Damn! Absent again! Sorry KGAF!

I hope I am missed at KGAF because I did not go there today. No, not missed by those friends who are there at the festival, Nah! they hardly care, tsk! tsk! tsk! All my friends are busy in organizing those events or they are attending different events and they have told me quite frankly (with a pointed first finger) that I could communicate with them only after the festival. Presently, they have no time for me, not even a two minutes chat! Sigh! But those sweet and friendly kids must be missing me, whose pictures I clicked during my first two days, or those handicraft stalls, which will have one less shopper and those art galleries which will have one less admirer. Today, I saw the terrible news on TV of people getting arrested, showing temper tantrums and boxing each other and I am afraid of riots. Normally I am quite brave (I can hold a live cockroach in my closed fist and let it scrawl) but these riots in Mumbai have left me biting my nails. I had decided to go to the KGAF everyday but now,after watching this news, I have changed my mind, because I live in Bandra and going to South Mumbai by train or taxi is a risk I am not willing to take. What if, I take a train, which normally takes twenty five minutes to reach Churchgate, and some of those rioters enter the ladies compartment and force me to speak Marathi? Not that I don’t know to speak Marathi, I have learnt it at school, but I haven’t been practicing my Marathi for quite sometime now. I have even taught my Maharastrian maid to speak English, (silly me, I have lost the opportunity to learn the language from my maid, too). The vegetable and fruit sellers usually speaks Bhojpuri and I have learnt few words in their language, just few words like “No, Go away, I don’t want!” and that much Bhojpuri language is enough for communicating with a Bhojpuri vegetable venders. Taxis and auto drivers speak Hindi and I have learnt all the numbers from one to hundred, so it is easy communicating with them, when I give them my change. I am English speaking person, but I know to say “Yes” and “No” in all four languages (although I sometimes do falter on those words and interchange it's use, but then, that is an another story) and now with the mushrooming of malls, there is really no need to speak any language at all. Just read, pick and pay. And, I love living in Mumbai. I have lived here all my life. The embassies of different countries have repeatedly offered me their country’s Visa but I have refused them all. Oh My Gawd! I cannot even dream of living anywhere else in the world! I think it is important for me to re-learn Marathi. I could even start dressing in a traditional nine-yard-saree. Those checkered, bright green, cotton sarees really look good.( They should make nine-yard-saree a compulsory dress code in colleges) And I also like that big, beaded nose-ring, but, where do they shop for those accessories? I have neither seen those nine yard sarees nor those assessories at any shop in Bandra. But why? (It makes no sense selling those tight, low waist jeans, that tease the passer-by with their branded inner-wear) I also like that small, round, netted bun, they look great and shine on those oily heads. It could make a fashion statement! I am sure that they, at beauty salons, will start practicing those hair styles too. They need to earn their bread and butter too. Should I shed off my unnecessary fear? Brrr! Not until I master the Marathi language. I don’t think I am ready to take that risk. It is best to stay at home till I find a suitable Marathi-speaking tutor or rather, wait for this uprising to fade away. Tomorrow, I will watch the TV again and check whether those rioters have cooled down and have gone back to sleep. Then. I hope, I shall boldly venture out again to participate in some more events at KGAF.

During my first two days of KGAF,

I attended two workshops, Kavita Roa"s "An Introduction to Freelance Journalism" and "Once Upon a Time - Writing for Children", by Jane Bhandari and Marilyn Noronha and both were very informative and useful to me. But, there was a gap of two hours between the two workshop, and there was enough time to have lunch and move around, exploring the other events that were taking place around different avenues. Although I am clumsy at making new friends, I was able to link up with few friends who were willing to walk with me at my slow pace. We had lunch at famous ‘Samovar’ and then decided to explore. The walk between the two venues of my workshop, at K.Dubash Marg, (Rampart row) was converted into a street bazaar with stalls of handicraft and food, lining down the two sides of this street. There were NGO stalls vending various articles like handicraft, antiques, paintings and different accessories. In the middle of this street was an amphitheatre, which had some interesting shows, throughout the day. There were different programs organized at this theatre that included shows such as folk dance of Tibet, Miracle dance contest, Capoeria, Samvrate-Manipuri Dance Ballet, Nitryamandal Dance Ensemble and Chana chai Nukkad Natak. ‘Muse fashion show’, was the only program that I was able to squeeze in between my two workshops. But yes. I did watch the street show that was being performed by one family that included mom, dad and lots of children. One group of children played dholak and other musical instruments, while one child walked on a tight rope, and the girl lifted heavy brick that was hung from her plait. (So much for the child labor! UGH!) I couldn’t bear to watch this show and seeing the child abused. There were more events in the evening at David Sasson Library Garden, but I didn’t want to push myself too hard, so while my friends went off to enjoy the rest of the evening, I retreated back to my comfy cocoon.

I am fascinated by Pavement Art Gallery

Visual art is one of the high point of KGAF. On the pavement just outside the Jahangir Art Gallery is the Pavement Gallery where there is display of different kinds of art that includes paintings, graffiti, and wearable art by various artists. There are paintings and posters displayed all along the path on the payments outside the Gallery. I can see different artists sitting there, doodling, caricaturing or live-painting the picture of the passing pedestrian. One particular art that draws my attention is ‘De-Addiction’ that is installed by ‘Art Quest’. In this exhibition there are live-size models of paper Mache that exhibit different form of addiction such as drinking, smoking, drugs and gambling. The couch potatoes and shopper’s delight is also quite interesting with their bright colors and their social message of addiction and bad vices, which are very boldly displayed, and draws in a huge crowd of art lovers.

Kala Godha Arts Festival starts with a Bang!

Today, South Mumbai was dressed with laughter. Everybody was busy, too busy, running from one end of the street to another, the organizers were busy arranging the events and programs, participants were busy shuttling from one room to another to attend workshops and salespersons were busy putting up their stall that will display different handicraft and food stuff for sale for next ten days.. The people who were really relaxed and decided to start enjoying from day one were the children and their grandparents. The easiest way to involve adults in any festival is to invite their children. Any activity that brings a smile to the child’s face will automatically bring a smile to their parents and grandparents. The colors and ambiences of the festival were child friendly. The parking island opposite Jahangir Art Gallery was converted into children’s theme park where they enjoyed various activities and learnt many things in the various workshops……..

Looking for a 'Black Horse' at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Okay! I am all set to attend ‘Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’ which is starting tomorrow, 2nd February 2008. There are 12 workshops clustered around two weekends in such a way that it is possible to attend only four. I had applied for four workshops. I have got confirmation for three workshops so far, and am still awaiting the fourth one. The workshops that I have been confirmed and attending are ‘An Introduction to Freelance writing’ which will be conducted by ‘Kavita Roa from 1030 hrs to 1230 hrs at Elphinston College seminar room on 2nd and 3rd Feb ‘Once Upon a Time - Writing for Children’ by Jane Bhandari and Marilyn Noronha from 1430 hrs to 1630 hrs at Bombay Auditorium History Society Auditorium on 2nd and 3rd Feb ‘What Every Writer should know about Publishing’ by Anita Roy from 1330 hrs to 1630 hrs at Bombay Auditorium History Society Auditorium on 9th and 10th Feb There are five writing contest also, of which I have just attempted one contest only. Then I plan to attend some open events and poetry slams too. My attendance to this festival will depend on my endurance and moods. The whole list of event are posted HERE

Kala Ghoda Festival...Will you be there?

