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.