Two weekends..2 movies..

Rarely have i watched two movies in their first week of release, and both of them of such high quality.!!

The jury is out there..The comments of the critics and the general public alike are all there to see. But what i really enjoyed about the these two movies is the sheer range of subjects they had at heart and the excellent way they have been portrayed on screen. Which are the two movies I am talking about?

AVATAR & 3 IDIOTS

It has been written and re written about Avatar. I do not have anything else to talk about it. Like other mere mortals, I too am in love with the movie. This visual extravaganza is a must for all the movie buffs.

It is really difficult not to notice the Indian connection in the story line. We are the pioneers in the concept of praying mother nature and attaching divinity to it. We are also in the process of forgetting this little bit of information. But that's a different issue and I won't talk about it now. Avatar not only transports us to a different planet, but it spells out the clear strategy of nature. If you are against it, you will have to pay , one way or the other; If not now, then later. We have to learn to live with it, rather than trying to control it. Now haven't we heard this before till our ears bled? :) We refuse to acknowledge it and that's the unfortunate irony.

I salute you, James, for encoding this message in a not so subtle way, but hopefully effective. The visual treat apart, there is something for us to think about as well apart from our lives :)

Now what can I say about this rib tickler?

This movie is a complete family entertainer. The fact that my mom enjoyed the movie, which is like once in a year (she is a difficult woman to please) tells me a lot about this movie. Be with the narration, or the simple comedy scenes. It was a complete masala flick.

The subject of this movie is the system of education in India and the attitude of our parents. The fact that the system encourages us to mug up the entire book, and trains us what to think ( not How to think, mind you) has been clearly spelled in the movie. Expectations of our parents for us to earn money and settle down in life ( this is something debatable as all they want is that they do not want us to suffer the hardships in life as they had in their time) also has been shown. Is it good to impose their expectations or their aspirations on us? Is it worth it to give up our dreams just to make them happy? These are two sides of the same coin, or at least that's what i feel :)

All in all, both of them were feel good movies. Driving a message across along with the main purpose of providing entertainment. What a wonderful ending to 2009....

He & She - 02 - 2 States...

She: Hello… what are you doing?

He: Who? whaa.. What time is it? 12:30 AM??

She: I don’t know and I don’t care. You sound gooood in your sleepy voice.. : P

He: Thank you. But what do you think I’ll be doing in the middle of the night? Having a drink with aliens??

She: My my..! I didn’t know you have such Farr reaching contacts.. :) hehehe

He: I sure hope you have very good reason for waking me up in the middle of the night miss. You interrupted something very important that was happening in my dreams !!

She: That can wait hero. I finished reading 2 states , the book you said was a nice time pass.

He: And you woke me up to tell me this? Are you kidding me??

She: Don’t be such a cry baby. Yes, I woke you up to tell you this. Besides you slept just an hour back. So what’s the big deal ??

He: hehehe.. okok.. I was just kidding. You actually did something I told you to do??

She: I always do what ever you tell me to, don’t I ?? :P

He: Yeah.. right..!! it’s the other way round..!! but this time you actually read it?? My my..!! This is indeed a surprise..!!

She: I don’t read the same crappy books you read :P I like other stuff

He: yeah yeah.. :P I know what all you “read” :) hehehe . Anyway, so how was it?

She: It’s a nice little entertainer as you mentioned. But the best part is most of us can connect with the book at one point or the other. Especially in the letter she writes him..

He: Which letter? Oh yes, I think I know which one you are referring to.

She: Which one?

He: The one which says she is missing him and all other stuff

She: hehehe.. Good job mister. I do miss those walks, those subtle silences, the warmth of your hug. I miss all of them. He struck the right cord there with me.. :)

He: Aw.. poor you.. I miss you too dear. Who asked you take up an onsite assignment and be away from me for 6 whole months??

She: It’s a good opportunity to learn. Anyway, 3 months are already up and I’ll be seeing you soon. Have patience Romeo. :)

He: Yes, yes your majesty. That’s what I am practicing right now. And coming back to the novel, there is nothing much in common there and here.

