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So yea, in particular there is this one person I get on massively and astonishingly well with. He's a super person. He's a writer/filmmaker like me. He has a passion for music. A thirst for discovery. And above all an understanding for the strange! I think that is what really brought us closer. The bizarre, absurd, random things seem so normal to us both.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3ctAfxmk6gs4bg2ik-zxZn-MyokE-SWup6wWvVNzEt9Ay-jKuBUJCz9mudzNGyYMV2uxsbqb32sYPqx4CWfITsYiNWiWWC_Z2QKW3GdH26ZTSiTJPMSv6gxXxYCQ8tqA-RfyMPAM_i4/s320/tumblr_ldai41MVu71qf76m1o1_400.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659652563220826322" style="text-align: justify; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px; " /><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hmmm strange...where has this person been all my life. Same city. Same hang outs. How come he's not part of my gang of friends? How come it took me 24 years to meet this stranger? Ok 24 years is a bit much but say 10 years ago seems about the apt time yea? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mean he should have been a part of my circle of friends since forever basically. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But he's not...and probably won't be. But I know for a fact he'll always be super special to me. One way or another.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">PS - This one is for you, you absolute GIT! Always keep calm and stay badass! :D </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-78535899154881157312011-09-02T12:10:00.006+01:002011-10-05T17:26:54.808+01:00Where ever you go...I will be right here waiting for you.Sometimes it doesn't really matter how long or how far or even why someone is so far away. All that matters is that every day they're gone is one day closer to seeing them again. <div><br /></div><div>No, really what is it about missing people? It's not that life doesn't go on. Happily so it does go on. But then every time you're having the most spectacular time - dancing like you've never danced before - and then BOOM. Sudden mood change. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's happened so many times to me. Yea, yea I have fun but there's that moment when you think "Oh man, I wish X was here". And I'll continue to have a good time but with something missing. It's difficult to really pinpoint what it is I miss most times. Is it the company? The physical aspect of the person I'm missing? The talk? The closeness? It's easy when I miss Mum. I just miss every thing about her! But it's others that cause this strange sort of guilt almost. Like: Oh gosh X isn't here. She/he is probably working hard on something. And here I am partying hard or whatever. </div><div><br /></div><div>Someday I will get to the bottom on this mystery...but until then I will be right here waiting for you! :) </div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-55874324390931539742011-06-27T06:21:00.003+01:002011-06-27T06:24:03.007+01:00Fight fire with fire.<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Ok let’s face it. Bangalore City is hugely overcrowded and it’s clearly only going to get worse! But then there is absolutely no point in pointing fingers at anyone. And even if there was some logic behind the blame game, well it’s not very polite now is it? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">There are a huge number of cars and a larger number of motor bikes and a somewhere in between number of auto rickshaws which is probably something I could muster the courage to deal with. But these blooming buses, bus like big cars and mini buses. OH MY GOODNESS. GET OUT! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I understand they’re big but come on, it doesn’t mean in the least that it’s ok for them to wander onto the wrong side of the dual carriage road and come in the way of oncoming traffic. LUDICRIOUS! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Only this morning as I drove to work, I literally had to stop because a bus hurtled towards my (our) side of the street and completely out of control it must be noted! So the car ahead of me couldn’t budge an inch or he’d be looking down on us from heaven above. And left with no choice but to wait, we both held up traffic. Of course the git of a bully bus driver looked cool as a cucumber as if everything in the world is and always will be rainbows and butterflies.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">My other grouse against these larger than life and should be banned cars is that they bully me </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings">L</span></span><span lang="EN-GB">Massively. Boo.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Just because my parents were wise enough to buy me a city smart car as opposed to a dump truck, doesn’t mean I have NO RIGHT OF WAY. And forget when I’m in my car, this bullying</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"> business only gets worse when I’m walking. Crossing the street is a depressing nightmare. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">To begin with very few people actually stop even when there is a pedestrian crossing. Thus any hope of actually getting to the required side of the street when there is no crossing, is all but lost. