Sidharth's Blog

Peepli Live - A Critique

2010-08-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ahh, i finally am critiquing a movie after a long time. The last time i sat was for "My name is K...". So i saw "Peepli Live" last Sunday with a friend. The only thing i knew was this wasn't a big budget film with character actors in it. And for a change, i wanted to see a film far away from the latka-jatkas of Bollywood entertainers. Knowing this was an Amir Khan production, i thought i give it a shot and watch the film. The trailer seemed funny with an emotional dram touch.
This is Anusha Rizvi's first film as a director and i am not saying it was a masterpiece. However, the subject of farmers committing suicide in an Indian state when they cannot pay the loan back is real and the author has presented the story with a dark humor. Omkar Das as "Natha" and Raghuvir Yadav as "Budhia" play fantastic roles as village farmers. Constantly being nagged by his wife and mother, Natha is convinced by his brother Budhia to commit suicide and the money from his death will save their farmland. When the media hears this, big news stations reach this small far village "Peepli" and 24 hrs there is constant vigil by media/police on Natha's family. The movie becomes interesting when the whole issue is politicized.
Indian politicians, media, central/state government, poor villagers and people like Natha and budhia are all mockery of one single system and this happens. The film does exaggerate in few instances when Media just blows any kind of false information they can get their hands on and turning the lives of Natha and Budhia upside down. How Indian politicians can extend hands for vote bank in the wake of adversary. That government plans exist but not implemented at the lowest level to reach farmers like Natha and Budhia is disheartening. The film tries to satirically present its agenda with a good direction as the movie never felt like lost its course. The audience can stay gasping as to what would be coming next. Shalini Vyas or Dhaniya plays a good supporting actress as the wife of Natha. This movie is definitely an eyeopener to people and citizens across India or Outside and laments the fact that how top officials and bureaucrats misuse their authority and position and thereby no help can reach a section of society that most needs it.
Am glad i watched the movie. It was well made and everyone played a good justifiable role. For the script/direction/production/acting, i'll rate the movie 8/10. I just hope the Indian government wakes up......Go watch it !

Sapno ki aahat

2010-07-24T22:53:00.001-07:00

tere sapno ki aahat aksar jagate hai mujhe
pal bhar ke liye utt sa jaaata hun
jindagi ke lamhe kam lage
tho kuch supno mein doondhta hun tujhe
aaj fursat ke baad waqt pass aaaya hai
kuch guzaarish karu aise hi lamho ki
sahmi sahmi see thi tu un dauran
dil bakeraar hai kuch arz karu
sahara hai in sapno ka, sachai ka nahin
sachai doori nahin mitati, sapne jaroor
fursat hai tere milan kaa
suna hai kabhi sapne bhi sach hote hain
tanhaiiyee teri aahat ki tarf mode
pyaar tho hai aise hi tanhaiiyee kee
door hum bhi hai, door tum bhi
mukassar nahin aise lamho kaa jo milaye
din khul gaya hai, aankh nahin
sapno mein ghum saa gaya hai yeh dil bhi
pukarre yeh awaaz sapno ki
dil khush hai aaj sapno mein tujhe dekhke
ibadat hai tu khush rahe jindagi mein
tu muskuraaaie, sapne jeeeye
hum issi tarah tarro mein apni raah doondhe
shayad tum bi kabhi socho humhe
yeh sapne haqeemat mein badle humhe
sharrab raasta nahin par kamzoori tumhe milne kaa
shukar hai yeh dooori tho mitathi hai
yeh sapne kabhi naa toothe
tere sapno ki aahat kabhi na rhuke........

My FIRST MARKETING attempt (Comments Please)

2010-06-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

While i was at USC, i posted this Ad on craiglist to sublet my house

Subject: "LUCKY HOUSE GETTING SUBLEASED (FOR 1 OR 2)"
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 9:51 AM

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 !!!!!

Please contact me at 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx or email me back.

DONT WAIT, HURRY UP !!!!!

Thanks
Sidharth Kumar

The Loved Life

2010-05-09T16:31:00.001-07:00

The words within me speak
How the love between us so weak
Twisted tides and strong monsoon
Dim light and weird shaped moon
Brought down upon a lovely life
Giving no chance and a strife
Golden moments of life i ran after
Destiny made me people's laughter
Pure as my heart was beating
a new world i knew was collapsing
Life i tried so hard to grip
Slipped through my hand with a nip
When life was short and time more
Steps were slow to walk out of the door
Crazy attitude and a diminished fate
i stand here to be my own bait
Ships that rescued a sinking life's boat
returned empty handed with someone to float
Dots life connected began to disappear
a chapter of life begs to tear....

The Air

2010-02-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

As i walk by crossing lanes
someone from behind touches me
a humane feeling knocks me down
surprised as i feel
seldom has anyone done so in years
who is this person or
am i mistaken for a false identity?
no bodily figure as i turn back
but an aerial breeze stands in front
sad and melancholy it gazes
The look of the air reminds
a past thats beginning to unravel
clues of life i once carried break
stopped times suddenly tick
the sky color begins to looks pale
i tremble and soul within freezes
The fresh air i was used to is now dry
The air i breathed is now depleted of strength
valorless and exhausted
The once familiar air begs me to take me in
rekindle its life and provide hope
One chance, one oppurtunity
should i or should i not
Perhaps am still in a wonderland......

HouseWarming in Hoboken

2010-02-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

It was my first housewarming party and i was really excited to have so many guests come in in my new apartment. Lots of food and drinks, it was a superb get together housewarming party with my friends. Am glad all showed up and we had a great time chatting, talking, watching TV, playing games etc. Wish you were there too.....:)

My Name is Khan - A reviewer's critique

2010-02-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

So after watching "Kaal" and "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna", it wasn't in my idea to watch another Karan Johar film. I read the reviews online and found the movie is doing pretty well not only in India but in US too. Infact, its become the biggest bollywood grosser of all times. Ok, i wont go into all those details and come straight to my views on film. I went to this movie last week with my buddy at Newport Mall, New Jersey. Suprised, US theatres are playing Hindi movies now with english subtitles.
I was told the movie is 3 hrs long and i wasnt in the mood too but decided to go for SRK (Shah Rukh Khan). As the movie begins, you are not really sure whats happening. SRK finding itineary plans of President George bush online. You must have seen the dialogue "My name is Khan and I am not a t......" flashing on your TV screen several times and making you intrigued. This was too the case with me. I was very curious as to what the film is all about...it was SRK, US, t* connection etc. SRK plays a character of an autistic patient in the film and delivers a superb performance but am not sure if patients like him are so smart and intellectual in real world but anything is possible in Karan Johar's film. Kajol on the other hand comes very close to an autistic patient and eventually marries him. The film is fast paced in first half and slow and emotional in 2nd. So emotional that it brought tears in my eyes. The chemistry of SRK and Kajol is phenominal and has improved a long way since DDLJ time. She is abosolutely intense in her roles. I loved the part where after the unfortunate death of her son, she blames SRK and his last name "Khan" for all her misfortunes. Tensions arise in this family after Sept 9'11 attacks on americans and how it affects a common muslim's mans life. SRK in the shoes of an autistic patient does justice to his role and goes beyond any common man's imagination. He was perfect in his role !
Events in the film must have been real as most of us know from the facts stemming around us. The movie is deep, touching and evokes strong emotions. All other characters do a great job in supporting the film from its base and cinematography is good especially shots taken when SRK is riding on a cab. Karan johar does a fantastic job in director's seat and picks a subject and theme that's compelling and strong. We all human beings can easily connect to this film. A must watch film with family, a good one after a long time. I''ll recommend this movie to everyone and rate the film at 9/10. Go watch it and you have your answers. The trio rocks......

What a vacation with Kyle - Incredible India !!!

2010-02-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

Kyle is a good friend of mine and was my roommate from my school days at USC. This time i invited him with me to India not only for vacation but for 2 marriages also. My brother and sister were getting married and the idea of all 3 thrilled him. For those who didn't make it especially my friends from US, i think how much they missed. It was certainly Kyle's win after he extended his stay by 1 week more to attend my brothers marriage and we both returned same date sitting with each other. There has to be also some reason hidden in India's love and affection for its people and outsiders that moulded him and convinced Kyle that by extending his stay he was still in a win-win situation.

I may not have traveled so much in my entire life than i did in 2 weeks. We had our plans already ready. I only started my itineary after getting my work visa and sister's marriage. I think Taj Mahal in Agra is the favourite destination for anyone who is coming to Delhi because of its close proximity. So we travelled to Agra. By afternoon we saw the great and mesmerising Taj Mahal. Later we saw Agra Fort and came back to our guest house. Drinking became very handy on these long trips. Next day we went to Bharatpur bird sanctuary and finally Jaipur in evening. Jaipur was beautiful especially Amber fort. For some reason, i dont know why is it pronounced Amer ka killa in hindi. There is no Amber in it. This fort will remind of the great wall of China. Dont believe me? Check out for yourself !

I reserved 1 day for rest on 26th Jan for republic day. Kyle was excited to see parade moving on RajPath. Next day, we left for Jim Corbett National Park. Reaching there took us 5 hours. We both had still not recovered from a bad stomach stomach ache. It was funny because we both were suffering from same ailment. 2 safaris and still didnt see a tiger was a big disappointment for me. We headed to Nainital which is like 1.5 hr from Jim Corbett. Nainital is beautiful. A small lake surrounded or bordered by curvy mountains and a magnificent view from the top of the hill.
It ofcourse wasnt cold in India as its here in NY. It took us 9 hrs from nainital to reach our home delhi passing through torchouros roads in Ghaziabad, uttar pradesh. Am not sure when will all this get fixed. I went to India after 2 yrs and wasnt prepared for this at all. I kept last week to be with my family and spend as much time i could for my brothers marriage preparations on 6th Feb. 3 weeks ended and I flew back on 7th feb with Kyle leaving Incredible India behind. 2 marriages in a span time of less than 3 weeks was very hectic for my family but i and kyle surely enjoyed the warm and love of Indian people. I and Kyle completely adored the hospitality of my people, my country. Will miss you all. Do visit India, you have my word, its "truly" incredible !!!!

P.S Unfortunately my pics with kyle form our Agra, Jaipur, Nainital trip were left in my sisters PC so cant upload them here

Bogus Comments

2010-02-20T12:49:00.001-08:00

Recently, i have been getting lot of comments on my blog postings but turns out these all comments or commentators are bogus or not real. I wonder if there would be a way to stop these things from happening? Please comment me, i'd like to read. :) Now turns out that someone who may comment me actually and i may not read his /her comment from my past experience that all comments/feedback is just bogus.

2-0-1-0

2010-01-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

First Blog from me in 2010, here is wishing everyone a very Happy New Year from NY
My resolution is to be more regular in writing blogs, at least that's for now.
Check out for more updates..........Till then,

Transformers 2 - My first IMAX Experience

2009-07-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

I watched Transformers 2 couple of weeks back. This was my first IMAX experience in NYC. am short of words because its ABSOLUTELY breathtaking and will blow your mind. A larger than life screen where one feels so close to the movie, it was a spectacular experience for the quality of print and sound you will receive. The screen so huge and the robots engaging in mass destruction is something you need to watch. However, Transformers 2 is a long movie and after an hr or so, i was tired of all long action. Visual effects were superb and so real in this movie and "Michael Bay" Direction great. This movie has a plot but not an "acting" plot. so i wont say i was disappointed by the actors but a fantastic family movie. Get ready to be seduced by sexy "Megan Fox"! I'll rate this movie a little higher, perhaps i would not have enjoyed so mcuh if it were not IMAX. I liked it more than the first part. Transformers you get 8/10......

The Story

2009-07-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

Within my reach stands a stately story
arms wide to embrace me tight
and its shadows engulfing a past
pieces of time i left to weave
on my return to a distant future
so hard i try to dive in this story
an identity lost, a face forgotten
Shimmering hope whistling me
of the commitment i engraved on the road
Following the lead i never had
stumble across the blocks of a new world
to remind journey ahead is fathom long
the day seems unending, not the year
the reach miniscule and beyond my control
when pray and fear exchange hands
outcome i bear the brunt of
stoned emotion is this or what
inhumane civilization i travel though
to this point when horizon welcomes
saying either restart or perish, the only two resorts
choices that dwindle in a materialistic world
uncanny destiny unwilling to be tamed
wishes that i lay out on a carpet and
reminisce the happiness that once shined on my face
i battle in the arena myself for a new legacy
making up for what was lost
counting the stars that once stayed late awake for me
heaven bode the lords and god smile
for the state a son of his is in
but i stay on the line i was meant to be on
and not run away because
the story i am in has no exit or end....

Terminator Salvation

2009-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

I watched this film recently at AMC, NYC with some of my friends. Terminator leaves an impression on you being full of noisy action, thrills and less of drama. Of course, you would not find the legendary Arnold or Arnie in this movie (except in the end which i think was a fake young Arnold). Terminator Salvation, the fourth in row of Terminator series offers lot of action packed time where the terminators have really advanced from being T-100 to T-800 now. They are aggressive, non humane, possess extreme hatred to mankind and its survival. Luckily John Connor is trying to bind all survivors with his small search team. This time we see a terminator with the heart of a human so a new concept but not very promising down the long lane. I am impressed how the director McG's (of Charlies Angels fame) vision of a world in 2011 devoid of humans would look like. This is not an easy task to do as there is lot of research and homework need to be done in undestanding how the world would look like with no mankind. This too has to be communicated to the visual effects team in the best possible way for standout graphics. The protagonists to me in the film are the T-800 terminators than the actor "Christian Bale" himself who does not look convincing with his acting skills. Even in the latest batman movie, it was late Heath Ledger who as a joker stole all the limelight than the batman Christian bale.
The film is good for those who need to be in touch with Terminator chronicle. The film does not disappoint with its plot, direction, visual effects, action but if you are looking for someone who will standout in the acting department, you will be disappointed. The film dialogues are subtle and not brutal like the ones spoken by Arnie in the austrian accent. The film is a timepass and can be watched once. I'll rate the movie 6.5/10. Go watch it on a lazy sunday afternoon.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-06-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

The fact that this movie portrays India in the list of slumdogs disgusts me and you may not find this very convincing if you are not Indian (I am). I write this from the core of my heart after i watched the film couple of weeks back. Somehow, the western packaging of India slums worked for Danny Boyle and his film crew who got to bag 8 oscars for his movie. Am not jealous that a British director has today opened the way to Indian mainstream cinema in the hearts of millions around the world. He brings to light what happens to kids living in slums, how they are exploited to beg by some hoodlums but the big question is what happens after 3-4 months of spectacular fame. No one in India cares about the slum kids who acted in th film, they dont still have a house, no food, no education and now their father trying to sell them!!!!! This happens only in India.
So was the corollary of the movie also to wake up the sleepy Indian government to the sorrows and needs of distressed slum people. Is that the reason why we make such films? I am very certain that Danny Boyle, Anil Kapoor, AR Rehman are sleeping in their best times now but the slumkids have been left to their destiny and nothing promising remains in their favour. Audience in western world is absolutely oblivion of events happening in India. My advise to them is please do not compare your world with ours. Do not keep very high expectations from our Indian world. One of my colleagues in NY asks me if it was true that there was so much poverty in India, or are there really slums in India. Deep within my heart i curse the director, my government and my country.
I have watched "Frost Nixon", "The Curious case of Benjamin Button", "The Wrestler" in the same best film category as Slumdong and slumdog comes no close against the strong plots of other movies. In the best music/song category, there is only 1 man standing, thats AR rehman. so guess what, by obvious reasons he only wins the oscar...so lame because i do nt think "Jai Ho" is a oscar winning song. Slumdog bags 8 oscars by virtue of its luck and destiny because it has an extremely wicked, weak , fragile plot. The Acting is pathetic even from senior actors like Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan. The kids were however brilliant in acting and so natural to their personas. I do respect the Academy's decision on choosing the best film of they year but with due respect, you cannot judge an Indian film from the eyes of an American. It needs to be a true native or Indian to feel this film. Building relationships with film fraternity is important but getting talent from outside while the nurturing the indigeneous Indian talent getting discouraged is an horrendous idea and like a sacriledge with the Indian Film Industry.
Satyajit Ray is a big name in Film school books in US but why have films like Pathar Panchali not made a name for India on the red carpet. Is it just because it was to the core all Indian, made by Indian director, made in India and everything India. Even Lagaan reaches oscar only in Best Foreign Category but not in best film category because its directed/produced by Indians and not a britisher/american. So hypocritical !!! Slumdog definetly arouses sympathy, pity, excitement, compassion for Indian slums, Indian people. I bet you on that as i live in US and most of my peers are Americans. From my stand point, i do not see any convincing reality besides the slum life in the movie and Danny boyle adapts "Vikas Swarup's" novel targeted only for Western audience and his pride. If only someone would not come to my country and show how/what it is all about the way Danny shows, my reasoning and logic would have been different. Why should an Indian like me be so critical when his country name is on the tongue of evert American? But i and neither do my country need the worlds sympathy by showcasting the poor life in our films. We are what we are but we will not be always like this. We follow the hype and get caught in trap to watch the film, same was with me. I do not recommend this movie to any Indian, thats for sure but even if you do watch it, i'll be more than happy to read your comments on my blog. I'll rate the movie 4/10.

