Every body likes to laugh. And if it's a movie that makes you laugh when ever you watch it, nothing like it. Precisely for this reason, I would like to list down the top comedy movies from Bollywood that bring a smile to my face everytime I even think about them.
1) Golmaal - Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt.The leading comic duo of feel good movies in the 1970's. Amol Palekar is forced to take on a twin brother identity because of his mustache obsessed boss played by Utpal Dutt. He has to keep his nerve as he plays 2 roles and pataos his boss' daughter as well. I do not remember the name of the female actor who helps out as the fake mother but she was a riot as well. I end up on the floor everytime I watch it.
2) Shaukeen - A story about 3 old men ( Ashok Kumar, AK Hangal and Utpal Dutt ). Seems innocent right ? But it is not when the 3 old men have the hearts of teenagers. Their daily dose of fun includes changing spectacles to watch young girls walking on the beach right upto holding the hand of the female PG a wee bit longer. In the absence of the wife, Ashok Kumar plans a trip for all 3 of them that includes getting laid. So they want a driver to take them out of Bombay. In steps our Mithunda and he manipulates the destination of the 3 oldies to Goa so that he can meet his GF, Rati Agnihotri. But what happens when the 3 leering old men lay their eyes on Rati ? Will they get laid ? Watch the movie - it's amazing fun.
3) Chashme Baddoor - A Sai Paranjpe classic. 3 friends and 1 girl ( the object of the trios affection). Hilarious the way all 3 try to patao her. So who gets her in the end ? The shayar , the sauve stud or the studious and serious guy ? Farukh Shaikh and Deepti Naval excel supported brilliantly by Rakesh Bedi , Ravi Baswani and Saeed Jaffery.
4) Chupke Chupke - The best straight faced comedy ever. Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore get married and Dharmendra fed up of hearing praises of Om Prakash (Sharmila's B-I-L) plans to turn the table. Dharmendra is superb and Amitabh very good as usual. The scene stealer here is Om Prakash. And with a support cast that includes Jaya Bhaduri, Asrani and Kesto Mukherji, this is movie that never loses it's charm.
5) Jaane bhi do Yaaron - One of my all time favorite movies and Bollywood's blackest comedy to date I think. Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Baswani are bumbling photographers who stumble upon all kinds of information , goings on, dead bodies and people, when they are handed an assignment to spy on 2 crook builders played absolutely brilliantly by Pankaj Kapur and Om Puri. Satish shah is in there too as the Municipal Commisioner and Bhakti Barve excels as the manipulative editor of a newspaper. Satish Kaushik and Neena Gupta play important roles too. The climax with all characters playing some role or the other from the Mahabharata is ROCKING. A talking point to date.
6) Choti si Baat - That man Amol Palekar again ! This time supported by Ashok Kumar and Asrani. A classy movie about how a nervous, shy and timid man (Amol )overcomes his shyness and timidness with some help from Ashok Kumar (playing a retired Colonel)to counter a oversmart opponent (Asrani) in his love story. Vidya Sinha plays the lady over whom Amol and Asrani lock horns. All the actors perform brilliantly. The movie touches a cord somewhere because if we look around us we can see the characters played by Amol and Asrani, dime a dozen even today. Do not miss it.
8) Coolie No. 1 - Another favorite of mine. Govinda fools Kader Khan by making him believe that he is a rich guy and marries his daughter, karisma Kapur. When Kader Khan sends Shakti Kapoor to check on them, Govinda manufactures a twin brother to fool Kader Khan, himself. Kader Khan turns the tables by wanting to marry off his 2nd daughter to Govinda as well. Its similar to Golmaal but has the trade mark Govinda style. Kader Khan, Shakti Kapoor and Harish give rollicking support.
9) Baton Baton Mein - Not exactly a comedy but the movie has its moments that keep the smiles coming. The movies deals with the Christian community in the 1970's. Amol Palekar (again) and Tina Munim (wow) fall in love on the most common sight in Mumbai, the local trains albiet with a little support from David (playing Tina's guardian). Tina's mom is the ever worrying mom wanting a nice khandaan ka earning guy for her daughter. There is a silent lover for Tina lurking in the background too. The treatment of the movie is so real and the feel and look so amazingly brilliant that you feel you are a part of the movie yourself.
Well there are lots of other movies that make the grade, but I will put them down later. Till then try to catch these movies and smile along.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Movie Review - Saaya
The Bhatts are back with anotther inspired from Hollywood movie.Saaya is a movie said to be inspired by the Kevin Costner flick Dragonfly. I haven't seen Dragonfly but now after watching Saaya I have an urge to see Dragonfly. Read on for the review.
Story -The movie basically deals with the story of a husband and wife doctor duo (John Abraham and Tara Sharma). The wife, who is pregnant, dies on relief duty somewhere in the northeastern Indian State of Nagaland. The husband can't get over the fact that his beloved is gone and he immerses himself in work and starts working in the hospital continuously. He also gets himself shifted to the same ward where his wife used to work and then things start happening to him. He starts hearing his wife's voice and strange things happen to him. Water starts falling from the ceiling; dead children come alive and tell him they have met his wife. His home starts turning into a waterfall cum swimming pool but only he can see this and feel this. All other people find this strange and think that he has lost his mind and gone crazy due to his wife's death. But an encounter with a former nurse turned nun who believes in life after death, the doctor starts to believe the his wife wants to communicate with him? Does he manage to communicate with his dead wife or has he done crazy ? As he gets closer to his dead wife, the truth emerges. Watch the movie to find out what happens next. The climax of the movie is good, not quite what I expected.
Performances - John Abraham is good but he needs to improve quickly. He carries of his role with his trademark pained expression through the movie. A couple or more of other expressions would have been welcome. Tara Sharma looks cute and doesn't have much of acting to do but she is adequate. Of the supporting cast Mahima Choudhary as the friend, looks and acts well and the rest of the cast is ok.
Music -The songs of the movie are slow, love songs and they gel with the movie. There are some really lovely soulful songs in the movie. The background score is good too.
Direction / Cinematography -The picturisation of songs is good and Kerela looks oh so inviting in the first song itself. The Director Anurag Basu is a new director and he has impressed in his first movie. Certain scenes like the dead child waking up suddenly to stare in the doctor's eyes are well done, handled well.
