Aaja Nachle "Castes" a Spell

So I watched Aaja Nachle, the film being touted as Madhuri's comeback film. Let me say it was a good movie going experience. The dances, Madhuri's look and acting were excellent. I felt that it could have had a little more comedy in the story line. I wanted to laugh, cry and be mesmerized in the same movie. Akshaye Khanna was a nice surprise and so was Irfan Khan. Of course Konkana Sen Sharma and Kunal Kapoor were excellent, I loved their part of the storyline. Konkana has never been this funny and non-serious. The last 30 minutes of the film were beautiful to watch. Everyone of course loved the title song - visually if not lyrically.

Some controversy hit the film and the government in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana banned Aaja Nachle on the release date of Friday, November 30th and asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to impose a countrywide clamp-down on the movie alleging its title song was "unconstitutional".

"Bazar mein machi hai maramar; bole mochi bhi khud ko sunhar" (There is so much chaos in the market that even a cobbler is calling himself a goldsmith) -- was the objectionable line of the title song. First of all let me go by explaining the song, it talks about how Madhuri's character loses her jewelry and the attraction the men of the town feel for her that they will go to any lengths to help her. Even say they specialize in a specific trade, that they don't. I didn't find anything offensive in the line. But some felt as if the line was saying that the mochis are a lower caste than sonnars. What I'm saying is, 'Does it really matter? When you are comparing two low castes what does it matter who is higher or who is lower." Yeah...I said it. Watch this be my last post.

Concerned by the ban and protests, director of the film Anil Mehta announced the "objectionable" line from the song would be deleted. Censor Board chairperson Sharmila Tagore, who cleared the film for release, stated, "We saw the words 'mochi' (cobbler) and 'sonar' (goldsmith) as people of a certain profession, not a caste. Urban Indians would not I'm sure be offended - but as they say India lives in centuries, so to that extent people in smaller towns may find it offensive, and we are sorry we overlooked that,"

When promotional videos of the film had been running for a very long time, why did the government decide to wait until the film's release to deem the lyrics unacceptable? Answer -- simply --- Haters!! Deep down inside the government of UP, Punjab and Haryana are Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, Kajol fans..

Top Albums/Songs of 2007

I think I quite enjoyed 2007 musically. My top three albums of all time are of course Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal and Saathiya. Nothing has yet changed this but here are some songs from this year that I will continue to listen to beyond 2007.

Top Albums/Songs of 2007

1) Namastey London (Kya Yehi Pyar Hai, Main Jahaan Rahoon, Viraaniya, etc)
2) Life in a Metro (In Dino, Alvida, O Meri Jaan)
3) Jab We Met (Aaoge Jab Tum, Mauja Mauja, Tum Se Hi, Yeh Ishq Hai)
4) Anwar (Mithoon: Maula Mere Maula, Javeda Zindagi)
5) Saawariya (Jab Se Tere Naina, Yoon Shabnami, Masha-Allah, Saawariya)

These were good as well. I want to say that Guru initially was in the top five but had to be moved to an Honorable Mention once I realized Jab We Met was that amazing.

Honorable Mentions:
Awarapan (To Phir Aao, Tera Mera Rishta), Delhii Heights (Tere Bin), Cheeni Kum (Jaane Do), Guru (Ay Hairathe, Terre Bina)

Saawariya vs Om Shanti Om

I went to go see Saawariya first (Friday), due to the fact I despise Shah Rukh. I must say I enjoyed the towel drop in Saawariya. Yeah I know what you are thinking..who didn't? The movie was visually and musically excellent. It was like a Broadway play, but the story was on the simple side, making the movie about a little less than two and half hours. After watching OSO, I appreciated Saawariya's length. Rani's role and acting were one of the best things in the movie. She made the movie better.

The next day I went to go see Om Shanti Om to a packed and lively audience. The audience as a whole made my movie-going experience awesome. I enjoyed the cheering, screaming and whistling. The cameos by 30 something stars made everyone excited and it was fun seeing who got the most cheers. Kajol with the most, then followed by Juhi. OSO was a good experience watching in the theater but wouldn't say the same if you watch the DVD at home. Also wouldn't say the same if you don't understand the ongoings of the Hindi film industry, the jokes just won't make sense. I watched the bits that made me crack up just go over my dad's head.

The whole Manoj Kumar episode in OSO has been heavily talked about with Manoj Kumar protesting his look alike getting beat up by the police. Could that be offensive? Hmmmm. Is OSO just full of offensive jokes? Most of them are. There's a whole bit where Om pretends to be a famous South Indian movie start shooting for the fictional film, "Mind It". I recently read a blog about how offensive it was to South Indians. "Rascalah"

What I found to be offensive was the 'Apahij Pyaar' bit. Though it had me cracking up. My humor is on the offensive side though. It has Om playing this handless, legless, deaf-mute who is in love with a girl who is getting married to another guy. I loved the scene where Om is at her wedding showering flowers at her with his mouth (since he is handless). LMAO!!! I understand that 'Apahij Pyaar' was to show that even if limitations are placed because of the storyline, anything can happen in an Indian film in a dream sequence, but did it need to make fun of the handicapped. The dream sequence has the 'Apahij' dancing to the song 'Dard-E-Disco' with a six-pack. The term 'Dard-E-Disco' coined by Farah Khan the director of the film was one of the most innovative terms I've heard in a long time. The best part of the movie was that, the cameos and Deepika Padukone. The worst part of the movie was as Variety magazine said in it's review of OSO, "the movie also requires considerable tolerance of the King's limited range." I kinda got tired of him after a while.