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Not it truly unfortunate that I need to do this road crossing every day but when there are so few zebra crossings I simply have no choice but to dart across the road quite randomly. BLEH. But that is not the end yea! Ruthless buses, actually far enough to let me easily get across - even in high heels – speed up on seeing me and spitefully thunder towards me cowering in the middle. Needless to say they don’t seem to care two hoots whether they hit me or scrape past. Basically they don’t care. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">What makes it worse is that when I sometimes very bravely look into their rear view mirrors after they’ve gone past, I CAN SEE THE GITS SNIGGERING AS IF THEY JUST ACHIEVED SOMETHING TREMENDOUS! Good grief...next time I go shopping...better buy them a brain each. GAH. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">And I notice it happening all the time! To everyone with smaller than Mt. Everest cars or</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"> vehicles or even those poor, unsuspecting and innocent walkers. The nail in the coffin however is the attitude of the police force. Either they’re too blooming lazy or downright cowardly. Hence time and again allow these bullies to get away with even hitting cars and killing people sometimes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Thus after much deliberation, I have seriously decided to invest in a T-90. That’s right. I want a 46.5 tonne, 9.53m long, 3.78m wide, 2.22m high, V-96 engine, 12 cylinder, 1250 horse power , 3.5 million Pound, URALVAGONZAVOD built RUSSIAN MILITARY BATTLE TANK.</span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfyYCx8OSRPLE5t7mswZYSwxrosG3X_j-Pwgl1d96od6wzlV1nnS5xTF-aFnNBoWOwM1U5_Le0jVOUmZvL2Nc_bdosJ3UL4nXTI18mCE8jATQRUCLHuT8AASnzu8ZdPIcK595tVoiyb0/s320/d1815050605.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622765569443228802" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Stupid buses...WHO’S YOUR DADDY NOW!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">PS: It also has...</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">1 x 125mm main gun</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">1 x 12.7mm machine gun</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">2 x 6 smoke grenade dischargers</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">PPS – Don’t even get me started on the ammo it has stocked on board. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-91206636398212596982011-06-13T08:10:00.002+01:002011-06-13T08:12:10.071+01:00Why India will not be as strong a superpower....yet...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY5h2N5gzsi4n1UC9AH66nVLrMmDsS7I7Ucz4spXz35Kf1BKGazDv9bi7EmywUEkM8p5tUQC9dVvL-SLltbiPPMuEUUka__Hs5pDTzmRFHTT3o9jYSnnESl3TclfZxrlOxgK2LI00Zy0/s1600/india.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY5h2N5gzsi4n1UC9AH66nVLrMmDsS7I7Ucz4spXz35Kf1BKGazDv9bi7EmywUEkM8p5tUQC9dVvL-SLltbiPPMuEUUka__Hs5pDTzmRFHTT3o9jYSnnESl3TclfZxrlOxgK2LI00Zy0/s320/india.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617598639989826354" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">It’s not that India is not capable of being the most deadly superpower. If anything, she has the trump cards to be exactly so. There’s a stunningly skilled population, and if they’re not skilled they’re bloody hardworking. Then there’s plentiful natural resources in the 28 states and 7 Union territories and believe me, we can teach anyone a thing or two about language, culture and tradition! ;)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">So yes, as I was saying, we have it in us to be the Master and Commander, but then we won’t. And that really is the saddest part. The people who are capable of running a country soundly and without the greed of money, just don’t seemed to be inclined to getting their hands dirty in politics as we know it. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">And the second rung of people who are marginally capable of doing so, think they are actually better than the above lot so are arrogant about it. Then, oh good grief, are the ones who are absolutely incapable of running the country. And the worst part is they think they’re the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All the deadly sins moulded into human being are these people. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Now this defected mould has the uncanny ability of making other defected moulds too. The educated masses have no say in this because before long an army of goons will be knocking at your door, if God forbid, you were stupid enough to actually vote for someone capable. Geez what were you thinking!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So when people of authority are only chasing this flying pig of glory, money and eternal power and each one is too busy selling their soul so that they can have a go at ru(i)nning this beautiful country, why ever should America, China and even good old Pakistan take the time out to wait until we’ve got it into our numbskulls that... “Hey hang on there....we’re actually awesome and are fit to rule the world!” No no no they’re bound to swoop in and do all they can to prevent us from having that moment of Eureka. And I say that’s perfectly fair.