She: Sure there are other instances. The female character is smart, intelligent, career oriented just like me :) I can’t say the same about the male character though :P hehe

He: Yes, agreed. I am much better than the male character there :P hahaha apart from that there is nothing much in common. We both are from same state.

She: Yes, that’s true. But he has brought out the difficulties the people face really well. And the best part is the way he has narrated in a subtle way that you can make relationships work even while the people stay career oriented, I like that part.

He: Wait a minute, we are not talking about our marriage here right?

She:Looks like somebody is completely awake now!! Hehehe

He: I was awake all this time. Just asking and clarifying :)

She: No. We are talking about the similarities. And besides you first asked me to marry and then to be your girlfriend. How dumb can you get? :P So I have complete faith in you. Hehehe

He: You are treading on a narrow ledge madam. Don’t push it :P

She: hahaha.. fine :) so yeah.. There are other similarities too.

He: No other similarities. They both lived together for almost two years, and they had sex too.

She: yeah.. So? Can’t men think of anything else than just sex? Besides, we have decided it can wait right? Let there be something to do after we get married :P some mystery must be left in life :)

He: yeah right. We have not been together and alone for more than 2 days max. They lived for 2 years.

She: yes, and besides we have done quite a few things. So let’s not discuss our sex lives..

He: Or the lack of it :P

She: Fine. Let’s not discuss our “Non existent “sex lives now. Happy??

He: hehehe.. well, we can do many other things as well….

She: Stop. I cannot convert all your fantasies into reality. Not yet :P hehehe

He: well…..

She: No well. God, you take the conversation from some place to the other. Now go back to sleep and let me sleep as well. Its very late already.

He: Wait a minute, the conversation just got hotter and exciting… you can’t leave now!!

She: hahaha, no way Romeo. Its seriously late dear. We will talk tomorrow. I promise. Now go sleep and continue with your most important task of dreaming :)

He: hmmm… okay your majesty. You have promised so I am letting you go at the moment. Good night darling. Sleep well. :)

She: Good night my Romeo. See you in my dreams. :)

He & She - 01- I don't see him that way..

He: hello darling.. how was your day ??
She: wow..!! somebody's in a reeall good mood today.. :)

He: ha.. ha.. Nothing of that sort.. Just had the usual day at office. Nothing went wrong..so that's a reason to celebrate right ?
She: he..he.. Its definitely a reason to celebrate for you.. Its a miracle actually... :P

He: ha.. ha.. ha.. very funny. Now stop pulling my leg and tell me how your day was.
She: Nothing great dear. The day went about normally. Had loads of work, but I enjoyed it as usual. Well, almost.

He: hmm., you are in a group of select few who actually enjoy working., you know. Especially being in the software industry.
She: I enjoy being in this industry and love the work I do. I got into this field knowing exactly what was in store for me here. So no regrets.. :)

He: Good. I'm very happy for you. Pity we can't meet and celebrate. Have to be happy with phone communication till weekend. It sucks.
She: Easy tiger, easy... :) It's a girl's job to get melodramatic and you are carrying out the role perfectly . Now quit being senti. hehehe.. :) God I love this... Its definitely a lucky day for me. Its you who keeps chiding me and pulling my leg everyday. Today's its the opposite. :)

He: hahaha.. Glad to make your day and make you smile :)
She: Lier.. Flirt... :P

He: Thank you, thank you :)
She: Yeah right. Hey listen, you won't believe what happened today at the office.

He: Well, should I actually ask you to go ahead or you catching a breath ? :P
She: Just checking if you are still awake and attentive...

He: Oh.. God..!!
She: OK... Its nothing much. Nithin proposed to me today

He: WHAT ????
She: Don't get so excited.. I haven't told him a yes., not yet at least.. :P

He: Very funny. You are telling this as though its a everyday affair and people generally come and propose to you all the time. !!
She: Well, as a matter of fact, they do. You know that right. I am sort of used to getting proposals from guys.. :) which obviously includes you.