The Kite Runner

2009-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

So i had not seen this movie in a while and the book and its adapted movie were out. I think this is the time and begin to watch "The KiteRunner". German director Marc Forster who has movies like Quantum of Solace under his belt opens the movie with beautiful scenic view of 2 kites fighting to win over each other in Afghanistan. The life of young Amir and Hassan portrayed brings to light to me that the story between rich and rag does not work even in visual cinema. After Amir does not want to be shown as a coward, he frames Hassan to be thief and Hassan along with his Father Ali leave Baba's (Amirs father) house. Jealousy brews in the young heart of Amir against Hassan who suceeds in his mission to keep apart from Hassan. Shooting in the intense Taliban controlled region would have been a daunting task for the director and his crew, but they do pull their strings well and manage a well deserved film.
I have not read the novel yet as i dont think there would be a need now. Am not sure why the director would want to show the stronger Hassan getting anally raped and then bleeding all his way to home. I personally hated that scene while the coward Amir just keeps watching by. There is certainly a transformation in the character of Amir played by Khalid Abdalla who after 15 years decides to come back to Pakistan and rescue Hassan's son. However, i feel the director could have got much better work done from his Actor. Khalid Abdalla is not very convincing in the film but may have landed a job due to his Middle eastern looks (just assuming). Rahim Khan played by Shaun Toub does justice to his role by meddling the relationship between Amir and his father Baba. Last time i saw Shaun in a movie was in "Crash" where he acted well too. Soraya, the wife of Amir has not much to offer in this movie besides being a moral support. Baba was convincing too as the head of the family. Overall the film is strong not because of the characters each one plays but for the plot. The direction is far from mediocre and swifts a journey from Afghnistan to California back to Pakistan. The director captures Afghnistan with the help of his DC and its culture tighly to remain visible in my mind. I can recommend this film on its plot, dialogues in afghani accent, a flavour of simplicity, comradeship, relationship, friendship, innocent and interwined lives. I still believe the novel of Khalid Hossieni would spell more beans. My rating for this movie is 7/10. Go watch it for brave Hassan!!!

Summer in NY 09

2009-04-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

After a long time, i finally take a break from posting my views on films and poems here on my blog. As the title says, its summer time in NY now. The worst winter of my life is 95% over. Well for all NYorkers its over but i am still sensitive to cold so i will still need to rap up the remaining 5% cold to declare summer officially. This would be my 2nd summer in NY. I cant wait to get in shorts and t's and explore the day buzz of NY skylines. With good options to see new Beaches, take a bath in sea and watch some hot looking chicks !! I have always enjoyed summer although i know it gets harsh too here but not like that in Cali or Arizona. With summer comes sweat and i have to admit that i sweat a lot. I just cant take the fact of reaching office with a shirt soaked in sweat. Believe me this has happened to me before and it gets embarrasing but life offers solutions. My approach is to wake up in time and reach office early. I still cant believe i managed to traverse through th harsh chilly NY winter. I saw my first snow here, piles of snow accumulating outside my house and making it extremely difficult to walk. I almost tripped one day on my stairs in a bid to each office soon but one needs to be careful. With heaters in each home and office, i never really felt cold for a long time, only while commuting. I feel summer is a source of getting outdoors and being energetic. It should turn ones brain sharp (Well i dont have proof for this but i know you kinda agree, dont ya !!!) To my contrary, i recently read an article that gloomy weather makes peoples mind run faster according to a research. May be i am one of the exceptions. Am sure there will be more of drinking this season which i look forward to :)...so welcome summer of NY 09 !!!! Ohhh, I should say NJ too as i am a proud resident and worker here....See you in summer (not for my new blog but incase you wandered in the NY/NJ city by mistake)....hahahahaahahahahaahahaha

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-03-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

Only if i knew that this movie was so wonderful and breathtaking, i would have seen it last year only. I got to watch this film in NYC with a friend of mine. The Curious case is a slow drama movie and is a long movie from an American's point of view. The film starts well depicting an era after WW-I in 1918 when benjamin button is born. He is born as an old crippled ugly man whom anyone would abandon and disown. You have to watch out this film for its Visual Effects. They were awesome and there is a reason for Curious case to bag an Oscar in visual effects. The driving force in the movie is Benjamin played by Bratt Pitt aging backwards since his birth. It requires a strong vision to bring this possible on 35 mm screen and Director David Fincher makes its possible. Am disappointed that he couldnt bag the best film or director oscar but the art direction and makeup oscars are credit worthy.
This is the best brad pitt film i ever watched in my life. Brad i simply adorable and is immensely so into the character of the role. The film has introduction scene of his wife played by Cate Blanchett (who acts superbly too) narrating her lifes story to her daughter. I felt she was made look too old for her age as her daughter sitting next to her looked mere 35-40. The logic of aging backwards is also irking me. When benjamin is born, he is old and crippled in a young childs body. He has arthritis in a young childs body but as he grows old he is aging backward and i would have expected him to die as a child in an old man's body. But this doesnt happen. Perhaps i am thinking wrong but i just think of having reverse logic being put in place. The saddest scene is when brad now a baby since he is aging backwards dies in the arms of Cate Blanchette. YOU have to watch this scene. Brad is poised throughtout the movie and delivers an oscar performance. All supporting actors like Taraji do a commending job lifting the spirits of the movie high. This movie is very emotional and will keep you glued to your seats if you are interested in watching how brad will look like now. In one of the scenes, brad is shown as 17 yr old. Surely the makeup dept convinced the academy for an oscar on this. I liked one of the dialogue when brad tells Cate (Daisy) that he needs to leave and that she cant raise both of he and his daughter. For me, the best movie of 2009 and for coming years. I strongly recommend you watch this movie. I'll rate this movie 9.5/10

Delhi-6

2009-03-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

I heard a spate of Delhi movies are in the Bollywood pipeline. Feels good because i am a Delhite. Director Prakash Mehra captures the spur and warmth of delhi in Delhi-6. The whole story revolving around "Kaala Bandar" (Black Monkey) is hilarious. As a delhite, we all know that this story was making rounds of Delhi's towns which seemed to be menaced by a man dressed in black monkey suit and haunting people. Mr. Mehra gives a good start to the film as his cinematographer did a brilliant job with different camera angles. The one i liked the most was the camera motion moving swiftly in up and down motion enacting scenes just like from the eye of the monkey. I still feel glueing Kaala Bandar topic with his story, Mr Mehra is late as this happened long years back. Anyways, Abhishek's journey to India does not seem to bother him much except the electricity issues. He gets used to Delhi's closed streets very soon, earlier than with any family ! Abhishek fails to deliver an Indian American accent i was looking forward to. He definitely disappoints me in that department. In some shots Abhishek speaks fluent hindi, in some he tries to get the slang then Indian English. Someone who has seen the Daniel Perl Story (Well this is what i can remember now), watch out for Angelina Jolie's cuban accent in that film who is originally an American. She is simply superb !
Abhishek has more clothes to wear than his stay in Delhi which is very unnatural for any American who would be very casual for his attire. Somehow i have observed that Abhishek suits for films which require deep thinking and contemplation. There are actually some scenes in the film where his work is praise worthy as he thinks of all loose strings in the families. Waheeda ji gives a performance close to her heart and is delightful to watch. Am banking heavily on Mamdu (Deepak Dobriyal) and Jalebi's (Divya Dutta) work in the film and i hope they bag a filmfare for their supporting actor performance. They were brilliant and add stars to the film. Mamdu who plays a muslim character is full of spontaneity and energy. You have to see his work in the forgotten "1971" film. Great acting by him in the midst of Hindu-Muslim agitation makes him stand out. Divya Dutta is another actor whom i cant stop praising. I liked her in Veer Zaara as well and i dont know why she doesnt get noticed by filmfare academy. She is brilliant with her acting and Haryanwi fluent accent in the film. Please watch this drama queen !
The casting director fares well in his choice of cast selection except Sonam Kapoor. She is the biggest disappointment in the film. Abhishek just doesnt seem to have the right chemistry with her in the film. The theatre actors from Delhi (Pavan Malhotra, Om Puri, Supriya Pathak, Akhilesh etc) add to the spark in the film. This is a family film and has minor glitches from my point of view. City locales in Chandni Chowk have been shot well and will resonate with the heart of every Delhite. I recommend you watch it. I'll rate the film 7/10.

Gran Torino

2009-03-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Am pretty sure only the die hard fans of Clint Eastwood went to the theaters and watched it. Am turning into a fan of Mr Eastwood and this was an amazing film to watch. I had no clue what Gran Torino meant so i googled and found it was a 1972 ford car. The film is interesting because it shows how one can bridge the differences one can have with his neighbors which ofcourse in this film were the courteous and extremely hospitable Hmong people. Sir Clint Eastwood directorial gives a superb acting performance who is always frustrated not only by his own family members but also a racial disgust for the Hmong Asian neighbours. Not untill one of the Hmong teenager tries to steal Eastwood's car, the story takes a turn. The young teenager later apologises and wants to work for Eastwood for redemption. The closeness between the 2 families starts to grow. Clint starts visiting the Hmong family and gets aquainted with Hmong people.
With no support from his own family, Clint slowly finds company with his Asian neighbours and protects them against all evil and gang members. The movie is simple and draws attention to the way Clint becomes part of the Hmong family helping and protecting them. The dry and cold Clint transforms into a person who looks beyond his near ending life after his wife's recent death. His racial differences against the Asian neighbours vanish soon as he gets closer to them and understands their culture. And in the end, when he sacrifices his life being gun shot by all sorts of ammunication a gang would possess is very tragical and emotional. His never visiting sons and their family hope to get his car "Gran Torino" in Clint's will. For Thao (the young teenager), its a bliss to get Clints car after his death from his will. Sir Clint plays his never shown selfless part even after his death. You need to watch this for Sir Clint Eastwood, an amazing movie. I'll rate this movie 8/10 because i feel direction could have been better.

Ghajini

2009-01-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

A lot had been said and read about this movie that this is the biggest grosser Indian movie etc. In fact, i could not believe the fact that Aamir Khan the actor had worked really hard to tone his body and get that 8 pack abs. Let me begin by saying that am not a big fan of Aamir but i really admire his acting abilities. When i first saw the poster of Ghajini, i felt the pic has been morphed and Aamir would not do so. But Aamir so does so and did not disappoint his director who wanted him in that body. One example of perfectionism is to be seen here and Aamir passed with A+. The female lead (Asin) is stunnigly beautiful and didnt let me watch her closely from the perspective of Acting. It's sad to see her die so soon in the movie. Lets discuss more about the film.

a) I never knew what Ghajini meant untill you watch the movie and to your shock, its the name of the movie...I said myself, "what a joke". Am not sure if any other director has casted the name of his movie over the name of his villain
b) Film gives a very South Indian film look different from a film shot in Mumbai. Its very typical to see the villains assistants rotate 360 degree in air when the hero beats their ass. This happens in Ghajini too.
c) Aamir is returning from Harvard Business School in a private jet all the way from Boston and what a reception he gets. No one on the runway. Seems his company has bought the runway too.
Am not sure if Ambanis kids can also have that luxury
d) He is seen with folded shirt much above the elbow and looks weird to me. A corporate honcho presnting himself like this looks very casual.
e) He gives interview outside his office with a casual outlook saying he has retuned from Harvard. And then talks to his "American" assistant.
f) The inspector who checks in Aamir's house and is locked doesnt have any backup plan, or tries to call the police. Later, Aamir is chasing the police and police is on the run...so funnny

I liked the dialogue when the Villain Ghajini says "Woh short term memory patient mujhe yaad dilaaeygaa...." this is funny.

Film promotion in India is done at its highest level where the actor here is ready to turn a barber himself for a day. The theatre ushers shave off their head in ghajini style to promote the film etc.
ll in all, i'll say Ghajini is just an ordinary flick. Just adding blows and whistles to a film does not make it extraordinary. I'll rate the movie 6/10

W.

2009-01-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

Am a huge fan of George W. Bush and yes i am disappointed that he has left the White House. I know the new president isn't as humorous Bush. This one, another Oliver flick which may surprise you brought me to watch it. If you are a bush fan, this is for you. Oliver never leaves any stone unturned and you feel this after you watch the movie. The arguable relationship bush shares with his Father and the road to his presidency with each character from Bush to Powell to rice to Laura are to watch. You sometimes feel to laugh (its seems parody at times..lol) or watch in seriousness these characters. What makes the movie interesting is the transition of a loser bush to the President of America. Also, I had been dying to watch a movie where the fame of one person in the family would affect the life of another family member. This is what happened to bush as whenever he tried to contest (from Texas), his opponents would remark him with the wrong doings or carelessness of his father.
From owning Texas Rangers (baseball team) to his wild parties at Yale university to getting admission in Harvard's Business school to losing election as a republican, Bush has had his share of ups and downs. Bush is shown to be an arrogant, lazy and rowdy young man and you would not believe it. The first time i saw President bush gave me an image of his young days as sober, inebriated, a family guy. While the latter still would hold true, the film certainly depicts him as a heavy drunkard George seniors son. American love Bush. He has acted stupid number of times but was elected twice to the White House. Bushism's are the very favourite quotes bush has shared with the world and the world making fun of him. For instance, bush says "he or her has the right to study". You would expect "he or she.."..lol . Bush was religioulsy fanatic as shown here and has no idea of constitution before he is entering politics.
Josh Brolin who plays Bush is good but cant bring the texan bush i'd wanted to see. Bush is known by several names like Junior, W. The movie is failry good on the scale it is made while every character has given his best to come as close to the real characters. If you are a bush fan and like to delve into his private personal life, this is for you. I'll miss W. !!! I rate this movie 6.5/10

Alexander

2009-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Alexander, you must have heard of him. I think the first time this name comes to mind, one can only think of Alexander the Great. Oliver stone delivers once again a movie which will never be short of controversies. Its not a movie for everyone. For the ones who dare to experience bloodshed on screen and die hard Oliver stone fan. Well i too decided to give it a shot. Am not a big fan but i guess that one i wanted to watch an action movie. The movie begins well with Sir Anthony Hopkins narrating the story of Alexander right from his childhood fancies to inquire about the world and thinking of conquering it. It depicts well the relationship between Alexander and his drunkard father played by Val Kilmer.
Angelina is not as impressive as you may think. She plays a nagging wife and Oliver doesn't get too much out from her. Perhaps she wasn't required that much in film. Oliver does him homework well. The palaces, battle scenes whether in Macedonia, Greece, Asia or India are exemplified and trace back to a real era in history. His movie direction is never one sided and he focuses on each character so well. Colin Farell delivers a great performance as a leader and battle commander. I would have just wanted him to be more intense at certain moments in the film. The scene where he battles in India with him riding on a horse and the enemy on an elephant is breathtaking. He is struck with an arrow and Alexander was almost killed. If you are interested in history, am sure you'll like this movie. There are lot of strange facts that get revealed when you watch such a movie, perhaps becoming controversial.
Alexander was a bisexual. Thats what the movie shows hugging and kissing his childhood guy friend too closely and then later getting married to an Asian woman with whom he has an intense sex scene. Also, the king died too early at an age of 33. At this young age, he had conquered half of the world with his tyrannical boasts. The film also shows that alexander who was a heavy drinker dies of the same, a day after his bisexual gay partner dies. Perhaps he was poisoned. And i remember as a child when i watched "Chanakya", Alexander had died due to malaria, the cure of which was not there those days. Even at his death bed, his army commanders are show arguing to take the next king's position. Alexander was great because noone ever could take the position of the King of Macedonia and make a name for himself as he did. As i can only wish, it would have been interesting if he had ever made it to Mongol or Japan.
I'll rate the movie 7/10. I liked it...

