1st November 2012; Pune Bus Day

Today morning one of my friends rushed to me and told me that she would appear on tomorrow's news paper. On hearing the news I was very happy for her but on knowing the reason, my joyful face changed to an annoyed one within a fraction of a second. I swallowed my anger which was not appropriate at that point of time when she had come with lots of expectations of adorable words from me. At times I am a very good actor and so my expressions were enough for her to leave my house contented.

Some time back the great minds of Pune thought of a Bus Day. The initiative was taken by Sakaal Times. The aim was discarding the private vehicles for a day. Since then, a special supplement was added to the newspaper. All the national and international news were considered inferior however important they may be.The news of 'Sandy' too was somewhere in one corner of the paper. Forget about Rahul or Sonia Gandhi, even Sachin was given the back seat (unless he was commenting on this Bus day).

However, Sakaal readers gained a lot of knowledge regarding pollution and the diseases caused due to air pollution which they might have not got in their entire life span through different experts. The supplement and the first few pages were occupied by the dialogues of all political parties, civic bodies, professionals, police etc supporting the cause which was totally humorous. The pictures appearing on the front pages of different school's staff and students, bank employees,  police officers were literally irritating. My friend too was one of them giving that weird pose as if they had achieved something great. May it be people sponsoring  1kg of Basmati rice for the first 100 or 1000 travellers, students getting together and cleaning the buses, various well-known personalities commenting on the same in the form of praises or even the donations given for the so-called 'big day' seems a child's play.

Can a single day bring that change which is needed? Whenever I think of this 'Bus Day' I relate it to my college days when we celebrated Black and White Day, Traditional Day, Rose Day and so on which was great fun. Similarly, are we trying to make this Bus Day an entertaining issue? It probably is......nothing more than that.

Lage Raho Sakaal..... who's next?

Aala Re Aala....

Don't be surprised if.....

Sachin Tendulkar takes off his Shirt on the ground even after an ordinary match win.
Virat Kohli not only shows his frustration by mere words but at times he even uses his hands and legs.
Ashish Nehra enters into a dispute over several misunderstandings with the Team India coach Duncan Fletcher, even after knowing the fact that he is not at all wanted by the team.
Sehwag is seen with a bossy attitude even though it looks very funny on him.
After so many years Parthiv Patel dusts the responsibility of twelfth man as he feels organising equipment and drinks for the players and delivering messages is below his social status.
Sreesanth refuses to obey the cricket authorities as he feels he can do wonders without such silly peoples' interference.
Robin Uthappa asks Yuvraj to carry back his (Robin's) gloves and helmet during his walk back to the pavillion after a hard earned 25 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane raises his bat after his 50 towards the empty home balcony in pride....
Mahendra Singh Dhoni arrives late for every toss not only against Australia or South Africa but against all International teams.
Suresh Raina fails miserably in running between the wickets.
The constant catch drops and hurting themselves on every catch makes the team collectively take the decision of not catching the ball hence forth, however simple the catch may be.

And how do I know that  all of the above going to happen for sure? Well, Hoshiyar, Dada Indian team ke coach ke roop mein waapas aa rahe hain!!

Whatever may be the effects, I am longing for that 'Unlimited Dadagiri'. You never know this arrogance of the team may be helpful during foreign visits. We are a bit bored of this cool and calm Indian cricket team.

Ajmal Kasab Zindabad...It happens only in India!!

"WOW" rushed from my mouth on reading the headline on today's newspaper- "India's Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence handed down to Ajmal Kasab". I genuinely felt that this was the day we all Indians were waiting for.

And then there was this time when I was fully intoxicated with the news, one of my close friend's Mom said, "Why the hell should that moron be hanged in Pune? Why do they want to commit the sin of hanging him here in our "Punyanagari?". I know the importance of respecting the elders but this opinion of the old Aunt amused me. I was helpless and just gazed at her without opening my mouth....full of outrageous words.

Mere decision from the Supreme Court is not enough kaku!!. There is a lengthy procedure for the final verdict. After loosing the Supreme Court petition Kasab will be given a chance to ask for mercy to our new President Pranab Mukherjee. I even read that he (Pranavda I mean) already has another 11 cases to be considered. Not only that, only 1 execution has taken place in India in 15 years. Well, looking at all this I only try to convince my mind with the fact that hope itself is a medium of happiness.

When all such complications persist at this initial stage what made Kaku think over a matter which has not taken any shape as yet, and give invitation to hypertension? I want to shout and say, Aunty, don't worry, he will die a natural death (or maybe, due to overeating biryani) before they hang him, lot more obstacles to be overcome. And worst case, if the number of these obstacles is still not enough, we can add yours and many more to that list.

