Himesh, you little Devil!

Sample this from the Financial Express,

"Bollywood may have stood up for Aamir Khan, but it doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance when it comes to revoking this “ban”. So Himmesh Reshammiya’s hit number 'Jhalak dikhla ja, ek baar aaja, aaja...' may set feet tapping at discotheques, but in Anand district’s Bhalej village, it seems to have set alarm bells ringing.
Why? Residents claim that the lyrics are an invite to “ghosts” who then possess residents. The person possessed - some put this number at five, others at 20 - run a high temperature and behave in a strange manner. Rationalists and others may dismiss the idea as silly, but the 10,000-odd villagers are so worried that they’ve decided that the song - picturised on serial kisser Emraan Hashmi - won’t be heard in the village. What’s more? They’re seeking divine intervention: approaching the maulvis as well as planning visits to neighbouring temple town Dakor. Majid Malek, father-in-law of sarpanch Saira Malek, speaks about the problem “plaguing the village since last fortnight”. “Since the last 15 days, we’ve noticed this problem. There have been about 20 such cases since then,” says Malek. Mushtaq Thakore says there have been around five such cases, including that of a newly wedded girl Sartajbanu.
“The lyrics are such that they draw the attention of the ghosts, after which the person starts screaming and also runs a high temperature. The only way out is to seek divine help. Muslims go to maulvis, Hindus to their godmen,” Mushtaq says. Incidentally, the ghosts also have a particular spot where they choose their “victim”. The graveyard adjoining the lake.
After realising that the song could be the “root cause” of the “possession problem”, the village has decided to clamp down on it. The song may be a hit with wedding parties, but not in Bhalej. Allarakha, a musician with Rahi Music Band, says, “We get many requests to play different numbers, but we are asked by villagers to avoid this number.”

I never liked the song anyway, now I'm certainly not going to play it. It even gets the ghosts annoyed enough to leave their happy abodes and possess hapless humans! Himesh, perhaps you shouldn't have sung this one.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Fanaa

Huge expectations are associated with any Aamir Khan film. Even more so if it happens to be Kajol's comeback vehicle. And perhaps even more so if it happens to be under the Yash Raj banner. But expectations of course don't guarantee a good cinematic experience, just a few 'house full' posters on friday, saturday and sunday, after which the product must fend for itself on the basis of its own merits.
'Fanaa' is strictly ok, perhaps even decent, but a step down for Aamir. I felt Mangal Pandey (minus the average second half and the barrage of songs) and 'Rang De Basanti' were better films. The film centres around the love story of Rehan, seemingly a brash and flirtatious tour guide and Zooni, a blind Kashmiri, who is only starting to live life on her own terms. Rehan and Zooni fall in love almost immediately and Rehan shows her the side of life that she has been missing for so long. Her experiences are new and invigorating. She immediately decides that he is the man for him. Deciding to marry her, he also arranges to restore her eyesight. Here is where the story takes a turn and leads us into the dark murky world that Rehan actually comes from from. He is a terrorist fighting for the independence of Kashmir. There is a bomb blast in which Zooni believes that Rehan has perished and lives out seven years in the belief that that the only man she's loved and never seen, is dead. Cut to seven years later where Rehan is on yet another mission for his terror outfit. He is wounded and seeks asylum in during a fierce storm in a small village and as fate would have it, lo and behold, Zooni opens the door along with a small boy, who is of course her child that she had with Rehan many moons ago.
Here's where the film gets interesting. The film now starts focusing on Rehan's realization that this is the life he wants, and not the life of a foot soldier for a organisation such as his. Zooni, discovering this guest's true identity (first that he is her Rehan, and second that he is in fact a terrorist) of course has to deal with the dilemma of turning him in versus making up for seven years of lost time and finally settling down with her one true love and the father of her child. How these parallel themes progress and pan out is the focus of the climax of the film.
The first half of the film is run of mill. Boy meets girl, girl can't see boy, boy is charming and gives girl a tour of Delhi. Love blooms. The first half is pure formula, complete with a multitude of songs and funny sidekicks. Quite disappointing actually. The second half is marked improved and the novelty of the plot and the decent treatment come to the fore. However here as well, things could have moved faster, but the director, Kunal Kohli takes his own time to let things unravel. Performances are good. Aamir is patchy in the first half and in form in the second. And it is such a pleasure watching Kajol after all these years. The lady can still dazzle the screen with her smile! The chemistry between Aamir and Kajol is good but Kajol-Shahrukh or Aamir-Juhi were better together. Supporting crew is decent though. Rishi Kapoor, Kirron Kher and Tabu are competent, though the choice of Tabu for the role of the Anti Terrorist Squad officer is quite puzzling. She mouths rhetoric and cliched dialogues. Wasted completely. Music is strictly average. What was expected to be Jatin-Lalit's swan song in their last film together, turn into an average album with a couple of good songs like 'Chand Sifarish' and 'Mere Haath Mein'. Watch out for Ravi K Chandran's camera work though, brilliant. Of course, filming in Poland helps.