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It’s an absolute shame that with so much potential there is such lacking passion to take the country forward. I think it’s time to stop waiting for the world to change. Look like I may have to do it myself. Oh yes...politics here I come. I think! Muuuuuuuuuuum. HELP! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> PS - We did win the world cup so surely we're well on out way to ruling Earth! </o:p></span></p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-23302796244021853992011-05-26T12:47:00.002+01:002011-05-26T12:51:35.683+01:00Will I ever know?<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I was just listening to Fray’s, How to Save a life and somehow, everytime I listen to it, it makes me cry. And no not sob uncontrollably but the tears which make me feel helpless and so out of control of fate and destiny. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cjVQ36NhbMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The reason it makes me so irrationally afraid and sad is that yea of course I’d stay up with you all night had I known how to save a life. I’d do it a hundred times. But the point is...will I know when it’s necessary? How do I know if I should have done it before and how the hell do I know when to do it again? It’s really haunting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>I’d lay down a list and all. I would...but how do I know when. Will I be too late...AGAIN?</span></p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-28630936045175761802011-05-23T12:02:00.004+01:002011-05-23T12:30:22.779+01:00Every single day, I'll be missing you.<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">I know it’s been 6 long years and I should be well on my way to recovery...but somehow it’s hard to ever get over what happened. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">So I thought I would write you a letter in my blog to just check in with you and let you know...I’m ok. I hope you are alright as well and that Mum, Dad and Big sister are well too. Your sister’s voice still tells me to shallow swim in the seas by the way! Haha! Nutters. You both! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">Anyway, I’m now working. Yes yes I am capable of doing such things. No need to mock me pest! And yea I work right opposite your house. Wish I could come over and eat all that yummie food. Mmmmmmmmm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">OK ok listen Andy Roddick has pulled out of the French Open and Simon Cowell and Paula have left Idol. It’s now JLo, Randy and Steven Tyler. Yes...bleh. Then the other news is, ok wait, BLUE has disbanded I think. Remember my blue raincoat! Haha! Oh man it was bright! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">My sister is getting married this November. I wish you were here. I’d have loved to see you attempt to strut about in a Sari. I can picture a pair of jeans on under the pretty silks! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now the reason I’m writing this is so I can say a few things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span">I miss you more than I should. Or I thought I could. I didn’t show it 6 years ago because you and I...we’re the toughies right. On the outside atleast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-GB">Anyway, </span><span>I sort of bottled it up all these years and pretended I was ok. But I'm not. It numbed me when it happened and I pretended I was fine. I didn't cry when I should have. I feel I didn't show I missed you and you deserved to be shown that. But I felt it. I missed you like crazy and I still do. But then I just didn't want to make Disha feel I wasn't strong when she needed me. Or Vibha. By the way they miss you tons and tons every day too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span">The truth is I hate that everytime Andy Roddick plays I expect you to call and tell me all about your delightful views on the game. I miss listening to you judge American Idol in your Simon Cowell voice and clap like Paula. I pretended everytime that it didn't affect me but the reality is that this time something has changed and I feel like it's all happening in real time again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span">Every time I add pictures of my friends on my desk and see us all change...it hurts because your picture will never change. But in a way as a good friend pointed out…things with us will never change. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span">I miss you Urmila. But I have not a single bad memory with you. And that won’t change. I love you. Eternally. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal">xxxx</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span">Kanki</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span"> PS - I still think the name Ursula suits you splendidly! </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-82493220161707564302011-04-13T17:45:00.002+01:002011-04-13T17:57:19.689+01:00Chelsea....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYC68a4SaIl7qzZtFPbxef9UAaRzUDQISgkCdz4Gy3s4v4ercyEITtCGXq76dIzYKTTx0U16wqSk5PxQ1xxP_aBl95I2r2XqSRnqtovT5_hu5Yi4td-JKaafFHxE8Fv0yC1NsPKfAb-4/s1600/rooney-fat.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYC68a4SaIl7qzZtFPbxef9UAaRzUDQISgkCdz4Gy3s4v4ercyEITtCGXq76dIzYKTTx0U16wqSk5PxQ1xxP_aBl95I2r2XqSRnqtovT5_hu5Yi4td-JKaafFHxE8Fv0yC1NsPKfAb-4/s320/rooney-fat.