To read is to travel without moving an inch

Sounds of a city

2009-12-20T06:53:00.000-08:00

Do you have a sound that you associate with home or with the city that you live in?

Madras, a city that I live in for me has a very distinct sound. At almost any time of day you can hear slokas (Hindu Hymns) being recited or the jingling of bells. On special days you hear chanting. There's this soothing quality about these sounds... I get a nice feeling in my stomach and that sense of comfort that I am home.

Off the map

2009-11-06T05:09:00.000-08:00

I recently got back from Morocco. It's been 3 weeks but I still have a Moroccan hangover. Every time my thoughts go to Morocco or the time we spent there, I feel happy and very content.

I have been writing about my trip on my travel blog - off the map. For those who still visit this blog and who are keen to read about my travels, visit http://off-the-map-mytravelogue.blogspot.com

Back home... and happy to be here

2009-08-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Been away for a while... this whole year has been one like that. There have been several moments when I have wanted to write, but have seldom got down to doing it.

Can blame my absence on my work over the last 2-3 months that has kept me away from pretty much everything... but looking back, I loved those days and miss them.

Am back home in Madras. Moved back after 8 years. Have had my moments of feeling like a fish out of water, but now am glad we are here. What makes it so nice are friends and family. It would be terrible to move back and not have too many people you know or who you can spend time with. Thank you people who decided to make this city home and not move out.

Have been unemployed for the last 25 days. Spent 6 of them on a tough assignment - babysitting my niece and nephew, while my sister and brother-in-law were off on vacation. I survived... need I say more??? But that was an accomplishment in itself.

Made it a point to spend quality time with people I really wanted to see before I left Mumbai and am glad I did that.

Now home and settled... it's a good life as they.

Highs and lows

2009-07-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

If emotions can be graphed, my state of mind would make an interesting graph this week. On Wednesday I was ecstatic... my first big TV show was going on air. I was thrilled to say the least. There was a skip in my step the whole day. You couldn't wipe the smile off my face if you tried really hard. :)

Thursday morning was good too... but as the day progressed I started feeling really low... still feel like that.

The show is 60% done... I'll soon be leaving Mumbai and ahhh just feel terrible. I am not someone who loves change... if you know what I mean!!!
I will miss this city and the people... the feeling of independence, the vibe, the buzz and so much more!

Playing audience, audience

2009-05-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I have ever done! Okay so I was asked to go and watch this new show that's going on air to see what the set looks like, how the show plays out, etc. Basically spy by pretending to be an audience member.

So my friend and I land up promptly on time, skip standing in line with the paid audience who are awaiting to get in and instead smoothly walk in as we are guests. And we thought everything was going smoothly...

For non TV people yes audiences are often paid audiences. There are different price points, depending on the quality of faces you want on your show.

So we get to the loud, garish set and are vying for the corner seats or any other seats, and the criteria being to stay far as away as possible from the camera. Unfortunately, we kept getting asked to move a little this way and that... till we were right in the middle of the second row. Then the enthusiastic audience coordinator starts doing what he loves the most... getting the audience to behave like monkeys and to follow him.

The ring master made us clap, practice a standing ovation, enact a sad face, go ooohhh, aaahhh, whistle, repeat some stupid, inane slogan and punch our fists. Yes, we did it all to blend in and not stand out. To make matters worse, the camera guy fixed his frame on the two of us and we were picked out to look at the camera and to do all above.

Yes I will be on TV, but posing as a stupid audience member. :(

Chick Flicks & Me

2009-05-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am a complete chick flick kinda person and have no qualms admitting that! Last night was a marathon chick flick session. I watched Father of the Bride and followed that up with 27 Dresses. It was Friday night well spent at home for a change.

Never been into M&B (yes if you can believe that), read 4-5 pages of one and feel asleep… so I never bothered picking up another. But I love the mushy, feel good, leave your brain behind, cuddle-up and watch, type of romantic comedies. Oh… the joy of discovering one on TV…

My idea of a perfect lazy night at home is watching a movie on TV… or a lazy Sunday well spent is to settle down after a good home cooked meal and spending the afternoon watching a nice romantic film on TV.

My favourites are Pretty Woman and Notting Hill. I can watch them over and over again and not get bored. Hmmm

After watching one my mood gets instantly perked up and there’s this nice feeling in my stomach, a smile on my face... It's amazing how a movie can make you feel so good!

A long time away

2009-05-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

I started the year deciding to write often... and like always and like all plans... landed up doing the exact opposite. After my first post in Jan I just haven't found the time to write. What's also strange is that the out of the 7-8 blogs I follow, about half of them haven't written in months. I hope they will all be back soon... I miss reading you write people.

So what's been keeping me busy is work and a lot of it... more than I have ever worked before I think. I worked on a film as a line producer... it was unbelievable amount of stress and a lot of crap that you have to take from people... but when I saw my name on the big screen... and when my husband told me that I had made him proud it was all worth it. :)

Soon after I started work on my first big television show... I spent unending hours in office and often wondered if this is all that there is in life... want a holiday and want to go home... but know that when the show goes on air, and if it does well (fingers crossed) I will be a very satisfied person.

But for a few months longer life is going to be work and more work... Just hope I can survive this madness and come out alive!

Come July and I move back home... to the city that I was in born in and where I have spent some of the best years of my life. There's a bit of excitement, a bit of anxiousness and lot to look forward too...

Slumdog, Jalebee Cartel and a lot of positivity

2009-01-10T23:46:00.000-08:00

A late Happy New Year!

This New Year so far has been a very interesting one for me. The first day was spent shopping, drinking and spending good time with family in Bangkok. I also got a great massage. :)

Back in Mumbai, work continues as usual... with feelings of randomness, madness and some moments of happiness, all thrown in for good measure.

Met up with a really close friend last week, who I haven't seen in 3 years, and that felt so nice!

Also, happened to watch a screening of Slumdog Crorepati (the Hindi version). Watch this version if you understand Hindi. It’s probably better cause you don’t have to read subtitles!

I went in with some preconceived notions, as I had heard some reviews from friends. I was told that it's extremely gritty and portrays a side of India that is not very pleasant, and that kind of hits you in the face. I was also curious to see if the film is worth all the hype (this was before the Golden Globes were announced).

Well here’s my verdict for whatever its worth. I loved the film. It made me feel a lot of things. Yes, it made me cringe at times. But those things I cringed at are the reality of this country that I have so easily learnt to ignore and forget. It’s almost like those things have been relegated to a part of my memory that does not exist.

By now everyone knows that the film is about this young man called Jamal who wins Kaun Banega Crorepati contest. The film unravels how someone who never went to a proper school knew all of those answers. Shot in the by lanes of the bastis in Juhu and Versova - the grime, the muck, the filth is shot so beautifully. The camera work is fantastic. I have always said that I don’t want to be a film maker. But this one made me want to pick up a camera and tell a story visually…

It also made me want to stretch open my arms and take as many street kids home as I could. When you see those faces and see their pain and struggle, you realise what terrible lives they have. At an age when children need to be pampered and protected, these kids are left to fight for their lives.

But the film is as much about hope and triumph as it if about despair and poverty.

The background score is amazing. It really lifts the film and adds a zing to it.

I have read reviews where some describe this film as a typical Bollywood story shot with Hollywood sensibility. While, in some ways I would have to agree but aren't films all about the way you tell a story? Stories most often are always the same it’s the narrative and the visual treatment that makes its different.

Cheers to Danny Boyle and his producers who had the courage and conviction to pick such a story, cast such wonderful, relatively unknown faces, and to tell it in a simple but fantastic way!

Also, came across this music video of this song called “Tough Cookie” by Jalebee Cartel and loved it. I must say that Indian performers are getting on par with their international counterparts. Well executed cool video and funky song.

Finally, just feeling very positive and optimistic at the start of the year… another year with lots of time to follow your dreams and live life the way you want too!

Hope it’s a fun and safe year for all of us!

A first for Discovery T&L

2008-12-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

Like most people I love Discovery and Nat Geo, particularly anything to do with travel.

This week while I was channel surfing came across this show called Hairy Bikers on Disc T&L. It's the first time that I felt that a show on the channel was really not up to the mark. The show has two big burly men who traverse countries on bikes and as they go along they sample local cuisine and even cook some stuff for you.
The episode I watched was based on Madras... I had to watch it as that's my home town.

Apart from the fact that the two are not really funny, they come across more wannabish. At Mahabalipuram, they were demonstrating a recipe for aloo paratha. Yes, you read that right, good old North Indian aloo paronthas in numba Madras. Hmm... I wonder who did the research for this show.

To top it all they garnished it with fried curry leaves and ate it with sambar and chutney! Need I say more?

Oye its Friday!

2008-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

I don't think I have written a review of a film or TV show... but this one definitely made me want to write!

For those of you who haven't watched it... this is a new show on NDTV Imagine. It comes every Friday (as you probably already guessed from the name). It's a chat cum performance kind of show. It's a mix of Jay Leno meets Saturday Night Live...

Farhan seems to be everywhere after Rock On!! But may be he needs to focus on what he does best instead of putting his fingers into as many pies as possible. As a host he comes across as a nervous little boy who doesn't know what to do! Especially after the camera cuts to him after a gag, his expression says "duh, was that meant to be funny" or "how do I react to that".

To be fair I watched the one that had Aamir as the guest. I've heard the first episode was marginally better.

The whole show is quite mediocre. The gags are not funny and the quality of production is low.

I expected a lot more from Farhan as he's so particular about his films right down to the sets and styling.

The best thing about the show was Benny Dayal's performance... he seems like a cool guy.

Life in an auto continues...

2008-12-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

As I continue to use autos, my funny experiences don't seem to end.