I have lived the most part of my life in Mumbai, but I have never ever attended the ‘Kala Ghoda’ festival. Can you imagine that! Psss! Pssss! I better talk softly or else I might get extradited from Mumbai community. I have always wondered what this festival is all about, but everybody tells me it is lots of fun, and nobody has actually told me anything in details.. So here I am , going to experience this festival as much as my frail body will allow….. This year I have decided to attend as many events as possible. This is the ‘Tenth Year’ of the ‘Kala Ghoda Festival’ and it will be held in Fort area from 2nd February to 10th February 2008. Anybody willingly to accompany me for this festival can search for me there. I will surely be HERE attending some of the events or workshops... So see you there!

"six-events"event one..a ride in the bus....

Location: Mumbai streets...India Event: A ride in a bus. From the list of six-events' I decided to take part in only one event and that is a ride in a Mumbai bus. I boarded the bus at 12:45 and reached my destination after two hours. My school(I am the coordiantor of the special school for mentally challenged) is located at Belapur, which is two hours (bus journey) away from Bandra, where I live. I make this trip regularly, twice a month to get the updates from my school. I am sitting in a red BEST bus, similar to one you see across the street. There is too much noise everywhere of people talking loudly. I can hear the Sounds of horn goes pomp pomp pomp, Ticket collector goes tick tick tick.click, click as he tick on the ticket, making a small hole in the ticket and takes the changes. he goes to the each passenger's seat to hand out the tickets.Poeple pay according to the distance they travel with the minimum fare of Rs2 and it costs me Rs18 to cover this distance.(normally one dollar equal Rs40) buses and cars go beep beep,peep, peep,people have the nasty habit of using the horn of their vehicle even when it is not required.....The bus is quite slow at the normal speed of 40 km/hour. During the rush hour, morning and evening, this bus is normally packed with too many people, almost to its full capacity and there may be two columns of standees of about forty people plus fifty people sitting in a crowded bus. this shot is take inside the bus, at different bus-stops, number of standees might vary during the afternoon time There is too much traffic on the road, all times of the day...going by bus means plugging your ears with ipod/radio and going to sleep, even a book will do, to kill the time, other wise it is pretty difficult to pass the time..you will always be stuck in the traffic and you may become irritable at the end of the journey I am really fasnitated by this old lady who is sitting just in front of me..she must have been about ninety years old, but she has such a cute toothless smile..her face has millions of wrinkles, each making crinkle design on her face...and her ear lobe had such a large hole..and still her large, ring-shaped ear ring is dangling from a large hole of her ear lobe....when she turned to look out of window I was able to take the shot At evey street light, in Mumbai, I can see many poeple, some are begging and some are selling things, all kinds of things are sold at the signals like toys, newspaper, books,(if you want to know which are the popular books, you can ask them, they know it all) and food stuff..here, at this signal, I can see the street urchin selling oranges..... At the end of the trip of two hours I am quite thirsty...thank Gawd, there is a sugarcane juice vendor at the corner of the bus depot....at every bus depots we find lots of hawkers selling different things and people are always eating or drinking on the streets of Mumbai.... ...

Expression through canvas

My art world......on photoshop....

Do we need validation from outside to prove our self worth?

I don’t think so. I think only the children need to be praised from time to time and they need encouragement at every stage. But we, as adults have already formed our own opinions and we know who we are and how valuable we are, why do we need validation from others to prove our self worth? Don’t we trust our own opinions? I look into the mirror every morning and say “Mirror, mirror on the wall.. you better agree....I am the best” I feel good about myself but if people don’t agree with me during the day then I am sorry for their poor judgment that they fail to recognize the beautiful me…..it is their loss…. I am not dependent on social validation, if I don’t get invitation for a party or an outing, I am glad that I get an opportunity to spend quality time with some one whose company I truly enjoy….My normal life is never disturbed by this........if we depended on validation for our every action and failed to receive any, our self esteem would be completely crushed. It is important to have faith in one self and believe in oneself and not to walk in any ones’ shadow, we can't be wrong if we are sure what we do is right and we are willing to take full responsibility for our own actions and will face its consequences. It is the choice we make. A choice of responsibility to control our own life

Stars on the ground?

I finally saw the movie ‘Tare Zameen Par’…(tax-free.) and I loved it.. My heart reached out specially, towards the kid, who feels crushed under the weight of rejection, it is the story closer to reality and it reminded me of my own childhood, because I, too, spend most of my primary school years out of the class and was repeatedly abused by my teachers who couldn’t cope up with my dumbness and my inability to concentrate on my studies. I hated my teachers and would be more stubborn and disobedient. Still I had great respect for my teachers at secondary school and I nursed the dream of teaching in school, but not beating the children when they were not able to cope with their studies. I am glad that my dreams came true, some twenty years later and that I got opportunity to teach special children and have enjoyed the experience of reaching out to them and communicating with them to a certain extend.. A familiar cord run through those experiences…I have met many dyslexic kids and found that the child and his parents both suffer. The child, Dursheel, in this movie is so adorable, I felt like hugging him, especially when he was sad and confused. Teachers are normally drawn towards weak ones because it is a challenge for them to help a slow child. What I don’t understand is why teachers portrayed (in movies) are either very strict or they are jokers. Teachers are the role models and they are usually aware of different problems that child might have, teachers need to be respected, not laughed or ridiculed at….like a group of boys, standing behind the teacher, during drawing competition and peeping in his painting and giggling…or that moment when Amir Khan tell the kids to show the seat to their teacher and the child takes his teacher to seats him beside his caricature. I don’t think that is funny, it is disrespectful. Children who watch the movie might feel that it is okay to show disrespect to their teachers. Movies, besides being an entertainment medium, they are also educational. Therefore they should be made with more responsibility and portray a decent and appropriate behavior, both from the teachers and the kids. However, the movie was enjoyable and their emotions touched our heart. It is especially informative for parents who expect too much from their children and crush their children’s ego by comparing them with the brighter kids. Every child is unique and every parent should be sensitive of their child’s ability and help them grow to bloom independently. The childhood memories linger in their mind for many years and they help shape their personality when they grow up.

Getting connected with a Sindhi across the border...

On Sindhi Global network I got connected with a Sindhi from Pakistan, who gave me some insight about the Sindhis living across the border. He sounded distressed that we are divided over the religion and all the educated Sindhis migrated and only the uneducated landlords stayed behind who only saw their own benefits. He was wondering if we could be united again by common language, culture and tradition. Our forefathers were driven out of their comfort zone and left to fend for themselves. What do we know about what they left behind? And will the youth of tomorrow care? Our parents left penniless, leaving behind their wealth, their emotions and their language. They carried their culture and their tradition with them, but we must not forget that they went to a strange land, and adapted to it. What can you do with Sindhi language in a foreign land? Can you do business? Can you survive without learning to speak in their common language? I have never been to Pakistan to view the life styles of the land and we have little knowledge about the traditions and culture followed back there….we have no communications with the Sindhis living beyond that border, so in what way can we identify with it? We have heard stories, lots of them from our parents who lived there….they would speak about their happy memories in those narrow lanes…about the food they enjoyed, about the traditions that they followed but are they still there? We have no idea. The media paints a different picture. We teach children to speak Sindhi at home (and it sound cute when a three year old speaks that language) but to live in a society of various culture, we learn different language, and we need to, but adhering to the language is difficult. We don’t have schools and colleges to promote the language, nah, not in a foreign land. But can we do something about it now? What we can do now is just to be a good human being and waste no time in making a fuss over what we have already lost. We don’t want people branding Sindhi and saying nasty things. We don’t like people says that “Sindhis are fighting crabs” or “Sindhis are like that only” or “You are Sindhi if you…..” we want to be remembered as a good human being, each one of us are unique in our own way…not somebody to be ridicule at. We need to move on. If we can revive the language, then we can do so…but to be on practical side, it is better not to expect much, because the youth of today have already adapted to the foreign land and they need to speak in the language which is for their progress. We are Sindhis who are successful, who concentrate more on business or jobs and are peace loving people. We mind our own business and have no land to fight for. We still have culture and traditions which we do follow and it is on that string we can all hang on…… However, he send some interesting videos that were worth watching.. pleasant to the ears (Sindhi music) and pleasant to eyes…..(Sindhi folks back home) Watch some Sindhi Videos 'HERE'
It is fantastic