Verdict - I give it 3.5/5. The producers have another small budget movie that I think should do better than what people are expecting. Overall it's a 2-hour movie that feels slow but will keep you interested without boring you. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this movie.
Story -The movie basically deals with the story of a husband and wife doctor duo (John Abraham and Tara Sharma). The wife, who is pregnant, dies on relief duty somewhere in the northeastern Indian State of Nagaland. The husband can't get over the fact that his beloved is gone and he immerses himself in work and starts working in the hospital continuously. He also gets himself shifted to the same ward where his wife used to work and then things start happening to him. He starts hearing his wife's voice and strange things happen to him. Water starts falling from the ceiling; dead children come alive and tell him they have met his wife. His home starts turning into a waterfall cum swimming pool but only he can see this and feel this. All other people find this strange and think that he has lost his mind and gone crazy due to his wife's death. But an encounter with a former nurse turned nun who believes in life after death, the doctor starts to believe the his wife wants to communicate with him? Does he manage to communicate with his dead wife or has he done crazy ? As he gets closer to his dead wife, the truth emerges. Watch the movie to find out what happens next. The climax of the movie is good, not quite what I expected.
Performances - John Abraham is good but he needs to improve quickly. He carries of his role with his trademark pained expression through the movie. A couple or more of other expressions would have been welcome. Tara Sharma looks cute and doesn't have much of acting to do but she is adequate. Of the supporting cast Mahima Choudhary as the friend, looks and acts well and the rest of the cast is ok.
Music -The songs of the movie are slow, love songs and they gel with the movie. There are some really lovely soulful songs in the movie. The background score is good too.
Direction / Cinematography -The picturisation of songs is good and Kerela looks oh so inviting in the first song itself. The Director Anurag Basu is a new director and he has impressed in his first movie. Certain scenes like the dead child waking up suddenly to stare in the doctor's eyes are well done, handled well.
Verdict - I give it 3.5/5. The producers have another small budget movie that I think should do better than what people are expecting. Overall it's a 2-hour movie that feels slow but will keep you interested without boring you. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this movie.
Movie Review - Main Madhuri Dixit Banna chahati hoon
Yawn - another movie from the factory of RGV. But wait, Main Madhuri Dixit banna chahti hoon is a very different kind of a movie to come out from Ram Gopal Varma productions.
Story - The movie tells the story of Chutki ( Antara Mali ) , a Madhuri Dixit wannabe who lives in a village called Gajaorla. Raja ( Rajpal Yadav) is her childhood friend who loves her and wants her to realise all her dreams. Chutki’s dreams are that of becoming the next Madhuri Dixit. When chutki’s parents want to get her forcibly married, Raja understands her problem and steps in and marries Chutki and takes her to Bombay , where he wants to help her in realising her dreams.
From here the struggle for Chutki starts, visiting studios, getting thrown out of offices and studios. A chance encounter with a film extra that makes her realise that she has to change the way she looks. So Chutki tries to get the modern look and finally bags a movie after she does a music album but the movie has in the cast, duplicates of all possible stalwarts of Bollywood. But after some persuasion from the model co-ordinator and Raja , Chutki signs the movie and is promptly devasted as on the 1 st day, the movie opens to empty theatres and flops.
Raja and Chutki decide to hang up their boots and return to Gajoarla but there is a silver lining at the end. Catch the movie to find out.
Performances - A movie like this needed good performances from the lead actors and I must say both the lead actors are fantastic. Antara as Chutki is better in the 2nd half of the movie when she is emotional. Her performance had the spark that a main character needed. She doesnt quite look like Madhuri in all her dances but is good though a stiffer than Madhuri in dance movements. Rajpal as Raja had a supporting role to Antara , but this guy is amazing. HIS IS THE BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE MOVIE. Amazingly real and restrained, he steals the show completely. The rest of the supporting cast is good too.
Music - The music is just about ok , so-so infact but this movie is not a musical .
Direction / Cinematography - The Direction is Absolutely Fantastic for a guy in his 1st directorial venture. Chandan Arora has done a very good job in keeping the narrative unidirectional and has absolute control over the story. The cinematography is in sync with the look of the film.
Verdict - I give it 4/5. Overall this is a movie that leaves you feeling happy and warm after you walk out of the theatre. There are many funny and emotional scenes in the movie . The scene in the empty movie theatre is poingant.
Go on catch the movie fast . There are not many of these kinds of movies made these days.
ONE THING THOUGH - THE MOVIE HAS TAKEN A LOOK AT HOW THE FILM INDUSTRY WORKS , IT HAS LEFT OUT THE PART RELATED TO CASTING COUCHES. wouldn’t we have loved to see this part addressed so naturally. if only wishes were horses!!!!
Story - The movie tells the story of Chutki ( Antara Mali ) , a Madhuri Dixit wannabe who lives in a village called Gajaorla. Raja ( Rajpal Yadav) is her childhood friend who loves her and wants her to realise all her dreams. Chutki’s dreams are that of becoming the next Madhuri Dixit. When chutki’s parents want to get her forcibly married, Raja understands her problem and steps in and marries Chutki and takes her to Bombay , where he wants to help her in realising her dreams.
From here the struggle for Chutki starts, visiting studios, getting thrown out of offices and studios. A chance encounter with a film extra that makes her realise that she has to change the way she looks. So Chutki tries to get the modern look and finally bags a movie after she does a music album but the movie has in the cast, duplicates of all possible stalwarts of Bollywood. But after some persuasion from the model co-ordinator and Raja , Chutki signs the movie and is promptly devasted as on the 1 st day, the movie opens to empty theatres and flops.
Raja and Chutki decide to hang up their boots and return to Gajoarla but there is a silver lining at the end. Catch the movie to find out.
Performances - A movie like this needed good performances from the lead actors and I must say both the lead actors are fantastic. Antara as Chutki is better in the 2nd half of the movie when she is emotional. Her performance had the spark that a main character needed. She doesnt quite look like Madhuri in all her dances but is good though a stiffer than Madhuri in dance movements. Rajpal as Raja had a supporting role to Antara , but this guy is amazing. HIS IS THE BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE MOVIE. Amazingly real and restrained, he steals the show completely. The rest of the supporting cast is good too.
Music - The music is just about ok , so-so infact but this movie is not a musical .