So after so many chapters about Om Shanti Om, which do I think is the better film Saawariya or Om Shanti Om?
Neither. I found neither lived up to expectation.

Tere Bin Saanu Sohniya

- New Song of the Moment -

I'll have to admit, I've heard it a while ago..but it didn't register for me until I heard Mussarat performing it on SaReGaMaPa Challenge 2007...eventhough he messed up with the lyrics. He sang it beautifully. No clue what all of the words mean (This is before I did a PhD on the song)..my Punjabi (or Five-Jabi) is seriously beyond lacking. Evenso, the words are utterly beautiful.

After listening to it a one-trillion-gazillion times and searchin' the net...this is what I have come up with..

Tere Bin
Music and Performed By Rabbi Shergill
Lyrics By Sanyukta Verma

Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera Ve Main Sare Ghumm Ke Vekhia Amrika , Roos, Malaysia Na Kittey Vi Koi Fark Si Har Kise Di Koi Shart Si Koi Mangda Mera Si Shama Koi Hunda Surat Te Fida Koi Mangda Meri Si Wafa Na Koi Mangda Merian Bala Tere Bin Hor Na Kise Mangni Merian Bala Tere Bin Hor Na Kise Karni Dhup Vich Chhan Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera	Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul Who'll endure my fickle temperament (nakhra) I have gone and seen it all America, Russia, Malaysia It didn't matter to anyone They all had some conditions Some asked for my time Some were fascinated with my face Some demanded my fidelity No one asked for my demons/flaws Besides you no one else could Ask for my flaws/demons Besides you, there isn't anyone with whom I could Create a shade under the sun Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul Who'll indulge me
Jiven Rukia Si Tun Zara Nahion Bhulna Main Sari Umar Jiven Akhia Si Akhan Chura "Rovenga Sanu Yad Kar" Hasia Si Main Hasa Ajeeb Par Tu Nahi Si Hasia Dil Vich Tera Jo Raaz Si Mainu Tu Kyon Ni Dasia Tere Bin Sanu Eh Raaz Kise Hor Nahion Dasna Tere Bin Peerh Da Ilaaj Kis Vaid Kolon Labhna Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera	The way you paused slightly I won't forget my entire life Looking away you said "You will weep remembering me" I Laughed a strange laugh But you didn't laugh The Secret that lay in your heart Why didn't you tell me? Besides you, this secret of your's I won't tell anyone Besides you, the cure to my ailment Which doctor could possess Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul...
Milia Si Ajj Mainu Tera Ik Patra Likhia Si Jis 'te Tun Shayr Varey Shah Da Parr Ke Si Osnu Hanjnu Ik Duliya Akhan 'ch Band Si Seh Raaz Ajj Khulia Ki Tere Bin Eh Mere Hanjnu Kise Hor Nahio Chumna Ki Tere Bin Eh Mere Hanjhu Mitti Vich Rulnha Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera) - 5	Today I found A Letter of Your's In which you've Scribbled A Couplet of Varis Shah Upon Reading it Fell a teardrop That was trapped in my eyes All the secrets were revealed today That besides you, these tears of mine Won't be kissed away by no one else That besides you, these tears of mine Will wither away into the dust Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul...

Best Quotes

The 'British Raj' Influence

The British Raj left many marks upon India and Indians. One of which is the English language, which has become one of the countries official languages. The language has so become intertwined with the daily language --that you can't tell what are Indian words and what are British words.

My study of the Influence in our language started when I was reading the book, A Passage to India, in high school. I learnt of words that could possibly be of British origin that I thought were Indian. Like the word, tiffin -- who knew that the container we refer to as a tiffin, originated from the Brits.

Lets take the food item, "Ragda Petis" or "Ragda Patties" as I have recently realized it could possibly be hinting to. I am simply amazed that the thing I call Petis, could be referring to a Patties.

Like the word "jungle" which originate from the Hindi word, 'jangal', which means a rough, waterless place. I recently heard the word jungle being used in a bhajan and thought that they started to use English words, when I checked dictionary.com and realized that the word I thought was English was actually of Indian origin.

Another word/phrase I theorized about recently was "phoot", which is slang in Gujarati and it means "to get out of here". When I said phoot, I thought of my foot and how the British were probably telling the Indians "phoot", meaning to get out. Possibly starting a slang term, that is still being used by me. Amazing. Or I just have a lot of time on my hands to wonder.

Update (12/31): The word "punch" orignates from "paanch" meaning five, the number of ingredients in the drink, punch.