Lonliness

Living alone on your own terms is a win-win situation… At the end of the day, calm and peace reigns and we count our blessing when we see a squirming couple fight for space. Loneliness is the state of mind that is not proportional to the being single or married nor is it proposional to the number of people that you may be surrounded. It is something you feel when you can’t find somebody to agree with you, to share your thoughts or help you when you need them the most. But it is not always the spouse who fills that void. It can be filled by anybody whom we allow that privilege; it could also be a best friend or a family too. To overcome loneliness, it is best not to wait for somebody to drop in and dilute our emptiness but to go out there and venture into this wild world, erase the loneliness of a friend (spouse or a close friend) and spread the joy and happiness and then see your own self bloom.

Six Events...lets participate!

In January, I plan to take part in 'Six events'. What I like about these events are that they can be done from any part of the world……we have only to execute the performance at any hour of the day and record the duration and time and sent it to the composer. These timings and durations will go to writing a new piece of music in late 2008. Performers should constantly listen to the sounds around them, they are hearing a very unique composition. Also, anything at all of interest should be documented, if something happens (someone accuses you of acting suspicious, a pigeon sits on your head, you fall asleep, you trip up....) please write this down and email them to six_events@yahoo.co.uk Event one BUS Monday January 21st # On the prescribed day you should board any bus, at any time. # The length of your journey should not be premeditated. # When you are ready, alight the bus. # You should record the times you boarded & alighted the bus. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Event two ROAD Tuesday January 22nd # On the prescribed day, walk down any road. # You should clap your hands together once, at any point. # You may walk at any pace, but must record the name of the road & the duration of how long you walked for. # It is at your discretion to how long you walk for (at the end of the road, you could turn around & walk back.) *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Event three BUILDING Wednesday January 23rd # On the prescribed day you should enter any building. # Discover the building for a duration of up to one hour. # Sit down at least once & close your eyes. # You should record the time you entered & left the building. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Event four SUPERMARKET Thursday January 24th # On the prescribed day you should enter any supermarket. # Walk down every isle at your own pace. # On your way round you must pick up any item for less then Rs10 # Go back to your original starting place, in the supermarket. # Before paying for your item you must move one other item in the store to another place, an incongruous position on another shelf. # Pay for your item & keep your receipt* # You may not own the bought item, it must be given away or thrown into a bin. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Event five PUB Friday January 25th # On the prescribed day you should enter any pub & ask one person any question you wish. # You should request a glass of water, you should not drink it. # Leave the pub. # You should record the time you entered and left the pub. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Event six PARK Sunday January 27th # On the prescribed day you should enter any park # Sit or stand on a green area for any length of time # You should look up to the sky at least once. # You should record the time you entered & left the park. Now, won't that be fun..imagine how many people around the world will be doing the same thing as what we are doing....actually we dont have to doing on all the days, but we could try atleast for one day...... Would love to know who else is doing? Will you?

attending offline meeting with Global Sindhis

There is a Global Sindhi Network of which I am a member. We interact on line, sharing Sindhi culture and customs and many other things. And sometimes we meet offline in some restaurant to give a face to the name and interact. After nearly a year, I was finally able to make it for this month’s meet, and surprisingly at the same venue…at Chembur Gymkhana, the only difference was the venue being busy with week-end diners, the pool area was packed and we had to dine in an AC den, in a group of only seven. I was wondering where the others had fizzled out? There is a high percentage of lurkers on the GS, who are very much interested in Sindhi culture, and have happily joined the group, but if the sharing of knowledge is just absorbing the information, without any input or opinions, then, it won’t be long before this thread dies too. To be the member of any group, we make our presence in print or presence, which unfortunately (I am sorry to say) it lacks here, on this network. But, the dinner was fun with Haresh Tolani’s anecdotes which kept us in splits. We opted for veg meal of harbara kababs, spring rolls and ghatiya savories that I drowned it with virgin mary. The main course comprised of dhal, rotis, mixed veg and paneer and dessert was delicious flan and fruit topped with ice-cream. The meeting was good, smaller group, more interaction with discussions ranging from internet trade, business on net, different internet social networks and films. There was not much discussion on Sindhi culture except practicing few words and quizzing our knowledge on typical Sindhi words. One Sindhi word which Sonu C said, was unknown to all of us……. It was almost 12 when it was time to go home, Haresh, Bina and Sonu B were kind enough to drop me in Bandra, even though it meant re-routing their trip…the friendship has just begun.

Live-in maid has AIDS

My cousin tells me that her maid has AIDS and I am shocked. ‘So what do you plan to do?’ I ask her and she says that she is in dilemma because she is undecided. It is the question of humanity versus responsibility towards her family Her maid was not well for some time, so she took her to the doctor, who suggested that she take some rest and then told her in confidence that her maid has AIDS. She consulted several of her friends and most of them (including me) advised her to fire the maid immediately. We are afraid that she might cut herself during cooking and may pass on her virus. It is a different thing when we were living alone, but with a responsibility towards family and children, it is difficult to take any risk. That was my first impression. On a second thought, is it right to fire the maid just because she has the disease that we cannot handle? What if she were a close family member instead? Would we toss her into the streets and stone her? Would we burn everything in the house that she touched? And what happens to her? Wouldn’t she squirm from rejection and shame, with fear crippling her psychologically and leading her to an immature death? Choosing to support the maid after termination of her job may be a better option but it may not work very well for everybody, it is only a matter of choice. When we allow social pressures to make our choice than we do it out of guilt, or sacrifice without realizing the cost to ourselves or to our loved ones, eventually it drains us completely; emotionally and physically. On doing a little research and debate, I realized that I am really misinformed about this disease. First of all, there's a distinction between being HIV positive and having full-blown AIDS. By the time it morphs into AIDS, the person may not be well enough to handle that kind of job and might require evaluation then. The most common ways to contract AIDS is through unprotected sex and drug use (sharing needles). Nowadays people with HIV Positive can live for years with good medication and proper healthcare and that can easily extend to 10-20 years before her daily life is compromised. HIV virus isn't transmitted through normal physical touch, kissing, sharing the same toilet or eating from the same plate. It is transferred through blood, through sexual contact, or by sharing needles and breastfeeding. If we fired all HIV Positive people they would die of starvation rather than the virus! In the world we live in, we have an obligation to be educated on the basic facts of HIV, as it is a fact of life. On this day “World AIDS Day’ December 1st, let us be educated and not be afraid of this disease because ignorance emits fears, and fears are contagious. HIV can be avoided if we are careful. It is important to practice safe sex. It is important to make sure of use of a single, disposable needle in doctor’s clinic. It is important to make sure that we don’t have HIV before donating blood. With proper education about its prevention and medications, we can avoid the panic reactions and discrimination and choose a better options to live the life of dignity and happiness. Sincere thanks to the members of ‘Comfortable in my own shell’ to Pallavi Bhattacharya, Shannon Hill, Nina Choudhari, Madhumita Chakraborty, James Smith, Jack Huber and Kathy B. Thank you for sharing your views.

Just some thoughts….Celebrate life!