Love remains a word to me now

2009-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Behind the iron curtain lies a face
dark and hardened after a never ending chase
Was it for the wild destiny or cold blaze
moronic attempts i tried to get out of this maze
sequestered time makes me think how
Love remains a word to me now

Prayers may reach you to the zenith
up there and not getting lost was a misfaith
sound i chose out of millions to near
brought me down to knees with no one to cheer
Abbreviated life made the hardest time bow
Love remains a word to me now

Jaws of truth biting the guileless soul
awakens someone a little late but to witness a hole
a void that may never fill
am dried of my own will
Would there be any light of hope at the brow
Love remains a word to me now

Nefarious games you play with guileless hearts
venerated you not to go through this part
wish life had never met you at the juncture
abused and mentally only i face every torture
if only blessed with the power to change and endow
Love remains a word to me now

Reasons i ask why was the smile feigned
on an ill fated day were tears rained
faces exchanged bitterness and torment
so hapless now and hands full of lament
misnomer and will always pronounce to disallow
Love remains a word to me now....

Rabb ne bana di jodi

2008-12-27T17:23:00.001-08:00

The movie certainly goes by its title. Only in reel life is it possible for a husband to stretch that far for his wife. Well, i didn't mean stretching ones arms but a husband playing a dual life to win his wife's heart. SRK movie backed by Yash Chopra productions will keep your spirits high to watch the movie during the holiday season. What i liked about the movie is SRK's attire where he is playing a Punjab Power engineer. A combination of PT shoes (you know what i mean) with pant and shirt, thats a typical Indian sarkari job like dressup. SRK looks really funny in those. It's easy for SRK to mould into the role of another self of his who is completely opposite of what he is actually. This is what intrigues me but remember its a film and from that perspective, SRK does a fair good job. Anoushka Sharma, the debutante actor may not appeal impressive in the beginning but shes does manage to gain some credits for her part, as far as i am concernd. Rabb ne bana di jodi is a family one which you will enjoy for all age groups. Vinay pathak again comes in to help SRK achieve his life goal. Movie is however long but "Haule Haule ho jayegaa" manageable to watch for Indian audience. SRK is one of favourite actors and needless to say, he has done a good job. I'll rate this movie 7/10.

Dasvidaniya

2008-12-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

When i first heard of this movie, i had no clue as to what it was. First of all, the name of movie itself is neither English nor Hindi. Its a Russian name meaning "Good Bye". I hooked up on all my resources to read its review and trying to convince my mind if i wanted to watch it or not. The movie stars "Vinay Pathak" so automatically you realize this ain't a 3 hr long movie and i enjoy such kind of movies. I did read that Dasvidaniya was based on Bucket List which i already had seen . The theme of Bucket List was good but i found the movie boring. I finally decided to watch Dasvidaniya, the hindi version if you may say so.
Its a story about a guy who knows has merely only 3 more months to live and is a big loser in life. Vinay Pathak has certainly grown as an actor. He already had his forte in comedy but the film portrays some instances of heart breaking acting which Vinay has flawlessly perfomed. The scene where he begs for instant death will touch you. He is at his best till date. Movie is impressive from beginning to the end. Its light, digestable and will give you loads of oppurtunity to retrospect the question that what would you do if you were in his shoes. I greatly admire Vinays acting. The director too (lets say inspired by Bucket List) has made sense in every moment. Never will you ever feel that movie is boredom or exagerrated. Everyone has very well supported the actor including the boss Saurabh Shukla and Pankaj Kapoor. It's an evening movie to relax your senses and i highly recommend this movie to movie watchers. Vinay Pathak is the new era of self defining hero. I'll rate the movie 9/10. Go for it !

My first snow in NYC !!!! 18th Nov 2008

2008-11-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

This was my first snow in NYC. I got up in the morning at 6.30 am as usual to get ready. When i opened the door of my house, i saw these flakes all over in the air. Was it snow or fire ash flowing in the air? Well, fire ash cant be white but these flakes were not thick. I was in a dilemma thinking as making my way to the train station. On my way, my confidence grew that this certainly was snow. Extreme cold my body could feel and this wasn't the cold i was used to in India. I was really excited and for a sec forgot about the harsh -1 degree cold weather. It was a beautiful scene, whites flakes falling over my black overcoat. I will never forget this day. In delhi (India) from where i hail from temperature doesn't go below 2-3 degree Celsius in winters. But this NY winter which i have always been scared of is getting beautiful day by day. I hope it doesnt get worse when i need to change my mind !

The Call

2008-11-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

A sleepy-eyed soul ready to hit the bed
awakening frantically to a call in his head
should all hell break lose to this squall
if it wasn't for him, couldn't take a fall
the marinated air seems new and fresh
this ethereal call reeking under his flesh
from the one who now rests 6 feet under
the voices so familiar, causing a thunder
is that you or someone stranger
none in the world a threat or danger
cant believe if this is real or illusion
hopes lost down the drains of seclusion
breaks my heart this wild loneliness
ever since you left, this clinging distress
would life return to normal again
or struggle in this behold pain
perhaps the light at the end of tunnel may never glow
the call has a destiny i may never know...

Happy Diwali 2008

2008-10-28T17:04:00.001-07:00

First of all, a very Happy Diwali to all Indians !
This will be my 3rd Diwali in US ever since i have been here. The first year diwali memories of mine are still fresh, all indians at bovard auditorium at USC (University of Southern California) celebrating, dancing and wishing each other. No fireworks ofcourse ! And at home, i had not lit any candles to get a feling of diwali at home. This was not intentional, how can it be? Just that i was part of an organising commitee for Diwali celebration at USC and may have been busy.

2nd year i was staying with my American roomies and i took one of them to the same auditorium for a cultural show. This time i wasnt part of any commitee so i should say i had the time to lit candles outside my house. I did take some snaps of it and upload it on orkut, facebook. I made sure my roommate wore the Indian ethnic Kurta i gave him. We both looked great especially me in my saffron kurta !

This is the 3rd year, the dampest diwali of mine with no one around. Let me remind you that last 2 diwali's i was a student at USC but now a full time employee. Today is Tuesday, a mid day where even if you want to celebrate, you may not. This BTW is for Indians residing in US, Indians home are still celebrating Diwali on Tuesday, isn't it? So to start where i left, this is my first diwali in US while on job. Everyone is so busy with work. It indeed was a very busy today. Even Indians have no time to wish each other. Am getting the feeling there are more chinese in my office than Indians but as if i care for now. Mail fwding of nature jokes etc is kind of low in the industry i work for because evey mail you send is scrutinised and checked. Perhaps, someone then doesnt want to send but i did. Why should I stop wishing others if others dont? Mailing was one another way i could reach out to my friends who are working in different office locations. I would have sent mail to atleast 30 people and just got 6 replies. What the #$%^ ! If you are very well reading my blog, you very well know my nature that i aint sending mails for receiving any compliment that Sidharth took the initiative and send diwali greeting mail in office. But isnt it a spontaneous reaction you would be expecting when you wish someone Happy Diwali either through mail or in person. I still cant believe i just got 6 replies. Its not that my respect for other 24 has gone down, but i did expect them to see and wish in person if not through mail. One of the senior manager i mailed wished me in person. And i know that everyone had checked their mails as i mailed everyone yesterday and today is Tuesday. When i asked a fellow mate about his plans to celebrate, i was shocked when he said "What do you mean how will i celebrate Diwali. You know how it works here" ? Well, what kind of reply or question was that. I know Diwali in US wont be as like in India but was looking forward to him telling me much more that question. He didnt look at me again and went to his desk. Someone wished me today too on mail (infact one). Am i justified in expressing my anguish or do i expect too much out of life? I can wait till tomorrow but am disappointed at this moment from people i expected instant reply. After all, just because you work in NY makes you super busy huh? Diwali is very cold here guys just like the weather of NYC......Ill meet you next year telling my new experiences, till then have fun and be safe !!!

Rgds
Sidharth

Heroes or SuperHeroes or Zeroes

2008-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

The ravishing poster of Heroes quickly made me think that after a long time we have a film dedicated for a heroic purpose. The four big cast on the front should give you some confidence about some seldome truth in the story. But untill you watch the movie you will realise that the 2 people on the bike are "cartoon superheroes". I wasnt sure who directed this movie but coming from a defense background, i gave time to this flick. The missing agonising part of the movie is that the director made no attempt to capture the heroic battles faught (as if there could be any) by the brave soldiers Salman, Bobby and Dino. The title is confusing to me as to who are the real heros, are they the ones fighting on the border or the ones who have lost their son, father, husband and now leading a void life.
Fist 5 minutes of the movie will spin your head as both Sohail and Vatsal are aboslutely pathetic in their roles. The introduction strip song damages and maligns the main theme of the movie which every cinema goer would have expected. Weak story line, flaw script all are disasters in this movie. To some extent, i felt preity played her part gracefully but during on of her interviews i heard, i thought she too played a military role which she was proud of. Not sure what preity meant by all this. The director could have casted sunny deol as the sikh who atleast could have spoken some fluent authentic "thhet" punjabi. Salman, preity couldnt carry this on their shoulders and disappoint. Why cant they practise and get into the punjabi character they have tp play. The half hindi punjabi dialect is hard bearing on ears. Their son speaks better hindi than Punjabi and is wise enough to answer all questions. The boy "jassi" says "Papa aisa kehte the..." when his father was dead when he was born. Stranger than fiction? Heroes lacks the spontaniety and depth a serious movie like this should have.
Sunny Deol cant walk but can drive his SUV. Mr sunny, you get too emotional and then showoff your acting skills. You forget you aint the sunny of betaab now. An old figure who swears by his chilled beer and his logic of patriotism goes over my head. In heroes, songs are boring, pathetic and unneccessary. You can have a cheesy pub at 20,000 ft above sea level in himachal with gals and firangs dancing in micro-minis. Sunny in his wheel chair cant be brought down by 15 young guys and looks superhero. He breaks floor tiles with his fists like a piece of cake. This movie is so disgusting guys. Dino Morea is playing American Football at Kargil. Do audience even know what a "TouchDown" is? Perhaps not nut all napalis at that height know much more than you. Bollywood is all about sporting the best look. Sohail and Vatsala are in their best attire in all scenes. sohail sports a NY yankees jersey. They have year clothes in their small rug.
Sameer Karnik is trying to promise lot of things but fails to deliver even the message in bits. A flop miserable director can never even imagine to come close to late Satyajit Ray ji or even todays Farhan Akhtar. Bollywood has to give training to these people who are journalists turned directors and have no common sense of directing the movie. He cant even get his actors act properly. He rakes in the worst star cast for a film like this except preity and salman who look lost too.
I cant understand why did the producers sunny and bobby even hire him. Am angry with myself i saw this movie and wasted my time. If he is to make films like this, god save India. Stay away from this film at all cost. Dont even watch it online for free !

I'll give it 1.5/10 just for its theme.....

Yeh hai Mumbai Meri Jaan - Critique

2008-10-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

The trailer of MMJ seems a promising flick but guess i was disappointed the way the story is unfolding. Critics says its Indian "Crash" (so expected to do well in filmfare i guess) but in noway i am seeing lives of different people connected with each other, its rather mutually exclusive. Couple of scenes and plots may have characters in each others lives but its missing the thread that can connect all. Am sure the director is trying his effort to make a crash like movie but here is where he fails. Those of you who are thinking i think in parallel with NDTV movie reviews will be wrong as over their you would find this movie recommended but i am not suggesting on same lines. So to start with,i have no clue what Irfan Khan is doing in the film besides making tea. Sometimes he makes tea,sometimes he is working as a servant. Mind you, You dont need to see the film to find out. Soha Ali Khan,a dumb journalist who gets convinced by her manager to film a documentary on her lovers tragic death in Mumbai train blasts. KK looks too old and alazy ass caught between hindu muslim religious divides. Decent performances by Paresh Rawal and Madhawan keepthe movie from drowning. Madhwan pays 3 lakh rs in tax and travels by train to work. Would you do that?? This movie tries hard but failsto impress. It can be avoided for others. My rating would be 5/10.

"A Wednesday" - A good day to pick

2008-10-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

The power of a Common Man - A Wednesday shows what may be impossible in real life is possible in reel life. Superb performances from Naseer ji and Anupam Kher - this film will blow your mind untill the last scene. Nothing to fret about this movie as its without any nonsense, nonrequired songs or subplots. Its packaged to the point set in Mumbai Nagri (i feel its been a while since i saw a movie been shot in Delhi or am i wrong, may be a director can read my blog and dosomething) A family thriller, this kinda movie comes once in a while. When you have Naseer and Anupam, (id rather say for the former though Anupam ji has his own marktoo) the filmwill automatically fetch you returns in terms of what you want to see in a film. Ahard hitting simple story made bold by the director,illgive him the credit for thinking the non-stereotypical way and commend his work. All actors also contribute well. Now i know this is a movie and you want to show an actor (Oh a cop) riding on a bike w/o his helmet but nothing hurts if you show him with his helmet.Today generation should blindly follow their idols. My rating is going to be 8.5/10. GoWatch it !!!!

Welcome to SajjanPurrrrrr

2008-10-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

A new product from shyam benegal, light hearted and humorous. I liked this movie for its simplicity and true characters that the director has designed for his film. A picture very well synonymous with reality in remote villages. The superstition, The orthodox prevailing, The messiah whom the villagers would look forward to , The rituals,The earthiness - Welcome to Sajjanpur has all in it except for its songs which i feel were not needed. Untill now,i was known to Mr Benegal as a director who only churns out hard serious movies but the comic flick this time was a surprise. Shreyas Talpade has leveraged his position from a theatre to a fulltime movie entertainer. He does a good job along with YashpalSharma for whom i wont stop laughing as Mr Sharma keeps mentioning about his "Mamaji". Amrita arora looks cute and was fairly delivering a good performance. Illa arun wanting to get her daughter married to a dog shows the legacy we still hold in villages. I certainly recommend this film who wants a breakfrom love,romance,violence type movies. My rating would be 8/10.

Gym shedule in NYC Cold

2008-10-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Did you NYC is getting colder? I had only heard or read about it but now ilive in NY and this is going to be my first NY winter. Till now, the weather aint that cold but later ice will be part of your life. So my worry is how will i complete my regular fitness exercise? I used to finish work by 6 and goto the gym which is in the same Goldman building which i love because i dont have to leave my office for that. After exercising, i'dlike to take a shower and there is a provision for same in the gym. But at 7 pm,its still cold outside and you dont wanna take a chance catching cold or becoming sick. As for me, i have started "running" during break hrs. I make good use of it exercising between 12-1 pm and eat my lunch then. The advantages are after 5.30-6 pm i can head straight to my home, no chance of falling sick (atleast by eve i am good to go out in winter as i have taken bath in afternoon), complete set of work and exercise together. After the 13 mile stint,i never fail to run on treadmill for 3-4 miles. This is getting little off topic now but i have a friend of mine who comes to work/gym with me. She is heavy and all she does is WALK on the treadmill. I know how hard i have tried to run that 13 mile and here i see a young gal WALKING on the treadmill. What on earth does she think that walking will help her shed 40 pounds? With that much to reduce,the schedule i'll give to somone will be very strenous and my advise to her didnt work. I feel more pity on her than overweight gals in India cuz she is exposed to American lifestyle and culture but in vain. Probably the guy whom she intends to marry and perhaps for whom al lthis is being done will have an effect on her.....