New Song of the Moment

The song from Life in a..Metro, 'In Dino, Dil Mera' (Singer: Soham) has just become the new song of the moment. This is going to be the next film with Shilpa Shetty post Big Brother that I am really looking forward to. The movie looks slick, with a bunch of storylines (as I always like) and is produced by UTV Motion Pictures (I really like them).

Here are the lyrics...
(In dino, dil mera, mujhse hai keh raha
tu khaab saja, tu ji le jara
hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi mohabbat - 2) - 2

(berang si hai badi zindagi kuchh rang to bharoon
main apani tanahaayi ke vaaste ab kuchh toh karoon) - 2
jab mile thodi fursat - 2, mujhse karle mohabbat
hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi mohabbat

(usako chhupaakar main sabse kabhi le chaloon kahin door...
aankhon ke pyaalon kse pita rahoon usake chehre ka noor) - 2
iss zamaane se chhupakar - 2, puri karloon main hasrat
hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi mohabbat - 2
in dino, dil mera, mujhse hai keh raha
tu khaab saja, tu ji le jara
hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi mohabbat - 2

Kamdev, the desi cupid

Valentines Day has become too commercial in every country it exists in, including India and the U.S. In India, it is also a reason for protests. Something they both agree on…(In 2006), hard-line Hindu groups and radical Muslims burned Valentine's Day greeting cards and held protests across India against celebrating the festival of love, saying it was a Western import that spread immorality. So the hardliners have started protesting already.

On the other hand, Indian firms export a record 100 million stems of roses this year, which is worth $ 80 billion. D Damas, a jewelry company, is having Valentine’s specials.

In my opinion, Valentine’s Day lacks any essence of sanctity for any religion but commercialism. Even so, I bought myself a bag of Lindt chocolates. I figures “it’s all about loving yourself.” So I took that from Karan Johar.


"When Indians do something they tend to overdo it." Valentine's Day is fuel that gives the local gundas the power to bug the women in the neighborhood. If only the hardliners were out there detering these type of crimes instead of trying to stop those celebrating Valentine's day in a peaceful manner.

Eklavya - The Royal Guard

The Vidhu Vinod Chopra film releases this Friday, February 16, 2007. I am attending the Washington DC premiere.

Although I cannot find any information, the film's music has not been released. Evenso, they keep showing "Chanda Re" on the television. It's a beatiful song composed by music director, Shantanu Moitra.

Something about Chopra making the film on his own terms and the music not being released for this film, I'm guessing. When I say I can't find anything about the music anywhere, I mean anywhere.

Amitabh Bachchan (1.5 years ago) said in his interview in Koffee with Karan, that at his age, it is hard to get film centered around him. Since Indian films always have a younger lead actor and actress. So I guess, he gets his chance in Eklavya (besides Black that is). The usual Vidhu Vinod Chopra actors are within the movie, Jackie Shroff, Saif Ali Khan, Sunjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Raima Sen, Boman Irani, and Jimmy Shergill. The only person that seems to be missing is Dia Mirza. Maybe she has a special appearance I don't know about.

I did not go to see Salaam-E-Ishq, but will venture out for this one. It looks like its going to be an entertainer. I must add VVC to the list of directors, I really really like. Already on the list: Raj Kumar Santoshi, Mahesh Bhatt, Nagesh Kukunoor, VVC

New PayPal Promotion

I guess this is PayPal's answer to the Google Checkout promotion. If you use PayPal to pay for $30 or more purchase they will credit your PayPal account with $15.

$15 off $30 purchase using PayPal

Registration. You must first register for this offer on http://paypal.promotionexpert.com/greatshopping/signup/index.html using your PayPal account's primary email address.

Single Purchase. Once registered for this offer, you must use your PayPal account to spend at least $30.00 USD or $34.50 CAD on a single purchase on an eligible website.

Eligible Website. You must make a purchase on www.eBay.com, www.eBay.ca or any United States or Canadian website that accepts PayPal. Purchases on www.eBay.com and www.eBay.ca must be made through the eBay checkout flow via the eBay website and must not be made through the PayPal Send Money tab.

Promotion Period. Purchases must be made between February 8, 2007 12:01 AM PST and March 31, 2007 11:59 PM PST.

Excluded Transactions. The following transactions are excluded from this offer: Send Money transactions, payments to Personal Accounts, eBay payments made to Personal Accounts, donations, PayPal Mobile transactions, payments for services, Virtual Debit Card payments, PayPal ATM/ Debit Card payments, payments made when you are not logged into your PayPal account, and PayPal Plus Credit Card payments not made through your PayPal account.

Rebate Payment. The $15.00 USD rebate will be deposited into your PayPal account by May 28, 2007. If you made your purchase in Canadian Dollars you will receive the Canadian Dollar equivalent of $15.00 USD at the day of the rebate payment.

Limitations. Limit one registration and one $15.00 USD rebate per PayPal Account. Offer available for a limited time. Offer is limited to PayPal users in the United States and Canada. PayPal account must be in good standing prior to and throughout the offer period to qualify.