My mom would always tell me, never destroy your own slum by trying to match it with your neighbor’s chalet…..when we start comparing ourselves with others, we will either feel superior or we will feel inferior, both the feelings have distress as end product. So what is our best bet on keeping ourselves happy? Many times, I meet people who delve in the past. They will keeping boring you to tears, relating their long, curvy episodes of their good/bad times, I think that it is not good to live in the past, nor think too much about the future, it is better to live the present and enjoy each moment as it comes. Past and future, both are just a dream state, just some fantasy islands, where we have no part to play and no control whatsoever, it is a phase where we play scarcity and abundance game and build up a wall of expectations and desires. In the game of scarcity, we compare ourselves with our rich folks and envy their good fortune and wonder why we are not so lucky to enjoy like them, possess as much jewelry, or maybe more than them, envy their children, their wealth, their possessions, where as in the game of abundance, we gloat on our accomplishments and build a huge ego, avoiding our less fortunate friends, always afraid that they might steal our possession. We gather an audience to sympathizes with us, and agree with us. When the audience fades, and then comes a big blow of disappointment, knocking us on our knees to reality and leaving behind the ashes of our bruised ego. It is no use focusing on scarcity and feeling sorry for ourselves, nor is it healthy gloating in abundance. It is better to focus on making the present peaceful, whatever it is, accept it as it is, and celebrate every day of our life.

Are single people really desperate or weirdo’s?

I don’t think so…they are the most envied crowd nowadays…they are envied for their independence and their courage…… It is better to be single than to be in stressful or abusive relationship, the romance of marriage is short lived, it lasts longer in hollywood and bollywood movie clips, but reality is different, we see the cream on the top of the cup, but the course granules are there at the base, if you can stir those granules with minimum of ripples, you need to be extra careful. It is better not to waste time, and worry about finding a mate, if he comes along, fine! you can hold on, or else, there are zillion of things to hang on……Have you seen a baby smile? Have you seen a plant blooming into a delicate flower? the beautiful sea across the world, and if we go deep within us, we see the enchanted world within. Why do we worry if our best friend is getting married? Let her get married, Wish her happiness. Let the whole world be married, it matters not…..but there is a saying that goes like ‘When God created world He created one man for every woman’, so, if you find wrong one, he will break off eventually and you will be still searching for the right one and if you don’t find your soul mate, then he is not married too… may be you will meet him some day…one day….up in the ether world…grin* I think every body has a purpose in life and if we look hard enough, we see the purpose of our own life. We need to introspect. Everybody excel in at least one field, it is good to discover our own talent and work from there. Some people spend too much time feeling sorry for themselves and looking desperately for a spouse.. They are afraid that they might remain single all their lives if the age runs out…but they do not realize that in hurry they might make a wrong choice. Some people keep changing partners, they get married and then divorce and marry again.. What are they getting at? If they were not meant to be married so be it,, It is better to analyze what our real purpose in life is. Maybe there is some one out there who will need us more than a careless spouse. If only they could wait patiently, something good will eventually happen. It always does.

Celebrate Bandra starts with a ......Bang!

One more (third) edition of Celebrate Bandra commenced on November 17th 2007 and the festival was started with much vigor. There were people in thousands, all on the streets, waiting in the hot sun, for the parade to pass. People, young and old, stood on the streets to watch the carnival parade of Bandra-ites that was flagged off from St. Andrew’s school grounds and wound its way to the end of Carter road. It was a visual spectacle with people dressed in most obscure attire, dancing to the loud music, with marching bands, cheerleaders, school children, stilt walkers, mobile floats, skaters, bikers and cyclist. The parade took nearly three hours to reach the amphitheatre, and then there was a stage show with preview of dances and their performances of each group that included classical singing, classical dances to dancing to the Bollywood tracks that will be showcased over the next seventeen days. The star of the show was the chief guest Amir khan, who lit the lamp and released the souvenirs. For next seventeen day, Bandra will be dressed with lights and festivities, with the intention of bringing all the people together in the spirit of community with a festive theme of ‘Harking back to heritage’

Attitude Stinks!

This week there was Sindhi art festival at National College, Bandra that was organized by ‘Nu Sindhu Art Academy’. It was the 8th Grand Sindhi Drama Festival. On Friday, 16th November, there was a play called .Rang Rangeela Pyar Ja”, a lovable socio comedy On Saturday, 17th November, there was “Changh Mangh 420, a comedy about two comedians And on Sunday, 18th November, there was a play called Tension-Tension, dhammal comedy. On Saturday, the Sindhi play was to start at about 7:30 and it was coinciding with ‘Celebrate Bandra’ Carnival Parade and the Inauguration function. I wanted to attend both. I went early to National College to investigate about the play before I could decide which one to attend. Since there was nobody around, I went back-stage to find out about the program and the entrance. The Asranis were busy giving the final touches to the stage. I peeped in and said. “Is Niroo in?” A man in late fifty’s came forward. “Yes? What can I do for you?” “Oh. I was wondering about this drama, what time will it commence?” “Come back later, it is too early.” “I will be interested. I could write about your play in our magazine ‘Beyond Sindh’” I said, just to start a conversation. “Beyond Sindh? We don’t encourage these things, you know. I am giving you pass, but we don’t believe in giving out the invitations like that” he said as he reached inside and came back with a pass. I was taken by surprise. I had not even asked for a free pass. He glared at me and said “You better show me what you write before you print anything about me.” “Actually, we have already been featured in this magazine” said his son, as he came forward to show me some Xerox pages of the article featuring ‘The Asranis, (Born to cheer through theatre)’ in the souvenir. “Oh, You are Asranis?” I was surprised by his rude attitude. I was feeling like a beggar, taking a free pass. Why would I want his approval before publishing anything? “Er! If I write anything, it will be approved by the editor of my magazine.” I said “But still, you have to show me what you write about the play” he said as I turned to leave. Outside, I found one more person selling tickets. “How much is the cost of the ticket?” I asked the man. “Rupees fifty” he said “Rupees fifty only?” All this fuss over fifty rupees? I couldn’t sell my soul for fifty rupees! I took three hundred and sixty degrees turn, walked back to the back-stage and returned the free-pass back to Asranis. I decided to buy a ticket. Unfortunately, my mood had changed. The “Celebrate Bandra” inauguration function was more interesting and could be enjoyed with dignity.

What I like about Mumbai

is that if you are not in mood of cooking you can always eat outside, and if you are alone, you can stand at any street corner and eat. There are hawkers almost everywhere. This sandwich man is savior on the days when my maid does not come and especially on those days when I am too lazy to cook. He stands with his portable stall that has all the ingredients for making a tasty sandwich, bread, butter, chutney, tomatoes, cucumber, beet, onion, boiled potato. He makes a sandwich that costs only rupees ten and two sandwiches can suffice because it is quite filling, with so many veggies, we ought to be full. A drink also no problem. At rupees twenty he squeezes out a fresh glass of juice. Voila! A healthy, filling lunch is just under rupees forty. It is not even one US dollar or one Euro! Where in the world will you find such affordable lunch? Sluurrp!

I am angry with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Is this some kind of joke? Eh?

