Sunday, March 30, 2008

The rumour of life

one life begins, other dies
submerged in life are we
the painstaking bodies
leading life to a definite goal
Could we or could we not
exist in two lives
would then life have a meaning
the fragile part of life
which is so beautiful today
that has to end some day
the facet of life
that i exist today and not tomorrow
strange but true, is fact
the morality about life
of it to end good or bad, whatever
the small packets of life
i tie today across my large neck
reminding days, nights, years i spent
forgiving time i am left with
that life ages
should be told at birth
cuz life ain't truth but a legacy
passed through generations
those who inherited it
tasted its sweetness and
succumbed bitterness
multidirectional nature of life
that picks and throws you
whereever it finds solace
was life to better my life?
I ask this for whether
would there be one more of me
to end this rumour of life!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Its not over yet !




shadows scream, thoughts haunt
searching the missing i lost
reminisce the memories i gave you
times we were together
and in the wake of lonely nights
as i seek the light guiding me to you
i trail your footsteps
but these moist eyes see
a terrible present, a horrible future
of half left of me,
of image that of an insane lover
a heart so close to mine
now wanders distantly
in a valley unknown to me
the fountain of love, so pure
dying to gush
feels like the life's string broken
but the beads still intact
with this hope
the weeping hearts says
its not over yet
untill we both say it so....

Friday, March 21, 2008

Stormy Night



Looking outside the pale windows
a stormy night has come to welcome me
pelters on roof agitate me
violent gust of winds irritate me
lonely streets cripple
mind contemplating
feeling of danger lurking
soul aroused
whats going to happen next
a start or end
these times i fear most
this dark night has lot to say
of a dying past
And amidst, the rain is crying
for a relationship to break
the violent thunder breaking
for a heart to crack
downpour as they say,
brings an inevitable destiny
and as the lights walk off my life
leaving the dark behind with me
i shall rise someday
for this dark day may not be everyday
for this battle with Stormy Night someday....

Less traces of "Black and White"


Hi Everyone,
As the title of my blog suggests, its true to me that i found the movie less interesting to watch. My expectations were very high from this flick as it was produced under Mukta Arts banner and directed by none other than Subhash Ghai. As i was researching more about the synopsis of this movie, i came across an online review that said that Subhash Ghai had copied the idea of an earlier hollywood movie. Mr Ghai, however was not aware of this movie. During my last visit to India, i got to see the trailers of Black and White. The title was intriguing and i was looking forward to the release date of this movie. Admittedly, i watched this movie online with excellent print. Excuse me folks but i wasn't feeling well to travel 20 miles back and forth with no car. Anyways, this too like Jodha Akbar was seen in parts by me. Let me refer Black and White as B&W.

The movie started showing a base camp in Afghanistan with dark bluish background and someone getting ready for an attack on Red Fort in Delhi, India. That itself gives you an impression about what this movie would be all about, thats vandalizing the city of Delhi . The Black portrayed by newcomer "Anurag Sinha" and White by "Anil Kapoor". The plot, however, becomes predictable as the story unfolds. The terrorist Anurag sinha drops the idea of exploding the bomb as he walks through lot of events that happened in 15 days of his stay in Chandni Chowk area of Delhi.
Good performance by newcomer in his debut movie. A shy, introvert, serious, keeps-to-himself kinda guy who minds his own business and has only 1 aim in his life, thats Jihad. His facial expressions are nice and provide justice to his role. I think Anurag could have got a better movie than this. Who knows after all, even here a dark movie to start with gives him a good launchpad. Anil Kapoor as usual is a veteran actor who gives his best in every scene. And there is 1 thing about AK, he looks the same as he was 20 years back and has maintained himself very well. The first thing i noticed about Shefali Chhaya was that she looked younger. I remember her last movie with Big B where she played his wife and i was like Shefali certainly has jumped into a pair of old shoes. This wasn't now, she looked fresh and lively, like one would say - "back in action" types. She overshadows the newcomer actress "Aditi Sharma" with her performance who i felt had no specific role to play. Songs are melodious. I liked "Jogi Aaya", "Main Chala" and "Yeh Hindustan Hai".
Data shown in movie is based on facts, Hindu & Muslims staying together in Chandni Chowk area, terrorist activities fruiting in this area, busy clogged streets, Muslim family providing refuge to Indian family etc.

