Ticket To Hollywood!!

My passport expiry day was approaching and I thought the best way of renewing it was through an Agent. Inspite of having ample of time at my disposal plus my stingy nature, the most important reason behind hiring an Agent was to avoid huge queues outside the Passport office in the scorching heat for hours long. I immediately hired one.

After giving the photo copies of my old passport, residential proof, school and  college certificates he assured me that I would get the new passport within 1 month. I breathed a sigh of relief thinking that I had successfully completed the task without bothering my husband as I usually do.

Yesterday morning I received a telephone call from the Police station and the caller asked me to be present between 4pm. and 6pm for the verification process the same day. He even told me to get some photo copies of the documents which the agent had earlier demanded. I decided to take a dozen of photo copies of every document so that I don't fall short of them at verification time. I was all set to go in the evening.

The same afternoon, fortunately or unfortunately my door bell rang and the post man enquired if I was Radha Samant, to which my answer was obiviously 'YES'. He handed me my new passport which was a sheer surprise. I asked him, "How did I get the passport when my police verification was not done till then???" I even told him about the morning call from the Police Station. He was silent. Thankfully, on realizing immediately that this may end up into some major chaos I snatched my passport from him and closed the door immediately.

I decided not to waste my time going to the Police station as I had already received the passport and thought verification thereafter would'nt make much difference. I proudly told my hubby all about it but, as a matter of safety he advised me to visit the Police Station. For a change, I decided to follow his instructions.

I reached the Police station at 5pm. The 5000 bucks which I blowed on my agent was of no use when it came to the verification process. Looking at the queue I literally fainted. By God's grace I managed to meet the Assistant at 7pm. who made some general enquiries about me and my documents and told me to come back again at 8.30pm for the Head of the Departments signature/verification. He even charged me 200 bucks for his 'chaay-pani'. What the hell is going on???? was the only question bothering my mind from time to time.

At 8.30pm. sharp, I was accompanied by almost 70 people. Rain God was the only witness of our presence. Atlast, the Chief made his entry at 10pm. and we all ran after him like the children from the famine stricken village do when some helpers come to offer them biscuits and fruits. He signed one of the paper and did'nt even bother to ask me the documents which were earlier demanded.

Atlast, the process ended at 11.30pm. and I reached home at 12pm. totally exhaused. On my way back home I thought if registered, my name would have surely appeared in the Limca Book Of Records as the nation's biggest fool for complying with all the useless formalities of receiving the Passport when the Passport was in my hands.

Happy Children (Salesman) Day!

An afternoon nap is a common practice in India and the probability of it getting disturbed by a door bell or a phone call is also not uncommon. When it is a telephone call it will be none other than some credit-card lender and when it is the door bell it should be a Salesman. Life or death of a business depends on its Sales Executives and may be keeping this in mind the Schools try to inculcate this sales knowledge in students at a very tender age.

I am not new to this concept because when I was a kid, I had to sell a number of lottery books in order to collect funds for our new school building, for the blind and the needy children. Going around and selling (almost begging) was the worst job and so I always requested my parents and relatives to buy, which reduced my pain of selling them. Even today we come across so many children requesting us to buy some School magazines, lotteries and stuff like that for funds.

Raj's school too was not an exception to this universal law.  It was the last day of school after which his Diwali vacation would begin. My kiddo after coming home , placed some Diwali cards in front of me, which the school had given him. Needless to mention he had to sell them. I was bugged and advised him to sell them as fast as possible on a condition that he should'nt approach his family, relatives or his friends. He gave me a bitter look but the poor guy had no escape.

Time flies but same things keep happening.

On the day prior to school re-opening.....

Raj: Mom, my diwali cards-I did'nt sell them.

Raj thought that I would buy all his cards and he may not have to wander in search of his customers. But I turned him down.

Me: I reminded you thrice about the cards but you were busy firing crackers and playing with your friends. I can't help you dear. You have to sell them or else just give it up. Tomorrow you can return the cards in the school and tell the reason behind not selling them.

Raj left the house at once as he thought it was below his dignity to return to school without completing the mission assigned to him.

He returned home after 15 odd minutes,

Raj: Good Morning Aunty (It was me), I am Raj from Springdale School and I have some diwali cards. Would you like to buy them?

I was adamant. My facial expressions were sufficient.