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595113281904159922" /></a><br />Oh my dear lads! What is going on? I'm not one of those to completely dismiss you...yea I get it's a sport and you win some, you lose some...but methinks you lot played the wrong sport! <div><br /></div><div>See...RUGBY does not equal football. Although silly Americans call Rugby, football. No no no this is the English Premier League see...Eeee...peee...ell. So yes...next time please don't plow into people. Yes, even if it is the ugly Manchester United team. I mean besides Rio...they're unfortunate enough anyway. ;) </div><div><br /></div><div>Now you've pretty much wasted this year away. It's true Torres, you're a bit of a waste too. I love you and all but you're just not for the Bridge. Any idea how much Liverpool will charge for a late exchange or even a returned item? Get back to me Monday on that one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drogba, here...take this. And go get yourself an ice-cream. You did well(ish) son. Good job. </div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of you...for shame! How can I get you to understand that you must try and GET the ball. If you lose it, you must retrieve it! And no...you must not assume that Lampard, Terry and Cech will come to your rescue all the time. IDIOTS. Anyway...</div><div><br /></div><div>So I beg in all earnest. This year has been a fail. Thus, the least you can do is focus on the next year and for goodness sake don't drink the summer away. YES I AM TALKING MORE DIRECTLY TO YOU THAN THE REST ASHLEY! </div><div><br /></div><div>And don't let the Red Devils get to you. Let's be zen about it right lads? </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok you are now dismissed. SCRAM. </div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-47856824492403266762011-03-20T05:36:00.003+00:002011-03-20T05:44:02.575+00:00I can't wait for the five red lights to go out!<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">With just about four days left for the kick off of the Formula One World Championship in Australia, very little can be said about what will actually follow once it begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">So far Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Williams have all at some point recorded the fastest timing in practice but with huge difference in those timings themselves, it is certainly hard to decipher which team is truly on top.<o:p></o:p></span></p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLh3n7-n3l_c4XZg6Dwv2_32Ae2x5e9j7HbUuNUo8mxa4HsHpQv7Pu8mePGfiYq-6D8-rzzl1ucPBNyI5nLllsKuV8tnP4fASA_gQug6RDU5G-0y9n6l3JLErEhaWmjAQihKp5wihJUM/s320/0-fernando-alonso-felipe-massa-2011.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 176px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586033535221095586" /> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Red Bull and Ferrari do appear to have an edge over the other – marginally albeit. But in the world of fast cars, strategy, testing and a sport so dependant on weather, one can hardly say the results are conclusive! And more so, when a certain Michael Schumacher isn’t heading the leader board, then surely there must be more to come and much more to see before we can right of the other teams. Or at least relegate them to the mid field! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">But in a time when rules and regulation dominate the sport, you begin to think. How much of the effort is the driver’s and how much the machinery. You only have to go back a couple of decades to the era when driver skill was almost the whole and soul of Formula One; And in my opinion rightly so. Yes, there was a car and I absolutely agree that it takes a good…no wait…fantastic car to win you races but really when the driver has no freedom to anything other than put on his blinkers…I mean helmet and drive. Truly, the Ecclestone era has done some immense damage! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This season, all cars are on the Pirelli tyres following the withdrawal of Bridgestone from the sport and of course teams can’t use as many sets as they want or even require! The allocated number of tyre sets per race weekend has been reduced to 11 from 14 and each driver gets the same combination of tyres which then means that pretty much every one will be making or not making the same mistakes. So much for the entertainment of watching people like Juan Pablo Montoya slipping and sliding around on slicks when the heavens were pouring their hearts out! No no…it is a sin now. One cannot have such things in the fine sport anymore!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Going on to a few more rules: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“ ‘107% QUALIFYING RULE’<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">During the first phase of qualifying, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Would you look at that then! So what you just don’t start? Or do you start from the pits? And what might these mysterious ‘exceptional circumstances’ be? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And if you thought that was a bit harsh, here’s the most ludicrous rule of them all. Team personnel will not be allowed to work the hours they want to! According to the official rules and regulations, “They will not be allowed into the circuit between midnight and 6am when practice is scheduled to start at 10am the following day, or between 1am and 7am when practice starts at 11am. Each team is permitted four individual exceptions to this rule during the season.