The "Lost" Lear

2008-10-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

It was for Amitabh that i watched this movie. I am going to write reviews for more films as this was the day i saw 4 films in a row because cable TV wont show up !!! The Last Lear is set up in Calcutta with a dark-ish background. To be honest,the first thing i did was to search the meaning of the word "Lear". I got 2 definitions,rather meanings. One was a british writer of nonsense verse and other hero of William Shakespeare. When you watch this movie,you feel its a combination of both. Am not sure what Director Riptupurno Ghosh was expecting. I seldom like movies with dark background and set in places unfamiliar to me but the Amitabh factor and the film title intrigued me. Amitabh delivers his best as an old actor who is smitten by the Shakespeare work and is nonsensical. His performance and dedication to his work is an exemplary example close to a masterpiece. Delivery of Shakespare literature with great enthusiasm gives a push to the film. However,he hardly gets support fromhis collegues. Priety looks jaded with filmlife although she is one of my favourite beautiful actresses. Its take time to follow the movie with mainstream dialoguee delivery and a voice over in background. Arjun is an arrogant director and hardly contributes to the film. Ijust dunno what to write for Bengali actors portraying in the film. Ofcourse, Amitabh has hogged the limelight but slow narration, missing elements in direction, missing flow are major drawbacks of the film. One thing i wondered about the movie is why should someone be so interested in a nurses private life (nurse played by Divya Dutta) whom you dont even know? Someone please tell Divya to clear her throat. She looks completely off. Also,when divya dutta opens the house door,why do people look down on the floor as they are opening the door giving the impression that it aint their house but of the guy who is standing outside the house? I have seen this in lotta other films too. This may be a tiny part of film where noone would care. Atleast i would if i am to make a Film. Illrecommend thsi film to an Amitabh fan (you would want to look his long locks) and someone who has patience. My rating 6/10.

Rock ON-OFF !!!!

2008-10-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Am back after a long spell. Lot of things happened and will happen. One thing i can share with you is that i often log onto ndtv movies section to read movie reviews. The review was moderate and Farhans maiden film i decided to pay heed to it. So lot of people are complaining about this film being a new version of Dil Chahta Hai. Because this is my blog and i am writing under no influence, i wont agree on the DCH part. Sure ist about 4 friends who want to lead a ROCKING journey but ego issues drift things apart. The movie is surely slow and misses the ROCK or swiftness in the film. Personally,Farhan looks good on screen but when he starts speaking is what turns me off. He has a croaked voice and reflected against him. The young Arjun succumbing to his miseries and wifes tantrums. Never does he retaliate and always slip in his own shell. The young arun seemed more promising instead. Gals played their part good, i feel both actressed played good character roles to justify. The fourth guy who couldnt make it till the end was an easy-to-go personality. During the movie,you might feel that Farhan has himself directed the movie and not the original director. Overall,the movie doesnt showcast the trail which each band member follows after the split. This is a movie i can recommend somone who is looking for some sense, some time passand some MAGIK ;) Out of 10,ill give it 6.5

The unlucky "13th" Mile

2008-08-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

Erasing my uncertainties
i look at my chances
today or never
is the theme of evening
With adrenaline high
i resort to my favourite track
determined to run the farthest mile i ever have
the mind is ready
arms and legs strong
the quest begins
to break the previous record of 12
the first hour makes me pushy
second, a little soaked and burning
every moment a sacrifice
every second a desire to win
some hopes raised
a past killed, a new present being built
kept me moving
at not so easy task
"For Troy" somehow
"You can do it man" somehow
motivates me to run after run
the evening turns dark
people turn from many to none
accompanying me are the stars and planes
to add, cars on roads also
but i keep my faith high
the third hour surpasses earlier record
but there is still to go
Not to forget, the Olympics too mooted me
and i still run never thinking the end
delighted and enthusiastic
for a new milestone achieved
but a repeat still ahead waiting
end of 3rd hour makes my legs speak
losing at the 52nd lap
i fall to the mother ground
a disappointed body
just couldn't move more
to end on the 13th mile
soar legs crying for rest
my hopes trashed to have conquered the 20th mile
how will i lift myself next time?
with face up i look at the stars
for a glimpse of hope
perhaps, i saw another moment
cuz if not for office work
i certainly had made it
the unlucky 13th mile will never be the same !!!

Happy 61st Indian Independence Day (15th Aug 08)

2008-08-15T19:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Independence Day to all Indians staying in all parts of the world. Today is 15th aug 08 and i am in NY. Its the training time before i actually get to work. A Friday and i didn't feel like getting out of bed but this day is special for every person who deeply thinks and misses his country. I am patriotic (not just because a hug Indian flag rests on a wall in my room) but because i know i am. I know you are still confused with what i wrote. Lets forget about it. So its a friday morning and i head ot my training center in NY.

I dressed ina orange Kurta and jeans. NY is extremely diverse place with people from all walks of life. You will feel this the moment you reach world trade center. All eyes staring at me, on my attire and i am sure there are mixed reactions among crowd. After midday, all analysts from Bangalore office came out with their Indian day celebrations. They were euphoric, excited and made every moment one of a celebration. Almost everyone dressed in Indian ethnic dress and looking nice, girls especially in their sarees. There was dance, music, cultural songs and presentation about Indian history.

This day is special to me as i miss my home a lot back in India. Thoughts get provoked as to what recent developments are happening in india, howz American economy affecting ours etc. As for rakshabandan which is tomorrow, am far away from my sister. I should receive it probably tomorrow and tie it on my wrist. That was all about Independence day here in NY celebrated with some style !

Poonam must be very happy today

2008-08-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

I finally finished reading the book "The Heart of India" by Mark Tully my friend gave me 2 yrs back when i was leaving for US. Poonam must be very happy today. Atlast i read it before my 2 yrs regime in US :) (on 7th aug 08 i complete 2 yrs). The book was overall good as it connects different lifestyles and cultures of India seen through the eyes of a Britisher correspondent who ofcourse has spent lot of time in India. But i wonder how did he know so much about our culture which even i am not aware of. Perhaps, thats the work of a journalist to keep on digging. The hard to believe story sometimes makes a story within this book look dull and monotonous although i feel lot of effort has been made to preserve the Indian culture. You would also sometimes feel as if Mark Tully was standing right next to where all these events took place. I cant take the side of this one being truly inspired as i doubt elements of fiction in it.

I personalaly think i should not have taken so much time to read but as i mentioned certain facets of this book make it boring at times and hard to believe. I cant believe i took so much time to read it. Studies too affected my pace to read this book. Its for those who would like to delve into a culture thats so diverse and unbreakable....

26th BirthDay - New Jersey

2008-08-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was here last year too celebrating my 25th b'day in a very lavish style. My blog here says it all. (http://sidharthkumar.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html) . This year it wasn't too magnificent but very simple. I just returned from Office (yeah it was a weekday) and bought a wine bottle with cake. I celebrated with my new American roomie Bruce. The other roommate wasn't home. Lotta calls to answer and scrap messages to thank everyone for wishing me a Happy 26th Birthday !!!

Drinking with the Dead

2008-08-02T15:38:00.001-07:00

As the mighty sun settles
beneath the river horizon
a knock at my door awakens
ringing no bells and enters
for time that had no wait
for thing that was never lost
prayers of eulogy never spoken
pots of memory never broken
perpetual meetings this seems
and for the rest of my life
hands in hands we lay and
eyes speak with eyes
and there i am
drinking with the dead
the ferry soul i lost few decades ago
nights i am entitled to
days i am without her...

Sarkar Raj - It all has it !!!

2008-07-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

After many days of me trying to convince myself, i finally hooked on to watch Sarkar Raj. Ironically, i havn't blogged for "Sarkar" yet which released in 2005. Well those days i wasnt even blogging as well ;) I did read lot of negative reviews about Sarkar Raj so may be this kept me at a distance from the film. On the wikepedia site you can read that this film is a flop. Sarkar was made at a very decent 7 crore Rs and was a hit across the country. "Sarkar Raj" comes back with 30 crore Rs but not to much excitement among the crowd. I saw Sarkar in India when i had not seen the GodFather trilogy and thereby couldn't relate the events or the tribute director Ram Gopal Verma mentions to the GodFather. Now that i am in US, i happened to see all 3 flicks of GodFather. Undoubtedly, its a classic and one of my best movies with me now. After watching GodFather could i feel that Sarkar did have a big bang on the Box Office. With Ramu's unconventional style of direction, his selection of starcast, everyone spilled their contribution to its success. As i have earlier also mentioned and am sure lot of you would agree to, it makes a lot of difference watching a movie on theater or online. Anyways, Sarkar Raj is a movie which certainly has shades of Sarkar. The movie seems little slow in the beginning but sooner i cudn't find myself glued to anything else besides my laptop screen. I wonder why i cant see Abhishek like this in his recent flicks, he certainly has matured a lot in his acting. To me, i enjoyed watching "Sarkar Raj" as every moment is a thrill and suspense as to what is going to happen next. Aishwarya looks absolutely beautiful complimenting AB. The plot certainly has interesting facets such as death of AB (i could never have imagined this, by mistake i read a users comment on the same site i was watching the film from that AB dies and i was like...Oh God) , Chander plotting the death of AB, Aishwarya mourning the death of AB and finally taking over AB's place in Sarkar Raj. The thing that makes both Sarkar movies unique is the urge and need of elder (here Big B) to look for someone who could carry their legacy and in the end, Big B summons for Vishnu's son Chandu. I am dying to see Sarkar 3. I read Jaya Bacchan urging Ramu to make the 3rd part and interestingly, AB would return as Big B while he was in younger days. Also, Hrithik Roshan playing Chandu in next Sarkar flick. I wish this movie had a better success at the box office. I felt even the background music was good sang by Kailash Kher. The Villains though were not as powerful in their performance like those in "Sarkar". I would also recommend my readers to watch GodFather trilogy if they havn't before watching Sarkar Raj. It will give you a good idea of both cinemas and may be then public has better respect for Sarkar Raj. I liked this movie, is a family movie if you like action as well. I'll rate this movie 4.5/5

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic - Review

2008-07-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

After reading lot of negative reviews about the film, i decided to give this film a pass. Today a si was bored and wanted to watch a movie, i decided to watch TPTM over Sarkar Raj. Am abig fan of Bacchan's and Khan but the mood of the day prompted me to watch a light hearted movie. The movie certainly was interesting, kept me glued to my screen all the time. Boredom is no where surrounding this movie. Saif and the 4 kids in the movie are spontaneous and keep the movie going at the pace one would want. Saif looks hunk in many scenes in which he is showing his muscular body with bare chest. The shirts , The attire , The personality, The flamboyance of a rich business guy. To me the movie was sweet although the Angel (Rani Mukherji) entrance to the film wasnt discouraging. She too plays a well justified role of bonding the children to the person who killed their parents, thats Saif. Commendable performances by all the child stars who looked very natural in their acting. However, Kunal Kohli, the director of the film never explained why the surd was named "Iqbal". Also, i wonder how the director is shooting the "Lazy Lamhe" song with young guys in their bathing suits and hot gals in their bikinis. Ameesha Patel looks sizzling HOT right from scene one but contributes nothing to film. The film could have had scenes where pranks were being played with the home butler "Makodi"...i dont know this guys name, @ saifs house. It would also have been better, i feel if the children had apologized to the American children and their dad...may be, the director didnt feel the need.....I guess overall the movie is a family movie, a good time pass i would say. Watch it over Jaane tu ya Jaane naa...(thats a boring movie, believe me). Songs in TPTM are also good which i will be downloading soon ;). I'll rate the movie 4.2/5

The Last Samurai - Critique

2008-07-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had heard of this movie for quite sometime now. Also, seen its trailer but the idea of seeing Tom Cruise leading a role in a US-Japanese flick did not quite interest me. But i certainly know that Tom is a great actor, a handsome actor so passionate in his role. During my last days in LA after my graduation, i was in a spree to watch all DVDS of sean, my ex roomie. He had this wonderful collection of hundreds n hundreds DVD. One day, i finally decided to watch this movie. So now i actually am in a position to give my opinion about it. My interest grew right from the moment i began this movie. "The Last Samurai" is a long movie and many of my American friends who seemed to like the movie also admitted that they slept at least once during the movie. Somehow, this wasn't the case with me. This flick is an excellent one and am glad i watched it. To me, its the finest performance by Tom Cruise till day. The role of a captain as a American Warrior who is hired by the Japanese Emperor to fight the Last Samurai, Ken Watanabe. He is captured by the Samurai's men and then later fights against the Emperor's men. The blend of American Japanese culture in the film makes it unique. All shooting locales and fight sequences have been shot beautifully. Tom's acting was brilliant and all supporting actors have done a commendable job. I am a big fan of Japanese culture and the film reveals lot more about it. People from japan have the ability to show their emotions from their facial expressions, they need not speak. Their poised innocent will tell everything about them. The director has done his piece of homework and research. All applause to him. I have seen "The Last Samurai" 3 times now and would like to see it again. My favorite seen in the movie is when Tom tries to fight the samurai's men with the Japanese stick. His men keeps confronting and bashing him in the rain. Tom breaks apart but doesn't give in. He falls down repeatedly but always trying to fight the samurai's men. An inspirational scene for all young takers. I think Ken is much better to watch than Jet li and Chow Yun Fat.

If you love action-drama kind of movie and culturally want to be aware, this is for you...trust me !!! I''ll rate the movie 4.9/5

I have reached New Jersey for my Job on 1st July

2008-07-07T14:02:00.001-07:00

NJ is terrible. Maybe, i say that because the place is new and will take time to settle here. But its certainly not like LA. I miss LA so much, the open roads and spaces.....its a different plaace all together. My first day experience wasn't good. I had to change my house as it was in a very shady area and my rent including utilities went up from 475$ to 900$. This place however, is good neara to Indian square where you can feel at home. Am pasting the letter i sent to my previous roomies sean, cameron and kyle in LA. It will be edited due to some personal reasons.

"
hey guys
hope u r doing good
i was really in a bad shape when i reached here.
the house i went was in a very shady area , may be thats why the rent was so less
ofcourse i had my private room wid AC but the whole thing around sucked
All MAKKUS and BLACKs arnd....blacks frm west indies, jamaica, guinea
i didnt even see an indian or white
it freaked me out man.....dirty locality, NJ is dirty not NYC
and its so congested here man unlike open spaces in CA
shops close here very soon, dat sucks
no indian stores arnd
i was feeeling choked man, i cant explain you
no net at home, and these ppl were so elder to me guys
i dun think i wudnt be able to call someone either u guys or my parents

i decided in day 1 i cant stay there...went to internet cafe nearby and took whichever house looked best
saw the house, is reallly really nice..atleast able to call someone at home nw
everythin here, TV, sofa, 3 rooms , BIG living room..so clean...its way excellent nw
i guess frm all dis i learnt a lesson dat cheap rent may nt necessarily gurantee everything
when i was returning frm the house i saw in a bus, a lady was talking to me...i told her i was staying on ocean ave...she sed "YOU DONT WANNA STAY THERE" and i was like "WHAT DA FUCK"...:) :(
am nt anti makku or black but i guess i rather stay with whites or the last option wid indians
the black guy was good, he returned my security deducting minor expenses.

ama sure ull like my new house, its right behind a cemetry..lol
n very very close to my place where i stayed last summer during my intern
ama nw stayin wid 2 whites, a gal and boy both 27 yrs old..they r cool

rent gets higher now ofcourses paying 900 bucks nw including utilities..i gave lotta thought to it n decided it was the best
no security asked...anyways a room in good area nearby will nt be less than 650 and then with utilities, it comes out almost to this.
walk to indian stores takes 15 mins but atleast i am very happy nw
due to shops closing so early, i didnt eat food for more than 24 hrs ...i was so weary runnin arnd.....
n todaya i got up at 1 pm......tooka good sleeep...
i sometimes think if i had to pay 900 bucks only, i should have already chosen such house b4 comin here
what a waste of everything i did :(
ama jus waiting for my job to start soon n i make some good money nw

whts going on in LA? hwz the new roomie?

hey my new address is
386 Sip Ave Jersey City, NJ 07306

so send me all security here (house + laundry card)

i hv started makin food...made dal aand rice yday
Will miss ya guys....