Direction / Cinematography - The Direction is Absolutely Fantastic for a guy in his 1st directorial venture. Chandan Arora has done a very good job in keeping the narrative unidirectional and has absolute control over the story. The cinematography is in sync with the look of the film.
Verdict - I give it 4/5. Overall this is a movie that leaves you feeling happy and warm after you walk out of the theatre. There are many funny and emotional scenes in the movie . The scene in the empty movie theatre is poingant.
Go on catch the movie fast . There are not many of these kinds of movies made these days.
ONE THING THOUGH - THE MOVIE HAS TAKEN A LOOK AT HOW THE FILM INDUSTRY WORKS , IT HAS LEFT OUT THE PART RELATED TO CASTING COUCHES. wouldn’t we have loved to see this part addressed so naturally. if only wishes were horses!!!!
Movie Review - Awaarapan
The Bhatt factory rolls out another movie from their assembly line. Presumably the costliest movie to be made under the Bhatt banner. So does it work ? Read on....
Story - The movie is about Shivam (Emraan Hashmi), a fiercely loyal right hand man of a don (Aushutosh Rana) in Hong Kong. The Don and his don brother (Ashish Vidyarthi) have fallen off with each other and are rivals. The brother don has a coke snorting druggie son (Purab the Channel V Vj). The Don has a woman (Mrinalini) whom he bought from a human trafficking gang , he loves her but does not trust her. He trusts Shivam to keep an eye on her when he is gone for some days and find out if she has anyone else. As it turns out, the girl has a lover who wants to free her from the don's bondage. As the don gets to know this from Shivam, he orders Shivam to kill the girl. As it happens Shivam fails. Why ? Because he had a girl friend once (Shreya Saran) who was a muslim and her dad tried to shoot Shivam but shot his daughter instead. She taught Shivam to release birds from cages as they too had the right to be free. This story is told in flashback and Shivam takes it upon himself to protect the don's girl and her lover. Does he manage to do it ?- watch Awaarapan to find out.
Performances - Emraan Hashmi plays the silent, brooding, pining lover with very little dialogue. He does a fair job of it, excelling in some scenes and pretty ordinary in others. 2 heroines, both new comers (Shriya Saran and Mrinalini) make their debut. Shreya is wasted in a 10 minute role and besides has nothing to do in the acting department but look pretty but her make up man messes it up again. Mrinalini has the meatier role but is wooden and stiff and makes a hash of the rocking song "Mahiya" as well. Ashutosh Rana and Ashish Vidyarthi are competent but for me the man who rocks the screen everytime he is on - is Purab. Brilliant performance as a junkie, stunning.
Direction / Cinematography - The Bhatt's blue eyed boy Mohit suri directs this one as well. He does a neat job but the editing should have crisper, a good 20 minutes could be edited out easily. Cinematography is good and the movie is set in Hong Kong which looks good in the movie.
Music - Music is the saving grace. A couple of songs specially the Mahiya song rock. Nice to hear. Thumbs up to the music.
Verdict - 2/5. The movie is slow and tests your patience. The performances are nothing to write about and the music is the highlight. If you are a Emraan fan, or do not get tickets to another movie, watch it else easily avoidable.
Story - The movie is about Shivam (Emraan Hashmi), a fiercely loyal right hand man of a don (Aushutosh Rana) in Hong Kong. The Don and his don brother (Ashish Vidyarthi) have fallen off with each other and are rivals. The brother don has a coke snorting druggie son (Purab the Channel V Vj). The Don has a woman (Mrinalini) whom he bought from a human trafficking gang , he loves her but does not trust her. He trusts Shivam to keep an eye on her when he is gone for some days and find out if she has anyone else. As it turns out, the girl has a lover who wants to free her from the don's bondage. As the don gets to know this from Shivam, he orders Shivam to kill the girl. As it happens Shivam fails. Why ? Because he had a girl friend once (Shreya Saran) who was a muslim and her dad tried to shoot Shivam but shot his daughter instead. She taught Shivam to release birds from cages as they too had the right to be free. This story is told in flashback and Shivam takes it upon himself to protect the don's girl and her lover. Does he manage to do it ?- watch Awaarapan to find out.
Performances - Emraan Hashmi plays the silent, brooding, pining lover with very little dialogue. He does a fair job of it, excelling in some scenes and pretty ordinary in others. 2 heroines, both new comers (Shriya Saran and Mrinalini) make their debut. Shreya is wasted in a 10 minute role and besides has nothing to do in the acting department but look pretty but her make up man messes it up again. Mrinalini has the meatier role but is wooden and stiff and makes a hash of the rocking song "Mahiya" as well. Ashutosh Rana and Ashish Vidyarthi are competent but for me the man who rocks the screen everytime he is on - is Purab. Brilliant performance as a junkie, stunning.
Direction / Cinematography - The Bhatt's blue eyed boy Mohit suri directs this one as well. He does a neat job but the editing should have crisper, a good 20 minutes could be edited out easily. Cinematography is good and the movie is set in Hong Kong which looks good in the movie.
Music - Music is the saving grace. A couple of songs specially the Mahiya song rock. Nice to hear. Thumbs up to the music.
Verdict - 2/5. The movie is slow and tests your patience. The performances are nothing to write about and the music is the highlight. If you are a Emraan fan, or do not get tickets to another movie, watch it else easily avoidable.
Movie Review - Aap Ka Suroor
Finally its released. The much hyped and much awaited (?) movie starring the Indian Rockstar Himesh Reshammiya released yesterday. So does Himesh make the cut or falls out ? Read on...
Story - The movie is about HR (Himesh), a famous Indian rockstar on the German leg of his concert tour with a close friend of his. He meets and falls in love with the event manager of his tour (Hansika Motwani). Also he encounters different people like Concert managers, a sultry lawyer in love with him (Mallika Sherawat) and other sundry characters. Things are looking rosy for Himesh till he downs a few pegs/shots with his friend and the next morning is promptly arrested for the murder of a journalist who had come to take his interview. Now Himesh has to prove his innocence or else his GF's father will get her married to the next available boy (typical bollywood father). So how Himesh manages to prove his innocence and win his love is what the movie is all about.