Raj (with sad face): Mom, I sold only one card that too with great pain and I don't think I can sell further. Nobody is willing to entertain me as they say my cards are of no use now since Diwali is over. 

He tried his level best to convince me to buy the cards as above many times, but in vain. It was not difficult for me to buy all the cards from him but wanted my child to face the world. I was pretty sure that he would come across a number of people; the odd one might lovingly buy from him, but there would be many who might just listen to him and eventually end up in not buying the article, or just slam the door on hearing that he is selling a product; some may even make fun of him or simply scold him, asking him to get lost.

Kids today are not familiar with negative statements as their demands are always fulfilled by parents or grand parents or relatives. Keeping aside a Mother's Heart I had to be tough with my baby for a colourful future.

With heavy heart he left the house and returned home after almost 30 minutes. 

Raj: Mom, I succeeded in selling all the cards. I met some people whom I have not seen in my entire life and managed to sell my cards. I knew you would'nt believe me so I requested AKASH to accompany me.

Akash, our neighbour was summoned.

Akash: Aunt, Raj convinced some uncles and aunts saying that they can post the card to their near and dear ones immediately. At times he used the phrase - Better late than never. He innocently confessed why he was late in selling the card which pleased them all. They readily purchased the cards without thinking a moment.

I was absolutely amazed by Raj's performance. With great pride I can undoubtedly declare him as the "Salesman of the year".

After all, as my favourite star says:
KOI KAAM BADAA YA CHOTAA NAHI HOTA

A Letter To Kaun Banega Crorepati

To,
Mr. Siddharth Basu
Director and Creative Head-Kaun Banega Crorepati
Mumbai-India

 Dear Sir,

I am a die-hard fan of you since I was a kid. I congratulate you for bringing the most awaited show of the Indian Television, Kaun Banega Crorepati and along with it the living legend of the Indian Cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in his most graceful Avtaar. I am preety confident that all people wait for this show desperately which has led to a record breaking TRP.

It is said Change in all things is sweet and similarly to give a new look to the show, the team has brought some small changes which are satisfactory enough, except the choice of Mr. Charu Sharma-Expert Advisor. When Sony TV has spent such a huge amount on the show why the hell they have made this dumb to occupy the seat of an expert???? I watch the show from day 1 and miss my heart beat when the Contestants expect an answer from this guy. I strongely feel that he is never sure about the answer and just answers randomly.

Is he a real Expert Advisor or just given a chance to appear on the show due to lack of exposure in recent times or been paid only to make a fool of him???? Well, if we say that he is just pretending of not knowing the answer, then that too is not working well because his acting is equally bad. I feel he can only do justice to his role when accompanied by Ms. Mandira Bedi as the people are least bothered about him as all eyes are stuck on Ms. Bedi.

Mr. Basu, I am happy to inform you that there are some professional, enthusiastic, deserving and above all famous characters for this post like Rakhi Sawant and Rahul Mahajan who are preety sure that they can comply with this responsibility more effeciently as this post has nothing to do with brains and even assure that they won't charge a penny in return as they feel it's a matter of  honour and pride to show their natural talent (foolishness and dumbness) in front of Mr. Bachchan.

I hope you take a note of this as early as possible otherwise it won't take long to get a TRP drop at the cost of this fool.

Yours Sincerely,
--A KBC and Bachchan fan.

Peepli Live - All set for an Oscar

My facebook screen was continuously being hit with the advertisements of Peepli Live since early June-July and naturally my curiousity to watch it rose only because my favourite star was involved. How could I sacrifice a film financed by Aamir Khan production house? The film-promotion  was really interesting. The characters played by Amma, Dhaniya, Natha seemed new but still professional.

At the time of release I could'nt make it to watch the first day first show of the movie as I usually do for Aamir Khan's movies. At last, some 8 days back, got a (pirated) DVD of Peepli Live on rent and literally thanked God for not blowing a huge amount on the movie tickets. In short, Peepli Live=Simply Horrible.

The latest news of 'Peepli Live is India's entry at the Oscars' really surprised me. Movies like Lagaan or Tare Zameen Par both produced by Aamir Khan were worth being entries for Oscars. The former showed how the Indian villagers succeeded in avoiding heavy taxes levied by the British rule, and  the latter showed the problems faced by the dyslexic boy which were really appreciated by all. Unfortunately both did'nt win any Awards at the Oscars.