Ads Vying for the Indian Spending Power

With nearly $254 billion in annual buying power, Asian Americans are a powerful force in the U.S. consumer market. Over the past decade, their spending power has increased 125%, from $118 billion in 1990 to $253 billion in 2001. Over the same time period, the buying power for the U.S. as a whole increased by only 71%.

Source

This is probably why I'm seeing a lot of Ads being geared towards the Desi viewer lately.

Before the K-Fed Superbowl ads, Nationwide Insurance had the South-Asian centric ads on Desi Channels...these are my favorites (meaning there are more).
My Fav: Uncle Ko Bye Bolo


Others-
Mirror Mirror On the Wall

Hi, Cutie, Hello, Beauty

Nationwide isn't the first, but they are better to watch than the ones I've seen done before by New York Life Insurance, Wal-Mart, or others.

Facts and Figures
More Asian-Indian Americans (58%) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, versus all Asian Americans (47%) and the U.S. population (27%).

The Honeymoon Chronicles

2007 will see the release of two "Honeymoon" films..one is Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (HTPL) and the other is called Just Married.
Just Married is directed by Meghna Gulzar (Filhaal) and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications (Pyar Ke Side Effects).

They will be released a week apart from each other, if dates stay the same. Both are about a bunch of couples going on their honeymoon together. Both seem to have an older couple within a group. HTPL seems like an ensemble whereas Just Married seems to have a lead pair, Fardeen Khan and Esha Deol.

Remember when there were two movies about Bagat Singh releasing at the same time. One was with Ajay Devgan and the other was with Bobby Deol. The Ajay Devgan was a lot better and it was directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi. I guess I might be biased I think Ajay Devgan is a more powerful actor than Bobby.

My pick and why?
HTPL! I like the whole ensemble thing. I like how no one seems to be taking the limelight. Well Just Married is produced by PNC but still I'm going for HTPL. HTPL has a bunch of actors I would love to watch Dia Mirza, Sandhya Mridul, Ranvir Shorey, Amisha Patel, Kay Kay Menon. I'm no big fan of Fardeen Khan and I have a feeling he is going to ruin the movie-going experience for me.

Best Quotes of my Life

Update: "Some guys are confused with the entry and exit signs" - CJ Sheth and his comments on homosexuality.

I'm in class when a female classmate is about to chew sugar-free gum, when another male classmates tells her how Saccharin is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. To this, the female classmate retorts, "Well, they shouldn't be testing on animals anyways."

On the discovery that Jains make up less than 2% of Indians, one of my friends states to our Jain friend, "There are more ants in India than Jains."

My cousin, Priyanki, on how much a girl's looks has changed, "Her hair used to be curly as pubic hair." There are no words to speak as to how stupidly funny this has to be.

One of my friends, Vishal, explains why another friend, who is married, is doing Gauri Vrat, which is done by unmarried woman to get a good husband, "for the next one." (second husband)

Commenting on Friendster turning off the ability of people to know when you have viewed their profile, Vishal explains why he left his on, "I want people to know I'm viewing them."

During our 'Tabboo' tournament, the 'hidden' word was "Allowance" and the clue given was. "What American kids got that we (Indian or Desis if you will) didn't get?" To this Vivek shouts, "Disease!" What was he thinking??!!

Best Quotes from Celebrity Big Brother 2007

Jermaine on Jackiey and her musical bottom, as it made music all night long - "Oh my God. I've been inhaling someone's ass."

"They're saying I pronounce Dirk's name as duck," giggled Shilpa, "Duck Benedict. It sounds like a dish."

Dirk on Jackiey's farting: "Don't strike a match, we'll all blow up"

In response to Donny's "You're Dirk F*****' Benedict", Dirk says: "I rarely use my middle name"

On seeing Ken's package, Danielle informs everyone, "I've just seen Ken's meat and two vege."

"I can't understand your name," Jackie protested, but a frustrated Shilpa shot back: "It's Shilpa. It's not a sentence, it's a fricking name."

Carole postulated, "Her [Jackiey's] talking is, I suspect, worse than the farting."


Outside of the House
UK Chancellor Gordon Brown: "I want Britain to be seen as a country of fairness and tolerance. Anything detracting from this I condemn."

Indian Minister for External Affairs Anand Sharma: ''It has caused indignation, it is most unfortunate, and any kind of racism - or racist slur - is unacceptable in any civilised society.''

aishwarya vs shilpa, when it comes to being an International Brand Name

Both have somewhat of a popularity outside of India and Indians..but who would become more popular. Not that the world has to choose between the two, but who would it be?

Shilps Wins all the way!!

Why, you ask?
I think its way more important to be likeable. That's where popularity comes in.
Remember, when Aish said, "..its also common in India that we don't have to take appointments.." to have dinner with the family. Thats when she was out publicizing her film, Bride and Prejudice. In my opinion, when you are selling something you show you have similar interests as the other person, not show how you perceive yourself to be different. Shilpa on the other hand, "I don't want people here feeling they welcomed an Indian here and she created so much trouble. I want to thank the whole of Great Britain for giving me this fantastic opportunity to make my whole country proud." It's all about selling, and Shilpa sells it well. Looking back on her career, I would say she has kept it going by selling herself and image; she's done it really well.