“Oh! You must be some important person to get the movie ticket for the first Saturday, Lucky you!” Said my cousin when I had announced that I was going to watch Sawariaya.. Lucky me? I wish she knew how much I had suffered. Within half an hour, I was staring at the ‘Exit’ board. Watching a film at home is much better, we can change channels any time, but in a theatre, you are tied with the strings of commitment to the companions who have paid for this torture to test our degree of tolerance. I was wondering whether I was watching some play with dreary, monotonous props and rain, snow, rain but no day-break. I longed for sunshine, for colors and for emotions. Dostoevsky’s short story ‘White nights’ may sound interesting with splendid backers like Hollywood giant Columbia/Sony and the dream cast, but it failed to grasp my attention. I watched the movie with my hand on my cheek, waiting for some meat in the plot. Ranbir Raj (Ranbir Kapoor) is a young musician in a very artistic city. Always zestful towards life he is the lead singer in RK Bar. He has no money but has a will to spread joy with his music. The story is narrated by the local prostitute Gulab (Rani Mukherjee), who befriends Raj and gets him to stay at an old lady’s (Zohra Sehgal) place. One fine day he comes across Sakina (Sonam Kapoor) who is on the lookout for something. Mysterious in nature, Sakina is all that Raj yearns for. Using his genuine boyish charms he makes friends with Sakina but his wonderful world comes crashing down when she reveals to him about her lover (Salman Khan) who promised to come back to her after a year’s time. Raj is shattered but at the same time doubts the credentials of her lover. Tears, laughter, dancing, what were they getting at? Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Is this some kind of joke? At one point I thought lover was a figment of imagination of Sakina and at other time I wondered if she is under some kind of depression and is roaming in the middle of night in black clothes and looking for a lover who is so mysterious. Ranbir has potential. He is good actor, looks cute and dances well. Sonam Kapoor failed to stir any emotions. Salman Khan is totally wasted in the ten minute appearance. Rani Mukerji is first-rate . Zohra Segal is superb, Was there something in that movie that was supposed to be interesting but has escaped my vision? I am still confused.

If the supermarket is on 4th floor and there is a cross fire with the management, who suffers?

I like shopping-under-one-roof and therefore prefer to go to malls and super stores for shopping. In Bandra we have only one supermarket called Magnet, which is on linking road. There are many mini supermarkets spread all over Bandra, but this particular one has everything under one roof and is bigger one, spread over third and fourth floor, and it is my weekly spot for shopping for grocery and sundry articles. Making a mental note of what I proposed to buy, I waited in line to take a lift to third floor. But the management of the Crystal Mall had banned the market over some grumpy issues and had prohibited the use of lift and escalator leading to the store. The lift and the escalators were available only up till 2nd floor. That would mean using the stairs, the only way to enter the market and then buying only the minimum since lift is not available for carrying the heavy trolleys. This kind of punishment is quite severe. I wanted to retrace my steps and go on to another market but that would be too much hassle. The superstore was losing sales. Their loss will reflect on the employees and on consumers. Magnet is a popular superstore and on weekends, the cash box is continuously ringing. But hitting below the belt is the common punishment in India. We see people going on strike regularly. Doctors, bus employees, banks, everybody takes their turn to hijack the city. It is normally done during the peak season when the consumers are likely to suffer. Instead of punishing the consumers and employees, it is better that the indifference can be settled in a different way in which only the disputed party suffer. One way around this is to provide better or cheaper service - at the management's expense, to the consumers. Like for example in the year 1968, Lisbon bus and train workers gave free rides to all passengers to protest a denial of wage increases. Conductors and drivers arrived for work as usual, but the conductors did not pick up their money satchels. Needless to say, public support was solidly behind these take-no-fare strikers. However, there were many like me, who had climbed up to 4th floor and shopped, but shopped carefully to buy only as much as it was possible to carry it downstairs without a lift. In India, consumers always come last. Bosses rule the land and consumers, the losers; bear the heavy cross on their shoulders, silently

My new painting in acrylic

This is my new painting in acrylic paints which I completed in October 2007. Normally I do painting in oils but I wanted to try in acrylic paints which have more bright colors. A thing I liked about this painting was that I completed in just two weeks. Normally, oil painting would take me more than two months to complete this kind of painting. I am invited for a house warming party and this painting will make an ideal gift to decorate their house and I will be able to admire it only when I visit them. I would love to keep it in my house but have no room to store too many paintings.

I am on face book and am loving it....

Lately I have got addicted to facebook. I was so reluctant to come on line on this kind of social network, when I was invited for the first time......I had refused many invitations that said you have been tagged, and there are so many invitations all the time to join different groups, but I landed on this world of social network when the curiosity got the better of me....and now am addicted...n am loving it... I love it for its applications. I love to play scrabble, 'just three words' stories, and exchanging those smilies with my friends on the facebook. Then it is nice to meet so many people online, talk to them, through our compu-screen. It is amazing that computer sits there in my bedroom all the time and minute I put it on, I am kind of looking out of the window, and staring at the world. And imagine, I sold the painting on line. I put it up in the marketplace on facebook and it was appreciated. I created a group for my school of mentally challenged and am so glad that that I have formed my own group of people who really care. Actually there are so many groups and more groups keep adding each day. There is group on Bandra and they have announced the car-free day every two months, then one family member is getting married in Jan and they have formed a group, inviting and putting all the information and pictures in their group, there are groups for social cause, groups for poetry lovers, group for food lovers, for magazine subscribers, almost everyday, a new group is being formed and invitations keep flooding your page. Without leaving the comfort of your home, and getting stuck in the constipated traffic, you are there, amidst your friends, enjoying and savoring the friendship of fun loving people. Yep, I am glad I am having a great time……see you there…..

“The Truth..” Gujarat 2002

Three of the TV channels in Gujarat are having black out. The sting operation by Tehelka, aptly christened Operation Kalank (disgrace), had exposed Modi's deep involvement in the post-Godhra riots. Will the justice be done? This is about Tehelka's expose on the perpetrators of the violence in Gujarat in 2002, which you can see here: The Shocking Truth The expose showing perpetrators of the 2002 carnage in Gujarat boasting about their crimes is an open challenge to all citizens of India. It is an urgent reminder that we must renew efforts to prosecute those who commit such crimes against humanity. We, Citizens for Peace, in particular appeal to the people of Gujarat to break silence and oppose the politics of hatred and terror. It is possible that many residents of Gujarat may have been unaware of the enormity of crimes committed in their state with open state support in 2002. Others may have hesitated to confront a truth so bizarre. Now, after the confessions, silence is equal to endorsement of the chilling crimes. Justice delayed is better than justice denied altogether. It will make a difference if citizens from all walks of life, across India, stand emphatically opposed to the continuing miscarriage of justice in Gujarat. Mr Justice, Will you just watch while my country burns? Justice should be of iron hand To drag those culprits who dared to sin. What proof do you seek When it is openly announced Those shameless, egoist, bloody crimes? Give us country that is safe to live, We need no politics of joining hands Playing partisan to those blood-thirsty mob Distributing weapons in rioters’ hands. Wake up please and hear me plead I can see no more my country bleed Please rule my land with iron hand and Punish those veterans of villains’ land.

Lipstick is no innocent stick....