Performances - Himesh is wooden and stiff. Yes he removes his cap and laughs too (yaay). But he has to really loosen himself if he wants to act as a hero (Noooo). Hansika Motwani as the female lead has nothing to do but to cry and smile (thinking wtf am I doing here) and she does a bad job of it as well. Also she needs a crash course in the make up department (tooooo much of kajal). Mallika Sherawat is the 2nd bright spot of the movie. Looks like a million bucks and really rocks in the Mehbooba song (sad though you have to sit thru the movie as the song comes right at the end). The guy who plays Himesh's friend rocks all the way. He was pretty cool and casual and stole the show when in the same scene with Himesh.
Direction / Cinematography - Prashant Chadda directs this movie. He is Himesh's good friend who has directed all his videos and it shows. The movie has been directed like a music video, looks glossy and shiny but is not anything great. Cinematography is good - Germany looks beautiful.
Music - Although all the songs must be coming out of our ears still I say the music is good and a couple of songs are really good to listen to.
Verdict - I give it 2.25/5. Mallika , Himesh's friend and the music contribute heavily to this score. Avoid if you can but if you are a Himesh fan, watch it once.
Story - The movie is about HR (Himesh), a famous Indian rockstar on the German leg of his concert tour with a close friend of his. He meets and falls in love with the event manager of his tour (Hansika Motwani). Also he encounters different people like Concert managers, a sultry lawyer in love with him (Mallika Sherawat) and other sundry characters. Things are looking rosy for Himesh till he downs a few pegs/shots with his friend and the next morning is promptly arrested for the murder of a journalist who had come to take his interview. Now Himesh has to prove his innocence or else his GF's father will get her married to the next available boy (typical bollywood father). So how Himesh manages to prove his innocence and win his love is what the movie is all about.
Performances - Himesh is wooden and stiff. Yes he removes his cap and laughs too (yaay). But he has to really loosen himself if he wants to act as a hero (Noooo). Hansika Motwani as the female lead has nothing to do but to cry and smile (thinking wtf am I doing here) and she does a bad job of it as well. Also she needs a crash course in the make up department (tooooo much of kajal). Mallika Sherawat is the 2nd bright spot of the movie. Looks like a million bucks and really rocks in the Mehbooba song (sad though you have to sit thru the movie as the song comes right at the end). The guy who plays Himesh's friend rocks all the way. He was pretty cool and casual and stole the show when in the same scene with Himesh.
Direction / Cinematography - Prashant Chadda directs this movie. He is Himesh's good friend who has directed all his videos and it shows. The movie has been directed like a music video, looks glossy and shiny but is not anything great. Cinematography is good - Germany looks beautiful.
Music - Although all the songs must be coming out of our ears still I say the music is good and a couple of songs are really good to listen to.
Verdict - I give it 2.25/5. Mallika , Himesh's friend and the music contribute heavily to this score. Avoid if you can but if you are a Himesh fan, watch it once.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Romance and Rains
This is a specific chapter in the story about 2 people and how rain played an important role in their lives, more specifically their love life.
2 friends (of the opposite sex, ok enough of pj's now) decide to drive to Lonavala via the expressway one cloudy day because the weather was nice for a drive. There was something in the air that both could feel but not pin point what it was.
As the car sped towards Lonavala, 1st stop was the drive in Mc Donalds to stock up on some burgers, fries and coffee. That done, the car gets on to the expressway. The weather is cloudy , windy and the conversation in the car flows while munching away on the grub. After the eating is over, the guy concentrates on the driving and the girl was enjoying the waterfalls along the road.
Soon Lonavala arrives in all its glory and splendor. Its covered in clouds, a slight drizzle and its amazingly green all around. The scenery is breathtaking. As they stand looking at the views between the valley and the mountains, suddenly both feel tense.
Then they drive towards the famous Bushy dam. It being a week day, there are hardly any picnickers around but both are in no mood to get under the waters of the dam. They drive on to Lions end, a place that offers a beautiful view from a place just a little before Amby Valley. The view is simply out of the world. The conversation has now stopped, both are spell bound by the beauty of the place and the rains continue to drizzle. Suddenly there is a crackling sound and both are surprised.
As it happens normally in such beautiful weather, people feel hungry and these 2 were no different . Hunger pangs strike and they get into the car and drive down to Lonavala for lunch. After a nice, satisfying lunch - it's time to head back home.
After driving slowly through Lonavala and Khandala, not wanting to let go of the greenery and views, they get onto the expressway. Its still raining.
The conversation in the car has stopped. The girl watches the scenery outside while her mind wanders on the crackling sound that she heard in the hills. The guy meanwhile is driving the car slowly and carefully - his mind is wandering about too, thinking about the unspoken silence and heaviness between the 2 of them.
And inspite of that unspoken heaviness - the comfort zone is very much evident. There is no need to speak anything - the guy looks at the girl from the corner of his eye and is surprised that she is looking at him. "What happened" , he asks. "Nothing" is the reply. Meanwhile the rains increase in intensity.
A little ahead when coming out of the tunnel, the girl looks at the guy and finds him staring at her with a dreamy look in his eyes. She turns away and so does the guy. As she turns towards the window to look at the scenery outside, a smile plays on her lips. As it does on the guy's lips.
Under the smile, both their mind ticks away. Why is this happening ? Why am I looking at him/her ? And why is she/he looking back at me but not saying anything ? The car speeds towards the end of the expressway - its still raining.
Soon they reach Mumbai and its time to drop off the girl. Saying bye this time is special and the conversation just before she gets off the car is longer. Its like there is an invisible force that does not want her to leave. The rains continue.
As it gets late - the conversation stops but still there is no awkwardness. Both sit comfortably with each other' company while the rain increases the intensity.
Its late and the girl has to go home. She reluctantly gets out of the car and says "Bye". "Bye" says the guy too. As the girl turns away and walks towards her home - it hits the guy - Its LOVE. He has fallen in love ! Suddenly he was scared, very scared. What if she did not feel the same way ? Should he tell her ? How will she react ? Will she not talk to him any more after he tells her ??
With love comes confusion and the guy drives back home in total confusion. The rains continue.
As the girl gets into the house, she can't stop thinking about the day and about the guy. She cant get her mind of the guy, whats wrong with me , she thinks. Its love says her mind and she cannot believe it. She goes to sleep but cannot. She gets up and goes to the window. The rains are still coming down. Now she know that the crackling sound she heard was not thunder but love.She tries to sleep again but to no avail. She is now in love and it hits her hard in the morning.
