Last week, was my first mission towards exploring the culinary skills of mine. Being a lazy bachelor, thought of trying Oats. Bad choice!? Phew…I have never eaten it before. I would have just added Oats with milk and would have tried that. But a thought provoked when I just saw this recipe of making Oats Upma on the cover.
I just blindly followed the instructions given there and I was at the final stage. The Oats Upma was about to get prepared. I just closed the pan with a lid and was waiting for a few minutes to get it cooked. My alter ego was appreciating the way I had started cooking. What a start! It was like inventing a new dish as if the whole world has never heard of. Silly! 3 minutes over, I was back to the cooking world. I had opened the lid to see my product. It was like waiting for the results. Did I get an arrear or cleared off?
I don’t know what should I comment now, Shocked at the first look of my product, was re-looking the recipe. The outcome was kind of a “hygienic gum”. No words to speak or rather I am mute when I tasted it…so sticky!
Mission Success, Launch failed!
Crazy moments!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Eemini..Eemini…I am missing you!
I miss you..miss you da !
Ennai vittu pogadhey!
Ishtam neeyada,
Yeakkathil thalladhey !
This song from “Sakkarakkati” drives me crazy. Wow! What a start from Chinmayi.
Eemini..Eemini..! The metallic tone of hers just melts one’s heart. The main song is sung by another singer (not familiar with the name). It’s surely a different composition from the Mozart of Madras. Its so fresh and young that I am able to feel the theme of the song even without the visuals. Especially the humming interludes with “I am missing you” are very expressively rendered by the singers, which makes me to hear the song repeatedly. I hope the visuals keep up the expectation levels!
Monday, September 8, 2008
In the name of God...
Two weeks back a couple of groups knocked each one’s door in my street. They claimed to be the residents of my area and they wanted to celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi. No surprises! It was the usual collection they ask for, every year. Are they theists..(?). Why are they keen in celebrating this festival in the roads? If they are interested, why not spend their money? Why ask me? I am not an atheist, but I was not interested to aid them either.
The day came, the Ganesha procession was being held in the streets of my area! One of the guys was getting liquor from a shop in the corner of my street and was dancing before the idol.
The day came, the Ganesha procession was being held in the streets of my area! One of the guys was getting liquor from a shop in the corner of my street and was dancing before the idol.
I wondered...Why is all these? In the name of God…
Monday, September 1, 2008
Dhaam Dhoom - Only once!
Amidst the continuous rain in Bangalore, I went and watched the matinee show of this movie on Saturday. This is cinematographer turned director Jeeva’s last movie. I liked his Ullam Ketkume and Unnale Unnale and that had driven me to watch this movie. If it was romance in his earlier movies, it is a action thriller in this movie. The movie is about how an Indian doctor on a visit to Russia for a conference, a week before his marriage, gets trapped in a murder case and how he escapes to prove his innocence in the murder case.
The movie is a mixture of romance and action. And it is not the conventional Tamil action movie where in the hero hits ten to twenty people. It is one of the occasional action sequels in Tamil cinema, in which the hero is being chased by the Russian police force and how he esacpes from them and solves the murder case. Probably director Jeeva would have been influenced by the “The Bourne Trilogy” series and wanted to treat the Tamil audience in a similar way. Certain chase sequences in this movie had similarities with the English flick. Even one of the back ground scores reminds the background score of the Bourne Series.
The movie is a mixture of romance and action. And it is not the conventional Tamil action movie where in the hero hits ten to twenty people. It is one of the occasional action sequels in Tamil cinema, in which the hero is being chased by the Russian police force and how he esacpes from them and solves the murder case. Probably director Jeeva would have been influenced by the “The Bourne Trilogy” series and wanted to treat the Tamil audience in a similar way. Certain chase sequences in this movie had similarities with the English flick. Even one of the back ground scores reminds the background score of the Bourne Series.
Nowadays, it has been a trend in movies to involve the current sequel and flashback sequel in a mixed fashion. In this movie, the Russian episode of the hero Jeyam Ravi is frequently intervened by his love memories with Kangna Ranaut in India. In the consequence, the love sequel misses all the logical essence.
Some of the things I personally liked in this movie is the murder plot in Russia, the characterisation of Jeyam Ravi and the chase sequels (usually he does a romance cast), the place Russia which is probably a rare destination for Tamil audience and needless to say, the cinematography. Be it the city of Moscow or the hotel room where the hero stayed or the lawyer’s residence or the village backdrop in India, it was definitely a visual treat. The lighting effect was so natural. This movie also speaks about the Russian nation and its challenges to deal the prevailing crime threats in their country.
The movie would have been better if any one of the sequels alone is told - Either the murder case in Russia or the love story in India and I prefer if only the action sequel is told. The script is so racy and I feel the sequels in India and a couple of songs were the unnecessary speed-brakers. At least in future can I expect a quality action-thriller Tamil movie which has no song interventions?