On my way to work one day I caught this auto and was sitting as usual lost in my thoughts, when I hear this strange horn kind of a sound. After a gap of 30 seconds the sound I heard it again. After a while, I lost my patience and started giving a bhashan to the driver saying, "please stop honking". When he turns around and tells me that its not the horn I hear, but a beeper that he has installed on purpose. Apparently in the past he's had customers who suddenly just get off and leave at signals without paying without his notice. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. But something real crazy must have happened for the guy to install that irritating beeper!

Another day I took an auto and went to buy some stuff. So I wanted him to wait for me at one particular shop, where I needed to buy something small. He told me categorically that he had no problem with waiting but that I had to pay him the 12 rupees that was the meter. Surprised again, about why he was being so picky about 12 bucks, he tells me that in the past he's had several clients who leave and just don't come back!

These two stories make me wonder what kind of people do such things?

Peace March - Gateway of India

2008-12-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

It started off from as a blog post, spread to facebook and then like wild fire through smses and emails... such is the power of technology, that thousands of people landed up near the Gateway of India on the 3rd of December exactly one week after, to pay their respects and to raise a voice.

It was heartening to see the response. People from all walks of life and from all parts of Bombay came together that evening. There were some celebrities too without their usual security cover, so definitely what happened in Bombay has affected people like nothing has ever before. Unfortunately it always takes some disaster for us to sit up and take notice!

But what was disheartening to see was many different groups with different messages. Towards the end, the rally almost became like a Pakistan bashing march completely defeating the purpose. There was no one common goal or agenda. At one point I felt that in our protests itself there was no unity, how will we ever come together to find a workable solution?

If the idea was to show strength in numbers we could have just sat down silently to show our anger. The situation as it was, was potentially dangerous. Thousands of people, very little security and tempers running high.

I don't think I will go for another protest march cause this one was quite pointless. I don't know what the media made out of it... cause I didn't manage to catch its telecast or the discussions based on the movement on TV that night.

I appreciate the effort and the thought that went into getting people together, but I feel as helpless as before, not knowing what I can do!

As a starting step I first think we need to look within ourselves and become better citizens. Most educated people in this country don't have any respect for the nation. People are always looking to get around systems, jump queues, litter, honk like crazy, don't follow traffic regulations... why can't we change these small things about ourselves. If these tiny things are unachievable how are we ever going to achieve a bigger cause?

At times I feel frustrated, angry and don't want to help people who can't help themselves.

When will it end?

2008-11-29T04:50:00.000-08:00

The four years that I have been in Mumbai, I have been witness to several traumatic incidents - the 2006 July floods, the 2007 July train bombings and the just concluded terrorist attacks across South Mumbai. Never before has a city like Mumbai been held ransom by a bunch of crazy fanatical men!

One always hears about the resilient spirit of Mumbai, the fact that people go back to work the very next day. But I seriously question whether there is another option? Yes, the city springs back unbelievably quickly, but that does not mean that the common man is waiting for such crap to happen to them over and over again. The people of Mumbai are fed up.

To survive in this city itself is a struggle. Going to work everyday working through the thousands that throng the trains, buses and roads in itself is a nightmare. Space is a problem, clean air is a problem. We don't need more problems than those we already have!

I followed the terrorist saga on Thursday on Times Now and I thought they did a fairly good job of covering the situation. Arnab just needs to stop pushing the fact that it's a Times Now exclusive, or xyz about Times Now down our throat. We don't care Arnab if it came on your channel first! All we want to know is about the safety of the citizens of this city!

Media also needs to draw a line somewhere and understand what information needs to go out and what needs to be held back, ensuring that rescue work is not hampered in anyway. Getting that one additional TRP should not be the focus. On the same channel this morning I saw a hotel staff of the Taj who miraculously appeared and the channels hounded the poor traumatised victim for a sound byte. As human beings we love to hear tales of horror, including myself, but somewhere we need to become more sensitive.

As a third person to sit and analyse the situation, to type out this blog post is very easy. But if it had been me who had lost someone, I would have been livid and would want justice. I wouldn't want explainations and excuses.

But what is justice? Where are we going wrong as a nation? Are we unable to secure our borders and take a strong stance against Pakistan or should we be more aggressive and declare war or should we try dialogue and reason? Frankly as a young citizen of this country I haven't seen much progress on this front over the last few years. And I don't see a solution in the near future.

But I storngly feel that violence is not the solution, an eye for an eye is not the solution. Violence only ignites violence.

Unfortunately, religion has become the biggest curse on mankind. We don't know how to make it our strength, we just fight like cowards in the name of the god. It's jobless, vacant minds that get moulded by people in power. It's sad to think that a person can want to cause so much harm to another human being for no rhyme or reason, with absolute no thought or logic.

Every person who wants to divide us on any basis be it caste, state, religion or whatever else is a terrorist.

I don't know where the end is or what the solution is, but I strongly believe that anger and violence are not the solution. Let us not be open to manipulation, let us think for ourselves and decide what is right. It's sad to think that our children will be born in a world like this. When will it end and will India truly be a free country?

Karpe Wadi - a weekend getaway from Mumbai

2008-10-31T09:34:00.001-07:00

A lazy weekend spent on hammocks under coconut trees and blue skies. Read about it on my travel blog...

Off the map

A Tibetan Kitchen in Mumbai

2008-10-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

Sernyaa (which means Gold Fish in Tibetan) is a great place in Andheri West to grab some good Tibetan food. Located opposite (not exactly opposite, this place is towards Oshiwara) the lotus petrol pump on link road it looks like a hole in the wall from outside, but once in, it's a decent sit down place. Don't go there expecting anything fancy in terms of decor. The place is simply done up but is clean.

They serve both Tibetan and Chinese food. We tried the momos, bamboo pot rice and some mixed vegetables in a light soy sauce. The momos were awesome, though I was a bit disappointed with the sauce. The bamboo rice was great too. The service is good, quantity excellent and the prices are very moderate. To top it all, the old man who runs it is really sweet and welcoming.

So if you get those momo pangs, this is one place you should check out!

My unexpected new friends

2008-10-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

I don’t know how many how many of you know that the majority of Hijras found in Mumbai are from Tamil Nadu! I found this very strange cause Hjras are people you most often spot in Mumbai, and I have never met one in Madras ever or even seen one anywhere else in TN. Anyway after I figured this out I always speak to them in Tamil whenever they try to get money out of me, simply saying no or giving them whatever else excuse they would buy.

There are two of them at the main Andheri-Versova-Juhu traffic signal who I now see everyday. They are not the garish, overly done up variety, but are simply dressed. I gave them the standard excuse of coming everyday and thus not going to pay you routine. One of them bought it blessed me and moved on. Then the other one (the bigger drama queen of the two) came and I told her that her friend already came by and went. So she’s like so does that mean that you won’t give me anything. I repeated the same - come everyday and not going to pay routine. She was happy that I spoke to her in Tamil, and then when she found out that I am from Madras, clapped and blessed me and asked me to get a saree for Diwali.

The next day as the light turned red and as my auto approached the red light I saw the first one. She came up to the auto then the other one saw me and squealed… she put her hands up and did a small jig. I was actually embarrassed thinking what someone around would think. Then two asked if I had breakfast, chatted with me, blessed me and left. They are my unexpected friends… people I am going to bump into everyday and who I have to be civil to. Thankfully they are not bad people so it won’t be hard for me to deal with this every morning.

Missed this zone

2008-10-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

The last time I blogged was when I was sitting in Mumbai airport waiting for my flight to NY and that was 4 months back. I thought the next few months would have me writing a lot about my trip and life... but for some reason I just tuned off. I kept thinking of my blog and of all the people I have met through blogging, whose blogs I read, but never wrote.
These last few months have been quite crazy in their own way. On the personal front I haven't changed that much but in terms of work there have been so many changes. I have realised that I am such an over anxious person its not funny!
My trip to the US was fantastic. Apart from the fun I had, my mind and perception of America has changed drastically. This definitely warrants a separate post and shall come soon.
Gonna sign off now... but would like to thank those who kept checking to see if I have posted anything new. Sorry there was nothing for you.

Headed to the land of opportunity…

2008-05-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

Its 1:43 IST and I am sitting at the Mumbai international airport waiting for my flight to London and then to NY. Its not the most pleasant time of day… seems like these long flights and absurd timings were created to make you yearn to get to your destination even more. Thanks to whoever created the laptop and a data card I am peacefully spending my time on the net. Can’t imagine what I would have done otherwise.

Anyway coming back to my 1st trip to America… I am very excited!!! Feel like a child! One of my must dos for the year was to visit a new country and that’s obviously happening. But what’s more exciting is the idea of going to whole new continent. I am finally going beyond Asia and Europe!

I didn’t realize I was such a nervous traveler till a few days back. The idea of going so far and going alone was kind of unnerving me. At the moment I am relaxed…can feel sleep and tiredness slowly creeping into my bones… so going to stop here. One of those situations where you want write but your mind just doesn’t want to think!

A long time in the coming

2008-05-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

I started writing hoping that I would be able to capture my travels and experiences as and when I do venture out.

To do full justice I thought it does merit a separate blog on its own. So here it is

Off the map

Read on!

Life in a... Auto

2008-05-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am back to spending considerable time in an auto. I think they so resemble a bug! Many a time my mood on a particular day is governed by whether I got a grumpy autowalla who drove like a maniac or fought with me for extra money or made me feel like a terrible person for not having change or making him go the extra long route. The last one completely beats me…what is their problem if I am the one who’s paying for it anyway!!!