Slumdog Millionaire was another movie which was chosen for Oscars and even won 8 awards, the most for any film of 2008. The movie showed the life of a poor chap from Juhu slum, how the gangster trains him and his friends to be beggars, over a period of time they turn into pick-pocketers to make a living and so on. The whole movie shows how Indians live in utmost poverty where the people can't even afford their daily meals.

Peepli Live portrayed the life of the Indian Farmers who have to sacrifice their lives due to lack of basic necessities. It shows how the Indian Politicians for their personal interests use these common men and how the Indian Journalists make a big issue of trivial incidences to earn their bread and butter.

Are these topics a matter of World fame? Should we be proud in showcasing the weaker sections of our nation?

Tare Zameen Par or Lagaan showed Indian pride which could have been a reason for their dis-qualification at the Oscars.

Don't be surprised if Peepli Live too wins Awards at the Oscars, as I truely believe that Indian Movies can only bring in Oscar Awards by making a big hype of pains faced by poor and needy Indians.

Thoda Aur Wish Karo

The sea does not gift those who are too anxious, too greedy or too impatient.One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach-waiting for a gift from the sea.

The poor lack much, but the greedy more.

There is a very fine line between loving life and being greedy for it.

If wishes were horses beggers would ride.

It is a sad heart that never rejoices.

Kill not the goose that lays golden eggs.

The more you have the more you want.

These are some of the Proverbs which hit my cell screen post my Accident, from my friend, Mahi when she realised that my wishes were fast increasing day by day. Initially, I just prayed for a shift  from the hospital at home, which subsequently led to a bit of movement from the bed  and now for a stroll downstairs. She always guides me from time to time but her efforts are always put down by me when it comes to my impatient nature. After constant hard-work from her side over so many years, there is no reduction in my wants, on the contrary they are  fast increasing. She always tells me to be happy and satisfied in whatever I have and not to crave for more. Sending Quotes was one of the many methods adopted by her.

Thoda Aur Wish Karo has always been my principle of leading a successful life. I never understood or even bothered  to understand Mahi's fundamentals. As a symbol of courtesy I was forced to pretend, how much I was disturbed mentally by the biggest question of my life which she was trying to explain it to me:-

"HOW TO REMAIN HAPPY AND SATISFIED"?

 Life is a game and you can't enjoy it to the fullest if you obey all the rules religiously. I agree that I always urge for more things than what I have and even try to get them. I don't want my life to be monotonous  with no thrills and excitement. I don't mind even if there are pains and sufferings due to my impatient nature; of course not at the cost of my family and friends' happiness. Pains and Sufferings are the part and parcel of our life and  if they occur due to our own fault then facing them will be even more wonderful and enjoyable, I guess.

Alas! This effort of Mahi too might not reap any benefits.

It's My Life!

The Government's decision of no detention of Students till 8th standard has been appreciated by many but there are few who are dis-pleased with the same. Different views were and are constantly appearing in the news papers like; the students will be free from usual cut-throat competitions and stressful education system atleast till 8th standard after which they are mature enough to take their own decisions regarding their future career-plans; whereas some feel that it is just another way of pampering the children.   According to them the children should face all such academic examinations and so called competitions at tender age and should even be judged stictly which will truely be in their interests at later stage.

 Hearing about the present decision some obivious questions come to my mind:-
How can a child be promoted to next class without even gaining the basic knowledge of the previous class?
How will he cope up with the lessons of subsequent classes?

The detaining procedure may start from 8th standard onwards which is absurd. There is no point in forcing them to study academics at advanced stage when they are not interested. Basic knowledge is must but there should'nt be a over dose of Academics.

Well, if the Government has taken such decision then it should be seen that a child should be judged at initial levels (say from std.1) about his interests. His hidden talents should be found out and nurtured alongside academics. This will automaticaly develop interest and liking for education and will not be considered a burden at all. Just forcing them to mug up academics  is not a solution to the problem but taking the matter according to their likes and interests is much more crucial. In present times it is not at all difficult with such wide range of fields available where no child's likes may be left out. Initially, their interests should be properly guided and the parents and teachers should work accordingly. Unnecessary importance to academics should be avoided.