2.5/5

Cheers!
Abhishek.

The one in which rings get exchanged...

To put it simply, I got engaged. Don't ask me how I feel and other such things, as I don't think its sunk in as yet. Yes, there is the knowledge that now I shall have to refer to the erstwhile 'girlfriend' as 'fiance', 'would be', 'betrothed' and other such funny names...but apart from that not much has changed...yet. I guess long distance relationships can do this to you. I do know though that the ceremony and the formal exchange of rings has brought us a little closer, in the sense that the feeling of belonging has increased (which is funny because I was never one for ceremonies and formal exchange of rings). Its still a little bit of a blur, so watch this space for more clarity. Well, moving on to the minor details of the event. The venue was the venerable Bengal Club on Russell Street. Representatives from both families turned up in their best and brightest. 'Aashirbad' by elders commenced soon after and was accompanied by some 'ullus' (a traditional Bengali wedding yell/yodel). If my Marwari in-laws were alarmed by such a sudden increase in decibel level, they sportingly did not show it. Gifts were received and blessings were sought. The 'aashirbad' by elders gave way to the formal exchange of rings and a photocall which was enjoyed by everyone. The highlight of the evening for me was the way the two families extended goodwill and warmth to each other. One doesn't get to see Maru-Bong weddings everyday, and I must say that they shed their initial trepidation (and at a community level, years of business and cultural hostility, heheh) to support and partake in the festivities as best they could. It might as well have been a same community affair... A heartfelt thank you to all of you. Dinner was served after which much mingling ensued. The whole thing wound up by 11.30pm. It was a likeable affair in all, I mean what's not to like, good food, lots of gifts and pretty women all around...oh, and just in case I forgot, also the realization that you finally have the woman you love.

The holy man blesses...

The exchange of the rings

A photo - op with good friends 'Shots' and 'Sam'

Cheers!
Abhishek

Quiz Time Again - Answers

1. The only song the two have sung for films together is the classic duet, 'Ei jo hethai kunjochayae' from the film 'Luko Churi'. Music was by Hemant Kumar.

2. Fairly simple one, Superman's earliest description.

3. Freddie Mercury was the only musician quoted in Kobain's suicide note.

4. - Mithun Chakraborty
- Cary Grant
- Jeetendra
- Whoopi Goldberg

5. All clocks show the time 4.20 pm.

Looks like Sougatada takes this one hands down! Well done.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Quiz time again!

Hello all, its been long since I've put up some questions to test your knowledge of all things artistic. Here is the second set of questions for you. Answers will be up next week!

1. Kishore Kumar and Ruma Devi (his first wife) both came from artistically gifted families. Both had impressive singing careers. However they sang playback together on only one occasion in their entire lives. Name the song and the film.

2. A 1940 radio serial described a character as "faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound". Who were they talking about?

3. Kurt Kobain's suicide note went "I havent felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music along with reading and writing for too many years now. I feel guilty beyond words about these things. For example, when we're backstage and the lights go out and the manic roar of the crowds begins, it doesn't affect me the way in which it did for ______, who seemed to love, relish in the love and adoration from the crowd, which is something I totally admire and envy." Fill in the blank...who was Kobain talking about?