Here is my list of classic auto moments…
• A ride in an auto that feels like its completely going to fall apart – you can almost hear every part rattle when you go over a bumpy road.
• Autos that are not going to fall apart…hell they’re used to the bumpy road. But I am not and so when the auto driver steps on the gas on a bumpy road, I can feel every part of my body shake. It’s a not so nice free massage, one you can really do without.
• An auto ride where the driver thinks he’s racing down a F1 circuit…never mind that he’s driving through Mumbai traffic. He swerves and turns like he’s god while I am falling from side to side trying to hold on for dear life.
• The driver sees a speed breaker (one of those nasty rubber ones barely a foot wide) and he slows down, only once he crosses the hurdle with the front wheel so his backside is taken care off, he steps on the gas…never mind the two wheels at the back or poor me!
• A ride in an auto where the back seat is slanted backwards so your shoulders are pushed back and the rest of your body is pushed towards the front. Trust me you want to sit straight in an auto to have better balance, but when you are sitting like this you feel so vulnerable and weird.
• Have an autowalla tell me what vegetables I should eat. Had written a post on this earlier, here it is http://capturing-moments-of-my-life.blogspot.com/2008/02/it-happens-only-in-india.html
• My first monsoons in Mumbai, I was headed to Bandra station and it was pouring. Autos come with flaps that you have to tie to keep out the rain. I din’t know this and sat enjoying the rain when a big vehicle goes by and splashes me with dirty filthy water from the road. The initial shock and disgust gave way to despair and I spent the whole day in those clothes…yuck I know…but I din’t have a choice!

For people like me who don’t drive, these bugs are a great help! They are one of those evils you can’t live without!

Bet you've never heard of this concept

2008-05-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

So we are busy trying to do up our new home. All our old furniture fit in nicely and we actually have space for a few more things...which in Bombay is amazing!
We also have a decent sized balcony...that can actually fit in two chairs and a small table and some plants.
We are quite a plant crazy couple. Though its my husband who has the green thumb...I frown upon that, cause I am the one who grew up with a huge garden and some zillion trees and plants. By that logic I should be the one good with plants. Hmm...fine whatever...that's my logic. :)
So we had 3 plants and got two more. One of the new guys is a tree and not a plant by any angle. Its a champa tree or frangipani as it's called in English I think.
So I go over to this lady's house who is disposing off some of her furniture...I didn't quite find anything that fit the bill...but noticed lots of nice plants and very well arranged and looked after. I obviously got tempted and so asked my friend who put me in touch with the lady, to ask if I can buy her plants. My friend was sure she would be happy to give it to me free.
So here I was dreaming of my lovely balcony with all the new additions...when my friend calls and says I can't have them. I was a little taken aback...then she revealed that the lady does not own them herself...they are RENTED!!! I have heard of people renting furniture, ACs...but plants!!!
The nursery she rents them from comes home and prunes them regurlarly and whats more...every now and then she can change the plants...how crazy is that!

Why me? Why my door mat?

2008-04-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

A new house brings with it new experiences. So I open the door this morning and find some dog poop on my door mat. Not a pleasant site at anytime of the day and certainly not when you have just woken up.
Then my help arrived who was so disgusted...poor thing she obviously thought I was going to make her clean it. I didn't have any plans of doing that. Its not fair...I would not clean it. So it had to be thrown.
The guy who takes garbage everyday said he wouldn't take the mat. I was like 'hello we are not asking you to clean it...we're just telling you to take it'. No use.
Okay by now I was looking forward to going over to some one's house and giving them a piece of my mind. I like dogs, but they can't come and poop on my door mat!!!
I started asking around as to who has a dog...then I find out...no one owns a dog...it was a stray dog that must have come up at night and pooped its heart out!
I wonder how it just decided to come up 6 floors and pick my door mat...the poor door mat was just destined to go!

Can I just let some steam off!!!

2008-04-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

Fed up of...

1. Being asked "so what do you do?"
Next time someone asks me that I am gonna say I deliver pizza!!! I don't do one thing and its hard to explain...why don't people just get the point and leave me alone.
2. Reactions like "oh you only work on the magazine" (I edit a magazine at work).
No you buffoons I obviously do more!!! Do you really think a 20 page magazine requires a whole month of work???
3. Not knowing exactly what I want to do next...ahhhhh...why can't I just put my finger on it.
4. Trying to develop this new initiative for more than a year. Yes I have learnt a lot...but hello that's not enough.
5. Weird men in the office who just don't get the point that I don't want to talk to them.
6. Not knowing what my next new project will be - I fear there won't be any!
7. Stupid designation...might as well call me a chicken farmer!!!
8. The time...its 5:19 p.m...wish I could turn the clock to 6:30 p.m and leave office.
9. 100 people who can see my screen, so I can't even crib peacefully...
10. My easily irritable nature.

Ok that's enough for now.

There's a lot to tell

2008-04-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks there have been so many moments when I have had a strong urge to write because of all the crazy things that are happening in my life - one of those 'ahh I just need to write about it moment'...but I just haven't found the time to put my thoughts down. Let me start with the most recent one...

We moved homes this weekend...after having spent three years and two months in our beautiful reclaimation sea facing home in bandra, it is a big change, but it was a well thought out one. We now stay in Andheri East...ok I know, I know. I was one of those people who was like Andheri...I would never live there. As they say, never say never! Our new place is a really nice...but yes the beautiful view is sure gone. We are going nuts at the moment just making it livable. Sometimes I am like really excited about the prospect of doing it up and then sometimes I am like ahh shifting is such a pain in the butt. Not sure what I am feeling at the moment!

On our floor there are 4 apartments, of which 3 are occupied. One is obviously our home but the two right opposite ours belong to the same family. I was in 'our' apartment on Saturday afternoon cleaning the platform in the kitchen, when I look up and see these three strange women staring at me with broad grins on their faces. I was a little taken aback...my first reaction was that they could have been bai's scouting for jobs. But no they turn out to be my neighbours. Beautiful earthen, saree clad, with ghungat, nose ring and tattoos in place...I am not being rude...but hello its not everyday that you see people like that...and not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that they would be standing there watching me from my kitchen door!!! They are Gujarati and were very happy to know that I am one too. They looked at me and figured out that I am one of the 'service' kinds...basically a working woman. Then they figured out that if I am the service kinds I would be out of the house pretty much the whole day during the week. Okay...now I thought they would leave, considering that any sane person would notice that I am busy!!! But no, they just stood there smiling...I then told the aunty that once I settle down, I will call them over for tea. I thought that this was a good way of telling someone that the conversation has ended...but no, they continued to stand and grin. Finally, I just gave up and focused on the platform and eventually they did leave.

The teen deviyan reappeared the next day, much to the amusement of my friend who was at home with me. This time they did not come to the kitchen but stood outside the main door and peered inside. I was just not in the mood to put up with them that day...so I quite rudely said that I will see you later and walked away.

In retrospect I think they just wanted to help...I guess people in smaller towns are more helpful and think their neighbours are family. We've decided to never ask them for any help to avoid the interaction. We confused city people obviously like it if our neighbours mind their own business and don't complain about all the noise that's made when there is a party at home!

Wow that's gonna be one interesting house warming party considering my current neighbours. Shall give you a teen deviyan update as and when something interesting comes up. My last interaction was when I couldn't open the door when I got home from work yesterday...the aunty sweetly came forward and helped me and left. I think they are getting the message...but man they must think I am such a super b***h! Hmm...such is life.

Things at work are keeping up to the excitement provided by my new neighbours. It all started off with a conversation with my boss last June/July about how I don't know where work is going and that I kind of feel aimless. He offered me a film project to work on. At that time I was like uh ho...films...what do I know about them! But nevertheless I took it up. New things are always good fun and I thought I would be working as part of a team and the others in the team at least knew what it takes to make a film. There were months when I wondered why I was involved in the project cause my role was quite limited. Got to learn some stuff on the periphery but that's about it. Out of the three of us, first one person left and then the other one did too. So eventually I was the only one left in the team. Yes, so what it means that I am working as an executive producer on a film! I give myself that title...cause I do all the dirty work and hello I should get the credit!!!

So I struggle but manage star egos, think like a producer and put my foot down when I need to get things done, negotiate with different people like lyricists to write our songs, sit through conversations about DI (digital intermediate) and post production processes...phew...it is a lot of Greek and Latin, but it's a lot of fun and madness. The film releases in September so I am going to share all the ups and downs a "quasi" producer goes through.

The "beep" generation & the bling attack

2008-03-26T04:18:00.000-07:00

Keeping in trend with naming generations as "Baby Boomers", "Generation X", etc., the current generation of young people in India at least, can be christened the "beep" generation. One episode of MTV Roadies will explain why. Almost every sentence spoken by the participants and the judges has a beep invariably interspersed. Has using bad words become an acceptable mantra today?

I don't claim that I don't use any. But the people on this show seem to have an uncontrollable urge to use fowl language. What makes it hard for me to comprehend is that the show is aired on a national TV channel. Their parents and their friends I am sure watch it. Are they OK, with their kids using this kind of language? I feel so far removed from this generation that it’s amazing. Do they do this to get attention and is getting seen so important that parents are willing to let their kids cross all boundaries?

There is also a bling attack happening on TV today. While films do influence fashion in India to a large extent, the bling on TV is absurd. Not only does Ektaa Kapoor have her bahus dolled up from head-to-toe whether they are in the kitchen or in the bedroom, but TV show hosts across genres have gone over board. It’s almost like a normally dressed person has no place to be on TV. Even reality shows that are about normal people are overdone to the ‘T’. Yes, while do I agree that for some of these people the overhaul is great, cause they look better and more polished, but that can be done without the loud clothes, jarring make-up and just too much bling! Aesthetics don’t exist on TV today.

I am not an avid TV viewer, but have some favourites that I dig. Indian TV programming consists of a tiny minuscule part of my TV viewing universe. Is it just that I have become to Westernised or is it that Indian TV by and large is not for someone like me?