Something to consider next time you go shopping for lipstick.... .. This comes from Dr. Nahid Neman, who works in the breast cancer unit at Mt. Sinai Hospital , in Toronto . Recently a lipstick brand called "Red Earth" Decreased their prices from $67 to $9.90. Do you know why? Because it contained lead. Lead is a chemical which causes cancer. The lipstick brands that contain lead are: CHRISTIAN DIOR LANCOME CLINIQUE Y.S.L ESTEE LAUDER SHISEIDO RED EARTH (Lip Gloss) CHANEL (Lip Conditioner) MARKET AMERICA-MOTNES LIPSTICK. The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer. After doing a test on lipsticks, it was found that the Y.S.L. Lipstick contained the most amount of lead. Watch out for those lipsticks which are supposed to stay longer. If your lipstick stays longer, it is because of the higher content of lead. Here is the test you can do yourself: 1. Put some lipstick on your hand. 2. Use a Gold ring to scratch on the lipstick. 3. If the lipstick color changes to black, Then you know the lipstick contains lead. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dioxin Carcinogens cause cancer, especially breast cancer

These are the actual ads on a matrimony site

There is no season for marriage now-a-days, Many kids get married whenever they wish, some even eloping if they dont trust their parent's decision, but there are still some old fashioned ones who insert an adverisement in a local newspaper and wait for a spouse to search them. so what if they are not perfect, they are quite entertaining sometimes. Have you looked into the papers lately? Maybe you will be lucky to find some real good ads...some of the good one are listed on my newspaper..er..I shall use the when I finally decide to look for a partner... Till then I entertain myself with these ads: *Hello To Viewvers My Name is Somesha , I am single i dont have Famale, If any one whant to marrie to me u can visite to my home. I am not a good education but i working all field in bangalroe.. if u like me u welcome to my heart... when ever u whant to meet pls viset my resident or send u letter.. Thanks yours Regards Somesha ~*~ *i want very simple girl. from brahmin educated family from orissa state he is also know about RAMAYAN, GEETA AGABATA, and other homework (Homework?) *Wants a woman who knows me better and can adjust with me forever. She may never create any difficulties in my life or her life by which the entire life can run smoothly. thank you (The principle of running life smoothly was never so easy!) *She should be good looking and should have a service. She Shoulsd have one brother and one sister. She should be educated. (ain't it unique !! 1 brother 1 sister criteria !) *I am a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Enjoys every moments of life. I love to make friendship. Becauese friendship is a first step of love. I am looking for my dreamgirl who will love me more than i. Because i love myself a lot. If u think that is u then why to late come on ......... hold my hand forever !!! (The dilwale dulhaniya effect) *i am simple boy.I have lot ofproblemin mylife because ofmylucknow i am looking one girl she care me and love me lot lot lot (I don't know why but this is one of my favorites) *My wife should be as 'Parwati' as in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and as Tulsi as in KSBKBT...... (Ok I haven't seen these soaps but I am sure he must be demanding too much, ain't he?) *i want a girl with no drinks if she wants she can wear jeans in house but while steping out of house she should give recpect to our cast (by not wearing her jeans? ahem...) *whatever she may be but she should feel that she is going to be someone bride and she must think of the future life if she is toolike this she would bde called the lady of the lamp (I am clueless, I feel so lost. Can anyone tell me what this guy wants) *i love my patner i marriage the patner ok i search my patner and i love the patner ok thik hai the patner has a graduate ok (I am again clueless but I liked the use of "ok". The person is suffering from "Ok-syndrome") *iam pradip my family histoy my two brother two sister and fater&mother sister complity marred (somebody please explain in comments section how to get married 'completely'?) *iam very simpel and hanest. i have three sister one brother and parent. i am doing postal sarvice and tailor master my original resdence at kalahandi diste naw iam staing at rayagada dist. (actually what is this guy doing? Postal service or tailor.??) *my name is farhan and i am unmarried. pleaes you marrige me pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes (height of desperation! J ) *Iwant one girl who love me or my mother. she love me heartly or she havea frank she's skin colour 'normal'not a black or not a whitey. IThink the main think is heart if your heart is beautiful then you are beautiful. but iam not a handsome person or not a good looking. but my Mom say that Iam a good person. My father already expired . Iam ''AEKLAUTA''. THE CHOICE IS YOUR. bye bye. (uttama purushan) *I AM LITTLE FAIR INDIAN COLOUR. I DON'T HAVE ANY HABIT. (maybe the poor guy meant BAD habits) *hello i am a good charactarised man. i want to run my life happily.i divorced my first wife.her charactor is not good'. i expect the good minded and clean habits girl who may be in the same caste or other caste accepted ... (but credit cards not accepted..???) *my colour is black,but my heart is white.i like social service (Zebra..???) *i'm looking out for who lives in bombay, girl simple who trust me lot should be roman catholic, LOVE ME ONLY. (Now that criterion is a must, isn't it?) to be married on jan-2005. working woman perferable (this guy has fixed the marriage date too! But he is yet to find a bride. I wish him best luck on behalf of all of us. I am sure he will get one soon.) *i would like a beautyfull girl. and i do not want her any treasure. because girl is the mahalakshmi. (Now she is going to be a lucky girl! Any takers?) *ssc failed three times and worked with privated ltd company which not paying salary at present. (Any takers again?) "Educated, intelligent guy. Innocently divorced with 2 children" (What do you mean by "innocently." Ohh..you were married innocently, innocently you had kids and now you are innocently divorced.....Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww that is so sweet!) *"Looking for a fair, slim, height 5'6, weight ~110 pounds, beautiful IVY league medical graduate girl, for my IVY League medical graduate son." (I was expecting to see a GPA requirement also) *LAWYER'S MATRONINAL ADVERTISMENT: I hereby propose to solicit myself as an eligible candidate for the post of wife after marriage. The person whom I'm looking for should be strictly a girl. The girl should be strictly a girl, with evidence to support this view that she is a girl. The girl should be willing to surrender to the service and jurisdiction of My Lord i.e. Myself. Any objections would be overruled and will not be sustained. Apply in limited confidence as all liabilities are null and void in the event of failure on our part of any kind whatsoever *CAR DEALER'S MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISMENT: Wanted a sturdy, reliable, low depreciating wife. Should be in excellent working condition! *ASTRONAUT'S MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISMENT; I'm searching for a wife to fill the space in my life. Someone to share my universe. Must have looks that are out of this world! *BUSINESSMAN'SMATRIMONIAL ADVERTISMENT: Partner wanted for company. *FARMER'S MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISMENT: Wanted a wife from good stock. Required for breading! (Like Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai) *SALESMAN'S MATIMONIAL ADVERTISMENT: Once in a lifetime offer, to get yourself the original, genuine article. One of the most handsome and smartest bachelor's around is now looking for a wife. And you could be the lucky one he chooses! Has own house, car and successful career! *MATRINONIAL ADVERTISMENT OF A DRUNKARD: Wanted a girl, Girls father should preferably have a liquor shop, I am an occasional alcoholic who drinks only when friends come around, friends come around only seven times a week, girl preferred who can carry me from Bar to Ghar-Bar (home) meet personally in a bar or send drinks for trial.Samples should be ample. *DOCTOR'S MATRINONIAL ADVERTISMENT I AM LOOKING FOR A WIFE TO CURE THE EMPTINESS IN MY LIFE, HOWEVER, IF YOU FEEL THE NEED FOR A SECOND OPINION THEN IT'S FINE BY ME.

Its funny that we believe what people say without actually reasoning it out...

Yesterday I was sitting with my friend in the building compound and we were talking about our superstitious manners. Some of them are superstitious about the color black, (some one even suggested that I change the black color on my blog.), then there are others who argue that if the cat crosses their path they need to go back, (or they might hear some bad news.) Some get irritated that people ask them where they are going when they are on their important work (they are convinced that their work will not be accomplished) And this was the funniest of all. This lady had to remove all the artificial flowers (that she had carefully shopped from an expensive mall) from her home because she saw her friend do that. The reason was that it is okay to bring fresh flowers and decorate the house, but artificial flowers bring money problems..... I feel if you believe such stories then it are bound to happen, it all the confusion of the mind.. All those vibrations that make it happen, nature is in no mood to prove you a liar.. I am still wondering as to what is the connection between artificial flowers and money huh? Anybody who works hard will earn money what has artificial flowers to do with it? "I believe that if you think about disaster you will get it. Broodabout death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfullywith confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught withaction, richer in achievement and experience." -- Edward Vernon Rickenbacker

I Watched ‘Loins of Punjab’ with White-Skinned NRI’s.