4. How do we better know te following celebrities
- Gauranga Chakraborty
- Archibald Leach
- Ravi Kapoor
- Caryn Johnson

5. In the Tarantino classic, 'Pulp Fiction', all the watches shown in the film are stuck at one particular time. Let's see if you guys noticed when?

Answers up soon...

Cheers!
Abhishek.

When numbers conspire...

Number of days left till engagement: 10

Number of cigarettes smoked since yesterday: 10

Number of deliverables at current attachment: 10

Number of dollars left in wallet: 10

Cheers!
Abhishek.

The Nanyang MBA Series - 4 (Placements)

Ok, this is the one about the placements...I have received loads of emails and calls from prospective students querying about the same and hence decided to blog about it for general information for all interested.
Right, yes everyone in the batch is placed, employed, working for money etc. Our batch (total fulltime strength: 65) had representation from around seventeen countries, the largest contingents being from China, India, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The rest of the countries were represented by only one or two participants. As far a I know, the Chinese have all gone back to China with lucrative offers. Only one or two are working here in Singapore. This is out of choice. Most Chinese students were never even looking to work in Singapore as the NTU name is apparently big in their neck of the woods and hence they enjoy a real premium once they head back there. A couple of the Germans are working in Singapore while the rest have headed back to Europe. Most other students from the other countries are based here.
Now the 'desi' junta, we numbered 24. All the boys have found suitable employment. 21 of us are here in Singapore, while 3 students have headed back to India to take up their dream jobs.

The companies that the MBA batch of 2004-06 are working for are listed as follows, according to specialization:

Banking and Finance:

1. Standard & Poors, Singapore
2. DBS, Singapore
3. UOB, Singapore
4. HSBC, Singapore
5. Citibank, Japan
6. AurionPro Solutions, Singapore
7. HP Asia-Pac, Singapore
8. Raffles Consulting Pte. Ltd., Singapore
9. PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Singapore
10. Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore
11. ABN AMRO, Singapore
12. Keppel Land, Singapore
13. Morgan Stanley, Singapore

Marketing:

1. Colgate Palmolive, Singapore
2. AC Nielson, Singapore
3. Cushman & Wakefield, Bangalore
4. Unilever, Malaysia
5. WTO, Singapore
6. Roche Pharmaceuticals, Indonesia

IT/Technology

1. Frost & Sullivan, Singapore
2. HCL Technologies, Chennai
3. Wipro Technologies, Bangalore

Strategy

1. Seagate Technologies, Singapore
2. Inductis India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
3. Accenture, Singapore
4. Proudfoot Consulting, London

The above list is not exhaustive as I am unaware of the companies that most of the China based students are working in.

Let me add in a word about the internship scenario as well. Everyone in the batch got internships. The companies that hired for internships were HSBC Singapore, PwC Singapore, Singapore Technologies, HCL Singapore, DBS, Frost & Sullivan, AC Nielson Singapore, Carlson Marketing Singapore, HP Asia-Pac Singapore, Cisco Systems Singapore, British Petroleum Singapore, Citibank NA Singapore, Collin Ng & Partners, Accenture Singapore etc.
The average salary for fulltime offers of the batch would be around SGD 60,000 pa. For the internships, average stipends were in the range of SGD 1000-2000 pm.

So there. It was a good year in all for our batch. The junior batch is all set to outdo us with some of them securing full time offers already apart from internships. Way to go guys! Keep the flag flying...

Hope this helps.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

To the hustings...

Election time has arrived again in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Its highly unlikely that the CPM will be replaced in Bengal, mainly due to the new found corporate ratification that Buddha babu has received. In Chennai of course, it could be a close one, though one feels Amma might prevail again. It has been unfortunate that I haven't kept up with the political scenario in Chennai after I left the place long ago and moved to Kolkata...but here's a surprise. An email from a friend in Chennai was a revelation of sorts. The Lok Paritran party in Chennai is contesting the assembly polls. Set up by IIT ians, this is truly a party with a difference. Most of the candidates contesting seem to be well educated and seem to have a proven track record of public service. This is not propaganda for them or anything (when people come to power all the good intentions seem to take a back seat) and when you cast your vote make sure you do your due diligence on the candidates, but atleast now you might be saved from thinking, 'oh who do I vote for, they are all crooks!'. Take a look at the profiles of some of their candidates.