With love comes confusion and she now has loads of questions on her mind. What if he does not feel the same ? If he feels the same, how will I know ?
Meanwhile its still raining. And 2 people have realised that they love each other. Rains have played their part again.
Fast forward 6 years - to 28 June 2007
Well the 2 are now happy with each other. They managed to tell each other their feelings and both reciprocated.
Meanwhile - yesterday both of them felt the same crackling sound again. And as they looked outside, it was raining.
2 friends (of the opposite sex, ok enough of pj's now) decide to drive to Lonavala via the expressway one cloudy day because the weather was nice for a drive. There was something in the air that both could feel but not pin point what it was.
As the car sped towards Lonavala, 1st stop was the drive in Mc Donalds to stock up on some burgers, fries and coffee. That done, the car gets on to the expressway. The weather is cloudy , windy and the conversation in the car flows while munching away on the grub. After the eating is over, the guy concentrates on the driving and the girl was enjoying the waterfalls along the road.
Soon Lonavala arrives in all its glory and splendor. Its covered in clouds, a slight drizzle and its amazingly green all around. The scenery is breathtaking. As they stand looking at the views between the valley and the mountains, suddenly both feel tense.
Then they drive towards the famous Bushy dam. It being a week day, there are hardly any picnickers around but both are in no mood to get under the waters of the dam. They drive on to Lions end, a place that offers a beautiful view from a place just a little before Amby Valley. The view is simply out of the world. The conversation has now stopped, both are spell bound by the beauty of the place and the rains continue to drizzle. Suddenly there is a crackling sound and both are surprised.
As it happens normally in such beautiful weather, people feel hungry and these 2 were no different . Hunger pangs strike and they get into the car and drive down to Lonavala for lunch. After a nice, satisfying lunch - it's time to head back home.
After driving slowly through Lonavala and Khandala, not wanting to let go of the greenery and views, they get onto the expressway. Its still raining.
The conversation in the car has stopped. The girl watches the scenery outside while her mind wanders on the crackling sound that she heard in the hills. The guy meanwhile is driving the car slowly and carefully - his mind is wandering about too, thinking about the unspoken silence and heaviness between the 2 of them.
And inspite of that unspoken heaviness - the comfort zone is very much evident. There is no need to speak anything - the guy looks at the girl from the corner of his eye and is surprised that she is looking at him. "What happened" , he asks. "Nothing" is the reply. Meanwhile the rains increase in intensity.
A little ahead when coming out of the tunnel, the girl looks at the guy and finds him staring at her with a dreamy look in his eyes. She turns away and so does the guy. As she turns towards the window to look at the scenery outside, a smile plays on her lips. As it does on the guy's lips.
Under the smile, both their mind ticks away. Why is this happening ? Why am I looking at him/her ? And why is she/he looking back at me but not saying anything ? The car speeds towards the end of the expressway - its still raining.
Soon they reach Mumbai and its time to drop off the girl. Saying bye this time is special and the conversation just before she gets off the car is longer. Its like there is an invisible force that does not want her to leave. The rains continue.
As it gets late - the conversation stops but still there is no awkwardness. Both sit comfortably with each other' company while the rain increases the intensity.
Its late and the girl has to go home. She reluctantly gets out of the car and says "Bye". "Bye" says the guy too. As the girl turns away and walks towards her home - it hits the guy - Its LOVE. He has fallen in love ! Suddenly he was scared, very scared. What if she did not feel the same way ? Should he tell her ? How will she react ? Will she not talk to him any more after he tells her ??
With love comes confusion and the guy drives back home in total confusion. The rains continue.
As the girl gets into the house, she can't stop thinking about the day and about the guy. She cant get her mind of the guy, whats wrong with me , she thinks. Its love says her mind and she cannot believe it. She goes to sleep but cannot. She gets up and goes to the window. The rains are still coming down. Now she know that the crackling sound she heard was not thunder but love.She tries to sleep again but to no avail. She is now in love and it hits her hard in the morning.
With love comes confusion and she now has loads of questions on her mind. What if he does not feel the same ? If he feels the same, how will I know ?
Meanwhile its still raining. And 2 people have realised that they love each other. Rains have played their part again.
Fast forward 6 years - to 28 June 2007
Well the 2 are now happy with each other. They managed to tell each other their feelings and both reciprocated.
Meanwhile - yesterday both of them felt the same crackling sound again. And as they looked outside, it was raining.
Monday, June 25, 2007
What the Fuck - Part 2
I just read that post his 105 kgs weight loss (this is another wtf topic) Adnan Sami is being offered lead roles in Bollywood ! WHAT THE BLOODY FUCK !!!
Its been written that after his video where he has danced (haha what a joke), some people have approached him for lead roles in Bollywood. *shocked*
Who the bloody fuck is this Adnan Sami ? A 2 paise singer from Pakistan who has come to India for earning green bucks. If he is such a great singer, why the hell havent we heard that his songs have become hits in Pakistan ?
And whoever these people are - offering him lead roles in Bollywood , I have just 3 words to say to them - Suck my Dick.
I seriously want to believe that all these are rumours and no one has offered him any role in Bollywood.
Its been written that after his video where he has danced (haha what a joke), some people have approached him for lead roles in Bollywood. *shocked*
Who the bloody fuck is this Adnan Sami ? A 2 paise singer from Pakistan who has come to India for earning green bucks. If he is such a great singer, why the hell havent we heard that his songs have become hits in Pakistan ?
And whoever these people are - offering him lead roles in Bollywood , I have just 3 words to say to them - Suck my Dick.
I seriously want to believe that all these are rumours and no one has offered him any role in Bollywood.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
What the Fuck !
So its ended . The tamasha that was on all over - the newspapers , the tv stations and in schools and in temples. Its over now.
I am talking about the Return of Sunita Williams to Earth !
I could see people carrying out havans, poojari's chanting mantras and school children carrying photos and placards of Sunita Williams for her safe return to earth. And that is exactly why I ask - WHAT THE FUCK ? I mean come on - nothing like this would have taken place in the USA also after it was known that there was a problem with the shuttle.