He: Yeah.. I know. There is not a single day I wonder as to what made me do such a noble act, for which I am still suffering the consequences.. :P
She: Oh really ? You are always free to go away old man.. you know that right ? I have never forced you to do anything.. Let alone be my lover boy..!!

He: hehehe.. Easy dear.. easy. Gotcha.. :) So easy to get you angry and make you fire on all cylinders.. hehe. Now continue with the story.
She: Oh yeah.. the story. Don't side track me now .. He proposed to me in cafeteria of all places .. During coffee break. I was with Rashmi, but she got a call and had to leave abruptly. So I was left with him and he said he liked me and blah.. blah.. blah..

He: hmmm, so what did you tell him ? I thought he already knew I was your boy friend.
She: I didn't say anything. He knew I have a boy friend, but felt he just had to tell me. Like getting it out of his system you know. So he did..

He: Poor guy, you might as well accept him you know. Nice guy. I wouldn't mind. I would be celebrating this independence day literally .. :P
She: As a matter of fact, I was thinking the same thing you know..!! I am honestly bored of you. Need a change. :) but frankly and on a serious note, I don't see him that way.

He: Ah, there she goes..!! The most famous and the most often repeated line by the girls..!! What do girls mean when they say " I don't see you that way". Which bloody way ??
She: Come on, the way you look at your friend is very different from the way you look at your loved one. The feeling is totally different. The concern and care might be the same. But the love you have towards the person is different. Can you look at other girls the way you look at me ?

He: Ooooh.. yeah..!! definitely..!!
She: Wrong question . Why did I ask in the first place when I knew the answer. Forget that I asked it.

He: hahaha.. look, agreed that the way you like a person is different. But how in the world can you decide that "OK.. This guy is different" etc etc.. without actually getting to know that person ? everything starts with friendship right ? He first is your friend, then he likes you or vice versa. So you can start liking that person too, you just have to give it time and a chance !! that's it...

She: Its not so simple yar. This is connected with your feelings. You cannot mould your feelings the way you want them to. Agreed that everything begins with friendship. But it goes one level up only with that special person. That is entirely with the way you feel, and feelings cannot be controlled or your heart cannot be dictated. You know that very well too.

He: Well, I still say that give it some time, and you will start to like that person. Not referring to Nithin. Just told you generally. Looks like you have made up Ur mind of not giving me my freedom this year :P
She: Poor you.. Unfortunately no. But I won't say anything if you stare at other girls from now. That's a small gift for this independence day.. :)


He: lol..!! hahaha.. Wow..!! Well, that's a start..!! thank u so much dear..!! u r really sweet, u know that ??
She: Yupp.. I know. That's y I like you, else who else in the right mind would like you ? hehehe

He: hahaha.. parting shot huh ?
She: yes.. how did u know ? mom calling.. I Need to go.. good night old man... Will catch u in my dreams.. miss u :)

He: No.... I wanna have sweet dreams.. not nightmares..!! hehehe kidding .. Guud night darling.. I miss u too... Sleep well . call ya tom morning :)

A CASH STRiPPED INDIA..!!!!!

That's right..!! I want a cash stripped India. Then what is the alternative for cash ? We have the answers ..!!

We use it almost everyday (at least most of the salaried class do). So what is it ? very simple .. CREDIT and DEBIT CARDS

This is the road map I can think of that can be first followed and the results analyzed.

1> Let the concept of debit cards being used everywhere instead of money first be followed in the cities and towns only.

2> Where ever money is being used, these cards can be used instead. Most of the business establishments (big and small) already have this feature. so why not completely remove the concept of giving cash ??

3> As an added security feature, we must be made to enter the pin code every time we use the card. This will help in controlling the use of cards which are stolen.

What are the advantages of using this system ??

1> every transaction is recorded as the money passes from your bank account. Hence the income and expenditure is very transparent.