It's all about the name

2008-03-16T04:12:00.000-07:00

As a child, actually till not too long ago, I was very happy with my name cause I always thought it was unusual. I didn't meet anybody with the same name in Madras. In fact not too many people in Madras had heard of my name or could even pronounce it in the right way. In class when the roll call was being called, before my name was called out I would stare at the teacher's face to see them struggle as they tried to pronounce it at all, leave alone pronounce it right.
Shaitali, Shefali even Deepali were names given to me. The last one beats all the rest...people would catch on to the "ali" and just add to that, probably use the name that they knew best ending with "ali".
I didn't know what my name meant and don't think my parents did either. My sisters had names ending with "ali" and thus I was also named with a rhyming name. Any book that gave the slightest hint as to what my name meant was pure joy when discovered. We had gone on a holiday once to Orissa and I saw a shop with my name and was thrilled to bits. It's amazing how some of the craziest things can make you happy when you were younger.
When I moved to Mumbai suddenly my name seemed to be the most common thing ever. People would hear my name and be like that's such a Gujarati name...really???
Then my first cousin found the love of his life and guess what...of all names in the world, she had to share my name. Then began all the confusion in the family. They would call one junior and the other senior. If we are in the same room, someone would call out to her and both of us would turn. When we are out shopping and she's writing her address I often wonder why is she writing my name. Numerous wrong phone calls, birthday wishes and lot more confusion are part and parcel of sharing your name with someone so close.
So much for an usual name!!! But the unusual spellings and pronunciations haven't stopped yet and don't think ever will. A recent mail from a vendor came addressed to Shaitali, though my email address was the right one.

Throw and Catch

2008-02-29T00:33:00.000-08:00

Still searching looked around wondering who she should throw the ball she held to, and voila it came my way and yep I did manage to catch it. I have been tagged for the first time, and think it's quite a cool idea. Not sure who started this one off, but never the less the topic they chose is really nice. For one it's gonna make you guys read lots of my older posts and yes, I too am getting to read a lot of stuff people have written before I started blogging. :)

So here's the deal..
Post 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5keywords given (family, friends, yourself, your love, and anything you like). Tag 5 other friends to do the same. Try to tag atleast 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better. Don't forget to read the linked posts and leave comments!

Family: Haven't written too much about my family on this blog...but recently wrote about Taare Zameen Par and how it was a family lesson. I think the other piece I like is the one I wrote about my mum...it's not a long piece but she's so special that I would like to pick that one.

Friends: You are gonna be probably surprised but I can't find anything worthwhile to pick under this heading from all that I have written thus far...hmmm...

Yourself: An easy pick...tell me which one you liked the best. Here they are I've grown up and I look out of the window and see...

Your love: Again have never written anything about this topic on my blog.

Anything I like: I know most of you have read the piece on Mumbai, but I am picking it now, cause it's one of those posts that I enjoyed putting together the most.

This has really been a fun exercise. You actually refer to older posts and sometimes wonder what was going on in your mind when you wrote a particular post. Have got a chance to read other people's older stuff. Have realised how little I write :).

To pass this on:
3 people to tag: guzzler, d.h.roark, cool kalra
2 new people: taz, chambalikethakur

Read on and have fun!

It happens only in India!

2008-02-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ever had an auto guy tell you that fuel prices have shot up...yes. Ever had an auto guy tell you that you have chosen the wrong route...the other one that he suggested and the one that you did not take, would have been far less crowded...I am sure that would be a yes. Ever had an auto guy bicker cause you didn't know the way and he's irritated with you for asking people and wasting his time...I guess this would also be a yes.
But yesterday I happened to meet an auto guy who told me none of the above, but instead commented on the vegetable I bought..."why did you buy doodhi/loki...it's a useless vegetable", he said. I got into the auto after buying my doodhi and was not sure that I heard right. But no he didn't stop there...he told me doodhi and kadu (pumpkin) have no vitamins!!! He told me that they are useless vegetables, and that are not worth eating. Also, he went on to explain how if ever either of the two were cooked in his house, he would tell the person who made it, to eat it and something else would have to be made for him.
That's not all, I also got gyan on what vegetables I should eat...he said that palak, methi, cauliflower and carrots have lots of nutrients. I was just a silent spectator, cause I didn't want to argue and was so amused by this conversation. Then when I was about to get off and pay the guy he even gave me a recipe!!! He said now since you have bought the doodhi he was like cut it into small bits, fry it with jeera in a little oil, then add the salt and when it cools down, mix it with some dahi!!! He also advised me that I should have it with rice...
I went home with this very amused look...where else would you ever find people who have so much time to talk and who actually take an interest in your personal life. :) And no this is not your standard nosy neighbour I am talking about, but an auto guy, who god only knows when I will ever see him again.

Choices...

2008-02-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered if your life is determined by the choice you make or are you destined to make that choice????
There have been several instances in the last few years when I have wondered about the choices I have made. I question and question why the way somethings are...they are the result of the choice I have made and then I wonder how different things would have been, had I made a different choice. But then was I destined to make the choice I made?
All your growing up years you have people, some close and some not so close to you, tell you that think and decide for yourself. You know then that you should carefully evaluate and make your choice, but it's only much later when you are living through the consequences of the choice you made that you realise how important that deciding moment was.
Is it important at all if the whole universe seems to conspire to make certain things happen for you...to play out your life in a certain way??? Do you think you can change that course and make things go the way you want?
Somethings are really within your control and some are not, but the choice I think you do have is when you are faced with a situation you can decide how you want to react to it. You choose whether you want to let things go even if they are not as good as you would have liked them to be, and still be happy.

"One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don’t know, Alice answered. Then, said the cat, it doesn’t matter."

A visit to Bipasha Basu's house, an evening of world music and Gajjar Ka Halwa

2008-01-24T04:23:00.000-08:00

You read right I did indeed go to Bip's house last Saturday! Her sister is married to a friend and he took us to her house. We were told that it's rare to find Bips at home. John Abraham was there too and the two were just chilling with some friends. This is the first "celebrity house" I have ever been too!!! She has this nice big apartment in the suburbs, and has a pet dog called Posto - only a Bengali would ever think of naming their dog that...but I have to agree its a cute name!!! The two were very sweet and very good looking in person. We just hung around and made normal conversation...in fact they were a lot nicer than most people you meet for the first time...I wonder if that's because they are celebrities and have an image to keep! But hey let's give them the benefit of doubt...

You can't be in Mumbai this time of the year and not notice the Mumbai Festival. The festival is a three week long affair, with performances, food festivals, cruises and more. I happened to catch the world music performance last Sunday on Carter road. Two bands played that evening - Ronak Baja, a fusion band and Down Syde a hip hop band from Australia. The latter were really good...overall liked the idea of having such street performances...the whole event was organized well and had a decent crowd. You could actually enjoy the performances and not worry about weird people gropping you, even though you were standing amidst a crowd of people on Carter road.
Its on for the next ten days so try and catch it if you can.

Was buying vegetables one day and saw lots of nice looking red carrots that are available only this time of the year. Bought a kg to make Gajjar Ka Halwa...I did end up making it and it was quite good. Here's a quick short recipe if you want to try it.

Take some ghee in a deep pan, add medium to finely grated carrots (1 kg) and saute them till they looked semi cooked. Add 3-4 cups of milk and cook till the milk gets completely soaked up. Keep it on low to medium sim and keep stirring it every now and then. Add sugar as per your taste, sprinkle some crushed cardamom powder (2-3), raisins and chopped almonds. Yummy and you have Gajjar Ka Halwa ready!

Living the dream - Part 2 & 3

2008-01-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

The second day was less of a goose chase as compared to day 1. We walked around Colaba and captured lots of interesting people and shops. Surprisingly most shops were really open to being filmed. So that made our job a lot easier.
Leos did allow us to shoot, I changed in this dingy toilet on the first floor...I tried putting on some kajal, but the light was so dim that I decided to might as well not try. We took some shots from the top and kept trying to find the owner or his brother, but by the time we found either of them they were gone! Hmmm luck really has to be on your side when you go out to shoot. We wanted to shoot the long beer tubes with a tap, and so we ordered one. As we don't belong to any fancy travel channel or well known magazine, we had to pay for the stuff we order to shoot and that means you gotta finish it, cause you don't want to waste your money, especially when you are working with a limited budget. By the end of the day we used to get sick of eating and drinking all the different things we kept ordering.
We tried our luck at Cafe Mondegar as well...they were quite reluctant and we decided that we should go back the next day.
Then the search for Saurabh Udipi restaurant began. We had no clue as to where it was so we kept asking passersby for help. Most people didn't know of the place and I thought that was weird, cause the place was all over the papers a few days back, thanks to Shantaram taking Madonna there. We headed to Sasoon Dock and we did find it. We asked the manager if we could shoot there...he was like call the owner and speak to him tomorrow. Okay got the point, so we headed out.
Next day was a crucial one as we had to finish what we had set out to do, as my partner in this project was going back to Chennai.
We parked ourselves at Leos, standing near the entrance and kept looking out for the owner. We did chat up with them that day, but also got a lot of unwanted attention and questions from people at the restaurant. Ahh it's so annoying but really I think Indians think they have a right to know everything!!!
Modegar was not happening that day as well, so we went to Indian Guest House to shoot that and then to Saurabh. I expected Saurabh to also show us the door, but luck was on our side that day and the owner gave us permission to do anything we wanted. We were seated in the small ac section and even served the exact same menu as what Madonna had a few days ago. The place is really small and the food is strictly nothing to write home about...that kind of explained why people didn't know of the place. But Mr. Shantaram sure had done his magic on the place...what with so many people talking to the manager about Madonna at the counter...
That was really the end of our adventure at least for now. A lot of fun, walking, explaining to people and "smile at the camera", "look more bubbly" is how I will remember these three days.
We never did find Lin baba but I sure hope this is the beginning of a lot more such adventures.

