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Showing posts from 2012

Bollywood music: the rise and fall of the item number

I do belong to this generation so to speak, but some things just bewilder me. Here's a little observation I made recently. I thought it to be a bizarre but interesting topic to opine about. So, the movies and music scene in our country is ever-evolving, like some would like to believe. And I speak strictly of what we call 'Bollywood music'. Be it at the gym, high-profile parties or birthday bashes, children and adults alike, the music is staple -- Bollywood! It's quite the phenomenon worldwide, really. British and American dance reality shows believe it is deserving enough to be named a kind of dance form that contestants can perform. Bollywood and how integral item numbers are to it, is common knowledge. As was aptly portrayed in The Dirty Picture, masses sometimes only go to watch a film for a song-and-dance sequence. I, for one, thoroughly enjoy watching the mesmerizing Helen groove to Piya tu, Yeh mera dil, and Mehbooba mehbooba, even today. That was cabaret

It's a matter of choice

There is dignity in silence they say. I agree. But to never say anything at all? I disagree. Be magnanimous they say. I agree. Magnanimity only to prove a point? I disagree. Speak softly and be heard they say. I agree. But not make noise when it matters? I disagree. It's not an ideal world, they say. I agree. But is self respect, integrity and sincerity dead? I disagree. Everybody is capable of many things. But your choices are what make you who you are. We may agree or disagree...

Book: The Krishna Key - a secret well kept

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And it is to learn this secret, that you begin your quest with Ashwin Sanghi. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia I was instantly kicked, couldn't wait to begin. I thought it was going to be a Johnny Quest-esq adventure where there's murder, mystery, crooks, killers and a climax that brings it all together. The book starts out well. With a narrative in the voice of Lord Krishna and a story that begins with a gruesome murder, you think this plot is headed somewhere. Enter Taarak Vakil, the ultimate evil being, but that's until the author introduces Mataji - what a mastermind!  So now, we're deep into the historic Krishna era, and Kalyug is at it's worst with over three murders already been committed and the cops chasing the wrong target. And you're thinking, so is he (the killer) really the Kalki (tenth) avatar of Vishnu?  Protagonist Ravi Mohan Saini, a smart, knowledgeable history professor enlightens the reader many a time during the course of the

Blogger's Block

I've had this for the longest time. Even though people said that I must, I managed to keep myself away. I don't know why - writing a blog just never appealed to me. I've always been a late bloomer - be it fashion, work or otherwise. Some things just take time to process. Or maybe it's just that thing that I mustn't do it cos everyone else is. I'm too cool I thought. It must be good for me - but I'm too cool. Drink milk, it's good for you, mom said. Nah! I'm too cool. Remember that phase we all went through? In my case I think it lasted a bit longer than it should have. With respect to family, friends, work, health - everything. So, here I am, giving blogging a shot. Here's hoping it works out for me. :-) mentalblock will be my thought board of sorts. I will pin my thoughts here, yes, but not my worries and sorrows. So, it won't be my Dear Diary (no whining and pining). It's more of an attempt to share what I think is good, bad, ug