Certain aspects of movie i thought could be made better or completely cut off especially when you know its being directed by none other than Subhash Ghai. For instance, introduction of Shefali Chhaya arguing on some lame divorce topic and media grabbing that attention. The girlfriend of Anurag who shows avid interest in the newcomer which i think is something you dont get to see in a Muslim family where girls are over protected by their customs. Anil kapoor convincing Shefali at Qutub Minar that she infact had invited anurag there was dragging and addiing to it some PJ's. How does one get a stranger whom you know only for the past 10 days to stay in your house with your family? This is weird if you want to focus on the bonding between the stranger (anurag) and a family. (Anil's). Why do Indian films show a lady sleeping with a saree and not comfortable night suits/gown? Why do muslims (shown in film) feel that Indians don't respect Islam and to this, Anurag Sinha is sent as a terror man to rock Delhi. Shefali is killed on the eve of Independence day but Anil doesnt want this truth to come out in public fearing a communal riot, thats hindu's blaming muslims for this. And next day, he goes to watch Independence day at Redfort after performing last rituals. I cant expect this at all. A man who lost his wife after she is shot goes to attend Independence day function because he is very patriotic.

Good scenes in the movie are when Anurag laments the fact that the Muslim in India is no longer a true muslim like in Pakistan, Afghanistan and cant digest this fact. He is frustrated to see his new muslim pals talking more about India culture, heritage, tourist holy Indian places. His friends not reading Namaaz 5 times a day. Lot of arguments among people as to why only Muslims are on hit list of any terrorist activity. Media personnel lying idle, in fact sleeping when a kid comes to them and says there is a breaking news for them to cover was hilarious. I was surprised to see how 2 leaders from Muslim and Indian community wearing a friendly coat threaten the local MLA of a communal riot if their demands were not met.


B&W presents a message that even a terrorist's heart could beat for the sake of peace in a nation. This however, i think wasn't captured very well through the eyes of Anurag in the movie. More shots needed to be added to show his transition of mind for not fusing the bomb. Shots of policemen suggest Anurag fears cops so he escapes and doesn't explode the bomb. You want to see strong vehement reaction of the newcomer. I think movie could have been made better because Anurag fleds and later writes a letter to CBI appreciating Anil for what he had done and giving a clean chit to him. Who knows when he strikes back? Thats the uncertainty. May be the director could have thought of an alternate ending by making Anurag surrender, leveraging his status in media and people, leave life to normal giving out a new message. May be the director doesnt want to show a muslim terrorist surrendering? Am not aware if any has surrendered in real life. In any circumstance, the fate of Numer Qazi (Anurag sinha, sorry to have used his muslim name so late) was to doom, then why not for a better cause.

This movie also gives a message not to shelter strangers in your house ! I will rate this movie as 6.5/10 simply because B&W lacked balance.

Back to you reader for your comments

Rgds,
Sidharth

Punjabi "Chole"

Well thats an Indian Punjabi dish for those of you who did not know but i am assuming most of the people reading my blogs are Indians. so why i am discussing my "Chole" here? Well, for the simplest reason that i made chole last night and i think it was my best attempt so far. I have been making food sincerely since September 07 and this preparation was mouth watering. The smell of cholas was in the air. As i opened my pressure cooker, i knew i had a new feat under my belt. One of my friends came over and like it too. It was spicy which my American roommates wouldn't have relished, may be Sean would have. He likes Indian food a lot and i like cooking a lot. Punjabi cholo ki baat hi kuch aur hai (There is something special about Punjabi Chole). Try mine someday and you'll let your hair down. Am i stressing too much on my cooking abilities and fuming with overconfidence? Honestly, i wanted to be a cook some day and serve exotic food to my customers. Am doing the same right now but instead serving my friends !!!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

LUCKY HOUSE GETTING SUBLEASED (FOR 1 OR 2)

This was my ad i posted on several housing groups in LA to get a roommate.
Read how desperate i was.....lol

***********
Hi,
I want to sublease my 2 room apt asap. I have my Summer Internship at GOLDMAN SACHS in NY, so have to vacate from 1st week of may. This house has been very LUCKY for me and others who moved in it. Students (CS && EE) staying here got their internship in big companies like CISCO, MCKENZIE, MICROSOFT, NCR, GOOGLE, EBAY , LEHMANN BROTHERS , MOTOROLA ETC. This may be the right one for you, believe me !!!!!!!! ( I HAD OFFER FROM 2 MORE)

Address is 1156 W 36th place LA CA 90007. 4 guys can easily live in the apartment and I want a person to replace me, 2 guys share each room. PEACEFUL LOCATION giving you the best conditions to study and making it to the above !

lease is till july 2007 which can be extended, rent is $400/head + about $15 in utilities. initial security amount is $422.5 . THIS RENT IS NOTHING when it comes to having a secured internship in above companies.

Secured entry and house has all basic facilities. 2 min walk from Gate 6 of USC. VERY CLOSE TO OHE, SAL BUILDINGS , thats what an ENGINEER DESIRES !!!!!

Please contact me at 1-213-361-1586 or email me back.