Living the dream - Part 1

2008-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

It all began when I got out of my car and this guy passed me on a bike in this narrow lane off Colaba Causeway. His bike roared through the narrow street and it happened by chance that I saw his face. I recognized him but was not too sure until I saw his long hair and knew that it was Shantaram!!!
A friend and I decided to walk around hoping he would be around the corner...little did we realize that a right from where we were lead to many roads. Having read his book, and aware of his usual haunts we decided to head towards India Guest House - the guest house Shataram lived in when he first moved to Mumbai. No we knew he wouldn't be there, but we were hoping the owner or manager would give us a lead. After climbing several floors we got to the reception, but nope the receptionist said he's never seen Shantaram.
We walked around the area hoping we would spot him...then just headed to Leopold to try our luck there. We spotted the manager and told him that we wanted to chat with him. After some waiting and "trying to be in his face approach", the manager agreed to meet us tomorrow and to let us shoot at Leos. What we plan to shoot shall be described once the shoot is over.
Do you think we'll find Shantaram tomorrow? Hmmm I think seeing him today was a sign that we are going to find him...more tomorrow with Part 2. Why is it a dream...I think you would have figured it out!

A lot on my hands

2008-01-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

What is it about the beginning of a New Year that spurs people to think positively, to make amends and to try and grow into a better individual? It's amazing that just a date change and really nothing else can bring about this kind of positivity in us. It's good though that someone out there planned a time when we human beings would let bygones be bygones and look ahead.

It's the time of the year when everyone is looking ahead and making plans and resolutions. I for some strange reason feel like I am running a race and that I have to get ahead. No its not about my pay or designation, thought truthfully I would love a raise and a promotion!!! Its more about doing all the things I haven't done so far...it's a quest to put tick marks alongside all the to dos in my life and I really am a person of lists!

When 2007 began I felt like I was standing against a vast empty canvas waiting to be painted. My husband and I were to move to Turkey and Indonesia. We were so excited about the prospect of a new life, new surroundings...I had got a new job that showed prospects of being "the" perfect one. There was a lot of uncertainty but along with it came a whole lot of opportunity. My husband's plans to move did not materialise and we were to stay in Mumbai. This has been a blessing in disguise, cause the last one year has really enabled me to find a space that I like.

But now its time to take things ahead from where they started last year...I want 2008 to be my year of stretch both personal as well as professional. Last year was a year of taking first steps...this one is of consolidation. I sound like a corporation...but it's true!!! My initial years after college have been to proper by traditional definitions...I should have done a lot more crazy things...I don't want to regret not having done them, so this is the year to catch up!

So here's my list of big and small goals but all which are important to me...
- I want to run the Mumbai marathon...hold your imagination...I am talking about the 7 km dream run.
- I go for a walk in the mornings to Bandstand...but really need to get more regular at it. Yep when the whole world is focusing on fitness, I am sure there are inumerable benefits from being fit apart from finding more clothes that fit!
- Learn yoga: this has been in the reckoning for sometime now, but need to find a class I can enrol in rather than just dream about how good I will feel once I start doing it.
- Do freelance work regularly, cause this will let me acquire all the skills I need to have in this field.
- Do a career stock check in June to see if things are going as planned or make radical changes. I have learnt one thing a few lucky people have good things happen to them...for all the rest we need to go out there and make things happen for ourselves.
- Start driving: yes all of you who have cars and love the feeling of independence...I don't drive!!! But truly and honestly this is one change I have to make.
- Read, read and read more, cause I love it and also because this stops my nonsensical mind from wandering and thinking about crap, which it does 75% of the time.
- Pursue a hobby...click click and click more and learn to do it in a more professional manner.
- Travel to a new country...I know where I want to go. I want to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, cause I don't think I will ever manage to climb Mt. Everest.
- Work on my appearance. Like most normal people, I like to look good...but it takes effort and like Nutty says I am too happy being the jeans and t-shirt type. As ITW puts it...its important to be trendy and dress well.
- Spend as much time as possible with my family...cause you take them for granted more than anyone else.
- Put my finger on one real stretch target work wise (outside the office) and pursue it with zeal...there are a couple of things, but can't put my finger on one particular task. I want to do something crazy but something that I love! I always hear of hey that person does that and think isn't that cool. Yes, I know the grass always looks greener on the other side...but there are some things that I really think are meant for me and I want to pursue those.
- Do anything however small to save the planet...as cliche as this may sound...we can't ignore this...if TOI has started focusing on this issue, you can imgaine how serious the problem is, cause most important matters appear in the inside pages rather than on the fornt page of this newspaper.

I can go on...but this list has to be achieveable...so I am going to stop here.

A family lesson

2008-01-02T01:01:00.000-08:00

This is a post that should have been penned a while back...but what finally pushed me to it was Cuckcoo's post on the same topic. Taare Zameen Par touched me to such an extent that I felt it warranted a post rather than comment on her blog...

The film was not a tear jerker for me...not in that sense at least. I did weep and I did shed a lot of tears, but my reaction was not meerly to the music or acting, but from the realisation of what dyslexia means.

My 9 year old nephew is dyslexic, not as severe as Ishaan in the film though. For the longest time ever we always told my sister, there's nothing like that. Stop getting stressed...all kids go through it. We never understood her. She persisted and finally we did acknowledge that maybe something like this does exist.

My nephew would behave exactly like Ishaan in the film...sleep on his haunches, sit with a tooth brush in his mouth, eat food with his mind else where, stare into nothingness and not mix with people...I saw my nephew in every frame and realised how he must feel and understood why he does the things he does.

I understood my sister's trauma of coming to terms with her son's behaviour and appreciate more than ever her patience and understaning of the situation. We kept telling her to send him away to boarding, thinking living on his own, he would become mature...but she always stood her ground, saying that he needed her attention and care.

This film is a lesson for my family...it's opened our eyes and taught us so much. It's a ray of hope to my sister who worries so much about her son...she knows he's special and that he will do well in his own way.

My sister took my nephew to watch the film...hoping he would get inspired from Ishaan's achievements. After the film, when she asked him whether he liked it...he said no...which is exactly the reaction you would expect from him. But now finally after so many years we understand him and understand his "no".

Another year older…

2007-12-14T02:46:00.000-08:00

This post comes after a really long time I know…so all of you who dropped by to see if I have written anything new…thanks and sorry that you didn’t find anything here. Like R says the last month has been one where I have often felt like putting something down, but either I would get caught up in something else and when I did have the time, I would have nothing meaningful to share…uh…not a good thing…but you know how it is.

We’re nearing the end of another year and all of us will be older by a year…but why is that such a bad thing? This is something that’s stuck on my mind for a while now. Is it fashionable to hate growing up and to always want to be a child????

I have had a great childhood, climbed lots of trees and did lots of naughty things, and yes sometimes I do get nostalgic about those times. I think of my b school days at times and miss them as well…not wanting to go back to those days, does not make them any less special. How can anyone not want to grow up and have new experiences…yes some good and some bad…but hey there’s so much that you grow as a person. I often look back at those years and realize that at times I was so immature, so stupid…and I am happy that I have learnt from those mistakes.

Sure as you grow older there’s so much stress to earn, to provide to be responsible for others, but sometime if you stop and look at all that you do, I think you would be happy that you do so much…happy that you support yourself and are responsible for yourself!!

Of marriage, being single and dating…

2007-11-02T05:24:00.001-07:00

Most of my friends at work are single. Some have been in relationships that have not quite worked out…but mostly it’s always been for the best. They are not spending all their waking hours trying to find a male companion but yes they do hope that they will meet someone nice soon enough.

Whenever I hear them talk I always listen to what they have to say as a complete outsider. I know what they mean in parts but not really if you know what I mean.

In December this year I will be completing 3 years of marriage and yes I did find my soul mate quite easily. Listening to my friends talk reminds of me of my days in college, when I had a long list of crushes…some were just momentary distractions, others meant a little more to me…and yes I did wonder what it would be like if it worked out with one them. I went to do my MBA definitely hoping that I would find someone. I had seen my sister go through years of meeting boys my parents found…it was a torturous process. Not only did she have to meet strange men all the time, but along with it came constant questioning about why she hasn’t found someone yet and when she was going to find one. I saw what she had gone through and made up my mind that I am going to work this out for myself.

But to be honest I really got lucky. My husband is the first real guy I went out with. I don’t think either of us knew that we would land up together when we first saw each other…I still think that it happens only in the movies. Settling down with someone is one of the biggest decisions I think one makes in their lives. Its one choice that pretty much influences most other choices from then on.

When I was single I always used to wonder whether there was someone out there for me…and yes being an optimistic person I secretly used to believe there was someone for me. I think most people whether they accept it or not do in their hearts feel that there’s someone out there and it’s only a matter of time before they meet that person.

With time though I think it becomes harder to find someone…for one I think you are know for sure what you are looking for and the elimination process starts way before you even get comfortable with the person. You don’t reach a point where you like the person and are willing to overlook small things.

But today ways of finding a partner have changed drastically from what they used to be a few years ago. For one thanks to technology, you have many sites that help you meet different people. I find it amazing how people do meet their partners through a website, but hey that happens hell of a lot nowadays. An ex-colleague met her husband at the café in a Crossword outlet…over an interesting book. People meet their soul mates at flights, at airports, at concerts…it sure just gets more novel with every passing day.

I don’t know if you should make a conscious effort or just let it happen…guess that’s one debate that will go for years. But what’s important is to yes have belief that a relationship is one of the most fulfilling things in life…there’s nothing better than having someone to share the ups and downs of life with.

Labels!!!