Why do we have to pray for someone who isnt fully Indian yet ? I may sound racist but trust me thats not the point I want to make. Her father left India in the 1960's and thats her only Indian connection. He got married to an Slovenian lady and Sunita is the product. They say she has visited our country - that makes her Indian right ?
Oh I forgot - She carried some samosas that she ate in space, thats an Indian dish. Also she carried the Bhagvad Gita and an idol of Lord Ganesh but so what ? If I carry the Bible to space tomorrow, will the Americans or any Christian country (I hate thise type of words) for that matter carry out mass prayers or havans for my safe return ?
I am not trying to start a war here on the basis of religion or Gods or countries. but can't we ever think rationally ? I mean I am happy that the Space shuttle landed safely but I am glad not for Sunita alone but all her colleagues that they made it back safe.
And the media here is another medium that hypes up this kind of stuff. If you want to wish Sunita a safe return sms us , said one channel. I mean WTF ! By sending our sms to a news channel, we can ensure that the space shuttle lands safely ? Get a life man you news channels and stop playing emotional content to fool the gulliable people of our country.
And we the educated people of India - can't we fucking understand that the space shuttle came back safely because it was repaired using some nice technology in space and not by chanting mantras and conducting havans ? Is this so hard to grasp ?
I am talking about the Return of Sunita Williams to Earth !
I could see people carrying out havans, poojari's chanting mantras and school children carrying photos and placards of Sunita Williams for her safe return to earth. And that is exactly why I ask - WHAT THE FUCK ? I mean come on - nothing like this would have taken place in the USA also after it was known that there was a problem with the shuttle.
Why do we have to pray for someone who isnt fully Indian yet ? I may sound racist but trust me thats not the point I want to make. Her father left India in the 1960's and thats her only Indian connection. He got married to an Slovenian lady and Sunita is the product. They say she has visited our country - that makes her Indian right ?
Oh I forgot - She carried some samosas that she ate in space, thats an Indian dish. Also she carried the Bhagvad Gita and an idol of Lord Ganesh but so what ? If I carry the Bible to space tomorrow, will the Americans or any Christian country (I hate thise type of words) for that matter carry out mass prayers or havans for my safe return ?
I am not trying to start a war here on the basis of religion or Gods or countries. but can't we ever think rationally ? I mean I am happy that the Space shuttle landed safely but I am glad not for Sunita alone but all her colleagues that they made it back safe.
And the media here is another medium that hypes up this kind of stuff. If you want to wish Sunita a safe return sms us , said one channel. I mean WTF ! By sending our sms to a news channel, we can ensure that the space shuttle lands safely ? Get a life man you news channels and stop playing emotional content to fool the gulliable people of our country.
And we the educated people of India - can't we fucking understand that the space shuttle came back safely because it was repaired using some nice technology in space and not by chanting mantras and conducting havans ? Is this so hard to grasp ?
Movie Review - Sivaji - The Boss
So yesterday I walked into PVR cinemas at Mulund and check that no new intersting movies have released. So decided I should catch Sivaji - the Rajnikant starrer that has gripped the whole nation in it's frenzy. And it was in Tamil. So I get tickets easily enough , am surprised and walk into the hall. Its about 20 % full. I find that strange because all of us were led to believe that the movie was rocking everywhere.
Finally the movie starts. There quite a few non Tamil speaking people in the hall and thats surprising to me. As we watch Rajni do his antics , people are enjoying it in good spirits. The 1st half is a rom-com while the 2nd half is a revenge-action set. Nothing new in the movie , nothing great but still the movie keeps you entertained. Something like Manmohan Desai movies back in the 1970's. A couple of songs are nice, AR Rehman's music sounds , nothing like AR Rehman's music. The sets are good specially the glass set for a song.
Rajni struts his stuff and director Shankar aids him ably. Flipping coins and chewing gum in different ways, to imaginative action choreography and different looks for Rajni - its all thrown in at breakneck speed. And it works to an extent.
The female lead Shreya has nothing more to do than flutter her eyelashes and cry and be there compulsorily in the mandatory song sequences. She looks good enough though.
But after the movie - I could see one thing. Rajni has become old and that was most obvious in the dance and fight sequences. Special effects come to the rescue. Rajni has slowed down now, quite a bit. Age has caught up with him but he rocks.
His trade way of walking with a scowl on his face during a romantic song sequence had me in splits. Which again brought me to the question that the whole of India is debating - Is Rajni better and bigger than AB ?
As an actor - AB is leagues ahead of Rajni. As a style king , Rajni is leagues ahead of any actor in Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and Hollywood put togather.
All in all - it was a fun filled experience. And yes me not knowing Tamil, was not of any consequence. Thats the magic of movies.
Finally the movie starts. There quite a few non Tamil speaking people in the hall and thats surprising to me. As we watch Rajni do his antics , people are enjoying it in good spirits. The 1st half is a rom-com while the 2nd half is a revenge-action set. Nothing new in the movie , nothing great but still the movie keeps you entertained. Something like Manmohan Desai movies back in the 1970's. A couple of songs are nice, AR Rehman's music sounds , nothing like AR Rehman's music. The sets are good specially the glass set for a song.
Rajni struts his stuff and director Shankar aids him ably. Flipping coins and chewing gum in different ways, to imaginative action choreography and different looks for Rajni - its all thrown in at breakneck speed. And it works to an extent.
The female lead Shreya has nothing more to do than flutter her eyelashes and cry and be there compulsorily in the mandatory song sequences. She looks good enough though.
But after the movie - I could see one thing. Rajni has become old and that was most obvious in the dance and fight sequences. Special effects come to the rescue. Rajni has slowed down now, quite a bit. Age has caught up with him but he rocks.
His trade way of walking with a scowl on his face during a romantic song sequence had me in splits. Which again brought me to the question that the whole of India is debating - Is Rajni better and bigger than AB ?
As an actor - AB is leagues ahead of Rajni. As a style king , Rajni is leagues ahead of any actor in Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood and Hollywood put togather.
All in all - it was a fun filled experience. And yes me not knowing Tamil, was not of any consequence. Thats the magic of movies.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
My Bolt fell off !!
This happened on Sunday - 17th June 2007.
8 am - Me and my better half leave for Pune to attend a common friends engagement ceremony.
11 am - Reach Kondwa and attend the ceremony.