But, Aish has more Hollywood movies!
Yeah, but who watched them. The biggest mistake made by Bride and Prejudice was when it didn't do well in Britain, they moved the release date in the U.S. The new date was the same day the Will Smith movie was coming out. Who releases a movie the same day a Will Smith movie is coming, someone not hoping their movie is going to do well..thats who. Despite doing more Hollywood films, they are on the same level I think.

Don't know about Aish, but Shilpa actually has a non-Indian publicist and agent that should do her some good. I guess I won't answer any more questions about this and just wait and see.

Shilpa emerges winner - shocked anyone?

Shilpa owes this Celebrity Big Brother first place and an extra £100,000 (the prize money) to Jade and her big mouth.

Giver her some cake!
I have read and heard many places that things that await Shilpa after CBB5 is now over:
1) £100,000 pounds that she got, not to mention the £350,000 she got for participating in Big Brother.
2) A Hollywood film by Fox pictures
3) A book deal, endorsements for clothes, cosmetics and jewellery.
4) A television documentary
5) Hosting a cricket reality show and an awards ceremony.
6) £100,000 for an exclusive interview to the tabloid Sun.

What does it take?
The cynicism doesn't stop at Bollywood, if there is no need to kiss your a$$.

"Her film career is certainly not looking up just because she has been in the news",

says Komal Nahta, a Hindi film analyst. I've seen this guy on TV, he's an okay film critic...loving the usual and hating the different.

Some other Film critic nut, Indu Mirani, didn't find protest and burning of effigies ample enough. She thought had there been a more bigger star there would have been more protests. Yes, thats what Indian needs more protests...!!!

The biggest thing Shilpa had going for prior to Big Brother..people knew her in India or Indian in general wherever they were. You can't say that for everyone with Filmdom running through their veins like say Fardeen Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sanjay Kapoor, or even Akshaye Khanna (to a certain extent). For someone that doesn't come from a filmy backround or has been a Miss something or other, she managed to do very well with getting roles and endorsements.

If you were to put someone from the A-list, they would've managed so well..like Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Priyanki Chopra, or Aish. Bottom line, you have to be likeable or eventually become likeable, and that is a hard trait.

Those that say

"Big Brother has no influence or control on Bollywood"

, well I can only say that there was a time when a British television caused so much uproar that it was shown on ABC News in the U.S., and talked about by the World. Also, someone (Shilpa) who wasn't even well known outside of India, was #2 on the Yahoo! Most searched and became the winner of CBB5 capturing 67% of the votes. Thats a lot of votes to win by. I think Shilpa will have the last laugh.

What if... I was the Greatest Lyricist of All Time

My cube-mate and I both have headphones on. God only knows what he is listening to, but I thankfully am not performing an auscultation of the voices in my head. That I'll leave to another What if... I am grooving to "Aa Bhi Ja" with Lucky Ali and Sunidhi Chauhan. A remarkable song with above-satisfactory lyrics. These are one of the many soothing units of the lexicon put together into a full ballad that I have encountered, but not the most touching.

What if I was a lyricist and I were to put together the most majestically awe-inspiring set of lyrics? Of course, I require a Ganpati to be my scribe and I take on my new role of Vyas dictating my composition, as the emotion and words spew out of me. I start off with a heart-strings pulling line, "Shree Vallabh nakha-chandra chata bina, Saaba jaaga mahi ju andhero". (Without the moon beams shining from the toe-nails of Shree Vallabacharya, I only see darkness in this ignorance-ridden world.) I carry forward with another emotion evoking statement, "Saadhun aur nahi aa kali-mai, Jaso hawte nevero". (In this terrible age of Kali (Kalyug – Dark age), I see no other way to save myself.) Seeing that the first two lines require a sufficient title line, I spit out, "Dhrada inna charanane kero bharoso". (I take refuge at the feet of Shree Vallabhacharya, for I have absolute faith in him and him alone.) It indeed becomes my first line and title of the poem song.

Realistically Dhrada inna charanan was written by Surdas, his very last poem, after countless songs of Krishna, but what if I could muster up some passion onto paper and write something as magnificent. Had I written it of course, I would have croaked at the last word, but reached salvation.

What if...Sheel Does Bollywood

As I sit here in my cubicle, which I share with another coworker, masquerading as a diligent employee, staring at the corner time display of my computer screen, which is still showing 2:46 PM, I am left to ponder what if I hadn't taken the plunge into the overwhelming thrill ride that is Information Technology. What would I have done? Could I have been an Indian film Star..or at least a C-list "altu-phaltu" (nobody)? Hey, a girl can dream can't see, and so this one does...