Mylapore - Santhanagopal Vasdev (28), M.A Economics from New York University

Chepauk - P. Elanthirumaran (38), Project Manager/Software Consultant

Thousand Lights - Ishrayel Maheswar (32), MBA, M.Phil

Egmore - Prashant Sharma (48), Marketing Professional

T. Nagar - Arvind Tiruvaiyar (32) - Marketing/Social Worker

Annanagar - Rajamani (56), A senior consulting engineer, worked abroad for 25 years

Saidapet - Hariharan (28), Software Engineer

Park Town - Rabindara Ganesh (61), Social worker

Atleast now the picture is more representative. With the rise of the middle class, it would be nice to have some candidates with whom this huge section of people can identify with. Its also heartening to see the educated, middle class taking the step to join politics and trying their bit to effect change for the better. Regardless of how they perform at the hustings, one has to hand it them for atleast trying.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Time for a BBQ!

After much ado, Aroon, Ashok and Raju's BBQ finally happened last week. Mandarin Gardens (Aroon's place), was the venue for this funfilled evening. Much meat was roasted, lots of alcohol was drunk (too much actually, but whats new), MBA days relived and generally lots of good cheer was spread. I also managed to meet a school mate from Kolkata, who was in our MBA program two years ago. Small world this is... (this week I also managed to get in touch with my school friends from way back in school - St.Xaviers '96 ICSE...apparently there was a yahoo groups thingy I was completely unaware of...there are already 20 odd members...it was great to know all the guys are doing really well for themselves and are going places...apart from one little fellow who's in jail!...but hey it takes all kinds...sorry...back to the BBQ!). As the evening wore on, the conversations got really interesting...I think at one point I was discussing the way people burp and generally distributing pearls of complete nonsense. I beg forgiveness of the poor unsuspecting girl who was actually listening to me...my apologies... The day was good friday and hence Aroon couldn't touch alcohol. Poor chap...but well done lad...it takes fight to pull through an evening like that...Apart from an unfortunate incident involving a bladder malfunction and a brief period when I disappeared into the bushes (don't even ask how), it was a very enjoyable evening. Thanks Aroon, Ashok and Raju. In other news, I got my teeth cleaned, so I'm sporting a set of pearly whites...and I'm smiling a lot!

Kamal in the food and beverage area...a fine cuisine
The gang at the BBQ!
My disappearance in the bushes...I can't believe someone actually clicked this!
Kamal, Ruchi and Rishi (recently married) and moi

The gang again!

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Songs of a lifetime - 6

The weekends here again and what would be a better time to raise a toast to a constant friend...alcohol! No song says it better than this one by Brad Paisley. One doesn't realise it, but most of us have done some darned crazy things under its influence. Strange as it may sound, some of the funniest, weirdest and most fun moments in life have been thanks to the magic stuff...I'm not advocating drinking here...but its true...hear it straight from the horse's mouth!


I can make anybody pretty
I can make you believe any lie
I can make you pick a fight with somebody twice your size
Well, I've been known to cause a few break-ups
An' I've been known to cause a few births
Well, I can make you new friends, or get you fired from work.

And since the day I left Milwaukee, Lynchburg an' Bordeaux, France
Been making the bars lots of big money
An' helpin' white people dance
I got you in trouble in High School
But College, now that was a ball
You had some of the best times you'll never remember with me
Alcohol, Alcohol.

I got blamed at your wedding reception
For your best man's embarrassing speech
And also for those naked pictures of you at the beach
I've influenced Kings and world leaders
I helped Hemingway write like he did
And I'll bet you a drink or two, that I can make you put that lampshade on your head.