Take care guys, happy weekend and 4th july
Will be very happy to see ya here.....

Rgds,
Sidharth
"

The Soul

2008-06-26T12:00:00.001-07:00

Preserved in my own body
a soul of mine
sets against the time
to walk out free
to sneak out with agility
for it feels the need
the urge to liberate now
trapped for years inside me
it sees the life i bear
it sees the half life i lost
anguished and hurt
it pleads and cries
for its independence and glory
the sound that echoes in my ears
the thought that closes my eyes
should i or should i not
the question i ask myself
to erase the boundaries
lift any ban on it
death aint my concern
for life will still persist
but the eyes of fire await my soul
in the outside world
beholding and waiting
ready to feed relentlessly
till today have no clue
rounding my dilemmas
i just seek to protect the soul
against the enemy at the gate...

The Story of my Couch

2008-06-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the sleep inducing couch of mine
i try to see another miracle
either in my sweet dreams or wild drink in hand
a change so slow, so poignant
to end the turmoil in me
to alleviate the pain love brings
to change the man inside me
only if time could be relied
and be my best friend
would i spend whole life on the couch
contemplating the shattered story,
an unsuccessful tale of my life
Stagger and fall to the same piece
everytime and everyday
again and again
reminiscing private moments
i spent with her on the velvet fabric
a comfort zone, a space
witness to my honesty and truth
lies seldom puked and stained my couch
for the pact we made to stick to verity
for the journey we decided to be together
But here i lay now
singing to an elegy
the start of my tipsiness
but no end
Would want to sleep for ever now...

Broken Tears

2008-06-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

A subtle morning has undergone change
for life has lost its lustre
colors have become my enemy
a preposterous attempt i make to mend my futility
dismal future bangs at the gates of my heart
with heads down in direction i despise
constantly hammered by a haunted past
me, a victim of selfless pure love
Could have i asked for more from Almighty
for the celestial love i received
for the touch and warmth you gave
As my dogeared destiny tumbled
a chapter of love closed down to be called history
interwined in my sulking emotions
am drowning a hell lot
dont think will be able to make it to surface
for the load of pain will bury me underneath
before the last breath
my dying and devastated body wants to hear
what were the tears you shed for me
What was the faith you instituted in me
what were the promises i witnessed in your eyes
what were the stars we promised to make our home in
time induces change in every instinct and
some tears are just meant to be broken....

When you passed by me

2008-06-20T11:25:00.001-07:00

Eyes never opened so wide
Shadows never grew that long
Time never stood still
Illusions never became reality
Roads to my heart never froze
When you passed by me

Deep rivers never felt so shallow
Scorching sun blaze never felt so cool
Dying stars never felt so burnished
Seasons never felt so refreshing
Head never stood so high
when you passed by me

World appeared a small place to live
Destiny lost its grip on me
Like a bird i felt free
Like a statue i felt motionless
I knew God had blessed me
When you passed by me

You seemed everywhere
You were in the moment
You lit my small world
You were in the 3 words
You captured my life
When you passed by me....

A New Milestone Of My Life

2008-06-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, am found of running and exercising. These days, in fact for past couple of months i have been a lot of cardio exercise. I run on the tracks of USC on a frequency of say 3-4 times. I realize that to be in good shape, running is absolutely must. My exercise begins with warm ups and stretching every part of the body. It will also include either push ups, pull ups and sets of abdominal exercise. How far and how much one can run on a track depends on lot of factors. Its to hot in LA with temperature soaring up to 100F so its advisable one run in the evening when the earth cools down. I used to do 1/2 hr cardio everyday before my heavy workout at Lyon Center, USC while i was still in school. Now that i am an alumni, i cant use the school gym unless i pay monthly fees of 50 bucks which is a lot for me so i wasn't interested. I decided to make away for me on the tracks more often either with my roommates Cameron or Sean. The maximum i ran on tracks until yesterday was 3.5 miles without a break but yesterday i broke all boundaries. I ran miraculously for 12 miles continuously with no pause. This was in 1 weeks time. Do you guys terms this as Super Efficiency ? I dont know what was going on in my mind and kept running to achieve my goal. I initially thought i would run 5 miles but then later i kept pushing myself to run , run and run....:) I wonder how many calories i lost in this process cruising at moderately speed of 5 miles/hr. It took my 2 hrs to complete my run. The truth is even after i stopped at the start line completing 12 miles, i still wanted to run.....to sincerely make and break new records of my life. Hopefully, next time you guys see a new marathon runner in me with higher score under my belt !!!

Ripjeet is no more

2008-06-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

After i came back from our game, i came to know that one of my colleagues with whom i used to work at NIIT Technologies, New Delhi, India is no more. one of my friends conveyed me this through off line messages. It was really sad to know "rippy" as we all knew him was no more among us. Ripjeet was a hardworking guy at NIIT, a good programmer and a great friend to be with. A 6 ft punjabi munda, stockily built and very confident. He was a Punjabi and hence we gelled well in office. Always would keep his cool and easily do his job. I heard he had a bike accident and died on his way to hospital. I remember chatting with ripjeet while he was here in NJ and me in LA. Punjabi's are generally jovial by nature. Rippy was one of them, always making his presence felt in the office with his jokes among his teammates and other peers in different teams. You had a very long way ahead man, you just left us too early. Kithe chala gaya pappe.....We all will miss you rippy. May your soul rest in Peace.

First Sporting event (Baseball) in US

2008-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Its 30th May, the date we went to watch the baseball match at Anaheim in Califronia. This was my first official sport event in US, my first baseball match. Although i have seen my university (USC) play against number of other universities in US, they are played at school but not professional level. The match between home team LA angels versus Toronto's blue Jays was an interesting one. We four (Sean, Cameron, me and Matt) started from home around 5.45 pm. They seemed more excited than me. Baseball is not an official sport in India and neither do people play it. About myself, all i remember watching this sport at home when cable was new in India. Because it mimics cricket in some ways was probably the reason i would be glued to my TV set in India, nevertheless not familiar with all rules.

This excursion to watch the baseball match brought true one of my dreams. I wanted to witness New York Yankees play against Mets team last summer during my internship at Goldman Sachs in NY but never got the oppurtunity. We did a pregame before we left for the match which means to drink and drink..:) which actually sets you in a mood beforehand. We picked few hamburgers on our way. It was friday evening and so its rush on the roads. So while we reach, i see the anaheim stadium with a prominent "A" representing LA Angels. Lot of people dressed in red T's to support and cheer for their home team. Let me tell you that LA Angels team hails from Anaheim, California while the actual Los Angeles team is LA dodgers. We parked our car and started drinking more beer.

We may have been an inning late to the game which was fine. As we got in, it was spectacular as roughly 42000 people were seated in the stadium. Never ever have i seen such a big mass of crowd mostly in red as i mentioned earlier. Lush green ground and 2 teams competing with each other. I was seated next to Cameron and asking him lot of questions about the game. I came to know that if a ball hit by a batsmen (striker actually..lol) arrives into the stadium stands, people keep it and the game resumes with a new or old ball unlike in cricket.

I had a strong intuition that LA Angeles would clinch the match. A favorite way to enjoy the baseball match is with beer and hotdog, its simply awesome. America is very strict with giving beer to those only above 21 so if you are new to India, make sure you have your government ID or license or Passport. Well, i didnt drink more at the stadium as i was already buzzing on my way. The game was fun, sw lot of hot blonde and brunette chicks. Another thing to note is that even women whether young or old are very enthusiastic about any game. There is almost equal proportion of men and women to watch the game whether baseball or football.

India showcasts a different picture where household woman or even gals hardly come out to watch any game. Not that they dont have any interest, duties call more for them. Also, average women in US drinks far more than any average Indian women. Culture and social life of americans has to be attributed to this fact. I think in one match i learnt a lot. It was a night match and in the end, the best team Toronto won the match. I could see LA fans leaving the stadium in advance much to their dismay and disappointment. I was disappointed too :( I took several shots in and out of the stadium. Lot of fireworks in the end for friday game. I'll remember this day, i had loads of fun !

A day with Vin Diesel

2008-05-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

Have graduated from USC and today is the first Sunday since graduation. I have been lazing around and today i decided to watch movies whole day. Channel USA shows some good flicks and here i was starting my day around 10 am with first movie "Meet Joe Black" of Brad Pitt.
After which, the marathon movie race on same channel with Vin Diesel in action. Watched all these movies in a row (Pitch Black, A Man Apart, The Fast and Furious, xXx, The Pacifier)...phew long day with Vin Diesel. Action roles suit this hunk who has a deep voice and body to show. Never ever in my life i have seen so many movies in a row with the SAME ACTOR portraying in it ;)

I graduate from USC (16th May 2008)

2008-05-18T23:54:00.001-07:00

Remember this date......16th May 2008 Spring.....am done with Graduation.....MS in Computer Science from USC (University of Southern California, Los Angeles) under my belt.....whats next.....Start working full time at Goldman Sachs in New Jersey.....MBA after 4-5 years

The GMAT Experience

2008-05-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Am finally done with GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). My exam was on 15th May 2008. I know all of you are pretty interested in knowing my score. I did not do very well, just scored 600/800. My score in Maths and Verbal section were 44 and 28 respectively. Well after 4 months of on and off preparation, this is all i could achieve. I worked very hard and would say that i finished all books and softwares (Princeton, Kaplan, Manhattan etc). In my exams, i made improvement in my scores after going online on scorechase.com. My highest score before visiting this site was 580 and after 1.5 months on scorechase i was getting 650. Honestly, i have to admit that i am not very disappointed because i never scored more than 650 in practice exams. In Manhattan i scored 650, in Kaplan i scored 630, in GMAT prep i scored 620 and 560. I was confident that i would get above 600. My SC improved drastically along with DS but my CR always sucked. I just couldn't do it because i always would land up with 2 options to chose. I completed 10 pages from DS and SC, 7 pages from CR and 2 pages from PS in scorechase. I completed ALL books for maths, verbal etc. I cant answer why my score never went to 700 in practice exams, may be this was it.

Each one of us aims to get more than 700 to get into the top 10 business schools. These exams are so well made that they can actually test your "real-life" potential. I was kind of frustrated and jaded studying for GMAT after 4 months. It starts showing into you and thats when i decided to take my date on 15th, a day before my commencement at USC (University of Southern California). I just completed my masters in Computer Science. I remember Guardian told me that people can wait upto 6 months to get the score they want to achieve and the school they want to get in. GMAT will definitely give you an assessment of yourself. I used to on average spend 5-6 hrs everyday but still couldn't pass through 700. I think i was mentally prepared that i am not going to get a good one because i am among those 2% population who still thinks can make it to Stanford with 600. This is the ONLY college i want to apply and even if it takes me 10 attempts, i will continue to do so. I observed that people like L.Doit who have joined in Jan 2007 recently gave their GMAT scoring 760. People like him certainly have lot of patience, perseverance and confidence. I personally do not think that GMAT is the most significant criteria for gaining admission in top business schools. Schools like Stanford do not think so and hence even accept GRE score. I had much better score in GRE (1350/1600). I will apply with this score first.

I was expecting to score higher on the GMAT. I felt my exam was going good but there certainly are lot of factors which can or may affect your score but not drastically. I wish i could know my detailed section scores. What is important is how much you score on the "D-day". First of all, i could not sleep even for an hour the night before my exam due to anxiety and high fever. My exam was at 8 pm in Gardena, California. In India i gave my GRE in Delhi at 9 am, over here in US when the day starts an hour early it was 8. I chose this time as then you would have the whole day either to weep or enjoy. As i was a college student, i used to sleep late in the morning. A day before D day i was not in routine and in the morning it was terrible for me. Even my neck was stiff and hard when i woke up. I could not look up and down repeatedly. It was hard to concentrate looking at the screen and then writing on paper solving maths q's. I was panicking in the morning as the route we took was closed due to construction. As i never had driven a lot in US, it was very tough for me to find alternate routes and reach the centre. I somehow managed it but was nervous. At the test center, i mostly saw aged people with gloomy faces unlike youngsters. Who would want to get up at 6 in the morning, very few. The test itself soaks you for 4 hrs. I finished at 11.30 and i was DONE !!!! I was constantly praying i get a good score but i was taken aback with 600. Now whatever happened has happened and i am surely not going to repeat GMAT. Its a fun score which is low but i gave my best shot. I tried guys.

The following would be my profile:
BTech (Computer Science) in India
3 yrs IT work experience in India
MS (Computer Science) from USC, LA
Am moving to Goldman Sachs in NY , will work there for 4-5 yrs and apply till i get through.

Last but not least, i will have to thank first of all to my brother who recommended me scorechase website. He used it for his GMAT preparation. All other users of ScoreChase - Hagrid, Guardian, L.Doit, Zing, thank you so much. People whose comments i read but never interacted with them - Sneha, manish, mavericksailor, whoishemu, T-bag, ChetanChanna, NickNish, Shivaqif, Gopi, recordbreaker, Dr MBA - Thank you so much. People whose names i am forgetting even though i checked scorechase website, all those people who come in my 10 page forum list - my apologies for not remembering your names but Thank you very much.

You guys provided me lot of support, cooperation, self-confidence and motive to do better and better with immense guidance. I dedicate this to you guys, sadly even though itslow.

That was from me guys. See you all and Good luck to others giving GMAT soon. Its just a test, Fight on.....

Signing off,

Rgds,
Sidharth Kumar

Rate my Argument - 3 (out of 6)

2008-05-07T00:45:00.001-07:00

The author concludes that the rise in the number of immigrant workers has led to a downfall in the average wage of unskilled labor. He supports his argument based on data collected over the past 5 years. However, the author uses his conclusion based on certain assumptions for which there may not be enough evidence.
Firstly, the author is correlating the number of immigrant workers coming into his community with the decline in wages. He fails to establish there could be several other reasons for this downfall. There may be other reasons for this to happen. For example, the industries in which the labors were working may have shut their businesses down or in other words, manufacturing less goods and products for the market. Hence, thereby not making enough revenue to increase the wages. The argument would be strengthened if the write used concrete examples to assert that the inflow of new workers was causing decline in wages.
Secondly, the author cites 10% decline in wages over past years. The authenticity of this source needs to be verified as he mentions the decline in the city as whole and not within the community. The statistical data pertaining to city might not be synchronous with the results in community. May be the workers are getting paid more in local communities and not cities. The argument would considerably be strengthened in view of various environmental factors such as geographical location of industries and well being of workers working there.
Finally, the author also doesnt mention the nature of job of immigrant workers. He has not categorised them as skilled or unskilled. We need to know the percentage figure inflow of workers coming into his community and their categorisation details. This is important as it may turn out that skilled labor is more adept in their work and hence making more wages in the community (assuming there is also more demand for them) than unskilled labor. Only if the author provides evidence about the demand and supply scale of the workers and corresponding wages along with factors affecting each class, will then the the evidence be strong and argument hold.

Rate my Issue - 3 (out of 6)

2008-05-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

Companies these days seem to give lot of emphasis on the privacy of their employees. There are always certain ethical and decorum issues which need to be considered before some one interferes in other person's life. I assert that privacy is certainly an important issue while at home or office and everyone needs to respect that. The above issue is a debatable one and we also cannot overlook the other viewpoint.
While on a job, an employee is supposed to put his heart and soul trying the grow the employers company. He does that faithfully and earnestly fulfilling his duties, in return of which if he relaxes to a certain degree by engaging in a private conversation or email i feel his or her privacy needs to be respected. Employers have certainly bought the time of their employees but not their life. As an individual, it is our duty to honor the private life of a peer or colleague. Privacy should not be threatened for the purpose of extracting information of an individual's life. Some details are family or personal related being confidential in nature and not subject to disclosure. A manager spying on his team members emails by hacking into his account for personal reasons is absolutely not justified. As long as an employee sincerely commits to his work and produces result, a company or organisation should not care to invade his life. Nevertheless, it becomes necessary in certain situations where the employee is not seeming interested in his or her work and this is hampering the growth of team or the firm's.
Financial companies, for example are very particular about every detail their employees mail or speak to each other as any piece of small and confidential information leaked can cause blunder on the wall street. Hence in these situations where it a matter of company's reputation it becomes very important that emails of employees be checked or scanned throughly. Phones may be tapped to hear someone not transmitting information outside the company walls. When i was interning at Goldman Sachs, every fax i made outside the company was there a copy being sent to the inspection and monitoring team. People found guilty could be fired for not adhering to company rules, regulations and code of conduct. Nowdays, lot of young generation families have started staying themselves alone because they demand privacy as some activities can be accomplished only with one's own peace of mind and freedom.
To conclude, privacy is definetely important in one's life whether at home or office. While arguments have to be made for both sides, its clear that no one enjoys a stranger invading their personal lives as long as that person is not a threat to that stranger. Circumstances will necessitate dealing with an individual's life. Respect for ones life is a good virtue and as good citizens we must honor it.