2007-10-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

I often get asked what I do. The problem is not that I don't know what I do, but it lies in my designation that does not remotely represent anything I do.
Before it used to annoy me, when colleagues used to introduce me as "...but I am not sure what she does...". I have gotten used to it now and come to think of it as a blessing. I am not bound by that designation to any particular function. I can actually do anything I want too.
I have also always been awe of people who introduce themselves as X, Y, Z...but why?
Why are we so obsessed with labels??? I have come to realize that I don't think I would be disappointed if someone told me I can never be CEO or VP...but I think I would be very upset if someone told me I can't do all the different things I want to do.

Things that make a smile stay a little longer on my face and that add an extra step to my walk…

2007-10-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

A Friday knowing that it’s the weekend. Have had a two day weekend through all my school, college and most of my work life, but for a brief period in my current job we worked 6 days. We are back to a 5 day week and I couldn’t have been happier. The good thing about the 6 day week is that it taught me to value and enjoy my 2 day break more than ever before.
A good Friday evening plan – getting together with friends to watch a movie, a grab a few drinks or just chill…knowing the weekend is just starting.
A good book…one that I know I’m going to enjoy…that feeling of now I am going to curl up and just spend the whole afternoon reading…oh what fun!
Planning a holiday – reading up about places, what you can do there, how you can get there. It’s a fun activity because I know the outcome is going to be so much fun.
Pursuing a hobby – whatever it maybe…writing, reading or dancing. That good feeling that I’m doing something I truly enjoy and that’s something for myself.
Having a long conversation with a good friend – catching up, being there for each other, that nice feeling when you hang up that there is someone out there who cares for you.
Going shopping and finding things that fit well.
A cloudy/rainy day – when you wake up and it’s so cozy. You step out knowing that the day is going to be unpredictable and fun. Everyone around is in a relaxed mood, having chai and pakodas…
Knowing my parents are coming to stay with me…time to get pampered and spoilt.

I look out of my window and see…

2007-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Steps that go up to the Mt. Mary Church, the Reclamation seaside, a row of glittering lights of existing buildings and of new ones that seem to go into the clouds.

I see an old abandoned fort, dilapidated and forlorn, in complete contrast to what it might have been in its erstwhile days of glory.

I see broken stretches of beach and sometimes several tiny specks that are actually people going to the ocean as a means of escape from their daily humdrum lives.

When its time for the local fair I see the giant wheel, sparkling in the dark, illuminated by the tube lights that cover its large metallic structure.

I see a strong flame blowing from a refinery amongst the crowd of buildings, reflecting the breathe of the city.

I see hills in the distance and a flutter of flags atop the several boats that go to sea everyday. I see a vast expanse of blue water that changes color and mood with the different seasons and time of day.

I look out of my window and see myself. I see how I have grown as a person and how my life has changed. It’s almost like what’s outside the window is something I can close my eyes and predict. But it’s the person within that’s hard to put a finger on…hard to read what’s going through my head and the emotions running through me. I look out of my window and I feel a sense of calm, I get a feeling of stability from the scene outside. I realize how much this city has given me and how much it takes from me to cope with it. I look out of my window and feel like I have learnt an important lesson in life…of how time goes on and things change, people change, some for the good, some for the worse, but life goes on…

Mumbai through my eyes...

2007-07-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Mumbai - there’s so much written about the city but you will still find enough people including myself asking local people – where can I get the best pani puri, where I can get those fancy kolapuris, where can I get funky beads and earrings? My post will hopefully help you find all these things and show you a side of Mumbai that is fun, nice and charming.

A little bit of history: Mumbai is a thin long island city based off the west coast of the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai derives its name from the local goddess Mumba. Mumbai was until recently known as Bombay, till the local authorities decided to use the original name of the city. Though Mumbai has caught on Bombay continues to be used frequently and many of the landmarks of the city continue to have Bombay as part of their names.

A bustling metropolis: Mumbai is the financial capital of India, with the National Stock Exchange, Bombay Stock Exchange and numerous business houses and corporate head offices being based out the city. The city is also the textile hub of the country and houses one of the world’s most prolific film industries – Bollywood.

The local people: The people of Mumbai truly define the city and play an enormous part in lending the character that the city is known for – truly bindaas (carefree). Mumbai is a concoction of people from all possible castes, religions, regions and professions. From young hip students following the latest fashion trends, to wannabe actors, bhais to Marathi moushis you will find them all in Mumbai, and yes they all coexist peacefully.

Housing: The average person in Mumbai lives in a match box size house, and the number of people who occupy such a house is way above those found elsewhere in India. Chawls are a kind of housing facility that is unique to Mumbai, where most families have a one room apartment, comprising of the living area, kitchen and bedroom. The toilets and bathrooms are mostly common facilities to be used by all members of the Chawl. These one room houses face out onto a long verandah or corridor.

Public transport: The city has a very efficient public transport system made up of trains, buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. Given that Mumbai is a long rather than broad city, the best way to get around from one place to the other is by using local trains. If you are a newcomer, brace yourself for a once in a lifetime ride! One of two things will happen to you, either you will survive the journey and start using the train, or will never get on one again.

There are three routes, namely the harbor line, central line and western line. As these are pretty much straight routes they are quite easy to figure out. You can buy a daily ticket or a season pass. The latter is very cost efficient and saves you the trouble of standing in long queues.

Auto rickshaws are also available dime a dozen in Mumbai, and unlike most cities, the rickshaw drivers are honest and helpful. I have never figured this one out but you always pay one Rupee less than the meter reading. However, auto rickshaws are only allowed to ply in the suburbs. If you use a cab, ask the cabbie to show you the rate card, using which, you can figure out how much your ride has cost you. Be careful with your big notes, these guys tend you cheat on this one. Also before you start your ride always ensure that the meter is turned and that it reads 1.00. If you are keen to beat the heat and don’t mind shelling out a little extra for a cool ride then take one of Mumbai’s famous blue cool cabs that are air conditioned. However, cool cabs are far more difficult to find as compared to the regular cabs. Always keep lots of change on you, as you will need this if you plan to use the public transport system in the city.

Safety: This is what I like most about this city, you can roam around free and safe, without having to worry too much about someone eve teasing you or harassing you in any other way. But off late there have been terrible incidents taking place around the Gateway of India and Juhu so do be on the lookout when you are at these tourist hotspots.

Weather: There are only two distinct seasons in Mumbai, summer and the monsoons. The summer like in most other Indian cities, tends to be hot and very humid. Monsoons also tend to be severe. Try and avoid visiting the city during the monsoons, but if you have too, then get adequate rain gear, and be extra careful about the food and water you consume, as water borne diseases are usually on the rise at this time of the year. Also carry clothes and linen that dry easily, because you are not going to see the sun for days on end, if you are caught in a typical Mumbai monsoon spell.

Food: Mumbai offers all kinds of cuisines and has a range of restaurants, from the really posh ones to small eateries as well as a variety of street food options, for those who can stomach it. I am not a qualified restaurant reviewer but find below my suggestions and personal favorites.

Panipuri walas: There are tones of Panipuri walas that you find all over Mumbai…these are the few that I have sampled and have listed them out in order of my preference…
Stall off linking road near Ramkrishna Mission, Khar
Panipuri wala outside Saroj Fabrics on Khar Danda road, Khar
Chat stalls outside the Options store in Juhu, near Kala Niketan

South Indian food: Matunga definitely tops as the South Indian food haven in Mumbai. Apart from the small quaint restaurants that dot the locality, the South Indian temples, and shops selling wares from that part of the country sure add to the overall ambience. If you want to buy stuff that you would typically find in the South and don’t know where to go in Mumbai…head to Matunga. From small onions for Sambar, to plantain leaves to serve meals on, you will find it all here. Now for the restaurants check out…

Café Madras -serves good South Indian tiffin – idlis, dosas, uttapams, pongal, etc. Also stocks up some South Indian snacks and savories.
Mani’s Lunch Home - another small place that serves good South Indian meals complete with banana leaves as plates. The last time I went there a meal cost Rs. 40.
Saurabh Udipi Hotel - located in Colaba near Sasoon Dock, more than the food Madonna's recent visit to this tiny restaurant has made it famous. Would really not recommend a visit unless you want to see where Material Girl had a meal.

Punjabi Food:
Pulse - at Prabhadevi serves good Dal Makhni…this has been recommended by Dal Makhni crazy friend so you can count on this one.
National restaurant - near Bandra West station serves good Rajma…again recommended by the same Rajma crazy friend.
Moti Mahal - bang-on Turner road - Waterfield road crossing, serves both Indian (Mughlai) and Chinese food. The Mughlai food is very good, especially the Kali Dal.
Caravan Serai - on Waterfield road, in the same building as Golden Orchid and China Gate, has great Mughlai food. Again the Kali Dal rocks.

Must do Mumbai haunts:
Café Leopold – for all those Shantaram fans, this is the café that gets mentioned several times throughout the book. If you are walking by and peep into the place, you will be amazed to see the number of foreigners sitting around. The food is good…but I think it’s the ambience that makes the place special. Definitely worth a visit if you want to do a typical Mumbai thing. Highly recommended is chiken tikka masala and cheese naan. Also try the beer served in a large tube with a tap.
Bade Miya – located in the lane behind the Taj, this unassuming stall on the road does some rocking business on the weekends. Good rolls, kebabs, etc. make this a favorite for party goers looking for food in the wee hours of the morning.
Café Samovar - at the Jehangir Art Gallery at Kala Ghoda serves good paranthas and rolls. If you are looking at spending a lazy afternoon, reading and being by yourself, this café will certainly be a good bet. There’s a whole coffee book on this café and its history.
Britannia - don’t let the run down look of the place mislead you. This old time Irani/Parsi restaurant located in Ballard Estate, near the war memorial is a must do for food lovers. The place is well known for its mutton Berry Pulao. The berries come all the way from Iran. The Sali Boti, Patrani Machi, Caramel Custard are also well known and draw people from all over. The owner’s father started the restaurant and you still find this very interesting old man taking orders in the restaurant, and he’s happy to chat with you on the history about the place.
Café Mondegars – another favorite of mine. This is a perfect place to chill out and grab a drink after work or just spend hours catching up with good friends. Sit in the non ac section to enjoy the real atmosphere of the café. The place serves continental food, and the pepper steak is quite well known.
Cafe Picadilly - on Colaba Causeway offers good Iranian and Lebanese food. I discovered this place by accident. It's run down, but the food is good and the staff are really nice. Try the shawarma and falafel roll...yummy.

