Amanat: R.I.P India's Daughter

I was born in a proud nation someday
My right to live snatched the very day
Monsters ready to devour and tear my soul
An innocent angelic life spun out of control
Safe was i in my mother's womb
My fault lay to live and bloom
why did i come in this world
Defeat stigma and not to be hurled
Who wanted to live in a pool of blood
Desired to be a girl, woman, mother and grow a beautiful bud
Cry and scream of my pain to deaf ear
Closed doors of humanity i now cannot bear
Where are my brothers today?
Where are my countrymen today?

For I want to live too
For I want to breath and break through
To protect a sister not a shame
Hide faces and you only burn in flame
For our souls so cheap
Naked act of barbarism has no weep
kill me but not my identity
I am here to produce eternity
For thousand Amanat's like me die and perish
A country will then awaken to its cherish
Tainted is an individual heart not me
i am gone and now a history
Touched the sky and wanted to fly high
These emotions and tears will never dry

Sorrow must be a God today
His beautiful mankind gift has shut its eyes today
Lay in peace is a destiny covered in a white sheet
Will fight after death with every beat
The hands that once held an ounce
Today Burying me and denounce
For honor and justice is what i will return for
No more daughter or sister to be pushed to floor
Goodbye to all as I abode for Jannat
I hope we save someone another Amanat......
Where are my brothers today?
Where are my countrymen today?

23 Random Things About Me:

23 Random Things About Me:

1.      I am a big fan of University of Southern California (USC) College Football and wear Number #18 Cardinal Trojan Jersey each weekend USC plays. I have met former football coaches Pete Carroll and Lane Kiffin and former Quarterback Matt Barkley in person and got their autographs signed on my jersey. Coming from India, I didn’t know anything about College Football until my American roommates explained the game. Today I am passionate about my school game and the NFL.

2.       I cannot start my day without drinking 2-3 cups of strong Indian tea mixed with herbs and other spices. I will carry my tea leaves and herbs if I know the place I’ll be staying doesn’t have it.

3.       I cook everyday and pack my breakfast and lunch to office. In the past, I have hosted dinner parties at my place and cooked food (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) for at least 15-20 people. My colleagues think I am a good chef besides a good software tester.

4.       I have 2 tricolor flags at home, 1 flag at office and a pair of cufflinks with Indian flag on it.

5.       I have composed more than 70 poems in English and Hindi to express myself. My poem themes are romance, fiction, nonfiction, reality, emotions etc. Some of my poems can be found at http://www.poetsindia.com/poet/Sidharth+Kumar/

6.       I have composed a 36 page Hollywood playwright script with dialogues, camera angles, sound effects etc. The script is called “Replica” (a thriller) and is about reincarnation of life.

7.       I am the first in my family to have run a half-marathon, first to study in America and the first who will attain double master degrees.

8.       I was judged “Mr. Generous” unanimously in a class of 50 students in a 6^th grade competition at school. I never expected this to come but felt honored upon receiving the appreciation.

9.       When it comes to beer, I mostly buy Molson beer from Liquor stores. I went on to convince my friends to meet at an authentic Canadian bar located very far in Brooklyn and try Molson beers and Poutine, a Canadian delicacy.

10.   I founded the largest Indian community group in Newport, Jersey City on Facebook named “Indians @Newport”. The group started with 4 USC graduates and today has approx 2000 members. Events are professional networking based and happen in Jersey City and New York. Also, I recently concluded my first networking event in Toronto in another group “Indians @Toronto”.

11.   I use the word #Jaali frequently on Facebook, Twitter and even while talking. Most of my friends have also started to use this word. #Jaali is a Hindi word which means Fake.

12.   Besides being social, my friends also describe me as funny and humorous.

13.   My friends call me “Paaji” which means elder brother. This started off as a joke at USC and now everyone calls me with this name.

14.   My shirts are from UK, trousers from USA, shoes from China and belts from India.

15.   I regret my decision of not joining the Indian Army when I was 17 and had the opportunity to. My father served as a Commander in the Indian Navy and so I wanted to join Navy only. Today I feel the force doesn’t matter, what matters is your willingness to serve the country.

16.   On 3 occasions when I totally disliked Indian food being served in a restaurant that was rated very high and good on yelp, I got frustrated and decided to come up with an Indian version of yelp.

17.   I love ties. Sometimes I have dreamt of going to bed sleeping with a tie. Lot of my Indian friends asked me to help make a tie knot for them at USC.

18.   I founded IndoRendezvous.com, an event management hub and startup that will consolidate all Indian events happening in Jersey City and New York. I also started another venture called NJDesi.com, a platform where local Indian-American entities in the Newport/Jersey City/New Jersey area can advertise their businesses and/or promote any upcoming events. 

19.   I am a big believer of Hindu God Shiva and will worship Shiva in temple.

20.   I have a twin sister who is 2 minutes younger than me. We are fraternal twins and do not resemble at all. While growing we always fought about who was elder.  

21.   I have organized, administered and managed 100+ events in my Indian group. 

22.   Today considered very social and extrovert by my friends, once I was an introvert.

23.   I wear a gold earring in my left ear, an Indian custom for bringing good luck. At first, I wasn’t interested but I am simply respecting my mother’s faith.

Peepli Live - A Critique

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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 !!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.