Rate my Argument - 2 (out of 6)

2008-05-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The author concludes that the job of a forecaster is easy to perform. Thats because he gets to take credit in all situations whether if its a dismal future been avoided or his negativity well founded. Both ways he comes in limelight and makes his way to making us believe that his job is an easy one. However, the author concludes his base on few assumptions for which there is no evidence.

Firstly, the author needs to do more research on various occupations available around us today. This assumption that the job of a forecaster is an easy has got no evidence to claim that other jobs are not that easy as it. Lets take an example of job such as Human Resources. I feel that this job is the most easist because all one does it hiring and firing. You feel the authroity in this job as you have the power to open or clsoe the gates for any candidate or worker. If a company stumbles like in a financial market, these people are still retained and eventually look for new prospective candidates when situation stabilises. The argument would have been strengthened if the author cited comparions between several jobs available today and made the distinction clear.

Secondly, the author needs to provide more options in his argument as evidence to make us believe that one should go for this kind of job. He fails to mention the salary aspects, the growth in this industry, recognition in workplace, job opportunities in the forecasting industy. Today the world has become very competitive and everyone will pick a job not only on the basis of his or her interest but also based on above factors mentioned. If the salary is not lucrative enough, no one may want to join the forecasting industry even though it may be easy. The argument would be considerably strengthened has the author based his argument with more concrete factors and examples. Someone may not want to work in areas which are certain of tornadoes everyday.

Finally, the writer assumes that it is as easy to pick someone from a pool of candidates as the nature of job is because whatever action you take here will always route you to the way to gold. The author seems very optimistic about the nature of this job. Only if the author provides evidence such as the age limit of candidates, their qualification, location of forecasting industry etc to support his facts, will then change the perspective of readers and hold the validity of argument.

Rate my Issue - 2 (out of 6)

2008-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Issue in Attached file:

The idea behind spoiling the image of a company can be done with the help of "whistle-blowers". They are part of company responsible for their own acts and trying to tarnish the image of the firm for their own personal reasons. In my opinion, whistle-blowing seems to have a negative impact on a company's image. However, we cannot overlook other viewpoint as well.

Whistle-blowing is a tactic used by an informant who wants to expose all the ill-doing within a company in order to stop it. I see this as one's own selfish interests motivated through external factors. There is lot of competition in the market for any kind of goods or products. When "Whistle-Blowers" are bought, they try to make another competitive company at an advantageous position by undermining the position of company in which they actually serve. A company may have their own secrets and reasons for their functions and jeopardizing all this can ruin the company and its health. Workers can lose confidence in the company, lose their jobs eventually and come on roads. All happening within the company should be restricted only within the walls of that company. The company may use this as a way to be publicly famous in the market and showcast its new set of products. A cheap publicity gimmick for extra gains for a company can be a prime motive a whistle blower is used for.

While on other hand, Whistle-Blowing can reveal the bad elements of a company who may be exploiting its workers day and night for their own personal motives. Its a technique that can make the world and media aware about the wrong doings and probabably save an individual's life. If the workers union feel that adequate safety measures are not provided in the place they work, this needs to be brought top everyones attention. Be on strike or jobless than always living in the fear of death arriving any moment. It can help an individual who is afraid of coming in front exposing the wrong doings in a company. In todays ideal world, people will do anything for selfish means on a favour of few bucks which should be condemned. Hard work always pays off. Shortcuts to success can be challenged through whistle-blowing.

To conclude, i would say that we need to curb Whistle-Blowing if it is for wrong intention. Practises should be followed within limits making sure its for the betterment of the people and society in which they live. Any time whistle-blowers are around, its time we get prepared to listen to them and make prudent decisions.

Rate my Issue -1 (out of 6)

2008-05-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

"The invention of the internet has created more problems than it has solved. Most people would have a higher quality of life had the Internet never been invented"

Today, internet had made its way through millions of houses across globe. It seems to be be now an important facet of one's life now. Users all over the world are in touch with each other through Internet and I assert with the statement that Internet has proved to be a boon for us. However, we also cannot overlook other contrasting viewpoints of Internet.
Internet when started in mid 90's was known to very few especially in developing nations. Sooner, this invention started becoming a trend as every household would like to be associated with it. Computers were bought mainly because someone could see the fancy side of internet and its numerous uses. It not only has bridged the gap on a global level but also leveraged our life tremendously. Life has been influenced as person nows goes online and fetches rich and current information from millions websites and pages. One can determine his way to his destination by surfing on Google maps which also will tell him the best shortest paths and fuel mileage. If it would take weeks for a mail to reach from India to US, now just at the click of a button email can be received instantly in any part of the world. Communication has fostered because of Internet as people chat and talk over internet protocols. Offices, Schools, Institutions, Industries all rely on high speed Internet connection for their daily work such as finding resources on the web etc from which they have benefited greatly. Real time applications would fail if there was no internet. People have become friends with distant people through messengers which in the past could only be a dream. Satellite images with the help of Internet can predict the presence of water in an area and may rescue someone's life. Applying for jobs and sending applications online has made our systems efficient and more productive as we don't have students waiting in line and no paperwork.
However, Internet has entered our life with such a force that we seem to be very dependent on it now. Our social life has been affected as we spend more time chatting than actually interacting with someone in person outside our homes. We could have devoted more time catering basic needs of house than wasting precious time on checking mails and surfing. Internet can also pose security issues. For example, someone can hack your credit card number online which you may not be aware of until you see your bank statements. Identities can be morphed by people having malicious intents destroying your life. Also, the Google earth software was not very successful as one could easily spot the prime locations of a country through satellite and be targeted by terrorists. People have started to report more health ailments such as pain in eyes, back and hands resulting from continuous work on a computer. This can make an individual stressful and more fatigue. We rely on Internet Information more than anything gained through word of mouth. children have lost interest in Physical games as these can be played online now with more fun and challenge.
To conclude, it seems life would not be feasible without Internet. Though internet has its implications, a common man's reliance on computers has and will continue to grow in future. He will always need to do better and Internet will be there to support him.

Rate my Argument - 1 (out of 6)

2008-05-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

"Over 75% of the households in the town of Parksboro have Jacuzzi bathtubs. In addition, the average family income in parksboro is 50% higher than the national avaerage, and a local store reports record-high sales of the most costly brands of hair and body care products. With so much being spent on the personal care, parksboro will be a profitable location for a new luxe spa- a salon that offers premium services at prices that are above average."

The author concludes with the statement that opening a new luxury spa will be very profitable in Parksboro in view of the current statistics. However, he relies on certian assumptions for which there is no evidence.
Firstly, he tries to correlate the increase in the number of households having Jacuzzi bathtubs with the average income of these families. The evidence that the average family income in Parkboro is 50% higher does not necessarily imply that most of these households have bought the luxury bathtubs. Nevertheless, there also seems no evidence as to whether these households have been owned by people staying there for years or if new prople have shifted to Parksboro. The argument would be strengthened if the author had provided elements stating the fact that the families whose incomes have rised have started to buy new Jacuzzi bathtubs.
Secondly, the author mentions record high sales of the local store. There is no number mentioned to express the impact of the figure. The authenticity of the source providing this crucial information needs to be verified. Its not clear as to which class of people are buying the costly hair products. Are these products being bought by neighboring town who do not have access to any personal care store in their own vicinity? The argument would be strengthened in the light of facts that could uncover the truth
Finally, the author doesnt mention as which products and in which range are maximum sales occurring. The new luxury spa aimed at opening a new store may be targeting all items for kids which may prove a loss if most of the residents staying nearby the salon where unmarried. The argument would need to seek more information on the location aspects and class of people being targeted for its maximum sales. Only if the writer provides substantial clues to support his point that maximum sales will happen in area with household having higher income than average and that their interests matching those for costly hair products, will the argument hold.

Blue Umbrella

2008-04-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

Its actually been a while since i knew Blue Umbrella was out in theaters but for not knowing whats exactly in this movie, i did not go to theaters. Will resent again that i watched it online on bittorrent.com site. Lot of people recommended me watching this movie. Infact, one of my friends also told me to download this flick for her once i returned to India. Well, that never happened. I saw "Blue Umbrella" yesterday at home. It doesnt have a big star cast and appears to be a small budget film. The title, i must admit wasn't compelling me to see this film.
But after watching this film, i wish i had seen it earlier. A short story about a young village girl and her possessiveness of a Japaneses Blue Umbrella. Vishal Bhardwaj who incidentally started as a music director is now making rounds in his life as Film director. The director of earlier films like makdee, maqbool and omkara brings this next flick in a row. I have seen his omkara. Although it was not a hit, i liked the movie for its characters and fishy plot. Blue Umbrella on the other hand is a very simple story far away from thrills of major crime and bloodshed. Shot in beautiful location of Himachal Pradesh, the film captures the emotions of tinsel town citizens beautifully. Picture has a blue print which adds to its glamor and goes in line with the title. Superb acting by Pankaj Kapur and nonetheless, chid artist biniya (Shreya Sharma). Honestly, this feels like the best picture and acting i have ever seen of a veteran artist like Pankaj Kapur ji. He is just brilliant in the film and the protagonist (which i feel ) is biniya (Shreya sharma) so sweet and innocent who brings a big turmoil in NandKishore Khatri's (played by PK) life. The whole chaos is about owing an expensive umbrella gifted to biniya by Japaneses tourists. PK is jealous and steals her umbrella citing it as his own. Biniya is a clever and bold girl completely contrast to a typical gullible girl of a small village would be.
Excellent direction as well as brilliant cinematography by Sachin Kumar shooting the best snow covered locales of himachal pradesh. This is a must watch film for all of us, there are not many films like this that come on silverscreen often. Vishal just pulled it off with a magnificent cast. Go watch it ! I'll rate this file 4.5/5

Getting Inebriated

2008-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

I must admit that these days i have been drinking lot. I may attribute this to my last semester where there is hardly any work load on me and so here i am chilling most of the time. I have been drinking lot of beer, whiskey and vodka. Even as i wont expect, something or other event may come up causing me to drink with friends, pal or roommates. I don't drink usually that much but as of now my capacity has increased. And i get inebriated when i drink going to clubs or at home . It at times gets difficult to decide how much i drank when my hand banging but i regret it later. On Sean's birthday i think i drank more than 10 beers and 4 shots of Jack Daniels ! I was wasted later. His friends can sustain themselves much more than me and are couple of years younger than me studying in undergrad classes. Almost every day an intake of couple hundred calories in my body. I am sure i can drink much more than my elder brother now who probably on current stats would be drinking at the rate of once per 6 months or even more. As i mentioned am free most of the time, i also make sure i work out stressfully to balance !

Born into Brothels

2008-04-10T16:26:00.001-07:00

I love exploring things, the more if they are free. (hey dudes, i atleast admit it on my blog so go ahead and read what i have to say). So i was on this website bittorrent.com and found out that i could lot of movies for free "free movies" section. You guys can check that too. I came across this documentary feature "Born into Brothels". The title itself will intrigue you. But i do possess s fair amount of good knowledge about movies as i like them. I knew "Born into Brothels" was awarded an Oscar in 2004 but had never seen it. This was 4 years back. The director and producer got all their stuff done even back late and so now i assume the fate of those 9 targeted children may have changed a lot since then.

To put in my own words, i have to commend and appreciate the efforts of Directors "Zana Briski" and "Ross Kauffman" who have come out with such a brilliant masterpiece. I love watching documentaries, this interest got created few months back though. An excellent documentary, the best i have seen before about 9 kids living in Calcutta's (Metropolitan in India) Red Alert area. Born to prostitutes, these bold kids tell a story though every corner of their life.
You may forget your fears and apprehensions if you watch these kids who have come out in open and expressed themselves in the best possible manner. This wasn't easy coming out, to speak in front of the camera. All kids are contained in a bottle of emotions and these emotions coming out like bubbles. They live a life in pain, agony, frustration, anguish, poverty and broken fate. It almost impossible to change the destiny of these kids who already have compromised their life, whose bodies are traded for even before they come into this world.

I remember some of the words that came out from these kids mouth. Avijit says "We dont have money to live, let alone studies....". Avijit gets to goto Amsterdam for a photo competition. Manaki says "I worry i might be like them someday". For the bold Shanti "one has to accept life as being sad and beautiful". The shy Tapasi says "even if i was poor, i would have a happy life. I never really think about being rich".

So disheartning that these kids know a lot about physical lives even before you and me did. Some scenes are shocking and may bring down a tear down your cheeks. The theme of this feature isn't meant for that but will make you realize that today you are at a much better position than these kids are. Indians are talented and you can see that happening if you nurture a child right from beginning.

I am moved and touched by this documentary. Credit goes to all but not the least to kids Shanti Das, Avijit, Suchitra, Manik, Gour, Puja, Tapasi, Mamuni and Kochi. A must watch for every person living on this planet !

Watch it here ..... http://www.bittorrent.com/search?q=born+into+brothel&category=All

The Race

2008-04-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Anxious mind waiting for this flick to explode on cinema screens and there was i, watching the movie on my small laptop screen online ;) My saga with online films doesn't seem to end, i guess. so i watched the movie completely. I must say as their previous attempts, the Director Duo Abbas-Mastan have done a good job. The chronicle of incidents surprising you will captivate you till the end. Its a mind game movie and ultimately the better guy Saif wins the RACE. Good performances by all and excellent cinematography by Ravi Yadav (let me give him credit too) set in Cape town. The concept of every Abbas-Mastan ji movie is always new and fresh like their past movies. In this movie, there is betting on Horse racing and locales are beautiful. I cant say if Katrina acts well because her voice is always dubbed. Poor girl, she is still having trouble with my native language. Bipasha Basu is red hot in her steamy legs and short denims. I have always felt that Akshaye is a good actor but he tries too hard some times for anger scenes. Anil kapoor tries his hand again at comedy but this time little cheap. His best to what i remember was in "No Entry"

Overall, a timepass movie with all packed masala - It has speed, thrill, girls, game plan, betrayal, hunks, cool songs, beautiful locales, -- can be watched once and you may enjoy it too cuz its not boring....believe me!

Potpourri - Food party at # 344 (Mardi Grass Apartments)

2008-04-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

I started this trend last Friday. That day, i was expecting 3 of my "Indian" friends to come over for food and drinks. I quote that because now i am mostly with my American friends. Everything was looking good except when these bunch of people call me in the morning and express their grief that they wont be able to make it. You cant expect much form these people, i knew this was going to happen. so like every day the sun set and i began to make food. My roommate Sean who is also very fond of Indian food asked me what i was up to. I told him my situation about my friends ot turning up. Honestly, i bought lot of beer, hard stuff and cocktails for my friends. Sean did not want to go to his Fraternity house and decided to stay with me. He mentioned there was stuff he had to cook before it went bad. We finally decided to have a food party. There were drinks and people Sean called over.