It happens only in India. Mera Bharat Mahaan....Someone rightly called this habit of ours, 'Sadguna Vikruti'....which has bitten us so many times right from Mahmood Ghouri to Masood Azhar. Lekin hum nahin sudhrenge!!

Old is gold....not in today's world

I hate to curse my darling actor, Aamir over and over. But when it comes to the matter of eye-opener-Satyamev Jayate it can't be neglected. Here it becomes essential to open my loudmouth just to express my feelings.


The last episode was the reality of life of the old people who are discarded from the house by their children on the pretext of so called busy life. Initially, the topic seemed interesting but gradually found that the script was totally messed up. On some occasions it was extremely difficult to understand whether Aamir was supporting the idea of getting rid of parents or was against it.


The Actor was stressing on the concept of old age homes and things of that sort in every state. He felt it necessary that the number of old age homes with variety of entertainment centers in-built are essential. Not only this, it showed some of the old age homes how they try to make these old people happy and carefree.

Every minute I felt as if it was a medium through which they were tempting us to take that horrifying step of just leaving our parents like orphans. Were they trying to impose the culture of dusting our responsibilities towards elders when they need us the most? Its truly a shame on our part when there is an increase in such old age homes which only shows our selfish nature. No person can live such a beautiful life with whatsoever pleasures when given if he is kept away from his/her family.


Add to that innovative ideas like remarriage, live-in relationships and what not, so that elders can become 'independent' (good riddance!!). The medicine is more dangerous than the disease.


I too find it very difficult to behave so, but sincerely pray on everyone's behalf that, none of us ever get this evil thought of separating our parents from the most beautiful place of their life-Home Sweet Home.


Finally, a pure selfish reasoning behind why we should actually avoid making them happy through the above "other means". Right from the Kautilya Arthashastra (http://satyameva-jayate.org/2011/03/01/sukhasya-moolam/ slightly modified)

1. Sukhasya moolam Dharmah

Meaning – The basis of “sukha” or all true pleasantness  is “dharma” or righteous conduct.

2. Dharmasya moolam Arthah

Meaning- The basis of all “dharma” is “artha” or wealth. (empty stomach knows no righteousness)

3. Arthasya moolam Rajyam

Meaning – The basis of all “artha” is “rajya” or the State (only a well managed state can ensure that people can earn good wealth).

4.  Rajyasya moolam Indriya Jayah

Meaning – The basis for the stability of the State lies in control over the “indriya“ or sense faculties providing pleasure (only those with  high self-control can take wise decisions without falling prey to sense faculties).

5.  Indriyajayasya moolam Vinayah

Meaning – The basis for control over the sense faculties is in “vinay” or humility. ( humility cleanses you from within)

6. Vinayasya moolam Vruddhopasevah

Meaning – The basis for humility is service to those grown old through wisdom.

7. Vruddhopasevaya Vijnanam

Meaning – Through service of those old people, one attains knowledge (through their vast experience).

Relations Forever....

Back in the late 80's and 90's there was just Doordarshan but still there was plenty to look forward to. Hindi films songs based programmes like Chitrahaar, Chayageet were among my favourites. Absolutely no plans were made on Sundays as this was the day of Hindi Movies.

I remember faintly of watching the movie 'Aandhi' as a kid but had found it totally boring. 'Tere bina jindagi se koi shikwaa nahi' is one of my all time favourite song and so the strong desire to watch it once again rose. Finally, I managed to get the dvd last Sunday and was delighted after watching it. Thanks to Gulzar and Kamleshwar for such an amazing script. The sensational, humorous dialogues make the movie more alluring.

In the movie A.K.Hangal's dialogues; Na milne se kya rishtey tootatey hai? Woh rishta hee kya jo haath chutaney se toot jaay? were definitely heart-warming. Now I was fully determined that relations are made in heaven and come what may, they are forever. Then why the hell we are afraid of losing a person? There may be so many incidences in our life that we tend to detach from some of our precious people for various reasons, but if we think a bit we never loose them as every person in our life is a god sent with some purpose. Once the purpose is met he/she disappears. Not supporting the unrestrained lifestyle here, but yes, nobody is a show-stopper....

It is rightly said that Relationship is an art; each relation represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until that person arrives, dismantled after that person makes an exit.

Nadaan Parindey Ghar Aaja.....

Just read a quote, "Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character." Guess the two 'Khans' have not come across this proverb. Both seem to give some eye catching incidences which are totally weird.