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Who knew that hard work and passion to win would also be punishable! For shame! What has F1 come to? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Forget that though, now gearboxes, which mind you at the best of times were a bit tricky, have to last 5 races instead of the previous 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Now most importantly, why is F1 on a cost cutting spree? And why must a McLaren be forced to spend less on a car when they can spend more, only because the officials want to make it a level playing field? In tennis, I don’t see Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the other big ones being told to hit with less skill and power, or not change their racquet when they feel like it! Perhaps ATP is smarter than FIA and genuinely wants real talent to come out on the courts with a proper finish as opposed to a calculated and almost pre determined outcome as is with most F1 races. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That is about all I had to say about what I dislike about the sport at the moment! But I am certain that the minute I hear those revving engines and I see the five red lights go out…as always I’ll completely forget the flaws and I will as usual be head over heels in love with the latest F1 season before Jake Humphrey can even come on and give us an overview! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">And this one is going to be good. How can it not? 5 World Champions on track. One is Hamilton...we can always expect a fight from him. Button, I've always liked his spirit and admired his talent. Vettel, he's the one to beat I suspect. Alonso, a man I disliked thoroughly but I've grown to love, he's always lurking in the shadows to pounce. But that is of course when he's not hogging the limelight. And then...7 time world champion MICHAEL SCHUMACHER. That is all! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">PS - I can't wait for the race in Delhi! Waaaaaaayo!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">PPS - COME ON MASSA. COME ON ALONSO!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">PPS - Psst Schumi...good luck! x</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2181075904275242428.post-5699350126937026542011-02-18T11:58:00.002+00:002011-02-18T13:11:35.258+00:00Day 29: A song from my childhood<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Let me begin by telling you a story about my sister and your’s truly…<s><o:p></o:p></s></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">When we young Mum used to tuck us into bed and sing so beautifully to us…<s>rock a bye baby</s> rock-a-hula-baby. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Then we’d wake up a bit late in the morning for school for no fault of ours and Daddy would scold us for it and say Dontcha think its time? But before we could shed those big Teardrops, Mum would come in just in time to say Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As we grew older and a bit naughty, Mum said we were Double Trouble and sometimes worse…she’d say we’re the devil in disguise! Needless to say we were so sad about it, you could well have called our room the Heartbreak Hotel. But we got over it the minute Ma got us some Hi-Heel Sneakers and some Blue Suede Shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Through our teenage years she said to us like Wise men say, “ Don’t try to be like other girls because after all She’s not you!” So we lived and we learned to Dream the Impossible dream all because Mum said if you don’t try then you’ll never know the Wonder of You. She said," I just can help believing that you’ll be what you want to be if you Follow That Dream."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She taught us of Hound dogs, Johnnt B. Goode and she told us all about Fun in Acapulco, The Blue Moon of Kentucky and Marie, his latest flame. But most importantly she taught us to always be weary of people with Suspicious Minds and we all know that Suspicion is a something we must never Surrender to! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">And now because of our delightful mother…we never regret Yesterday, we have never lost that loving feeling and as much as we want to, we never show our moody blues! Yes, that is right…we don’t show it at all…even when We’re all shook up! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">So when our friends were learning about the Contrary Mary or the falling bridge of London, or even Jack and Jill…my sister and I...we were way ahead. We were learning about the Jailhouse Rock and how A little less conversation is always good for the Guitar Man. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Mother you can now stand tall, with you head held high as you’ve bred two fans of the King of Rock and roll. You can now say for the Millionth and Last time…I DID IT MY WAY!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hence, my childhood song is…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><br /></div><div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tpzV_0l5ILI" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Aakankshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04814869493053183034noreply@blogger.com0