I prepared Punjabi Chole, Yellow Dal(Tadka Maarke.....You indians will understand what this means), roti and Basmati rice. Sean now can speak the word "Punjabi Chole" very fluently and loves it. Sean prepared some "mixed vegetables" with rice. God, this was awesome and heated his mom's "ham with beans soup". The whole potpourri was extravagant and amazing. They say practice makes a man perfect. Very true, i see day by day my food's taste bringing wider smile on my friends face. I and Sean like spicy food and make sure the food is pretty HOT. Meanwhile, Sean's friends came over. I had couple of beers and then 3 Bacardi rum shots with him. Others had "tanqueray gin". We also watched "Casino Royale" together on DVD.

I could have put more pictures but am sure you guys trust me as far as food is concerned. I look forward to next food party this Friday. You are cordially invited. Hope to see you soon !

Broken Finger

2008-04-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Its 3 weeks now almost to this incident but did i tell you i broke my finger while i was exercising in the gym. I clearly remember me doing bench press with dumbbells. As i went down to finish my last rep, i did not realize i had some other weights lying below the bench. My hand came down very swiftly and thats when my ring finger got smashed between 2 dumbbells. I cried in pain. When i saw my finger, it was upright and could not be straightened. I was immediately escorted to the hospital in emergency ward. I was there for 4 hrs and till then only my x-ray had been done but not examined. I was frustrated and came back home. As this hospital is university affiliated, i got the results next morning when i went to the local health center in campus. The results were faxed and confirmed a hair-line fracture. It hurt initially but now am used to wearing a support around the wounded finger. sometimes even forget to wear it. Since then, life hasn't changed at all. I have got used to the pain and still go to the gym for cardio and bench press !!!

How bad are we?

2008-04-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

The lame cut his hand
realising the one he loved would never stand
with a feeble rescue
but lot of words to serve as next cue
the fatalist wanders with pain
largely in his self domain

The next door turned a joker
for did he love a hooker
concealing deep emotions in his amusing acts
but love wouldnt come from any direction
a rare human connection
all came were streams of lust
causing this man to now dream in dust

The freshmen never made it to the next level
Jumping so high that he met God's level
nascent love that had started to bloom
but ended in a doom
future to forget this lad's name
but he was not the only one to blame

The savage became a saint
shades of saffron, the color of his new life's paint
he forgets the numerous battles he won
but remembers the single war he lost, undone
love wasnt in the destiny of strong hands
men swayed but not love under his command

The nomad left the country
someone he thought was his is now free
a base of permanency is a hard fate
he seeks ahead a new gate
showing him respite into novel life
cuz love sometimes strifes

The wise moved on
throwing away traces of black rose and cactus thorn
bringing his aberrant life on track
he doesnt want love to be his next attack
a broken passion tries to mend
in a glimpse of hopeful light, for a new friend...

The rumour of life

2008-03-30T01:19:00.001-07:00

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!

Its not over yet !

2008-03-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

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....

Stormy Night

2008-03-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-03-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-03-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

LUCKY HOUSE GETTING SUBLEASED (FOR 1 OR 2)

2008-03-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

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
**************************

Tribute to Sunny

2008-03-05T17:26:00.001-08:00

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)

Jodha Akbar

2008-03-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

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 !

Time to Promise !

2008-02-21T18:50:00.001-08:00

*** An old one from my GRE days (2 yrs back)

Hi,
My name is Sidharth Kumar and i belong to delhi. I recently gave my GRE (Graduate Record Examination) with the aim to persue my Masters from US next year. I'd like to express my concern over all that i have gone through during application process.

So finally through with GRE (thats Coaching + Exam) , i headed for the application process. Its good but not mandatory to join some consultants to help you carry out your admission process. After researching a lot about many consultants, i came to a conclusion that most of them were simply money minting institutes providing no quality work for students.
Candidates/Students/Aspirants invest heavily in them and are not satisfied with the overall performance of the consultants. For every bit of extra work, they are charging more from students. When i asked my dad for money to join their admission celll, he fired me sayin that wasnt 20k (thts for coaching) inclusive of everything. I just couldnt say anything, i knew thats the way it was.
He was terribly angry and said that every institution should take pride in sending their children abroad so almost everything shud be included in coachin feees or be free. Well, nothing is in my hand but I knew my dad (a retired Commander from the Indian Navy) was right and where i was wrong!

I went to my university in Jalandhar and needed 10 transcripts for universities i am applyingto.They charged me 300 for each, dats 3000 Rs. Even the institution which i owe to them for making in me a Computer Enginner is charging hell lot of money. They know that every year students would be sitting for GRE/GMAT and be needing official documents, so lets think of ammasing this booty. The attitude of officials in university also bothers me a lot, their way of handling notes (money) etc clearly gives a picture of some lala type people managing these educational institutions. Clearly everyone is busy in Bizness!

Then lately, i had to collect bank drafts from bank for application processes. The drafts range from 50-100 US $ depending on universities. I approached ABN AMRO bank and for each draft ( i needed 8), the bank charged 300 Rs + service tax. I requested the lady that these drafts were solely for education purpose and if the bank could give some concession to students like me, i and others would certainly be very obliged to them. She couldnt do anything saying it was bank policy but promised she would forward this suggestion to the concerned manager. Well who knows if someone really will work upon it or not!

I have spent more on applying than on coaching. All these miscellaneous expenses seem to trouble me a lot. Total cost of a single document package to each university comes out on an average Rs.5000-6000 (including courier charges). And most of the students are applying to 6 universities minimum. So one can get the idea of how much expenditure is involved. Seekin this, some even might drop the idea of US or UK and head for countries like Australia or New Zealand which are still much reasonable and cheaper on the world map. I applied to 8 universities and have got I-20 (eligibility packet from univ giving me the right to apply for visa) from all of them. I am nodoubt happy but confusion now surrounds me as to where should i leap forward.

Thats what happens, the more the complexity and not the more, the merrier. We all are just blindly following what others do. My so called experience to other aspirants would be not to apply in more than 5 -6 univs. THATS MORE THAN ENOUGH!!! (even on your pockets part)

It really is very difficult today to afford education outside becuz today we have made our own barriers so high that it wont be possible for every child of this country to climb it and reach the other side, thats US owing to all these hurdles. I feel pity for some people i came across and they couldnt afford this prime education. I remember once asking my senior in college about what he had planned for future. He was a topper and from a middle class family. He said slowly that education outside is very costly. He still teaches in the same college from where i graduated.

What is Government doing for us? When it knows that 95% of students going abroad wont return back to India and contributing much to US only, then why send students outside the country or why not get them back after completing education. May be thats why, these expenses compel students give up their dreams to study abroad. It was one of me who could afford but not many will be in this going-to-be expensive nation. I dont see any aid or help coming here but hear that our country will be the best supremo in next 10 yrs. But where? And for whom?

I dont want to hit directly at all consultancy firms/colleges/banks , after all they do offer us their services but just hope that they are reasonable and dont exploit everyone. 20k-30k is a very big amount for me or anybody else. Also surprised by the fact that when i asked one of my frends if his dad felt the money being charged for admission cell was justified or not, and he said, dad was ok with it. With times, people (who just go ahead and give money without giving thought in this bhedchaaal) have given up to raise their voices unlike me. We ofcourse cant do anything about private institutes but would request and urge government to do whtever it could for students like me.

Through this mail of mine, i have no intentions of mentioning how much money i spent or pleading government to recover any dues. I have discussed these feelings of mine with you and every other person who looks forward to goto US (cuz they too are sailing in the same boat as me) through various mail groups. I on behalf of all of them request justice! Please help us all.

Think i should signoff now.

Regards,
Sidharth

Valentines Day @ LA

2008-02-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

So like every year, we have this one day reminding us that we really take care of our partner. The whole concept of Valentine and its response has always been tremendous in India. I used to think the same way for US as well. I was at home till 1 pm and then i headed for college.

"Day of Roses", "Love is in the air" are all one can hear this day. Unfortunately, for me i hardly witnessed any student expressing his love for their partner. Not even a blade of rose petal circulating in the campus. No flower bouquets and never felt there was a Valentine's day in school. I don't know the reason but am certainly intrigued by all that came near my eyes. I remember last year on same day, i was at home completing some assignments. As i finished with my class, i saw a guy with a bright red rose in his hand, thats all !!! This was it, nothing more than this. I did not have the chance to visit any shopping malls or downtown LA this time. The shops in mall would definitely be in some Valentine mood. There were some posters with Valentine slogans written, couple of couples getting cozy in each others arms in todays chilly LA day but still appearing dull and disappointing stuff to me. For those of you who don't know this, i have 3 American roommates. So my first question to my roommate Kyle was if he had or made any proposals. In the back of my mind laid the answer but as i am known for leg pulling, i didn't even spare him. He was amused of the fact if someone could or make any propositions on Valentines day in College. His argument was that most children find their partners in high school so needless to say, any efforts are made in college. And he smiled saying every day for them was a Valentine day so nothing official about 14th Feb !

Jab we Kritique Mountain

2008-02-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

I just happened to see "Jab We Met" couple of hrs back. I am pleased i am not saying i wasted my time watching the 2 lead actors Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. Till now, there were few of the actors for which i would not burn my pocket in PVR or AMC (if that would be possible...lol). I had not seen not even a complete Shahid Kapoor movie. This isn't the case for Kareena. I have seen several movies of her in the past. Apparently, because of the huge selling star cast working with her in the same movie. This was the first complete movie of Shahid i watched. The movie is fun, hilarious and most importantly can be watched with family. It was promising and at the appeal of lot of my friends i decided to watch this flick. I am happy i wasn't disappointed as i had anticipated. The script for the movie is simple and easily connects with youngsters especially the conversation part between Shahid and Kareena. Lot of dialogues used by Kareena in partly Hindi and English is quite common in Delhi and Mumbai. The dialogues seemed coming on the spot and instantly. Shahid speaks with low pace and his patience which i liked the most. The Hindi Drama set in Punjabi household was fun too with lot of Nach Gana and masti. The model (shown as Kareena's Bf) is absolutely pathetic. His hindi is worse and needs to go back to School. Aint not all models can act. Overall, good performances by the lead cast and a decent one. The Director has framed all pieces well together and made the film captivating as at no point i felt the movie was long or getting dragged. I guess Shahid needs to be picky from now onwards. I look forward to see his next one !

I just cant believe i am watching this movie so late. Damnn....well almost after 3 years. Also, while Heath is no more. Honestly, i have to admit that i would not have watched this movie if "Ang Lee" had not won the Oscar for best director. I still remember that i was very excited to watch this as well as lot of other oscar nominated films. This was the time when i was seriously sick with Jaundice at my home in Delhi. Outside from my room window (7th floor), i could see the new PVR being constructed in Prashant Vihar in Rohini, Delhi. I waited anxiously for me to recover from my sickness and hopefully to grab a chance on this movie. Well, after i got back to my normal track, there were very few theaters showing this movie and the very few pals of me not interested in watching the film. Anyways, i drop the curtian today by watching this magnificent film. A gay cowboy relationship, thats what happens sometimes about we knowing something in our head but not realsing the truth untill we watch it. "BrokeBack Mountain" is one of the example. An honest, simple, superb and real to core film thats breaks mainstream boundary for the audiences. I cant stop commending acting skills of Heath Ledger (he simply pulled it off) and Jack Gyllenhall. Incredible performances by the 2 rodeos supported equally well by their fellow partners. The Direction is excellent and in spite of raised controversies against this film, i vouch for it. I somehow knew the movie story plot initially. And my initial reaction was like "A gay relationship" movie......"Dude, am not gonna watch it". But the 5 Oscar nominated film was pulling towards it. I regret not watching it earlier in India. There are several instances in the film where i felt Ennis was not speaking the correct grammatical English like when he speaks with Jack's wife he says "We was good friends". I sdont know why he speaks that way. Is that because Ennis ("Heath") is by birth an Australian or is it typical Texan or Wyoming accent from where he hailed. While i watched the movie, the sex and love making scenes between the 2 look very weird as i or may be you have never seen two guys making love on the big screen. Its only during the entire movie when you watch, you begin to understand closely and respect the relationship between the two just as between a girl and boy. But this affects the marriage of Ennis Del Mar when his wife comes to know about it. I feel Ennis should have continued staying with Jack twist but if that was so simple to think, we probably wont get to see a film like "Brokeback Mountain". Ennis taking Jacks shirt and jacket after his death was very touching. A good one indeed !

Life in USC, 4th Sem (First Week after returning from India)

2008-02-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

Life in USC in the 4th semester is seeming monotonous. Same buildings, Same pathways, Same roads, Same Profs, Same part time campus job, Same work, Same good/bad memories as i pass some places in school. I once dreamt of coming to USC and now i dream of getting out of USC. Well, USC has been one of the best places in my life. I simply wanna move on soon. Am missing all pals who have graduated and now are at different geographical locations. In this week i hardly saw any one whom i knew very well or was acquainted with. New faces around sprawl the campus. Young doctors, engineers, artists gearing for new study life at SC (for USC). These people who have embarked a new life for them. I graduated in my undergrad in 2003 and these youngsters may have by 2008. 5 yrs, thats a huge gap reminding me i have to get outta SC soon and start with my job. Probably this will be in every college or school. I may have taken a wrong decision to continue for a semester more in haste. But i am not regretting it for some reasons for they to get fulfilled soon. After all, i feel whatever happens, happens for good. Every spell will age so will be this !

Thieves of own cellphones

2008-02-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

Am sure you didn't quite understand what that means. Well, let me explain because it comes out as my own. Its really unfortunate these days that people have cell phones and still cant be reached. Let me take an example. I call people on their phones and get no reply. I can understand this as he or she may be busy. However, they would definitely see any missed call on their cell phone. These kind of people don't even have the courtesy to return one's call. When this happens to me, i start believing that i give way to importance to these people. I cant wait till an hour or 2 hrs or 3 hrs or say till 8 hrs but even after that if i don't receive any call, its highly frustrating. One question comes to mind is then why have these people purchased mobiles worth thousands if they can't return ones call. Imagine there is an emergency, that if someone meets with a grueling accident and relies heavily on you for his/her help. You miss the call and never return. May be you never even get the next chance to return as this friend of yours will never return to life ! I call such people thieves of their own phones. Beware of such people.

Back To LA (3rd Feb, 08)

2008-02-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

Am back to LA on 3rd feb, at 5:15 pm, Sunday. It was a 32 hr flight which got further delayed at Malaysia. In spite of this, i am not angry or frustrated as i was very happy with Malaysia Airlines service. They certainly took good care of me and others on flight. Thats why they have "Worlds best crew award under their belt" ! I had 8 hr transit at Kuala Lumpur, it was so humid there. I have to admit that i have had some of the worst food in my life at Malaysia. The food there sucks, its horrible...not one thing upto my standards.

One of my good friend once said, "you learn a lot while traveling". That indeeed is true. My seat in MA (Malaysia Airlines) was 14k. When i sat on my seat, i realized there was NO number 13 row, to obvious reasons but i was surprised that even an airlines followed and adhered to the number 13 rule avoidance. I guess you tend to do that especially when your are flying 10 hrs over Pacific !! I stopped or rather we stopped at Taiwan as well for an hour. My god, seems there are only girls living there as i saw girls only everywhere. Luckily, this time i did not lose my luggage unlike in Air India. There is no doubt i was feeling apprehensive about traveling over Pacific but there were reasons i chose this flight. They are mentioned in my earlier blog, do read them. I barely slept 3 hrs in the KL hotel as every time at the back of my mind was that i had to get up. Most of the time on flight went watching comedy, some good stuff...didnt sleep at all in the flight which caused me heavy jet lag on reaching. I have slept continuously for 23 hrs to the astonishment of my roommates. This never happens when you go back to your home as you are very excited or due to hustle in the house which keeps you awake. Here was absolutely peaceful. I am missing India, my family, my mom and her food. Now starts the task of making food, T, going to college which sucks, some studies :(

At the Delhi Airport, i witnessed things which make me feel agitated. First of all, at the Nirula's counter i saw a gentleman barging a queue (line). A sardar who was with his kid just made his way into a 4 people line. The person standing behind him was an American from SFO. (I know this cuz i ahd a chat with him after this on same incident) . He saw this but didnt say anything, may be he knows the way we indians work our way. He simply gave in letting the sardar order his food items. At once, i felt like teaching that Sardar a lesson but i decided to speak with the American fellow later. Surprisingly, he told me he was used to this since long back. I felt sorry for him. On second instance, while i was busy to phone my family, i observed a lady in her mid 60's standing just 2 feet away from me trying to make me leave my post and indirectly listening to my calls. I just couldnt take it and gave a rude thrashing to her. I had to guys, it was a private conversation and i said wht my mind told me to do. I didn't feel sorry for that. Some people just don't have the basic etiquettes of life, such idiots they are, a shame for our country. As i looked back, i see another American foreigner standing 7-8 feet back behind a line patiently waiting for his turn. There certainly lies difference in the way we and Americans live, no doubt about it....