I abscond from this constant state of lethargy known as work and land on a couch of a room in the Port of Bombay now called Mumbai. I look around the room as the door across the couch opens up and in comes a 40-something man who seems to be inebriated. He plops down on the couch uncomfortably close to me and he says, "Thanks for coming to my Madh Island bungalow, 'Ruchi', I wanted to get to know your "acting" skills on a more personal level." Looking outside the window at the dark of night, I know for a fact that he is not going to ask me to sing bhajans to him. Before I could say, "Ruchi who?", he places his arm around me. I immediately freeze up, not saying anything, while debates go off in my head. What am I doing?, so can I get a role out of it?? Unbeknownst to me, the glimmer of character that I didn't know to exist burst out of nowhere and I pushed him off and sprang out the door.

My daydreams truly suck with negativity oozing out of every bubble. Most people fantasize of super-stardom and here I am imagining obscurity. Ah well, I'm back at work its January 2007 and I still have a December 2006 calendar on my wall. Looking at my lackluster cubicle, I'm already looking forward to my next What if....

Vishwa Hindu Parishad stall alleged conversion proceedings by Christian missionaries in UP

About 30 Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal activists disrupted a meeting conducted by Christian missionaries accusing them of attempting religious conversion on January 21st. The Christian attendees allege there was no conversion going on.

Right to Congregate
The Christian group had a right to meet and I strongly believe that violence is not the answer, when dealing with missionaries and converts. There was no apparent violence involved with this incident. However the meeting was disrupted by the two groups.

Having written the above, I must state the point of the blog, which is that the conversion tactics used by these Christian missionaries are despicable. Promising jobs, food, shelter in return for someone soul is inhumane. It's like they get bonus points for every person they are able to convert. They seriously need to be stopped! And it's not like becoming Christian helps the people out, they are faced with the same poverty.

Ding Dong the Witch is Gone!

Big Brother Third Eviction and Racism Questions Answered...
Jade Goody was evicted! Things appear to be much more calm now that she's gone.

Was it racism? I shied away from this question, but I, thanks to YouTube, was able to watch the many of the Celebrity Big Brother V episodes and of sound mind have been able to come up with the conclusion that there was racism involved.

Goody calls Shilpa "Poppadom", its quite similar to someone calling any other made-up slur. Goody goes on to say, she did use a racist term but it wasn't meant in a racist way. (I'll have to note this defense strategy for the future, just in case.) Danielle Lloyd she did cross a line when she said, 'do Indians eat with their hands or is that the Chinese.' So she's looking for a reason to be racist. "Indian people are skinny because they eat undercooked food." If that isn't racist I don't know what is. It seems Shilpa is being gracious and dignified, being nice to those that have shown her immense cruelty. I'm not a big fan or a small one, but I know it takes a lot of strength to do something like that and she should be admired.

After viewing and reviewing the clips, Jade had a serious case of missing a couple doses of Prozacs. She goes off like she's in serious need of Anger Managment classes.

Now I only hope the racism issue dies down, because I'm tired of hearing it. That's why I am writing about. :) I only hope Jade stops trying to be in the limelight over this.

Big Brother

Shilpa Shetty, Indian Actress, is on UK's Big Brother. Why is this all over the world and in America, when its a British television show?? Because its sparked controversy that alarmed two governments and the world's newspapers. Jade Goody, previous "regular" Big Brother contestant on the Celebrity Big Brother with Shilpa, and gang called Shilpa a "dog", "Poppadom", etc.

I'm not concerned with the idea if there is racism involved...I don't know enough to decide that. What exists is a posse and posse with the ability to bully! I mean you have a Jade Goody with her mom and boyfriend on the show...who needs to go out and take time to build connections and alliances..you got a full fledged gang ready to find prey.

As a result of all this ruckus: A UK media watch dog has received close to 40,000 complaints about this show, UK Police have launched an inquiry into allegations of racism, UK Chancellor Gordon Brown has been hounded by questions about Shilpa and racism in UK while he is visiting India, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair had to answer questions about his views on racism, people of Shilpa Shetty fan club have burnt and effigy of the show's producers in protest, one of the sponsors of the show (The Carphone Warehouse) has dropped off, Fragrance chain The Perfume Shop announced they are to withdraw Jade Goody's brand of perfume, Motorcycle insurance firm Bennetts terminated its six-figure agreement with Danielle Lloyd to be the spokes model for their company and the ratings for Big Brother have gone through the roof.

Keep in mind if Jade was in America, she'd be called Trailer Trash..if I could describe her in one sentence...she's the daughter of a Lesbian who had a child, Jade, with a Crack addict who died of a drug overdose....who will they put on a celebrity show?

Since all this has happened Goody has apologized about what she said and another member of the Goody posse has acknowledged to Shilpa that she succumbed to Goody's level because a lack of direction on her part.

Neither Goody nor Shilpa knows the extent to which the world has gone beserk about their little argument. Both have been voted by their housemates to be one of the next to be kicked out of the house. So one of them will know tonight, January 19th, the absurdity that be them.

Of course, one must keep in mind that this show is just that, a show. It gets people together and gets them to act all crazy for ratings.