2> Corruption will come down by 80%. Why ? How is the money going to come into the account ? The source of the money will be known, the reason would be asked by the IT Department. The money that will be spent will be tracked by the IT department as well..!!

3> Transparency and hence greater efficiency. It will bring about a sense of accountability to everyone.

4> People would have to start registering with the banks. Hence we would know the exact count of the population and other related statistics in a second. Easy to track the movement of terrorists and criminals.

5> Any suspicious purchase can be monitored. Greater tracking facility for cops.

6> cops are one of the most corrupt people in our society. This system will put an end to their "extra" income completely.

This may not be a fool proof system. But its definitely a start. If you are traveling into a village which does not use this system, then draw the money and use it there. Even that can be monitored.

Many more advantages and many other scenarios I might have overlooked. Open for suggestions .. :)

Start

“Wow..!!”

Ravi let out this 3 letter word while I was busy looking for our van, which was supposed to have come 20 minutes ago.

“What. ?” I asked him

“Look there man” He said, pointing his finger at a girl who had just got down from an Auto.

Her jet black hair was swaying in the wind and she was pretty, but not the most beautiful girl I had seen till date. She was trying to hail buses to go to the airport.

“Why is she hailing all the wrong buses? While leaving the right ones to go to the airport ?” he asked.

“I don think she knows. Looks like she 's new to the place” I said, staring at her.

“Excuse me” Ravi shouted to the girl. I was staring at him incredulously. “Do you want to go to the Airport?”

“Yes. But most buses are not going there” she replied walking towards us.

“That's because you are hailing the wrong ones. Wave your hand at the volvos , the big red buses. They will stop and take you to the airport” Ravi talked with his trademark hand gestures as though giving a lecture to his students.

“Oh, Thank you” she said , while flashing her smile towards him and then turning towards me.

“Welcome” I muttered stupidly, as if I had helped her. She turned again turned towards Ravi.

“Ah, guys., Sorry to interrupt but we are here” came a voice right behind us. It was Karthik.

Ravi was about to say something to her when Karthik came . We hurried behind him towards our van.

“oooooooohhhh....” A loud shout followed our entry into the van. 18 people shouting at the top of their voice would attract attention anywhere. We glanced towards her just before boarding, and she was smiling at us.

“Ah.. that smile” Ravi whispered in my ear, while getting inside the van, while the rest of the group were hooting.

“We are late by 20 minutes, and you guys started your activity already at 7 AM ?? “ asked Pavan, while the rest of them laughed loudly.

What a way to start our team outing …...

WHY ??

What luck for rulers that men do not think. - Adolf Hitler


This line by Hitler is so direct and sharp that a lot of questions that we as people ask each other get answered. What questions ? You may ask.

Questions like who is responsible for running the government ? For policies not being implemented ? For the countless problems surfacing and re-surfacing at every level of our society ? Are only politicians to blame for the mess ?

Yes, to a large extent, politicians are to blame. And to a much larger extent, the Babus ( IAS / IPS officers) who are responsible for the implementation of a couple of projects that are by stroke of luck do get the nod, don't implement it. So, at the end of the day who is responsible for electing our representatives and encouraging the Babus not to perform ? WE, THE PEOPLE.

This is not a post to put a blame on people and to forget about it. What I am trying to figure out are the answers to these tough questions, and thinking out loud in the process. During a casual talk with my mom the other day, she asked me the same question which people have been asking over the years..

WHY DON'T OUR POLITICIANS HAVE A RETIREMENT AGE ????????

People across all sectors have retirement age right ? From people working at various government offices to the people working in the private sector. The simple reason being, the ability to contribute to the best of a person's ability decreases with age.
Then why don't our politicians retire ? Is governing a nation and running the government machinery so simple and non tiring that an 80 year old person can be trusted to take the right decision and provide fair governance in times of war and peace ? If it can be allowed, then why have a compulsory retirement in every other sector ? Why this discrimination ?