After-all each child is different and their potential varies. No child can be judged on definite categories. So let them bloom in their own way. By doing this I m sure every teen will be capable of selecting his own field and will also be successful in whatever he does. This will automaticaly lead to avoidance of un-wanted interference of parents and teachers at later stages. The children will be free to take their own decision with little or no concern from their elders and  will surely succeed in whatever that decision might be.

The children too will not have to remind their parents and teachers:-

IT'S MY LIFE!

Yeh Ghar Kuch Kehtaa Hai!

By the end of this year we might shift to our new house. We all are naturally excited about it but Raj is overjoyed with the idea as he is going to occupy a separate room of his own. He has already planned his room colour, colours of the curtains, his study and stuff like that since last 6 months.

With tears in eyes, Raj rushed towards me today morning and said, "Mom, I dont feel like changing our present home."
"What happened, Raj? Why are we not shifting?"
"Mom, I feel this house does'nt want us to do so."
"Why do you think so, Raj?"

Recently, I have observed that most of our household appliances all of a sudden are not willing to offer their services. When the need for the Inverter is maximum, that is when the current goes off very often it has stopped working. Same thing with the Water Purifier, Refrigerator too. They are not in a very good mood these days. In the morning before going to school, when I desperately urge for a hot water bath the Geyser does'nt permit me to do so.

I don't only expect services from them, but want them to be HAPPY. And looking at the situation I strongely feel that something is bothering them.Why are all of them dis-satisfied all together? I have never experienced it before and I am preety sure that they have come to know about our plans of shifting, and are displeased with the same.

Raj just moved away  and me with  pride and utmost respect began thinking about his innocent thoughts.

What's your Rashee?

Since last one month I am completely bedridden. I met with a Road Accident and had to obey my Doctor who suggested me full bedrest for another one month or so. Bored but cant help!

I have been experiencing "Idle mind is a devil's workshop" every moment over this one month. My friends and relatives always try to support me from time to time in good as well as bad times. And this was another occasion where they could visit me, call or else send messages and wish for my speedy recovery.

In addition to the  heavy doses of Extra Calcium Pills suggested by my Surgeon I had to swallow and digest much more heavy doses of  "Think Positively", "Have Faith in God", "Go for Healthy and Nutritious diet" pills from my well wishers.

I am Pessimistic and I believe in Fate. I am of the firm opinion that everything happens for a cause and is destined. I have full faith in my fate. That does'nt mean that I dont want to recover from this pain and I won't try to recover at my earliest. But everything has its time and that has to come. In this one month I had ample time for my negative thoughts to boom and even I let them flow freely.


After all I am a CAPRICORN.

Memorable Drawing Competition

Yesterday when Raj came home from school he was very excited to tell me that he had participated in a drawing competition.

"Inspite of Pa telling me every now and then, that Drawing is not in our Genes, yet I have taken the decision to participate"- Raj

I was speechless for a second as I am preety sure that Raj is not an Artist. But equally knew that Raj would'nt give up things very easily.

"I will be drawing An Elephant"- Raj.
"Oh thats so simple"- I exclaimed.
After lunch Raj began his mission seriously. I too was busy with my household work.

 After an hour...
"Raj, Its time to go for Badminton class"- Me
"Mom, I am going to sacrifice it today"

After another 2 hours....
Raj, your friends are calling u downstairs to play"-Me
"Gonna sacrifice it too, Mother"

In the evening our living room was full of scattered papers with different sketches of Elephants(look-alikes). Now it was my time to accompany him. I joined him.
"I'll draw an Elephant and show it to u"- Me

He handed over a paper and a pencil to me. I struggled hard and ended up with a picture of a so called 'bent-Elephant' in his words. Even after realising my mistake, since I love to argue I did the same thing over here.

I was falling short of arguments, and could'nt put up against my child; so ran and picked up my cell and called his Pa who alone could protect me from Raj.

When Pa came home Raj handed over the pencil and paper to him and asked him to try his hands on the Elephant. Pa looked at me and the only thing I could do then was to wish him luck. Pa's picture was worse, leave alone an elephant, it did'nt even look something nearby to any animal.

Raj concluded,

I am sure there are going to be atleast few of them like you Mom and Pop and so I can easily surpass them with my drawing.

Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai!

'Mora piya mose bolat naahin' sung by Kavita  Seth from the latest block buster Rajneeti is the only song on the tip of my tongue in the recent times. Indeed, a very beautiful song which followed the crave to watch the movie desperately. Yesterday got the chance and thouroughly enjoyed it.