The movie would have been better if any one of the sequels alone is told - Either the murder case in Russia or the love story in India and I prefer if only the action sequel is told. The script is so racy and I feel the sequels in India and a couple of songs were the unnecessary speed-brakers. At least in future can I expect a quality action-thriller Tamil movie which has no song interventions?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Amazing start...
Neither do I speak telugu nor I am from Andhra. Yet, I was amazed at the overwhelming crowd yesterday in Tirupathi cheering “Chiru…Chiru” in Tirupathi. It was unusual for the local residents who always hear "Govinda..Govinda". The reason being none other than their own Mega Star’s official party launch. I actually know Chiranjeevi as a telugu super star and have watched a couple of films. And that’s all I know about him and nothing else. If it was NTR and MGR in the 80’s, it’s Chiru’s turn to prove his mettle.
My colleagues were all discussing about this party launch for almost a couple of days. I hardly peeped in as I am a stranger to the topic, which was totally irrelevant to me at any direction. It was only when I saw the party launch telecasted in TV and all the media experts speak about it. In fact I didn’t even understand a bit of telugu. Media people estimated that around 10 Lakh people from various parts of the state would have gathered yesterday during the party launch.
One thing that grabbed my attention is the posters of Dr.Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa used as one of the USP’s for promoting his party. May be it’s an old trick. The other thing is that many physically challenged persons came all their way to cheer their super star. It reminded me of the Tamil movie “Mudhalvan” (“Nayak” in Hindi).
At times I wonder, how cinema and politics are tied up together, especially in South India. Will Chiranjeevi create a revolution in Andhra politics? (Fingers crossed!)
My colleagues were all discussing about this party launch for almost a couple of days. I hardly peeped in as I am a stranger to the topic, which was totally irrelevant to me at any direction. It was only when I saw the party launch telecasted in TV and all the media experts speak about it. In fact I didn’t even understand a bit of telugu. Media people estimated that around 10 Lakh people from various parts of the state would have gathered yesterday during the party launch.
One thing that grabbed my attention is the posters of Dr.Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa used as one of the USP’s for promoting his party. May be it’s an old trick. The other thing is that many physically challenged persons came all their way to cheer their super star. It reminded me of the Tamil movie “Mudhalvan” (“Nayak” in Hindi).
At times I wonder, how cinema and politics are tied up together, especially in South India. Will Chiranjeevi create a revolution in Andhra politics? (Fingers crossed!)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Last Day Mail !
“Today is my last working day I would like to thank you for all the support you have provided and making my stay here a memorable one. I would like to thank my managers who had shaped my professional career….bla bla… (yawn!)
You can always drop mail to somename@somemail.com”
As if there is a standard Last day Mail template, I see more or less every last mail in a similar fashion.
Is it a custom? Why do you add extra coloured quotes - memorable place to work, dear ones, you have been my role model, bla bla…? Do you really feel sad leaving your company or your managers? Why can’t you say just thank you and say goodbye? It’s only in a college farewell or a school last day where you leave the place with a sigh of sorrow and haunting memories and they are the places where you are in a compulsion to leave at one time. But here this is not the case here. You go happy to another company and that is what you wanted. (Fingers crossed!). If it’s your last day, your manager will never care. If not you there will be another in your place.
This was the thought that came to my mind when I read a last day mail yesterday! I know I will also do the same thing on my last day in office, in fact have collected a few last day mails (smiles!) but was wondering why all these? No offences, crazy thoughts after all!
You can always drop mail to somename@somemail.com”
As if there is a standard Last day Mail template, I see more or less every last mail in a similar fashion.
Is it a custom? Why do you add extra coloured quotes - memorable place to work, dear ones, you have been my role model, bla bla…? Do you really feel sad leaving your company or your managers? Why can’t you say just thank you and say goodbye? It’s only in a college farewell or a school last day where you leave the place with a sigh of sorrow and haunting memories and they are the places where you are in a compulsion to leave at one time. But here this is not the case here. You go happy to another company and that is what you wanted. (Fingers crossed!). If it’s your last day, your manager will never care. If not you there will be another in your place.
This was the thought that came to my mind when I read a last day mail yesterday! I know I will also do the same thing on my last day in office, in fact have collected a few last day mails (smiles!) but was wondering why all these? No offences, crazy thoughts after all!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Pursuit of Happyness !
I always felt if I have ever reciprocated to the care and affection that they had shown to me throughout my life. During schooling they got me whatever I wanted. During college, they gave me pocket money. When I was sick, she never slept. They bared all the useless complaints I make about the home food or the things they bought for me. I was not matured then.