If by any chance, people stumble onto this blog and read this post, post your comments. I would like to know what you think about my opinion. :)

HAPPY 2009..!!

Hello to all the unfortunate readers of my blog. I had not written anything till date because of innumerable reasons, the most prominent one being I didn't feel like.. :) But now that I am tormenting the person reading this, I wish you a very happy and a wonderful 2009..!! May this year be fantastic in all respects.

A lot has been said, written and debated about how 2008 was, and quoting OUTLOOK magazine ( I, unfortunately have a 5 year subscription to this magazine), they say it was one of the worst year in 3 decades. You name it, and it has happened somewhere in the world in 2008..!!

The pessimists are out in full force predicting that 2009 will be much worse. But I believe what goes down, must come up. So even if the initial months of 2009 seem to be pretty scary, I believe by august-September, things will start improving. All we need to do is hang on.

Ok, so enough about preaching and re-preaching. I tend to get into this mode pretty often. So if any one of you reading this blog want to irritate/torture some people, just make them read this and they will stop reading any other blogs. :)

Wishing everyone a great year ahead..!!

DREAM

Dream - The one word which can change a person's life. It gives a person hope, something to look forward to, something to work for. We all dream about something or the other. Be it having a better life style, of owning a Ferrari, of going on a world tour or having a better partner :-)


Ramu is your regular 16 year old kid, having dreams in his eyes and the confidence to conquer the world. He used to work in a busy restaurant in the heart of Bangalore. He started cleaning tables when he was 13, and now at 16., has moved up to become a waiter. His dream is to open a restaurant which caters to all sections of the society, irrespective of the economic status of the customer. Many people used to scoff at this idea. " Why not ?" he used to counter them. His idea was simple. " I will create the right ambiance and the quality of the food will be great". Ramu could understand what exactly different customers expected out of the restaurant. He used to plan the interiors, the cuisine, every minute detail. He was a school drop out like many others, but knew to count and read Kannada. Poverty forced him to become a cleaner at this restaurant.

One busy day, while he was attending to a customer, he overheard a conversation between his boss and a customer. This customer wanted to open a branch of the restaurant Ramu was working in, and he wanted the owner's consent to set it up. This customer wanted to make it an affiliate of the old restaurant. But the owner was adamant, saying it will not be up to the standards of this restaurant, and thereby the image of this hotel will take a hit.

Ramu had seen the quality maintained in this restaurant and was in awe of his master. It was his master who inspired Ramu to dream about his own restaurant. So the owner, after much persuasion from the customer and much deliberation, decided to open the new restaurant. He wanted Ramu to manage the new unit. This showed the amount of confidence the owner had in Ramu inspite of his age. When Ramu heard about it, he was overwhelmed. He realized that this will be the first step which will help him in realizing his dreams. With tears in his eyes, he accepted the offer. He vowed to keep the image of the restaurant intact.

Ramu is now a happy man. He may not have realized his dream of opening his restaurant yet, but he is working towards that goal. He is ready to work hard and make the new restaurant a success. He is garnering the experience of managing the restaurant, with its numerous problems and learning the tricks of the trade in the process. He is taking all the necessary steps at realizing his dreams.

We all dream of having a better life, of doing things which we really want to, but are unable to because of different reasons. So should we stop dreaming ? should we just slog it out and kill the present in order to make the future better ? should we not live today in order to realize our dreams in the future ?

The story of Ramu tells us that., Yes- we can dream. Yes- we can live in the present. Yes- We can have a life, at the same time dream about a better future.
Yes- we can be happy with what we have, but it should not stop us from working towards achieving our goals.

We all go through ups and downs in our lives; who doesn't .? But how many of us even try to be happy with what we have ? .We must look at the bright side of whatever situation we are in and start working towards our dream and make the most of the situation we are in.

So lets start dreaming, again. Let's dream about going to moon, about driving a Bugatti, about having a mansion on the Whitehaven beaches.. :-)

(Ramu is a not a real person, even though I am sure there are hundreds like him in India.)