Shopping: Mumbai is seriously one of the best places in India to shop. From the latest designer wear to cheap and good raatse ke maal (roadside stuff) you will find it all in this city. Often driving through the city I always notice a new shop and tell myself I must go there…but it’s really though to go to all the places that Mumbai has to offer. Most of my shopping suggestions are going to be Bandra centric. As I discover new places, I shall add them to the list below.

Apart from the biggest brands like Mango, UCB, Tommy Hilfiger, etc, you will find some of the most funky footwear and good export clothes at amazing bargains in Bandra.

Funky footwear:
Linking road, lane opposite McDonalds, first shop on the left and others around there offer a variety of funky kolapuris in silver, gold, copper, and other metallic shades. You will also find nice colorful beaded mojadis in these shops.
Hill road, shop in the lane near BATA, has lots of fun chappals, tie ups, etc. Beads, cloth, colorful leather, you will find it all here. Most shoes cost Rs. 250 and this particular place does not entertain bargaining.
Anupam Chappal Shop on Colaba Causeway has very colourful kolapuris on sale. You can buy them in a variety of fun bright colours.

Export clothes:
Cotton-on - People from all over the city flock to this tiny shop, located in Bandra. With lots of fancy tops, skirts, shirts, kids clothes this shop is one of those must dos. One painful thing though is that they don’t let you try stuff and the staff isn’t exactly friendly.
F.U or Fashion Unlimited - A relatively new store, that is not very well known, has great T-shirts for men and women, good quality track pants and very smart foot wear for men.
Fascination - Located near Mehboob studio, this shop has more on offer for men than women. From shirts, t-shirts, trousers, shorts, caps, the store is a house of goodies for men. However, it tends to get very crowded so try and avoid Sunday evenings.
Fendi - Located off Hill Road, this place has an equal collection for men and women. You find some good Marks & Spencers stuff at great discounts, so look out for that.

Bags:
Row of shops that are located at the end of Water Field road, near the Barista outlet on Linking road – have a nice collection of jholas (colorful cotton long bags) as well as some trendy beaded bags.

Jewellery:
Colaba Causeway in South Mumbai is a haven for those looking for good junk jewellery. From beads of all shapes, sizes and color, to fancy hoops, studs, bracelets and more, you will find it all in this place. In addition to jewellery the causeway also has on offer shawls/stoles, old books, kolapuris and antiques.
Shops outside Café Mondegar also have some good silver jewellery, beads, bracelets and trinkets on sale.
Curio Cottage is a shop located opposite Café Mondegar. Have never been there myself but have seen lots of silver jewellery that friend’s have picked up from there. Good stuff but tends to be a little steep.

Bars and Nightclubs:
Again not even close to a moderately exhaustive list but more personal favorites that you should check out.

Totos Garage Pub – located near Pali Naka in Bandra, this small pub is my favorite place to just unwind and have a good time with friends. Good music, a nice homely feel, friendly staff and awesome food to go with the drinks make the experience very enjoyable. You can drink to your heart’s content and still not rack up a huge bill.
Hard Rock Café – located in the Bombay Dyeing Mills compound, Parel has great music and nice ambience. The crowd is a little unpredictable and the place is dull at times…so if you want to go out and really party, this might not be the best choice. The place has a live band on Thursday nights. Try the mashed potatoes with gravy (has a non-vegetarian stock)…it rocks.
Enigma - at the JW Marriott is a nightclub where more often than not you will spot a celebrity. The place is big and nice, but the crowd ranges from teeny boppers to elderly people to some “not the kind of people you want to hang out with” types. Plays a lot of happening Hindi numbers.
Insomnia - is a nightclub at the Taj Mahal hotel. If you are in the mood to really party and are looking to go to a place with lots of people and lots of Hindi music, then head to Insomnia. DJ Akhtar usually plays there.
Polly Esthers - located off Colaba Causeway plays some really good retro music. The place rocks on Saturday nights but tends to have a little kiddy crowd.
Zenzi bar - on Waterfield road in Bandra is a lounge bar, which is done up very nicely. They place some strange music at times, but it’s a good place to hangout with friends and to just unwind.
Olive Bar & Kitchen - in Khar/Bandra is a posh restaurant and bar that has a nice Mediterranean décor and menu. Has a night market during the week and is a good place to be seen and to spot lots of celebrities and socialites.
Hawaiian Shack - located in Bandra, plays good music and rocks most nights of the week. But the place tends to get very loud and the ac is very strong. Not a favorite but I would recommend you try it out.
Poison - This night club tucked away below ICICI bank on Waterfield road is quite a rocking place. DJ Aqeel plays there often. The night we went there...they played some great trance and some nice Hindi remix numbers. It was packed like crazy
but was good fun.

Book Stores:
Mumbai has several book stores but the ones below standout amongst the lot.
Crossword at Kemps corner
Strand at Fort

Mom's are truly amazing!!!

2007-07-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

My mum's over to stay with us for a month and I can't tell you how good life seems in general. For one I feel so secure and calm. Its not just good food...its going home everyday, having someone open the door...and seeing this person who is so looking forward to having you home...

My mum's quite a home bird and she's happy being by herself while we are away at work. But she still respects our space and is unbelievably accommodating. Sometime last week the three of us were having dinner...and mom finished and left the table to give us time to chat. My husband and I were truly amazed at how nice that gesture was...she so clearly understands the need to give us space as well.

Parents really are something else...I can't even imagine the kind of mom I will ever be!!!

A phenomenon called Rajnikant

2007-06-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

I watched Shivaji last Friday and I must admit it is a complete riot - a riot of color, loud tamilians and oodles of Rajnikant’s style. The hype the movie has created has worked well for the film…for one it definitely has worked in drawing hoards of people into the theatres.

On the latter, I walked into the theatre and like a little child waited with eagerness for the BOSS to appear on screen…we clapped and cheered like little children watching lions perform at a circus. BOSS for people who don’t know stands for Bachelor of Social Service.

Like most Tamil movies, Shivaji has a strong social focus…the movie highlights the layer of corruption that underlies Indian society and the oppression the poor are subject too. Shivaji returns to India to help people in society and is faced with innumerable difficulties in turning his dreams into reality. But in the end like a true hero he overcomes it all and emerges the winner. In between runs the story of how Shivaji chases and finds the girl of his dreams and marries her. Complete with song, dance, elaborate sets, costumes, hair dos and extras, the movie has all the ingredients that make a blockbuster.

Watching a Tamil film and non-Mani Rathnam one after so long…I was kind of awed by how loud Tamil movies are. The film has a lot of Tamil sensibilities and political undertones and that is what I enjoyed the most.

At one point in the film, the existing chief minister suggests that if Shivaji continues to gain popularity with the local people he might one day become the chief minister. For those who are familiar with Tamil Nadu politics, you will understand the significance of this. For decades Tamil Nadu has had a chief minister who has had some or the other filmy connection. From the iconic MGR, Jayalalitha and Karunanidhi all of them have been integral parts of Kollywood. In fact over the last several years, different political parties have tried to pull Rajnikant to their camp, hoping that with him they will draw the millions of fans he has.

It is thus no surprise that the story is one that would appeal most to the masses that comprise the vote bank.

The witty dialogues, endless suggestions underlying his rise, growing popularity and his fight against the existing government, throw viewers into this spiral of amazement, wonder and fun. It is their chance to see their superstar challenge the system and take charge to make a difference to their lives.

Not the sets, not the music, not the dances, but Rajni himself worked the most in the film for me.

Disclaimer: All non TAM friends please watch it at your own risk!

Felt like a star!!!!!!

2007-06-13T02:02:00.001-07:00

I walked into my friend's house which was completely dark...turned a corner and everyone shouted Surprise!!!!!!!! It was my birthday and my husband threw a surprise party for me. Okay okay I had shamelessly been telling friends that I wanted one... :)

I kind of had an inkling that I was getting a surprise party but man I had no clue that my husband would manage to get the mix of people he did! I was truly touched...so much so that I was teary eyed. Yes I was!!! It was a superb surprise and a rocking party…at least I danced from the beginning to end.

This post is a little late in the day...but it truly was my moment of feeling like a star....

I've grown up!!!

2007-06-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

I know I am stating a fact…but a discussion with a friend made me realize that I have really grown up! Let me substantiate my claim with the below points…

I am not idealistic anymore…
I was one of those youngsters who wanted to change the world. Always believed and argued about how young people should stay in India after their masters and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. Much to my friend Shivani’s dismay I had taken it upon myself to make her feel bad that she wanted to go and settle down in the US. Phew wonder where all that love and passion for India has gone…

I wanted to pursue environmental science and save the world…I would still like to do this…but somewhere I have become more selfish as a person…by 2050 when the world’s doom is predicted, I have no clue if I will be around…and if I am around I would have lived my life…see this is what I mean when I say I have changed…I would have never thought like this before.