Amongst so many characters in the so called Modern Mahabharat, a thought clicked in my mind was that, in real life I would have loved to play the role of Prithviraj Pratap. The height of understanding and unconditional love which was depicted in this character was truely heart touching, which I strongely feel is lacking in me. I wished I could develop and maintain  such a caring and loving relation with all my near and dear ones.

Despite of all these personal relations, he was equally devoted  to his political profession. His moves in personal and professional life were so smooth and appropriate that there was no scope of any complaints by his family or friends. I strongely believe that most of us generally fail in maintaining a balance between professional and personal life which end up messing up both a bit.

He was a Man of Values (whatever those values were, whether they were good or bad from a general standpoint) and so the enemity with his cousin, relationship with the Sitapurwali, and the other darker sides of Politics were fully enjoyed by him and which were not at all disgusting. It was just a part and parcel of his life. He had played a role of a perfect son, brother, nephew, husband, political-leader, at times adorable villian who finally dies like a hero.


I wished even I were blessed with such a  Complete Package Deal type life.

IPL Ke Side Effects....

DLF IPL has begun and needless to say it has been gaining popularity day by day. We all enjoy it and whole heartedly support the Mumbai Indians not only because they top the list but also because Yeh hai Mumbai meri Jaan! From the time it has started I realised that we unknowingly criticise our own players since they belong to some other group and my thinking process started.....What if the same nuisance goes in the minds of our players at the World cup 2011 which is fast approaching?

And here I am.....


Bold him! And Dravid (RCB) is gone....

Tendulkar(MI): Aailaa, Viru..Dravid out!!..Its the time to Disco!

Kallis on fire against India....

Dravid(RCB): Wah re mere Kalli Sher! Baja Bhajji ko. Keep it up, dude!

Irfan(KXIPb): Ouuuu zeeeeeee

Yusuf Pathan(RajRoy): Aare Chote,

main tera bada bhaai-jaan hoon. 12th man, mere liye sharbat la!

Bhaaaaaaaag!

Yuvi(KingsX1Pb): Oye Gautam, Main nahi bhaaganey valaa....Punjab ka puttar hoon!

RPSingh(DC): Koi gal nahi hai Gibbs jee! Under arm balling karoongaa aapko. Aap to hamare hain.

Bhajji(MI): Jayasurya ko out karane ka khayaal bhi deemaag se nikaal de...thappad yaad hai na?

Dhoni(CSK): Dont worry buddy Flintoff! I'll ensure safety of your stumps.

Raina(CSK): How can I displease u....dear Bret?

Hope we don't get to see too many of these scenes in the 2011 World Cup!!!

My Name Is....PAIN

 news pouring in from all directions. Our reliable sources reported:

• Wife nabs husband thrice after he tried to flee from the theatre leaving the movie half-way. We later found that she was taking karate lessons.
• People seen running helter-skelter half way through the movie. Some of them were screaming as if it were a Ramsay Brothers horror-comedy film.
• Fortunately, stampede in major theatres in Mumbai avoided due to fear of Shiv Sena activists.
• SRK's Fan, in an attempt to immitate his favourite Star bangs his head to the person adjacent to him. Today both are in Lilavati Hospital ICU.
• Man found on the road saying..."Boore Log Acche Log" admitted to Mental Hospital Pune.
• SRK had to discontinue Mr. Bean walking classes half way due to his busy schedule. So, in the movie, his walking style was somewhere between half-abnormal and full-abnormal.
• 100's of co-actors in the movie are repenting for their appearance in it. This has sealed all hopes of making it big in any kind of (Holly, Bolly, Kolly, Tolly) wood they said.
• Obama has filed a case against Karan Johar for entertaining a Cartoon resembling him.
• Script writers had boycotted Karan Johar for an indefinite period since the past 1 year. Therefore, he is left with only one script that he reused for New York, Qurbaan, MNIK, and will use that in all his movies for the next 10 years.
• Kajol decided to take another long break as she could'nt come out of shock after watching the movie herself. The doctor has advised that it might be ok even if she acts with Ajay Devgan but avoid Shahrukh for this lifetime.
• All Banks and Financial Institutions have ordered for new banners ...."No Admission Without Permission for Red Chillies and Dharma Productions".
• Mrs. Gauri Khan is seriously considering taking Sanyas from film production.
• When our reporter spoke to Mama Jenee and Funny Hair Joel from MNIK, they said that not only would they not act in Bollywood movies going ahead, but also never watch them.
• Mr. Boman Irani is extremely sorry for giving this idea to Shahrukh that he had started acting at the age of 44+ in one of the Award Ceremonies. This inspired Shahrukh to dare to act, rather than resorting to his standard superstar gimmicks.
• The Director had taken an oath that he would make MNIK 2 hrs. 40 mins long. Since it was getting too difficult to stretch the story, the film crew unanimously decided that the worst dialogues in the film should be repeated as many times as needed.
• Many people thanked the Theatre owners for 2 hrs 40 mins of sound sleep in Air Conditioned theatres where they could stretch their body over 3-4 chairs.
• Psyiotherapists have suggested a neck belt and traction treatment to SRK, for speedy recovery from the vibrating head syndrome.
• Sleeping pill company owners are on Hunger Strike as their Pills do not have a market these days the reason being, everyone started buying a pirated Cd of MNIK, and one is enough for the entire family and can even be shared with friends and relatives.
• Shahrukh has put a dangling IPL carrot in front of the Pakistani cricketers where their probability of getting included in the Kolkata Knight Riders team is directly proportional to the money they blow on MNIK tickets.
• Terrorists operating in POK have adopted a new slogan-"My Name Is Khan and I am not a Terrorist", as the Police are fleeing from the scene, on hearing this sentence.
• Finally, the breaking news is, this movie made 18M $ in the first week. CBI and the IIMs have put together a joint venture to investigate how this could happen. The Indian Railway profit analysis problem had to be temporarily put on the stack.

Star Brother/Sister Wars

Yesterday evening my son came running to me and told me about the fight he had with his close friend and had decided they wouldn't speak till their last breath. At first, the thought really tickled me as I had never expected such extreme statements from both the boys at such a tender age. Like any other mother I could convince both of them without much effort, and within a fraction of a second they left my home hand in hand.

Number of thoughts ran through my mind-Do we grown-ups forget fights so easily? Forget about the quarrels with our friends we even dont forgive our family for trivial incidences which turn into big issues without any valid reason. Ego-problem seems to be big in every one of us but we believe "Yours is an Ego-Problem and Mine is the Confidence"

Ambani Brothers
Dhirubhai Ambani, the most enterprising enterpreneur of the Indian Industry had set up, with lots of hard work, India's largest private sector company Reliance India Limited. Both his sons, Mukesh and Anil supported him from time to time. But after the death of their father in the year 2002, with certain bitter thoughts in the minds of both the brothers RIL split in the year 2006.



Pandit Brothers
Who does'nt know Film-Composers Jatin and Lalit? Music for Khiladi, Khamoshi, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was composed by this duo. After working together for around 16 years they separated in 2006. The reason for the split is unknown but entertainment-writers say that it is due to certain financial matters.



Mangeshkar sisters
Lata didi and Asha Bhosale's rivalry is often talked about. According to Ashaji the reason for non communication between didi and her was that the former did not like the way she had left all the responsibilities on her and gone and got married to her beloved.

Ye Kaliyug hai bhaiyaa...yahaan kuch bhi ho sakataa hai!

Like every coin has two sides there are few of them who should be truly worshipped. And when I think who it can be, the first and foremost name which comes to my mind is......





Tendulkar Brothers
If Cricket is a Religion in India then Sachin Tendulkar is the God. But who created this God? None other than his elder-brother, Mr. Ajit Tendulkar. The Big Brother put all his personal life aside and created a gem for India. The Master-Blaster too has a great respect for his brother-coach and also says, "Ajit has always been my guiding light in cricket. He was the one who spotted my natural ability and honed that. With his help and coaching I have developed into the cricketer that I am. I am still improving and it is still Ajit that I look to for that help."

I wished we all had such a loving and caring relations with all our friends and family..... especially in this mad-after-pleasure nuclear-family age where family just means husband-wife and kid(s).

What An Idea Sir-ji!

Ye jo world hai na world usme do taraha ke insaan rehatey hai....ek jo poori jindagi bahoot kaam karake Super-Star banatey hai aur, ek jo thodasaa kaam karakey bhi utani hee limelight mein rahatey hain... for example main aur mera beta...haayin!