BESIDES HARD WORK, LUCK ALSO COUNTS MATE SO DONT WAIT, HURRY UP !!!!!


Thanks
Sidharth Kumar
**************************

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Tribute to Sunny

No one needs to testify his cherished brother. However, this comes a tribute for someone whom I have known now for the past 25 years. My lovely brother "Sidhant" or "Sunny" (as I have always called him) who is a year and a half elder to me. He lives up to his name, so "Sunny", bright and cheerful. A mamma's boy who will assuage your low feelings with just few minutes of his company. I feel his absence in every corner of my life ever since i came to US for my masters. Am sure he is a word of talk among all gals who would see him for the first time and mind you i rank my brother very high on this. I say this cuz some people are born with silver spoon but he was born with an eclectic personality. His looks just like a British Spy Agent, hair style like Salman Khan, airing height like one should have and so handsome that sometimes
even i envy him..;) This Sagittarian keeps a cool head over his shoulders, is jovial, sweet, simple-ton, down-to-earth, humorous, "bhola" (he knows what i mean by this...lol), a sanguine attitude that differentiates him from others and most importantly a father like figure to me. I have seen him go though lots of ups and downs in his life but he boldly faced them all and is
an inspiration to me. Not quite elder and so i share lot of my life with him. He never changed in his looks or nature since i know him. He bunked ;) his office to give me time on both my occasions to India which i really admire. I once remember my brother coming from Jaipur after a long time and as usual i was excited to meet him. When he entered house, all i did was to ask him how he was doing etc. Later, my father asked me why didnt we hug each other, which
i felt awkward initially as we had never done that before but reflected on this a lot later. I had lot of this oppurtunity before but now miss the feeling of warmth, closeness and bonding one gets in his brothers arms. Am very happy to see him settled this moment and with each year, i hope to know him better. An ardent request of mine to him would be to please, please buy a new Plasma TV for his room. I can no longer see TV in my dad's room for obvious reasons. Hope you fulfill this wish of mine when i return next time.

He was, is and always be precious to me. Am proud of ya, Sunnny ! Be what you are to me, mom, dad, sis and our families.

-- Sidharth Kumar ( Manu , 5th March 08)

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Jodha Akbar


Amidst all controversies surrounding Jodha Akbar, i watched it couple of days back. Ashotosh Gowarikar's magnanimous movie finally hit the screens and i was excited for this moment. I have to admit this is one of his best movies after "Swades". That movie touched me as i am currently in US pursuing my Masters and feel like going back to my country someday. Coming back to Jodha Akbar, this movie has everything. The best mogul costumes adorned by superstars of today, Hrithik and Aishwarya. Superb cinematography, all stills captured splendidly may be at the battle scene or in the Emperor's residence. I dont think any other actor could give justice to the role of Akbar other than Hrithik himself. His transformation of thoughts as a kid till when he becomes an adult is an inspiration for his nobleness. A humble king who even marries a Rajput Princess and builds a temple for her are good traits of his personality as a king. Akbar had a good repute in his kingdom and his tale of success has passed on since generations to the ears of today. The Director needs a pat on his back who is also my best director. Music scores from A.R . Rehman are melodious and captivating. Songs such as "Khwaja mere Khwaja" is a spiritual one and i simple love it. Its so soothing, a song which is offering its prayers to the Saint "Khwaja". All songs have been sung beautifully especially "Jash-e-Baharaa" by Javed Ali.
I have to admit honestly that i should have seen this flick at theater and not at home online in parts. I couldn't stop watching the movie, it kept me glued till the end. There are lot of good scenes in the movie. My best one is from the song "Khwaja mere Khwaja" where Hrithik gets up in the end and joins the troupe singing and dancing to the tunes of Allah. At first i thought, he was up to something i did not want to see and i was wrong. Hrithik is also an excellent dancer and although his coordination with other people dancing looks easy, it isn't. He instantly gets into the mood, staring at the sky and almighty raising his hand in the air and performing exactly as others. He compliments them ! That scene is captured from all angles which adds to its beauty. You can see hrithik's attire floating in air as he rotates in small circles. His respect for almighty is visible in his eyes.

I will appreciate everyones hard work and effort that has gone into making of this movie right from spot boy till the Director.

As far as articulation is concerned, i feel hrithik was to practise a little more Urdu. He spoke well but at times i felt the fluency was missing. This movie has taken 3 yrs in making and in that time, we would have expected him to probably speak only in Urdu may be with himself, his peers, his colleagues, family members etc. There should have more fight sequences of Akbar. Even then, i have become a big fan of Hrithik, You ROCK man, you are my "Khwaja". He has done a splendid job and this will get him filmfare award for best actor. I am pretty sure about it ....lets wait and watch !