I had wanted to see ‘Loins of Punjab’, since the day it was released but every time I made plans to see it, it failed miserably. Either my friends were not in mood or they were not happy with the title, so I was wondering if I could give this movie a miss. Luckily I had a NRI cousin, who wanted to kill time and I decided to hijack him for this movie. My NRI cousins have no patience with 3-hour long Indian movies, so he was quite glad to accompany me for this desi-English-short-film. We booked the movie in glamour, a 40 seated mini theatre, in Bandra. What was surprising was 20 seats were occupied with white-skin foreigners. I knew this was a comedy film on ‘Desi Indian Idol’ show in New Jersey. I wanted to see Shabana as manipulative contestant. But I was quite distracted by these white-skinned NRI’s who were sitting in front of me, especially when Ayesha Dharker’s Jewish boyfriend, who looks a bit like Ralph Fiennes, sings Bollywood songs. He knows only two Hindi songs: ‘Ae dil hai mushkil jeen a yahan (Pyasa)’ and the ‘Indian National Anthem’. When the audience in the movie say “Gora..go back, this show is only for Indians”, to this dude could sing Hindi songs, I was wondering if these NRI’s would feel embarrassed and walk out from this theatre. But they sat through out the movie, enjoyed and laughed at those jokes and even stood up in union when their country man sang Indian National Anthem. There was a pleasant grin on everybody’s face when the winner was ‘Gora’ and they sat in the theatre till the last clip, savoring every scene long after all the Indians were out of the theatre. And surprise, surprise, surprise, the theatre was dirty with plastic bags and scattered popcorns under their seats, like it is supposed to be. When in India, white-skinned foreigners do as Indian do……help India keep its city filthy and dirty.

Builders of Mumbai are knocking on our doors....

Every Thursdays and Sundays for over two hours, there is a spiritual discourse of the religious gathering in the open compound, at the end of the lane. During these two days, the lane is converted into a crowded, busy, market place with a people selling food stuff, fruits and vegetables. But that noise and crowd is acceptable to the residents of this lane because the tranquility return after two hours of commotion and traffic. 36th road of Bandra is the lane that has cradled my building for more than 40 years. Although this lane is clubbed between two busy roads, S V Road and Linking road, it maintains its silence and its serenity. During the early morning hours, you can hear the chirping of the birds through the thick foliage that border this lane and during the late evening, the lane is filled with sweet fragrance of flowers and leaves. It is the lane that has no shanties and no serious architectural disasters except one, which is under re-development plan. Each building in this lane stands proudly. There are no beggars, no slums nor are there any yawning garbage cans. On sunny afternoons, the ground is spotted with intricate designs made by the rays that pass through the rows of green flowery trees on both sides of the lane. It is believed to be one of the cleanest streets of Bandra. It maintains its cleanliness and ownership by driving out every family of beggar that attempt to spread their tattered sheet at the corner of its street. However, beggars are allowed to rest for a while and they are permitted temporary residence but not for more than twenty four hours. There are security guards posted on both ends of the lane to ensure the safety and security of the residents in this lane. The salary of these security guards is billed against maintenance tax of every resident. The lane is tarred regularly with cheap material that lasts for one season or six months. Using a cheap material is the norm in Mumbai city and it is no different in this lane too. Two years ago, this lane was decorated with potted plants. To stop the stink from the drainage pipes, the gutters on both sides of the lane were covered with huge concrete slabs and a wall of two feet was raised around them. Investment was made on mud, soil and plants to make the street look colorful and beautiful. It has thence, become the walking plaza for health conscious people, who stroll in this lane after dinner. Many of them walk their pets, who poo at dark corners behind the parked cars. Many dogs have found their mates here. Stray dogs have a peaceful existence too, with their regular supply of meals provided by some kind hearted, dog-loving residents. This lane is a zonal paradise for those who are looking for free parking space. During the day, all the rich students of the nearby colleges park their cars in this lane. During late evenings, visitors from various suburbs, visit Bandra for shopping or a movie, drive into this lane to find a free parking spot. The residents don’t mind these parked cars if they are shiny and of good brand. But if they are dusty and are parked for too days then there is whimper from the sulky folks who force those dusty cars to move away. Grumpy residents of this lane don’t like anything ugly to pollute their lane, because they love to enjoy the view of this green laced lane from their balcony or from window. On the days, when there is nothing interesting to watch besides K-series of family drama on TV, they prefer to gawk at the young college crowd that walk down this lane throughout the day, especially, those teen-aged couples, who walk, their hands entwined, lovey-dovey’s style, stealing brief kisses behind those shiny expensive cars. Many of those college students surround the idliwallah, a rice cake hawker, who has found an unlicensed spot, under the shade of bougainvillea, near to an abandoned architectural salad of broken stones, tins and poles. This iddliwallah is pampered by the residents, some of them offering him buckets of water for washing and cleaning. Everyday morning, at 11 am, he comes to this lane on his bicycle. His bicycle is a portable kitchen, fully equipped with stove, steamer, batter for idlis, sambar, chutney, wadas and utensils. He serves tiny, steaming hot rice cakes with spicy sambar and chutney, which is appreciated by the college crowd and the lazy residents of this lane. He returns home everyday as soon as he finishes all the food-stuff. In the evenings, idliwallah is replaced by bhel puri wallah who comes to occupy this unlicensed spot. Bhel puri wallah brings bhel and pani puri in his huge basket and is parked at this spot for over two hours. He is boon to the residents because he saves them from the hassle of cooking and can be summoned to the house to serve the invitees, and all guests love his tasty panipuri and batatapuri. Outside the lane, on both ends of the street, there is a long queue of builders, waiting to raze down the old building and built Shanghais that Mumbai has promised to build. Will the resident get enticed with the green wads of notes that are promised to them for a secured future? Will they allow the builders to destroy their tranquility? It waits to be seen…….

Now men are complaining too……

With all the women’s lib and the women joining hand to fight against the cruelty of men, I was surprised today when I read in the papers ‘Spouse abuse: It’s the husband’s turn now’. Husbands are complaining?…. It says ‘98% of the 1,650 urban husbands surveyed said they had been victims of violence in their married lives. Wow! I never thought of that!’ Nagging, grumbling, taunting, name calling, refusing food, denying sexual intercourse, abusing parents and family members, snatching salary, throwing objects, scratching with nails and biting, threats of suicide and even eviction from the house were some of the common forms of abuse that husbands are complaining. The study, conducted by two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - Save Indian Family Foundation and My Nation - looked at four aspects of domestic violence — economical, emotional, physical and sexual. In a sample survey of 1,650 urban men, almost 98% of the respondents said they had suffered violence under one or the other of these heads more than once. I am highly confused. Why it is that in a marriage, one of the spouses is always suffering? Most of the married couple I see, it is always the stronger one, who rules. Why can’t they learn to respect each other? Isn’t marriage supposed to be of compatibility and understanding? Many times, I get caught in the couple abuse. It is very embarrassing for me when they are arguing and abusing each other and I wonder if this is what marriage is all about? I cannot take sides and I think of various excuses of moving away from this situation. Something they argue for a very long time and then there is tension for next few days, and I wonder, will they get back or is this going to lead to divorce? But why do those couple continue to argue over senseless things? I think to be able to live happily and tension free one could learn to respect and accept each others. Everybody have some weakness, if we can overlook their weakness and concentrate on their good points we can make a clean atmosphere and create positive vibrations into the house. In a relationship, ego should never rule. That is the root cause of every problem. If we are able to keep a loving spirit in our nature, and solve the problems with maturity, there can never be any misunderstanding.