Love Actually

2008-01-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Another poem in my kit. Dont feel i gave full justice to it but it was half written when i completed it and this is the kind of feeling that creeps in when things are not done in time. They lose their charm.

Love Actually

A day that was never to be seen
A year never remembered
A second that passed without notice
A life broken into two
Love actually lived there

The porous body evoking emotions
color conversion to dark
eyes that only saw you
The lips always praising you
Love actually lived there

words that never touched her heart
roads that led to her house
flowers that never lost their moisture
her golden skin that never lost the shine
Love actually lived there

the tattooed forearm with her name
the muscut perfume bearing her fame
the Arc de Triomphe to mesmerize
the fear of losing you
Love actually lived there

morning prayers for her long life
places meant to be together
intertwined destiny
a reason to live
Love actually lived there.....

Trip To India - Part 2

2008-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Well, most of you who start reading will feel that part 2 of my stay in India is coming first. Not that I feel i almost have lost touch with my first trip experience which was in summer 06 but the fresh memories of 2nd trip are around. I reached India on 9th Jan 07, 10:50 by Malaysian Airlines and would leave on 2nd Feb night for LAX. this time i decided to board a flight over Pacific for several reasons. First of all, they invited me to carry 32 kgs in each of my 2 bags which becomes handy when i return back. Secondly, i wanted an airlines that offered me personal entertainment. I knew these airlines do though am not sure of there is any other airlines flying over atlantic and providing same. Thirdly, i was bored flying over Atlantic. I wanted to seek more adventure flying over Pacific Ocean and visit new countries like Taiwan and Malaysia. Although my last trip was for 25 hrs, i enjoyed my second trip more which lasted 32 hrs. It was more comfortable and enjoying. My last trip with Air India was horrifying, frustrating and full of anguish. I lost lot of my luggage and AIR India till date hasnt compensated me that. I decided not to board Air India for the rest of my life.

So here i am , outside Indira Gandhi International Airport. Whenever you would come down to your motherland, that excitement will always be there. It was immense on my first visit but honestly, not as much as first. May be thats natural ! So i come down to home, settle down in New Delhi Culture...they say "Apni Dillli" (My Delhi), "Dilli Dilwalo ki" (Delhi for the ones who carry their hearts).

Delhi welcomes me with 5 degree celcious. I didnt feel cold at the Airport. My heroism cost me a week of mine a si was down with viral and fever. I think partly because i gave my mom company in bitter cold in the parks. Anyways thats past. The highlights of my trip were my first visit to Delhi Craft Bazaaar called "Dilli Haat" where one can find lot of handicrafts and looms, the brand new "City Select" Mall in Saket with mom.

I saw my life's first play called "Aath Gante" (8 hrs) with a close friend of mine at Delhi's National School of Drama (i love watching plays and dramas).

I met couple of my idle friends and some not so idle friends. The 9th Auto expo at Pragati Maidan was amazing though flanked by beautiful cars. I made food at home as i had been boasting a lot and didnt disappoint anyone. My relatives came to meet me at my house a si was unwell. There was a program to visit a disc but that plan got foiled.

I was catching up with old hindi TV serials and after some time although they look and sound lame, you fall in the trap of sitting with your family and watching all shows and eventually will be intrigued by some of them. I plan to meet some of my old freinds. My sister's engagement talks were on the corner whcih would be finalised in December of this year. Lot of my relatives talked about my MS course, my new job in New York and my plans to get married. I was assertive about not before 4-5 years as i had told my parents about my plan to do MBA. My sister and elder brother were more asked about their marriage plans and they were wise to handle the pressured questions. Every trip will get a new experience and i will be happy to share them with you. !

American Gangsta

2007-11-08T07:49:00.001-08:00

I happened to watch this movie yesterday starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The movie was good set in an era where a guy called Frank was the above mafia in NY/NJ in the business of drugs and dope. Russell plays a cop who is also battling the custody of his son. Good performances by the two especially Denzel. His expressions, move, acting, posture are absolutely brilliant. If i have to critique this film, i'd say i was expecting lot more action than there was. Ridley Scott (director of this film, the one who also made Gladiator) is known for his action packed films but my take on this film was this wasnt all explosive. I'd recommend people to watch it as its based on a true story and this will certainly race in for oscar's for shell performances by the two who already are academy award winners. Go American Gangsta, see you at the red carpet !!

Apology

2007-08-05T06:44:00.001-07:00

A new poem from me after a very very long time !

Wondering i said something that blew your mind
Oh believe me, it never was of my kind
Insouciant and casual as i have always been
Never thought i'll be packed someday in chagrin
Sulking are now the nights and days within me
Thinking as when the last words came out in spree
Thwarting all the plans and desires you laid
Never imagined a color of me would make them fade
Longanimity and patience you showcased
Appreciate the virtues on which you are based
Moments that left you in a strand
blame it to one part of land i stand
If only somone could read my true intention
that this heart lives with no pretension
A fault of the body and not the soul
Situations once stable then became out of my control
The truth about something i stole from you
The fact about something i never gave to you
Breaking the fellowship and commitment
Showing no flashes of improvement
If only a book was judged from its cover
so unfortunate, for nothing within to discover
For there i stand again
Holding my hands in pain
Reiterating the same words like a perpetual waterfall
to break any rising wall
Shadows asking for forgiveness, not the languished body
No evil but goodness that i wanted to embody
Surrendering the remaining "Apology" left within me
Protagonist thee !

This is how we celebrated our 25 birthday !!!!!

2007-07-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is how i celebrated my 25th Birthday (22nd July) at Coyote Ugly club ("Absolutely Uncontrolled Environment") at NYC, USA !!! Time 12 am........(Someone kept his eyes closed in my pic...what a jerk.....heheheeheeh)

This is how my "Twin" sister celebrates her 25th birthday in her office ("Controlled Environment") with her colleagues in India !!!!. Time, of course at some time !

I wish things were simple at my end :-)

This blog comes very late from myself. Was going through my pics n mine sisters and found this hilarious.....

Party with Juniors !

2007-04-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, here i go....i came back from last night party. My roommate managed to drive properly and we were back safely. As i entered home, i decided to throw the trash downstairs. I collected the trash and went downstairs. After throwing the trash, i realized i forgot the keys to my apartment.
And worst case, my cell got dead...damn it phone, i was cursing myself. So i was then stuck outside. I waited to see if anyone at 1 am could let em in. But that didnt happen. I happened to see few guys partying in their house and lot of noise coming in. I decided to take some help from them. I knocked at the door and then came out a greek guy. He was courteous enough to provide me with his cell phone. I tried calling my roommate several times but that asshole was fast sleep and did not pick up the phone. The greek guy "Yianni" invited me in his house. Boy, his house rocked with lof of chicks and partying scene set in. It was 1:30 by them and i could see couples getting cosy with each other, some tired and exhausted but still in a mood to have fun !!! Then a sweet girl "Lisa" offered me a drink and slowly became part of their big group, mostly undergrads studying at USC. It was wonderful interacting with them and sharing my thoughts about India with them. These undergrads were having a time of their life....yeah i know its not the first time of theirs but mine. More girls than guys and thats what i like ;). All of them in their 19's or 20's. We Kept talking, playing games till 4:30 in the morning untill i slept on the couch, wow what a couch it was !!! It turned morning before i could get up as i constantly got to hear them talking which broke my sleep. I got up, drank water and again started to talk more with these guys untill i decided to give it a try and come back home and i finally succeeded when someone let me in.....It was a wonderful experience to party with Juniors !

Difference, huh......

2007-01-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

Well i am not here to actually show the world some difference in me. Its for my repository that when i look at these pics 30 or 40 years from now or show it to my kids, they will say "OMG"....may be ! To the left is the pic 6 months back when i came to LA in Aug 06 and the right one is taken yesterday on 01/07/07 (thats 7th Jan 2007). To say there aint any difference between the two would be a big joke, am pretty sure i cant hide my cheeks now, they are pretty flattened now....thanks to those chicks (chicken) i eat almost daily in my diet regime..oops.....i hope my parents n sisters n brothers can recognize me when i go back to India. May be they get the wrong person at home...lol, i know it wuz a bad PJ (Poor Joke). Have almost put on 10-12 kilos here in US and to shed it is a very difficult task. God please send some help, i dont wanna lose my identity !!!!!

The Beach !

2007-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

This aint a common place as there are thousands or even lakhs of visitors coming this place and enjoying the beautiful scenery. But you still will arrive at this place watching the sunset covering the light and casting dark spell within no time. Its a special place meaning a lot for me or for you. This is the place where people like me try to find answers, answers that would silence the waves of questions in my mind or heart. And sometimes you wonder that there is complete serenity in the splashing roaring waves. Questions that you want to hide from the real world come out here at this place. The companions who you can treat like your eternal friends will never fade, never dry, never lie, never shy away, never hide are all here waiting for a tourist like me. This place has the inertia to drive you as it give you enough time to soak your tears, the breezy wind try to cajoling and embracing you. The sand is unique as it seeps your tears in because it wants you to be in a cheerful mood. The blue water welcoming to meet me and showing its gesture by holding my feet again and again. They all try their best whatever they can to share your deep inner emotions feeling you feel on a lighter facet of life. Feel like gazing at this natural beauty far and beyond the horizon where no one has ever seen, to see where a life exists to make me live. This is the place where you be tomorrow just like me, its the Beach !

First New Year at LA 2007 !!!!

2007-01-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of you ! I was waiting for this day, a lot excited because this was my first NY celebration in states. We guys planned to goto Universal City walk. Around 5-7k people turned up and got chaotic at the end. But it was fun seeing all shops and market lit beautifully waiting for the new year to arrive. As it struck 12, confetti we could see in the air and spreading as destined to. There were Rock shows by band and full enthusiastic fans. We then headed to a club in Hollywood know as King King where the dJ was playing all hip hop hindi punjabi songs.

Rock was in the Air !!

Christmas Eve

2007-01-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

Started my day by visiting the church, then meeting with friends. What an ending at was, every house on the street decorated so beautifully for christmas.

Theatres in Hollywood

2007-01-07T03:41:00.000-08:00

This is the "Chinese Theatre" on Hollywood Boulevard quite famous and any tourist to LA cant leave before visiting this place.

Well this is probably one of my best pics, so natural ! Took them at chinese theater where i matched hands with my favourite hollywood star "Arnold Schwarzenegger"'s hand prints , it was a great experience. "I'll be BACK !!!!"

And the finale of the day "Kodak Theatre" where we have the Oscar ceremony.

Trip to Griffith Park

2007-01-07T03:33:00.000-08:00

So here i am all the way from 36 Place in LA to Griffith Park Observatory, a must see place for every individual. A planetarium so amazing and beautiful and close to Hollywood sign.

I must say some of the pics are not very clear as theya re taken from my cell phone. Well i know its limitations but it works out for me. The hill where you can see "Hollywood" sign, Boy doesnt it look beautiful. From Griffith observatory, once can see it very closely and get clicked ;)

Took this pic from Griffith place and one can LA in the backdrop. Its absolutely beautiful and magnificent !

Khana Khazana

2006-12-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

A first look at the above delicacy seems that its prepared at home. If you think so, you are absolutely right !!!! On the left is my favorite rice (i call it as "Matraaa waaale chawal", a punjabi would say like that) and on the right, i have, hmmmmmmm....."Butter chicken". All the recipe copyrights are with me. "Dabake Khaya Aaj Chicken", thats what i would tell me folks in Punjabi/Hindi. Its actually very easy cooking both these, thats what i fee now. (Chicken is more easier than Rice) . I put more butter today, well i will compensate that next time.

You jerks relinquish your hunger by staring at the pic while i finish my second (II) round of foooood.

Available Only at 1156 W 36th Place # 9, Los Angeles, California, 90007 !

Addiction

2006-12-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

Its 2 at night and i have been addicted to this box (not toolbox but yes more kind of) i recently purchased. I am referring to my laptop. Its actually cool to stay addicted, to surf whatever you want to :) and that too with an excellent speed. I am currently enjoying my vacations at my home and to kill time nothing beats this little champ wizard. Am getting so used to this PC now that would get up at 6 in the morning and check if i have received any message or not. There is so much to learn on the internet and i studying my MS in computer science gives me more excuses to use my laptop more than any one else. Its sleeping time baby and i must log off before i get drunk !!!!! (12/15/06)

My First Poem in India !!!!

2006-12-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

Never ever had imagined that when i would get down to writing, i would produce this poem. Although i don't consider this verse as a masterpiece, its very close to me. In fact i remember the that i composed it, it was 7th dec, 2005. I did change, became a poet !!!

Together we live and together we die
This is one truth I promise to keep by
To sail through all walks of life, high and low
Experiencing all shades of color whether black, blue or yellow
And seeing each other in our arms till eternity
Thinking we were made part of this destiny
Closing your image in my eyes every time I see you
Breathing you in every moment I hear you
Never realizing when friendship transforms into love
So pure and charismatic like a white dove
Watch the sun bring the new dawn
Uncovering the dark like a night gown
Feeling the heart beat with a beatific smile
I know the heart would never play a guile
Hoping to cast a new spell, a new ray, a new era
Eclipsing the sorrows and pain of penumbra
To take life for a ride like a bed of roses
As smooth like water flowing through hoses
And three words that matter to me the most
"I love you, I love you, I love you", common lets raise a toast
Thanking God for letting you in my life
His magic now cuts like a knife
Wondering there is still more to write about you
Because there is always a new mystery unfolding in you
Let me swing in this cradle of faith and trust
Which in our relationship is a must
Understanding that compulsions will guard you in your vicinity
But remember, it'll always be You, Me and Love forming a trinity
Together we live and Together we die
This is one truth I promise to keep by

(12/14/06)

The Swift

2006-12-15T23:22:00.000-08:00

Life in US moves faster than one where in the world. This is what i have felt over the past 5 months. I reached LA on 7th aug 06 and within no time my first semester has ended. US can provide the best any person can imagine. It has everything but not my family, not my culture, not the things i left behind. I have to move ahead like others and see whats the best for me.
This was my trip to Orange County and i was clicking whatever my mind said. (12/14/06)

My First Poem in LA !!!!

2006-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

After reaching here in LA, who wont feel homesick. Miles away from your loved ones and you the only one. Seems frustrating at times but thats what life is teaching me make my own ways. I too needed a subject to pen down my feelings and here they are: (dedicate this song to my family members)

Staying away...

Staying away from your own
When miles away from home
Culture in which I wasn’t born
One look and minutes gone
Past memories trying to shrink
Shake my head and blink

No mirth left in my jokes
When no one around were my folks
Voices I was tuned to
Faces I was familiar with
Footmarks I can still trace
Places I left to chase

The fragrant air is new
Asking about me are the very few
The hurried morning rises in me
The weary evening sets in me
Planes I see overhead
Thinking, trip to my country is ahead

Days don’t seem to run
No mood to party and fun
Sleeping in my wallet is the dollar
Big, huge and green the color
Acquaintance with the hardest book
It was life's decision, not mine to cook

Closed eyes bring me a picture
Of my family and not any stranger
Eyes of a beautiful mother
Shoulders of a proud father
Smile of a cheerful brother
Advise from a nutty sister

How close are you to me
Staying away did I realise this...(12/14/06)

Introduction

2006-12-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is me, Sidharth Kumar reporting from Los Angeles, California my FIRST BLOG. I think the concept of blogs is wonderful as it allows passionate writers like me who have the flair of writing publish their content online. Am currently pursuing my Masters in Computer Science from University of Southern California. (12/14/06)