I treasure my family and they mean the most to me…
When I was in school that “I” that I am using a lot in this post…was 10,000 times bigger and the most important thing in my life. It was always about what I wanted to do…what was important to me as a person…what would make me happy…now when my mobile rings a little later than usual at night or early in the morning…the first thought that comes to my mind, is that hope everything is okay….hope everyone is fine. I would take a project now if it would mean spending more time with my parents…the “I” has taken a backseat, and this is the biggest sign of having grown up!!!

Muddled!!!

2007-05-31T02:03:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a rather strange post cause I am not sure what I am going to write about...its just that I am very muddled in the head and I am hoping that writing is going to help clear the fuzzy feeling inside.

I had a bad bout of viral fever a week back and was completely sapped of energy...my life slowed down so much that it almost hit rock bottom...seriously!!! I went through this phase where man the A type personality inside me didn't want to do a thing. I can't believe I can go through such a phase...but hey I just did.

The routine got to me...the waking up every morning, going to work, coming back, doing household chores, the whole thing was just choking me. I have gotten out of this mood...but what really did change???

My life hasn't changed...I still wake up every morning, go to work, come back home. What's changed is the way I look at things. If this way of life is choking me, either I can leave everything and become a wanderer...or otherwise try and find a balance and some sort of sanity in my present state of things. I have chosen to do the later...

Like some wise people have said...life really is a set of choices...I am forming my choice set and have no clue if I have made the right decision.

Even as far as my work is concerned I am at cross roads...I am deciding on doing something that I might hate, probably even curse myself for having done it...but if I don't do it now, I might not get a chance to do it later. I really am one of those people who hates living with that feeling that I wish I had done that or tried that.

6 months from now, I am going to add to this post, but it will be my experience of having tried...all I can hope for it that when I do write that post I am happy...happy with the choice I made.

The different shades of the sky

2007-05-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

We were driving around, doing our regular household chores on the weekend...when I looked up and saw the sky...and it struck me what a beautiful day it was. The sky was a lovely blue, with not a speck of white in sight any where. Apart from buildings, clothes, wires, hoardings that are seen in abundance in Mumbai...it was a welcome change to see Gulmohar trees in full bloom...

Indian summers are really something else...the heat changes people's behaviour completely...most conversations revolve around the sweltering heat. The humidity kills you...the nimbu pani walas, juice walas make a killing. Everywhere you look you see piles and piles of mangoes, of different varieties...its almost like god made this amazing fruit to compensate us for bearing the summer sun.

In two weeks times, the monsoons will be here, and Mumbai will be a different city. I for one don't particularly like the monsoons in this city...if you have ever used the local trains during this season you will know why...

But I have to admit, monsoons have a different charm too...for one you want to sleep a little longer everyday, cause its so cozy and dark. The overcast sky make the otherwise dull looking leaves, look brighter...garam chai and hot pakodas substitute mangoes...nimbu pani walas disappear...and the streets are full of umbrellas of different colours and sizes...

Mumbai becomes a different city and people's behaviour changes yet again...hmmm...maybe its something got to do with the color of the sky....

A quote I am going to read every morning!

2007-05-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase just take the first step."

Martin Luther King Jr.

Gypsy woman...

2007-05-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

This is a poem written by this crazy friend of mine from work...crazy not because of the person she is but because of the things she has done in her life...

I dream of red and gold,
Dances of shades that i've never seen,
A shimmer of silver in the pale blue sky
That came to me in the blackness of sleep.

Leaves of silver, pieces of bottle green,
Colours of the wind,
And purple depths of layered seas,
Drape the bare skin that clothes me.

A gypsy, a gypsy
Without a caravan,
Ready in skirts that flirt with her feet.

Mumbai - a deadly concoction of isanity and possibility

2007-05-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

There are two kinds of people: those who hate Mumbai and those who love it. Actually there is a third variety – people on whom the city grows on. I think I fall in this third group…this city is truly insane! Sometimes I wonder why I live here…

The whole week I have seen several men mostly drunk out of their minds I think, lying around on the sides of roads, foot paths (you have lots of roads that have no foot paths), and even dividers…can you imagine that. I pass by and crane my neck to look at these listless bodies…shocked to see properly dressed men passed out. What’s even more shocking is that I spot these people on busy streets, with numerous chai chops, bus stops, vendors…but everybody is doing there own thing. It almost seems like there is nothing wrong…almost like lying drunk is okay. It’s okay that your family is going mad looking for you…even crazier its okay that you are going to die on the road…because no one helped you.

Once I saw a body in a local train station…it was a busy station…and everyone just went about like everything was normal. Insane wouldn’t you think!!!

Why do people live in a city like this, boxed up in houses that are nothing short of little cages, commuting through over flowing trains, fighting every second to survive…?

Some have no choice…but for people like me who thankfully don’t live in box like houses, but yes travel on those crazy lean mean local trains…it’s the possibility…the opportunity that this city offers. I love the feeling of stepping out and feeling safe. I love the feeling of knowing that I can practically do anything I want here and that no one will bother me.

There’s this buzz in the air…I can’t describe it, but there is this feeling of being alive that comes as soon as you touch down in Mumbai. I know its also accompanied with this terrible stench that believe me also grows on you and after a while...you even stop noticing it.

For me, Mumbai has been the city where I think I have discovered my passion…found and got a chance to do some of the mad things I have longed to do. I can’t seem to make up my mind whether I want to live here or somewhere else…but I know one thing for sure if I ever do leave Mumbai, I shall miss it a lot.

The creative process...

2007-05-09T02:23:00.000-07:00

When I started my blog I thought I would stay away from writing about feelings and experiences about everyday life as in work and home. But I could not resist putting down my thoughts on the so called “creative experience” I think I am currently undergoing. The creative process has steps…it is more process oriented than you would think. As sublime as one would think it to be, let me tell you frankly it’s very frustrating!!! I guess that’s why when something does work out…it so much more rewarding…it’s not just one emotion, but a mix of fulfillment and relief. Relief is a big part of it…like thank god I survived this period of waiting and trying.

I have produced a half hour Bollywood magazine show to be used as a show reel…and that truly was my moment of glory. As I sat on the editing table and watched the show take shape, I can’t describe the feeling of satisfaction that I felt. But every single day spent in putting it together was nothing less than a nightmare. For one you can never predict whether something will get done, because you need permissions from several people, you need others inputs, it is so dependent on others that you almost have no control over it. Plus you always have people giving you their opinions and ideas…which are great, but sometimes you really wonder what to do. At times, you are even questioned as to whether you can do it or hey why are you doing this? To top this all is the battle within your own mind…there’s almost an axe hanging over your head…like this is my only chance. Phew…after all this turmoil I finally had made a show…showing it to people was another crazy experience. Never before have I been so conscious of something…it’s almost like it’s a reflection of you, a small part of you in another form.

Now with the show reel done…I have taken the first bold step, done something I always thought I wanted to do…and loved every moment of it. The next big challenge is to move up to the next level…a bigger project, show or whatever it is called.

First is the feeling of satisfaction that wow okay I am getting the kind of work I like. Then you start planning and thinking. Then you wait for the whole process to actually kick start. That’s exactly what I am doing now and somewhere I am losing patience…at times it’s very frustrating. This frustration is different from when things don’t happen your way…this frustration doesn’t leave you with a feeling that you tried…you feel like my god is it going to happen??? Should I do something to make things happen?

I feel like a sloth…watching the world around me whiz past and I wonder whether I am being left out, too lazy to move and catch up with others or whether my time has just not come yet.

I know this will change, the process of creating something will begin…and then there will be other frustrations, the yearning for that feeling of relief will grow and hopefully one day I will have the amazing feeling of satisfaction and relief that I have felt before. The biggest hurdle is to hang in there and not let go of your desire to create.

A trip to nowhere...

2007-04-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

How can you go nowhere??? Well even I thought that was kind of impossible to do...but that's exactly what we landed up doing today.

Ten of us set out from Mumbai at 10:30 a.m to go to Murud Jangira for the day. Some people had been there several years back. One fat guy who's just got back from Australia confidently said that we had to go to Borivali and then head out from there. So off we went past Goregaon...when we figured out that something was wrong. We asked someone on the way and they confirmed our doubts. Oops we had made our first mistake. Then came the even bigger one. We went straight ahead because the friend of the fat guy said that there was a way through Thane. Thane seriously in another city...we were all kind of getting irritated wondering what the hell was happening, but true Indian ishtyle we went straight through Thane onto Mumbra. Any of you who know Mumbai will know oh how so wrong we were.

Mumbra is like what you would read in the books. Tiny narrow roads, lots of traffic, people going everywhere, some looked like they were going nowhere like us. Then came Nagpada...by this we had all lost it, given a chance we would have all killed this fat guy!!! We decided to just scrap the whole plan and head back to Mumbai, before we got even more lost.

Then asking people every 10 metres for the directions we got to Panvel, which if we had headed out straight from Bandra would have taken us 45 minutes to reach. To get to Panvel via the route we had taken took us 3 1/2 to 4 hours...insane!!! And after driving for 70 odd km all we did was go nowhere...not our planned destination, not anywhere. All I can say is what a day and what a trip!!!

Hard Rock Cafe...

2007-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Two weekends at Hard Rock Café…one a wild party that made us all feel like we were 16, out partying for the first time and the other a more sober one in comparison. What inspired me to write this post is this little bit of history about Hard Rock Café that I found out today…it's one those quirky do you know kind of things. To get to the point…Eric Clapton used to visit this American diner in London called Hard Rock Café. It was run by this bunch of Americans who wanted people to come enjoy good food and have a good time. Clapton was friends with the proprietor and offered his guitar, which soon went on the walls of the café. The followed another guitar and there was no looking back. There are 140 Hard Rock Cafes around the world and all them put together have more than 68,000 memorabilia up on the walls. The single largest valuable display on walls!!!

Srirangapatna

2007-04-03T04:38:00.000-07:00