Yes, I am talking about Pa and his Laadalaa.

Big B had started his career with Saat Hindustaani. Zanjeer, Deewar, Don, Sholay, Mukaddar ka Sikandar, etc. were some of his hits in 1970's. In 1983 while shooting for Coolie he met with an accident and had to take a long leave. With major flops like Mrityudata, Lal Badhshah, Akayla, Ajooba in late 90's everybody thought that The Angry Young Man's career had come to an end but he might have said at that time-"Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost".

Shehenshah bounced back with his husky voice with, "Confident? Lock kiya jaay?" in Kaun Banegaa Crorepati? Then there was no looking back for him. Hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Mohabbatein, Baghban, Black, Sarkar and latest being Pa and Rann are all at his credit. Singer Amitabh is also not too bad at all. Songs like Rang Barse, Mere angane mein, Ye kahaan aa gaye hum, Say shaava shaava are some of our all time favourites.

Ads like Cadburys-Kuch meetha ho jaaye, Navratan Oil-Thandaa thandaa Cool cool, would never have been so memorable without the Don. Today, he has become the Brand Ambassador for Gujarat.

Amitji has proved that Excellence should be at such a level that success just follows you. Tussi Great Ho.....Bade Miya!

Now here comes the Pa's laadalaa born with the silver spoon- Mr. Abhishek Bachchan. His debut was Refugee which did not fulfill the expectations of the Janataa Janaardan. Tera jadoo chal gayaa, Dhaai akshar prem ke, Bas itna sa khwaab hai and the list of flops to his credit is endless. Flops affect Actors but not Stars, especially stars like Abhishek.

Dhoom in 2004 was a super hit. In 2005 came Bunty aur Babli, Sarkar, Bluff master which did very good business followed by Kabhi alvida na kehna, Umrao jaan, Dhoom 2, Guru, Dostana, Delhi 6 and the latest being Pa where he has shown his acting skills. And a large number of his hits had him working alongside his Pa.

He married Miss World, Aishwarya Rai in 2007 which was a big event and again Small B in focus.

His debut TV show, National Bingo Night has hit the television screen. He is happy about it and says Anchoring is easier than Acting.

Well, this is what I call Destiny. Mr. Bachchan at the age of 65+ has to slog to win the hearts of the public and on the other hand AB Baby's trivial incidences create a hype among the crowd that is enough to ensure that he is in the limelight. It may be a Kajaraa re song, stage-show or for that matter even the first episode of National Bingo Night, all with his Pop. He is piggybacking on Big B's publicity, and doing it well!.

Cant resist saying Chote Miya......What an Idea Sir ji!

Interesting Coincidences

My birthday is celebrated world-wide with great pomp and splendour; since it falls on 25th December. My husband luckily could spare time from his busy schedule and more luckily, tickets for 3 idiots which was the most special gift I could wish for this year. I am sure there are lacs of people like me who wait for Aamir Khan's movies.

3 Idiots was a treat indeed. Excellent script, mind blowing dialogues, cool sense of humour is what I can say about 3 Idiots.

Around the release of this movie, I noticed a few news about student suicides due to frustration. 3-4 days back, our local Pune newspaper had published news of 3 students from different colleges and schools in Maharashtra commiting suicide. Today I read about 6 students from different colleges commiting suidice. The reason was the same; Educational Cut-throat competition, Exam stress, Fear of Failure, and Huge Expectations from Parents, just like that depicted in that movie.

Parallely, there were news about a spree of allegations, counter-allegations and apologies/patch-ups by the original story-writer, movie producers, etc. and all these with front-page coverages in leading newspapers.

During election times, there was a swarm of news on farmers of India->Maharashtre->Vidarbha commiting suicide and the government offering huge packages to stop those.

My husband always says that nowadays, it's getting more and more difficult to distinguish between real news and publicity stunts/advertisements. Difficult to understand why news of farmer suicides suddenly got replaced by student suicides, especially given that exam fever is just starting to build; results are way far off.

But I am pretty convinced that:

• These are mere coincidences


• Journalism has not yet gone to the dogs


• Nobody would attempt manipulating news for cheap publicity


• O bhaiya AAL IJ WELL!!

I hope everyone agrees.