Now it’s almost three years, where I am trapped in the so called a techie’s crap life which has the buzz words: Out Station- Bachelor – Office – Work or No Work – Sleep – Office – Weekend – Junk food, Home town – Once in one or two months.
I am back to office now after a 10 day vacation. I was cherishing the moments of my vacation. I felt very happy as I had time to spend with my parents. They also felt very happy. I was single and matured enough to share words with them. I don’t know if I could get another vacation like this. I do not know if they ever expect me to do anything for all that they had done for me till now.
I was about to leave my home to catch the train, it was then my father inserted a 500 rupee note in my pocket. I was surprised and dumb as tears rolled down slowly. It was a precious moment. Well my father had given me pocket money always during school, college, and the most during my unemployed days. But this moment made me to realise, I am always their little child. Should I call it "The Pursuit of Happyness" ?
They are always my caring mom and dad. How am I going to reciprocate? – The question which has infinite answers.
Now it’s almost three years, where I am trapped in the so called a techie’s crap life which has the buzz words: Out Station- Bachelor – Office – Work or No Work – Sleep – Office – Weekend – Junk food, Home town – Once in one or two months.
I am back to office now after a 10 day vacation. I was cherishing the moments of my vacation. I felt very happy as I had time to spend with my parents. They also felt very happy. I was single and matured enough to share words with them. I don’t know if I could get another vacation like this. I do not know if they ever expect me to do anything for all that they had done for me till now.
I was about to leave my home to catch the train, it was then my father inserted a 500 rupee note in my pocket. I was surprised and dumb as tears rolled down slowly. It was a precious moment. Well my father had given me pocket money always during school, college, and the most during my unemployed days. But this moment made me to realise, I am always their little child. Should I call it "The Pursuit of Happyness" ?
They are always my caring mom and dad. How am I going to reciprocate? – The question which has infinite answers.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chetan Bhagat – Now most of the youths in India know him!
When I go to Landmark, I almost see 4 out of 10 teens pick one of his books. One reason, probably, could be its price – One of the cheapest books in the store. J . The captions were also attractive; it read “Best Selling Indian Author”. Probably the other reason could be because he is an “Indian”. Well I bought his books probably to see why he is the Best Selling Author or why almost all present youths have his books in their shelves.
I have now read two of his books – "One night at the Call Center" and "The 3 Mistakes of My Life". The reason is simple. His books are like an unedited script before making a cinema. A time pass cinema will have all the ingredients like romance, action, comedy, sentiment mixed in suitable proportions. And of course in cinema sometimes the logical element would have been brushed aside. It’s same with his books also. His success lies in his simplicity of relating current day to day happenings, incidents in his books. Some examples to highlight are the One day Cricket match between India and Australia, night life in the metros, reference to Orkut, the communal riots etc. His writing has no complicated English words. It’s easy to understand. Sometimes the producers of a movie insist on an item number showing the hottest models to promote the film. Probably that thought provoked Chetan to include love making chapters in his book too. Movies rarely give a message, while most of them only entertain. It applies to his book as well.
Another reason the reach of his books could be the area where he targets – IIT, Cricket, and Call Centers. What could be his next area of interest?
I have now read two of his books – "One night at the Call Center" and "The 3 Mistakes of My Life". The reason is simple. His books are like an unedited script before making a cinema. A time pass cinema will have all the ingredients like romance, action, comedy, sentiment mixed in suitable proportions. And of course in cinema sometimes the logical element would have been brushed aside. It’s same with his books also. His success lies in his simplicity of relating current day to day happenings, incidents in his books. Some examples to highlight are the One day Cricket match between India and Australia, night life in the metros, reference to Orkut, the communal riots etc. His writing has no complicated English words. It’s easy to understand. Sometimes the producers of a movie insist on an item number showing the hottest models to promote the film. Probably that thought provoked Chetan to include love making chapters in his book too. Movies rarely give a message, while most of them only entertain. It applies to his book as well.
Another reason the reach of his books could be the area where he targets – IIT, Cricket, and Call Centers. What could be his next area of interest?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Subramaniapuram - A Betrayal Drama!
Finally, I saw this movie yesterday. Depicting the darker sides of the unemployed youth in the 80’s in 2008 is a new flavour to Tamil Cinema. It’s really encouraging for the audience, for the variety of quality films that the new upcoming directors give.
The plot of the movie is how two friends decide their destiny and fall prey to the betrayal act of their most trusted set of people.
Debutant director Sasikumar is another feather in the crown of Tamil Cinema industry. I never expected a movie in the time lines of 80’s now. The last half an hour of the movie was fabulous and unexpected, with each and every character showing their true colours, giving shock to the audience. Debutant music director James Vasanthan has given an excellent effort in re-recording. The back ground score is in lines with the movie. Well it’s not like a debutants venture.