Just for the sake of adding this...I find it really funny when people go to Mahesh Bhatt to comment on something that is going on with the world.. ( I love the guy, but they always go to him for comments) and he does have something good to say, so I thought I would put it in my blog.. When asked about this situation Mahesh Bhatt said that, 'the "mask has finally come off from what otherwise is seen to be an evolved society.

Underappreciated Films

After I wrote about the worst Indian movies..I thought I would write about those that were underappreciated...

Movies that should have been more popular...

Iqbal (2005): I believe this movie was a critic's favorite, but it just flopped. In my mind, it shouldn't have flopped. I can't get enough of Nagesh Kukunoor and Iqbal.

Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar (2001): What an unbelievably funny movie! I think people will watch this one over and over on DVD/TV but just refused to go to the theater to see it.

Muskurahat (1992) : I watched this movie and I really liked it. I came across it years later and thought I've never heard of it..and watched it again..I fell in love with it over again. Of course, it is a Priyadarshan film so its gotta be funny!

Khel (1991) (Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit): It was a good film that flopped. I found the following on BollyCat (http://www.bollycat.com/movies/khel)
So its a copy...but the film was interesting.

Rules: Pyar Ka Superhit Formula (2003): I love how some characters you think having nothing to do with the plot are introduced and each of them get weaved into the storyline leaving no loose ends behind. This movie was a hit, however whenever I mention this film no one knows about it. Leaving me to believe it is underappreciated. Milin Soman is so hot and Meera Vasudevan makes me wish I were her.

Khakee (2004): This was another great film by Raj Kumar Santoshi...that was so had a box office of just result of just Average (Box Office India) The storyline was gripping, the climax was intense and the ending was simply satisfying. There was many many memorable scenes in between. It had it all. Akhshay Kumar was funny, Aishwariya was sharp, Ajay Devgan was good - bad cop goonda, and get this Tusshar Kapoor was tolerable.

Lajja (2001): One word- Awesome! Of course it flopped. This was a multi-starter..unlike Jaani Dushman (also a Manisha starer)..so incredible to watch. It's the story of how Manisha Koirala witnesses the plight of Indian women in different parts of the country as she tries to escape her husband. Some incredible lines delivered by Madhuri Dixit, Mahima Chaudary, and Anil Kapoor. All three of them and Manisha's act really well in the movie. I've fallen in love with Raj Kumar Santoshi films..this movies story comes from a newspaper article that RKS read about a women named Raamdulari being burnt alive.

Teen Deewarein (2003) Nagesh Kukunoor is one of my favorite directors..I just wish he had the popularity of Karan Johar, since he has more talent than that guy has popularity.

Kaun! (1998) Ram Gopal Verma directs this incredible film with - can you believe - only three actors. Brilliant performances all across - Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpai.

House Full - Or not so full...Really Bad Hindi Films

janasheen

WORST INDIAN MOVIES EVER MADE
..that I've seen. Yes, the worst that I've seen, it will not include movies such as Paisa Vasool, Trimurti, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Sandwich (includes all Govinda movies), Khushi, Boom, Love at Time Square, Neal 'N' Nikki, Gajagamini, the Dev Anand directed movies, etc. I guess I didn't fall for those movies...but nonetheless I have fallen..and pretty bad..

I believe this is one of the most popular blog topics for Indian movie watchers - The top ten worst Hindi movies you have ever seen..and this is my version. Had I the strength to see the above mentioned movies, the below list would change a little..but here it is...

10) Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006): KANK as they call it. What is worst Shah Rukh Khan's over acting and arrogance or Sam, Amitabh Bachchan's male whore of a character in the film? I'd say Shah Rukh wins that one. He's usually over the top and I guess his fans love him like that. I usually can't tolerate him but even other people I was watching the movie with were losing their patience with him. The eternal looming question inside me--why do you guys like Shah Rukh? Anyways, the movie is about how two ex-spouses get two cheaters together and wishing them nothing but the best. Huh?

9) Hum Aapke Hai Kaun...! (1994): I believe HAHK started the whole acronym thing...as annoying as it is. It's one more reason to hate the movie. Don't get me wrong...as I watched this movie for the first time--like everyone else I loved it. I started hating the movie around the thirty-sixth time I watched it. The movie has a great soundtrack, but can we just kill the movie and call it a day? Then they made Hum Sath Sath Hain which is HAHK Part II. Was that really necessary?? Like do we really need non-realistic films about ideal subjects like living as a big happy family in a big house...how about living like a big happy family in a very small house and getting smaller by the day as more more family members come out of no where -- now there's a challenge!

8) Khel (2003): Ajay Jadeja - Just 'cause the whole cricketing thing didn't work out - no need to go into acting.

7) Ram Jane (1995): Lately, whenever I see Shah Rukh Khan at award shows (where else do you think I see him) and other places he seems so full of himself (King Khan)...someone should make him sit through this one!! Ram Jane is his name in the film...The orphan kid, Shah Rukh, goes to a Sadhubawa and asks, "What is my name?" The Sadhu replies, "Ram Jane (As in God only knows)" The dumb kid actually thinks that is his name and thats what he is called from that point on. This movie should be called...the movie where Vivek Mushran is a better actor than Shah Rukh.

6) Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003): A really bad remake of an orignal which they completely dissected and ruined. Hritik should get an award for the Best Actor - One which Obliterates the enjoyment of a Moviegoer. One of my cousin's had a very apt theory,that acting as a Mentally Challenged person in Koi Mil Gaya made Hritik perform like a neurotic person in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (this movie seriously cries for an acronym).

5) Veer Zara (2003): One thing I always say about this movie is that its a Punjabi film pertending to be a Hindi film. Imagine this, the day after Diwali when the majority of Gujaratis are celebrating the new year's with Ankoot at the temple...going to the theater after the Mandir to watch a Hindi movie that turns out to be entirely in Punjabi. I feel sorry for those illiterate Guju bastards that couldn't read the subtitles fast enough...haha. Oh yeah and Shah Rukh's speech at the end sucked like I don't know what...those of you who liked it..stop pretending! The courtroom scene was lacking and so was Anupam Kher. I believe Paresh Rawal was ten times better in the courtroom scene in Aitraaz. Veer says to Zara..after she decribes her country..your country reminds me of my country...Nah Duh! It belonged to India...like yesterday!!!

4) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Ghum (2003): I love how they just stuff the song Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, whenever they feel like it...it complete wrecks any mood the director, Karan Johar, is trying to establish. The only redeeming thing within this movie was Kajol...who saved me from getting up and out of my seat and smacking Shah Rukh in the face. Kareena needed to be slapped as well. Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham...Na Jooda Honge Hum... (I thought I'd stick it in...)

3) Mohabbatein (2000): Any movie that is this close to my Numero Uno worst movie has got to be bad. I have to say this -the best thing about this movie -- Jugal Hansraj is too cute. Back to the point, it's so contradicting...the movie is supposed to be a family oriented film, then why does it have so many half-nacked girls.. Could the relationship between Amitabh Bachchan and his daughter, Aishwariya Rai, be any bad...that she has to kill herself because she fell in love with some guy... They just weren't able to show why AB had a big problem with Love...Why am I trying to find reason in such a nonsensical film?

2) Janasheen (2004): What's worst Fardeen Khan in Speedo bikini shorts or Celina Jaitley in a bikini while she plays the violin??? It's a toss up. All those Urdu words used to decribe Fardeen Khan by Feroz Khan's character, were they really necessary? I know Feroz Khan won't understand, but there is nothing so special in Fardeen Khan and he just doesn't get this..


1) Jaani Dushman - Ek Anokhi Prem Kahani (2002): This happens to be THE WORST movie ever made. Sheer 'Bakvaas'. Their is no other way to put it. Filled with a great amount of "star" power - Manisha Koirala, Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Sharad Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Armaan Kohli(not really star power). What were these people thinking???
It's a remake of the orignal, which supposedly was a hit. The Director till date can't figure out why the remake didn't work as the orginal had.. My guess..people aren't big on rape scenes anymore...not to mention crappy story lines with Nags and Nagins...

New Task Planner

This task planner is very efficient. It was on davidseah.com and its called a Emergent Task Planner. It has a section where you write big important tasks of the day and big section where you can write down what you plan to do tomorrow.

Here's the link: http://davidseah.net/pceo/etp/PCEO-ETP01-Standard.pdf

Here's an example of the usage: http://davidseah.com/static/etp/etp2007.htm
click on the picture

Episode 1.1 - The One with the Old Man at Panera and Arranged Marriages

Episodes: Those moments in my life that basically only happen to me.

Setting: I'm at Panera; its a late lunch (about 2 PM). Around the same time that I arrive there an elderly gentlemen (Mister) comes in as well. I'm polite, I tell him he can go before me. He tells me he's a retired teacher so I can go first because I look like I have go back to work. I accept his offer. Later, him and I are both waiting to get our food, and we chit chat some more. He asks me where my ancestry is from I let him know it's India.

Mister: You know I never quite understood how "those" people have 'arranged' marriages. Do they still have those?
Me: Yes, they still exist and I can understand arranged marriages. I cannot, however, understand divorces or children out of wedlock or disease or famine or poverty. Arranged marriages not so harsh or hard. I like men. My parents introducing me to men..that has to be a bonus. Granted not all are hot, but some are cute. Honestly, men don't look good unless they are in a relationship and their 'significant other' dresses them better. So in conclusion, there are a lot worst things than arranged marriages.

"Saved"

There are many times I feel like god isn't on my side. If only he had protected me or sheided me from that speeding ticket, or the public speaking (since people fear public speaking more than death), etc. I guess many of us feel this way from time to time. I recently had an experience where I felt that he had my back and would like to take a moment to note it down. So that the next time I feel like he isn't there for me, I remember this moment. Also, I hope I realize that whatever I'm going through at the moment is something that I need to go through.

I hope that whoever reads this will note it down whenever they feel as if they've been "saved" for a later time when we weren't.