12 noon - Proceed for lunch at Mayur's.
1.15 pm - Take leave of the newly engaged couple and proceed towards the express highway. Soon i hit the Old Pune - Mumbai road and plan to get on to the expressway after Dehu Road.
As I near Pimpri, I run into traffic at a signal and I brake to slow down, down shift to 2nd and accelerate - it feels as if the car is struggling to get going. Also I hear clanging noises from the rear which obviously my better half cannot. As a precaution I stop and check from where the noise is coming, cannot pin point, so I continue ahead.
A little ahead, I again hit the brakes and slow down - down shift into 2nd and accelerate, the car is slowing down as if the brakes are not released. I stop at the side and check if the brake pedal is moving properly, it is. So I pull the handbrake and to my surprise its jammed. It wont come up. Now I get the heebie-jeebie. I can sense and am fully aware that something is seriously wrong here. So I start driving slowly and try not to apply brakes. Also keep hoping and praying that whatever the problem is, it sorts itself out.
I know it being a Sunday there are less chances of finding a garage open, forget finding a Skoda dealer open. Soon I spy a MUL garage and enter it, brake and stop. Try to enagage the hand brake - it doesnt , its jammed again. I quickly explain the situation to the mechanics who check out the wheels and the brakes but refuse to touch it as Skoda parts are difficult to get. Man this was getting more worse by the minute.
I pull out and start driving slowly - but just outside the Alfa Laval decanter factory the car simply refuses to move. Feels like the wheels are jammed. I park it at the side and 1st thing I call Adya. Explain the situation to him. He promises to get back to me with the help line number of a Skoda dealer who is close to where he stays. After 15 minutes he calls back saying that the dealer is shut but he is getting his mechanics along to have a look at my car. (God bless Adya and his 2 mechanics).
I wait and after a tense 30 minutes, I see Adya in his blue Opel Astra pull up. His 2 mechanics get to work. 1st thing they check is - the axle and if its dislodged ( Sam's problem with his Verna flash in front of my eyes ). Thankfully the axle's ok. Next they get a jack and wind up the rear left tyre and it does not move. Try the same with the right tyre and it moves freely. Seems like the left rear wheel is jammed. I am sweating.
Suddenly a friend of Adya's mechanic comes by and by luck he has the helpline number of a Skoda dealer. I thank God for sending him along and call up the number. Its unavailable. He gives me another number. I dial and wait - it rings (hurray), a few tense rings later someone at the other end says "hello" - after confirming that its a Skoda dealership number I explain the problem and tell him where I am stuck. He promises to get back in 5 minutes. Relief takes over me.
10 minutes - no call. 15 minutes no call. I dial - and its promptly disconnected. A bead of sweat comes down from my forehead onto my lip. After 5 minutes I again dial - he says 5 minutes Sir. I wait , tense and sweaty. Within 5 minutes, the phone rings startles me - Hello I say. Its the Skoda guy - Sir my man is on his way from Lonavala. he has left 30 minutes ago and will reach you in about 30 minutes.
The time is 4 pm.
40 minutes past 4 and no one has turned up. Sweat starts building again. I dial the number and its not picked up. The sweat starts in multiple streams. I get an sms - reaching in 5 minutes. Adya is keeping a nervous me and my mildly relaxed better half company all this while. Thank God.
Suddenly there is a tap on the window. Sir I am from Skoda. I tell you guys, that was the 1st time I actually realised what the word RELIEF means. Quickly I explain the problem and the guy starts working. Checks the brakes and wheels. And what does he find ?
The lower bolt on the rear brake calliper (right side) has fallen off.
The wheel is jammed as the calliper turns and jams itself. Finding that bolt from the open market is a problem too and to top it - the day was SUNDAY. I explain the situation and tell the guy that I had to reach Mumbai before mid-night. He says he will try but if he doesn't get the bolt, I will have to stay over or leave the car. Adya volunteers (God bless him) to take the mechanic to the local market to find the bolt. While they leave, I have my fingers crossed and pray, pray hard.
After 20 minutes - I call Adya and they are still searching for the bolt. I pray even harder. Meanwhile another guy from Skoda service turns up and I tell him that people are searching for the bolt.
I see Adya coming. He comes and parks. The mechanic jumps out and says they have got the bolt. I almost collapse in relief on hearing that. Adya has got about 7 different sizes of bolts (2 of each size). One size fits and its promptly tightened. The wheel is put back on and off we go for a trial. All fine. Take a trial for 5-7 kms - all seems fine. Come back. The mechanics note down my chasis number , VIN number , engine number , KMs reading and say that the bill will be couried to me. Break down charges are 650 Rs. I pay them the amount and tip them too. They leave.
The time is now 7 pm. I take leave of Adya after thanking him. Drive gingerly till I hit the toll booth not exceeding 60 kmph and keep braking just to make sure all is fine. After a loo break - I feel more relaxed and confident to push the car a bit. Had to reach home and drop off my better half too. Reach Mumbai at 9-30 pm. Finally.
Skoda service - Well all I can say is that I am impressed.
The car is running fine till now. Going to the Service station tomorrow and getting the OE bolts back on again.
And here again I would like to take the chance to thank Adya. Thank You Adya - I owe you one. Also would like to thank that angel of a guy who was carrying Skoda's helpline number with him. And also Adya's mechanics and Skoda service guys.
Also a big Thank You to TEAM-BHP.
If not for team-bhp, I would be stranded with no friends to fall back on.
The Mystery still remains - How did the Bolt fall off ??
8 am - Me and my better half leave for Pune to attend a common friends engagement ceremony.
11 am - Reach Kondwa and attend the ceremony.
12 noon - Proceed for lunch at Mayur's.
1.15 pm - Take leave of the newly engaged couple and proceed towards the express highway. Soon i hit the Old Pune - Mumbai road and plan to get on to the expressway after Dehu Road.
As I near Pimpri, I run into traffic at a signal and I brake to slow down, down shift to 2nd and accelerate - it feels as if the car is struggling to get going. Also I hear clanging noises from the rear which obviously my better half cannot. As a precaution I stop and check from where the noise is coming, cannot pin point, so I continue ahead.