May it be the 'No Entry' at Wankhede stadium, Priyanka Chopra being around SRK all the time or even Shahrukh summoned for smoking for an IPL match, King Khan takes utmost care that he is in limelight every minute no matter for what reason. Whenever I grumble about such incidences and the list of my indecent words begin one of my close friend always reminds me that such criticisms makes them more famous and rich. Well, if that is the case then wonder if God has kept them away from a term called 'Self--Respect.'

Now talking about Mr. Perfectionist; was there a need to Anchor Indian TV talk show, Satyamev Jayate? Are we not aware of all  the social issues? I feel that social activists have portrayed all these issues multiple times and have received enough coverage from TV channels and newspapers. So, no need to mix entertainment and social issues, rather trying to make social issues entertaining by weaving drama around those.

Aamir its better if you concentrate on your upcoming flicks like Talaash, Dhoom 3 and so on. Satyamev Jayate truly sucks, Aamir. This is a humble request from one of your greatest fans that, it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in a filmy style imitation.

When we as your fans have even made your most horrible movies hit is there a need to indulge in such nuisance and nonsense? We all love you the way you are and so there is no need to do something different.

So, Nadaan Parinde Ghar Aaja - Back to your old ways Khans, Please!!

Beginning Of A New Era

Dravid's decision of retirement literally brought tears in my eyes but eventually the jinxed 100th ton and the brilliant 183 that too against Pakistanis put me at ease. Last few days I can't make up my mind whether to write on 'the god of the cricket' or 'the hottest ODI batsman on the planet'. Recently enjoyed reading so many articles filled with compliments on both of them and so writing on one would have been unfair to the other. Secondly, writing only on Sachin, who has always been my favorite, ignoring Kohli, would have led to Kohli venting his anger on me too ;).

May it be the cool and calm nature of that 38 year old gentleman or the tough and aggressive sight of the budding 23 year old young man purely shows their dedication towards the game which is totally delighting. Their game just pulls you out from your routine tensions and chaos and takes you to a different world of excitement.


Kohli's heroic performance on holi added colours of happiness in my life. His body language, aggression gels so well with his Delhi upbringing. He has shown ample signs of the starting of the Virat era. But does the Sachin era need to come to an end for that era to start? Not necessary.


When it comes to the Master-Blaster I have so much to say but may be don't have words to express. His hundredth hundred was a mere addition of one more feather to his cap. It was pleasure listening to Harsha Bhogle when he was talking about his favourite Sachin Tendulkar memory; watching a 16 yr old kid enjoy himself playing cricket and then the 38 yr old kid still enjoying the game with the same enthusiasm. 


So, in summary, Sachin has a lot to offer still, and no need to talk about his retirement for some time. And even if he retires, it is no cause of worry since another equally talented successor is already up and running. So, Harsha, don't worry, you have another one to latch on to, if your current obsession moves out...


Great days for Indian cricket continue.......

Dukhi man mere.......

A person can best express himself in song. According to me Emotions and Music are directly related. Whenever I am in a sad mood all sad songs automatically accumulate in my mind. They flow out one by one making me thoroughly relish my state of mind.One of my friend feels that Music always shifts her mood but according to me Moods give birth to songs.

There are few songs which are often chanted by me every now and then and needless to say, they come under the category of the happy romantic ones. One thing that always surprises me is that these songs just disappear from my mind at times and that empty space is occupied by the major depressing songs, obviously I am talking about the most boring yet wanting state of mind, Sorrow.

Now, coming to that emotion; Sadness, during this phase I fancy soulful hits of Kishore Kumar. His voice was just apt when it was the matter of expressing deep feelings. I don't want to say that these beautiful and heart touching songs soothes my pain but on the contrary they give indescribable pleasure in pain. To be frank, sometimes even get the feeling of not letting my mind and heart come out from this mood. Songs like Zindagi ke safar mein, O saathi re, Manzilen apni jagah hain, and many many more just displayed the greatness of that multi talented personality.

So just to enjoy the melodious Kishore da's hits 'kabhi kabhi dukhi hona jaroori hota hai'. And I bet they will give you that immense gratifying feel about being sad.

This reminds me of a related Mahabharata story. Once Krishna asked Kunti what was it that she desired most. She replied.."Sorrow. Sorrow because, we remember you the most when we are in that state". On similar lines, the chance to immerse oneself in the environment created by Kishoreda's sad songs can easily be a candidate reason for one to desire to be in that state....

Note: Not to say that Kishoreda's light mood songs, or the Rafi-Lata-Mukesh ones were lesser mortals. Still ... there is something unique about that Dard Bhare - Kishore