I enjoyed the movie very much. The first half of the movie is balanced with the romance sequences while the second half of the movie is where the theme of the movie lies in. The Television set, the heroine’s house, the telephone, the Ambassador car, the tricycle which is used for announcing film releases, the kind of advertisements they do in the walls of the houses, the PRC bus, the central theatre in Madurai and lots more which show the 80’s just bring a nostalgic feeling for my parents, if not for me. Kudos to the team. We had the old model telephone and the Dynora TV set till the 90’s. Well now it had got changed. Actually it was a nice feeling watching a movie which is backdated. It is backdated not too much that it is not history and elder people now can definitely rewind 28 years in their mind.
This movie shows three types of people.
The first is the set of people, who do anything for the other person, whom they feel trustworthy. In this film the two heroes kill a person for the most trusted person. In return they get nothing but ruin their lives.
The second set of people, who are like the cunning fox. They show case themselves as the most trusted person and trap the innocent people to almost do everything for them. In this movie, the ex-councillor’s brother convinces two of his faithful persons to do a murder for his benefit and ignore them totally after the execution. A perfect act of betrayal! Also this kind of people has a unique talent to convince people or create faith in them. In one scene, the ex-councillor’s brother brain washes the heroine’s mind which leads to the barbaric killing of her lover before her.
The third set of people, who are fond of money and can do anything for it. In the climax, the hero’s friend betrays him for money. Atlast the betrayer himself was betrayed by the ex-councillor and sent to jail.
Subramaniapuram – A Betrayal Drama enacted in the stage which is more than 25 years old.
The plot of the movie is how two friends decide their destiny and fall prey to the betrayal act of their most trusted set of people.
Debutant director Sasikumar is another feather in the crown of Tamil Cinema industry. I never expected a movie in the time lines of 80’s now. The last half an hour of the movie was fabulous and unexpected, with each and every character showing their true colours, giving shock to the audience. Debutant music director James Vasanthan has given an excellent effort in re-recording. The back ground score is in lines with the movie. Well it’s not like a debutants venture.
I enjoyed the movie very much. The first half of the movie is balanced with the romance sequences while the second half of the movie is where the theme of the movie lies in. The Television set, the heroine’s house, the telephone, the Ambassador car, the tricycle which is used for announcing film releases, the kind of advertisements they do in the walls of the houses, the PRC bus, the central theatre in Madurai and lots more which show the 80’s just bring a nostalgic feeling for my parents, if not for me. Kudos to the team. We had the old model telephone and the Dynora TV set till the 90’s. Well now it had got changed. Actually it was a nice feeling watching a movie which is backdated. It is backdated not too much that it is not history and elder people now can definitely rewind 28 years in their mind.
This movie shows three types of people.
The first is the set of people, who do anything for the other person, whom they feel trustworthy. In this film the two heroes kill a person for the most trusted person. In return they get nothing but ruin their lives.
The second set of people, who are like the cunning fox. They show case themselves as the most trusted person and trap the innocent people to almost do everything for them. In this movie, the ex-councillor’s brother convinces two of his faithful persons to do a murder for his benefit and ignore them totally after the execution. A perfect act of betrayal! Also this kind of people has a unique talent to convince people or create faith in them. In one scene, the ex-councillor’s brother brain washes the heroine’s mind which leads to the barbaric killing of her lover before her.
The third set of people, who are fond of money and can do anything for it. In the climax, the hero’s friend betrays him for money. Atlast the betrayer himself was betrayed by the ex-councillor and sent to jail.
Subramaniapuram – A Betrayal Drama enacted in the stage which is more than 25 years old.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Behold ! After all it’s your money !
Yesterday afternoon, on the way to have lunch, I dropped by the HP Petrol bulk near Tin Factory, Bangalore to fill fuel for my two wheeler. I handed over a hundred rupee note to the guy and told to fill petrol for the same. He was diverting my attention by talking some other unwanted things, and by the time the meter read 100 Rs and the fuel quantity read 1.65 litres. I was shocked. I saw my fuel indicator, which moved only by a mm. I did not move my vehicle. I argued with him that he did not fill petrol for the amount I gave. After a couple of arguments, he accepted that he did not reset the meter before filling mine. Later he put petrol for 50 Rs and I left the place.
I just wanted to share this because; these guys are doing this intentionally. At the time of filling the petrol, they will try to divert our attention and do all the malpractices they want to do. If the fuel hike is more bothering, these kinds of activities add more fuel to the fire.
Hope people are aware of such activities. Whether the fuel quantity is same as the reading in the meter is a different topic. :)
I just wanted to share this because; these guys are doing this intentionally. At the time of filling the petrol, they will try to divert our attention and do all the malpractices they want to do. If the fuel hike is more bothering, these kinds of activities add more fuel to the fire.
Hope people are aware of such activities. Whether the fuel quantity is same as the reading in the meter is a different topic. :)
Cheers !
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