A little ahead, I again hit the brakes and slow down - down shift into 2nd and accelerate, the car is slowing down as if the brakes are not released. I stop at the side and check if the brake pedal is moving properly, it is. So I pull the handbrake and to my surprise its jammed. It wont come up. Now I get the heebie-jeebie. I can sense and am fully aware that something is seriously wrong here. So I start driving slowly and try not to apply brakes. Also keep hoping and praying that whatever the problem is, it sorts itself out.
I know it being a Sunday there are less chances of finding a garage open, forget finding a Skoda dealer open. Soon I spy a MUL garage and enter it, brake and stop. Try to enagage the hand brake - it doesnt , its jammed again. I quickly explain the situation to the mechanics who check out the wheels and the brakes but refuse to touch it as Skoda parts are difficult to get. Man this was getting more worse by the minute.
I pull out and start driving slowly - but just outside the Alfa Laval decanter factory the car simply refuses to move. Feels like the wheels are jammed. I park it at the side and 1st thing I call Adya. Explain the situation to him. He promises to get back to me with the help line number of a Skoda dealer who is close to where he stays. After 15 minutes he calls back saying that the dealer is shut but he is getting his mechanics along to have a look at my car. (God bless Adya and his 2 mechanics).
I wait and after a tense 30 minutes, I see Adya in his blue Opel Astra pull up. His 2 mechanics get to work. 1st thing they check is - the axle and if its dislodged ( Sam's problem with his Verna flash in front of my eyes ). Thankfully the axle's ok. Next they get a jack and wind up the rear left tyre and it does not move. Try the same with the right tyre and it moves freely. Seems like the left rear wheel is jammed. I am sweating.
Suddenly a friend of Adya's mechanic comes by and by luck he has the helpline number of a Skoda dealer. I thank God for sending him along and call up the number. Its unavailable. He gives me another number. I dial and wait - it rings (hurray), a few tense rings later someone at the other end says "hello" - after confirming that its a Skoda dealership number I explain the problem and tell him where I am stuck. He promises to get back in 5 minutes. Relief takes over me.
10 minutes - no call. 15 minutes no call. I dial - and its promptly disconnected. A bead of sweat comes down from my forehead onto my lip. After 5 minutes I again dial - he says 5 minutes Sir. I wait , tense and sweaty. Within 5 minutes, the phone rings startles me - Hello I say. Its the Skoda guy - Sir my man is on his way from Lonavala. he has left 30 minutes ago and will reach you in about 30 minutes.
The time is 4 pm.
40 minutes past 4 and no one has turned up. Sweat starts building again. I dial the number and its not picked up. The sweat starts in multiple streams. I get an sms - reaching in 5 minutes. Adya is keeping a nervous me and my mildly relaxed better half company all this while. Thank God.
Suddenly there is a tap on the window. Sir I am from Skoda. I tell you guys, that was the 1st time I actually realised what the word RELIEF means. Quickly I explain the problem and the guy starts working. Checks the brakes and wheels. And what does he find ?
The lower bolt on the rear brake calliper (right side) has fallen off.
The wheel is jammed as the calliper turns and jams itself. Finding that bolt from the open market is a problem too and to top it - the day was SUNDAY. I explain the situation and tell the guy that I had to reach Mumbai before mid-night. He says he will try but if he doesn't get the bolt, I will have to stay over or leave the car. Adya volunteers (God bless him) to take the mechanic to the local market to find the bolt. While they leave, I have my fingers crossed and pray, pray hard.
After 20 minutes - I call Adya and they are still searching for the bolt. I pray even harder. Meanwhile another guy from Skoda service turns up and I tell him that people are searching for the bolt.
I see Adya coming. He comes and parks. The mechanic jumps out and says they have got the bolt. I almost collapse in relief on hearing that. Adya has got about 7 different sizes of bolts (2 of each size). One size fits and its promptly tightened. The wheel is put back on and off we go for a trial. All fine. Take a trial for 5-7 kms - all seems fine. Come back. The mechanics note down my chasis number , VIN number , engine number , KMs reading and say that the bill will be couried to me. Break down charges are 650 Rs. I pay them the amount and tip them too. They leave.
The time is now 7 pm. I take leave of Adya after thanking him. Drive gingerly till I hit the toll booth not exceeding 60 kmph and keep braking just to make sure all is fine. After a loo break - I feel more relaxed and confident to push the car a bit. Had to reach home and drop off my better half too. Reach Mumbai at 9-30 pm. Finally.
Skoda service - Well all I can say is that I am impressed.
The car is running fine till now. Going to the Service station tomorrow and getting the OE bolts back on again.
And here again I would like to take the chance to thank Adya. Thank You Adya - I owe you one. Also would like to thank that angel of a guy who was carrying Skoda's helpline number with him. And also Adya's mechanics and Skoda service guys.
Also a big Thank You to TEAM-BHP.
If not for team-bhp, I would be stranded with no friends to fall back on.The Mystery still remains - How did the Bolt fall off ??
Back
It's been a year, infact more than a year, that I last "blogged". The reasons are many and varied - some will be silly and some genuine but I have to admit, I am lazy (blame it on my star sign or is it sun sign?).
A friend of mine sent me a link to her blog and I promptly sent her a link to my blog (the big show off that I am) and wonder of wonders, she actually liked what she saw. Ok I agree there are only 2 posts but then quality can be seen immediately..hehe.
She says I write quite well, a statement I do not agree with. I just pen down what goes on in my mind without bothering too much about the language and grammar. Besides I feel if you write too properly, what you want to say doesn't come out the way you want it too.
So now I have decided to keep writing. And this is because of you friend. It gave me something to think and act upon. Thank you and if I someday win an award for writing, I will not be taking your name because I am thanking you right here. Thank you.
So lets go.....
A friend of mine sent me a link to her blog and I promptly sent her a link to my blog (the big show off that I am) and wonder of wonders, she actually liked what she saw. Ok I agree there are only 2 posts but then quality can be seen immediately..hehe.
She says I write quite well, a statement I do not agree with. I just pen down what goes on in my mind without bothering too much about the language and grammar. Besides I feel if you write too properly, what you want to say doesn't come out the way you want it too.
So now I have decided to keep writing. And this is because of you friend. It gave me something to think and act upon. Thank you and if I someday win an award for writing, I will not be taking your name because I am thanking you right here. Thank you.
So lets go.....
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