Praying to Lord Ganesha

Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles, both of a material and spiritual order. He can place obstacles in the path of those who need to be checked and can remove blockages just as easily If you were in India right now, you would feel the positive vibrations in the air, almost ninety percent of people are praying… The air smells of sweet fragrance, there are sounds of spiritual hymns on the loud speakers that are installed by the road side, there are huge pavilions at every street and all the streets are dressed with long strings of colorful lights that stream from pole to pole…..and the sweet shops and the markets…well…. they have a reason to smile……..

Ganpati Festival...the begining..a photo essay

Still Life

This month I decided to play with brushes and paints. I bought six shades of acrylic paints and started a painting…..I wanted to give some life to those plant, so I rolled up the em-seal and molded it to form the stems and the strings of the blinds (it gives it a three dimensional effect,) and I have finished the painting today. Any buyer? If I am able to sell this one then maybe I might start one more…

Dhamaal..chasing all the way to Goa..

This is one movie that I enjoyed watching. There is non-stop comedy from the beginning to the end. (The jokes picked up from various laughter shows) With its pace, flow and mad concepts it has adequately done its job of creating a paisa-vasool. Dhamaal is the story of run and chase of four clumsy friends, who have never thought of making an honest living. So one day while trying to save a dying man, Bose (Prem Chopra), they get their big break. He tells them about hidden millions as he takes his last breath. Here begins their misfortunes! Police Inspector, Kabir Nayak (Sanjay Dutt) has been chasing Bose for the last ten years. He finally finds him. Only dead! Desperate for his promotion, he questions the suspicious looking foursome he finds next to the body. When they manage to give him the slip, begins the Chase..... One misadventure follows after another. All five are thrown into hilarious life threatening situations that make it rib tickling….. The end, however, was the let-down with the comedy replaced by moral values of Indian society……..all that run and chase for……..sniff, sniff.

How can we expect that God will protect us from any calamity if we don’t respect Him?

Every year, we bring Ganpati home and we take so much care of Him. There is so much joy and festival in the air and some of us, even cry when we have to say "Ganpati Bapa Moriaya, Poorcha varshi lavkar ya' We go to the beach to immerse the Ganpati into the deep waters.... Have you gone back to the beach the next day? If you went you would see this at the beach. We Bring Him home and take care of Him with so much love, and then this is what ultimately happens with Him Wake Up People, We must respect our Gods. It is better that we should use small idols instead such big one or the idols made from paper (which dissolves easily).

Tsk, tsk, tsk. from riches to rags....

I have come to realize that good looks may not always buy us happiness. Sometimes it is more of a pain living in this lusty world, where good looking girls have a crazy soup to have with their meals. The story doing rounds now-a-days is about the top model Geetanjali Nagpal, who was seen begging in a market place in South Delhi, living off the streets and spending her nights in parks and temples. Disowned by her family, this 32-year old former model, with her matted hair, dirty clothes and unwashed look, now presents a picture of utter poverty. Who would believe that this was the same girl, who in 90’s had sashayed down the catwalk of Delhi with the likes of Sushmita Sen? She had seemed set for a flashbulb career in fashion! This is the horrifying story of the dark side of glamour. In glamour world, good looking girls have very few friends and if they get into drugs and alcohol, then there is a downward slide to misery. For many who enter into the world of glitz and glamour of the fashion industry hoping to make a mark, not everything is a smooth sail. With long and odd hours to work, there is too much stress and unrealistic expectations, and this becomes sometimes difficult to cope. Everything has a price....doesn't it?

Cooking is so easy...Anybody Can Cook...... Even a Rat!!

“What? Go for a children’s film? Are you mad? Won’t it look funny going for children’s film without any kids?” I said when my friend suggested that we go for Ratatouille. But as always, I can never win an argument. She had one hundred and one reasons to tell me that it was a good movie to watch. Ratatoille is indeed a great movie, and I have not stopped talking about it. I think it is a masterpiece and I will be very disappointed if it goes unnoticed at next Oscars. It is a story of Remy, a thin blue rat who lives with his unruly rodent clan in the French countryside. He finds himself torn between these two commitments as the film opens. While his family lives on stealing and feeding on garbage, Remy dreams of cooking the best food and becoming a famous chef. He has a great gift of smell and taste, and he knows he is different from the clan. He can read and understand human language, watches TV cookery show by legendary Monsieur Gasteau, the famous Parisian chef, and is inspired by his book called ‘Anyone can cook’ When separated from his family during a cooking mishap, Remy winds up in Paris, near a restaurant once presided over by the legendary chef, and he can’t resist sneaking in and spicing up a vat of soup; credit for the delicious dish goes to the poor garbage boy, Linguini (Lou Romano), a clumsy, stammering type with no talent for cooking, who is immediately ordered by conniving head chef Skinner (Ian Holm) to reproduce his success. The story is very engrossing and the genius of Brad Bird shines through in the way the story unfolds – seamlessly- and the thought that has gone into the smallest of detail, with a strong message that if you dream and work hard, things may happen to you irrespective of your backgound or the odds that you belong to different species. The entire film is a captivating visual delight, as fluid shifts between human and rodent perspective. A must-see film, don’t miss it.

The Mumbai Times Café (Review)

Ever wondered how these youngsters pass their time when they are not in the college? Well, you will find them hanging around in one of the countless cafes that are scattered all over the city of Mumbai. Bandra is the suburb with more than 200 places to hang around. There are restaurants everywhere. If you are hungry, you only have to walk for two minutes and you are sure to find a restaurant. From this week onwards, there is one more place to hang around. The Mumbai Times Café (It is not the name of any newspaper, now they have started naming cafes after newspapers too. How innovative they can get!). On the 5th floor of Crystal Shoppers Paradise Mall, Linking road, we saw the opening of yet one more place to hang around. What I was amused and liked it, was a private terrace beach-like-look (sans sea) with muddy floor, fishing net and two boats. They plan to put Mumbai chaat stalls around that area. People can just hang around there, standing, eating and dining. The overall ambience and the concept of coffee are good. The menu resembles a new-paper, (what else? as the name suggests) In one corner, at far end, there is a newspaper-rack that resembles the broken dhabas and basket of dhabbawallahs of Mumbai.(Did they steal one from some railway station?). There is a mix of authentic ‘Mumbaiya’, Indian and global dishes throw in. (The prices are steep and cover the cost of bread, service and ambience). They have Wi-Fi broadband facilities, (you can take your lap-top and surf the net for free), LCD screen airing all major news channels (you can watch five news channels, all at the same time) and also separate lounge and outdoor areas. (Forget about chatting with your friends, the music murders all the other sounds). Just eat, dance and drink till you drop dead. If you are going late evenings, (8pm to 10pm) then there is ‘Live Band’ on Mondays and Wednesdays, ‘Karaoke night’ on Sundays and ‘Ladies Night’ on Fridays when there is one complimentary drink for every lady entering the café (they want to encourage ladies to become drunkards so that they can stop complaining about their man) There is ‘happy hours’ till September 30th and we took advantage of this offer. I ordered spicy fish and chips and my friend ordered Pav bhaji, but we paid for only one dish. We bought the assorted range of breads and cakes too (since the offer was to pay for one and get one free). The drawback is that there is no separate lift for this restaurant, it is shared with supermarket, which is on 3rd and 4th floor, and if you don’t wish to wait for lift then you have to use staircase, which is dirty and full of paan stains. (But, then this is the common sight, you get to see dirt and ‘Paan-stained Arts’ at all the stairways in Mumbai.) Well, nothing is perfect….. It is not supposed to be.