Cause since the day I left Milwaukee,Lynchburg and Bordeaux, France
I been making a fool out of folks just like you
An' helping white people dance
I am medicine and I am poison
I can help you up or make you fall
You had some of the best times you'll never remember with me
Alcohol, Alcohol.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Being Cyrus

This small little film generated tremendous interest being an English language film with an entirely Bollywood cast. Director Homi Adajania expertly handles a multilayered film which is dark, witty and finely enacted. The film tells the tale of a 'drifter', Cyrus (Saif Ali Khan) who befriends a parsi family and comes to live with them. The film then delves into the daily lives of the family, peeling layer after layer from their seemingly hum drum life. But all is not hunky dory. Illicit affairs, drug addiction, ambition, romance and murder lurk in the background. How Cyrus forms part of this sordid tale is what the film is all about. Does he get involved? Is he hiding some personal motive? Why has he come this family? Or is he a victim of circumstance? The film goes about answering these questions.
The acting is first rate. Nasseeruddin Shah as the drug addicted potter is fantastic but hopelessly underused. Dimple Kapadia steals the show with her hyperactive performance as the lady of the house trying to find a way out of her boring and middleclass existence. Boman Irani as the obnoxious younger brother is also superb. Simone Singh is adequate.
The film is certainly a smart one. It is dark, probing and witty. The dialogues are great. But all in all I feel thats all that the film is...smart. Sometimes too smart for its own good. It ends up being a super screenplay but has very little depth. Characters could have been elaborated more, I felt. Its swift and to the point but the ride is only enjoyable while it lasts. One must also commend actors like Saif and Dimple to take on unconventional, small English language films. Directors could use a little support from the 'stars'.

3/5

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Tagged by Ekta...

Been tagged by Ekta.
The 'Ideal Woman' it seems...trust me they don't exist...I shall mention at the outset that I shall not adhere to rule no. 3, not because I'm a lazy bum or that I'm not a fan of tagging people, but because everyone I perhaps would have tagged has already been tagged!

The rules :
1. The tagged victim has to come up with 8 different points of their perfect lover.
2. You have to mention the sex of the target.
3. Tag 8 victims to join this game and leave a comment on their comments saying they've been tagged.
4. If tagged the 2nd time, there's no need to post again.

Anyways here goes...

1. Should have short hair...theres something about women with short hair!
2. Should be a good conversationalist, reasonably well read and aware. Talking about serious issues is as important as cuddly and sweet pillow talk.
3. Should be a good friend first, lover later. I guess this one has been pretty common, but how true!
4. I like to be pleasantly surprised once in while...she should be able to do that every once in a while...I don't mean throwing surprise parties and expensive gifts, small little things like making me a mixed tape of songs that keep I humming or initiating something new and interesting in the bedroom!
5. Should have a sense of humor...laughing is good for health you know.
6. Should have the capability to mix with people from all walks of life and station. A genuine interest in people is highly desirable.
7. Should be able to express emotion freely. Since I cannot, it would be nice to have just one person made of ice in the relationship. Of course too much sensitivity and tears are no good as well though once in a while, making it up to the girl can be romantic and cute.
8. Should be a fabulous dancer!

There... that's not too much is it??

PS: - On second thoughts, I would like to tag Cogito (only one I think who hasn't been tagged by this one). He's getting married soon, so should be interesting to read what he has to say.

Cheers!
Abhishek

Photoblog

Kolkata was a tremendously enjoyable experience. Now I'm back in Singapore ready to start a new chapter in life. Just a word about the City of Joy, though. Lots of development, lots of malls, people consuming all sorts of goods, ordinary and luxury, lots more night clubs and lots more buildings and residential complexes. It was a fine sight. So much for communist leanings. Kolkata has shed its old crumbling British Raj image and is well on the road to being something more exciting. I wish the same fervor spreads through to the rest of Bengal which is generally undeveloped. Anyways here are a few pictures I took on the trip.

Park Street on the 24th of December (granted, not taken on this trip, but its Park Street!)

A storm approaches Ballygunge

A relaxed shave and a haircut before heading to work...Italian style!

A fast disappearing breed..the 'bandar naach' man

Dear friends Shotorupa, Ronit and Shotorupa's mom. One happy family!

Cheers!

Abhishek.

Kolkata mane...

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been on holiday in Kolkata and have been enjoying myself thoroughly. Posts will resume once I am back in Singapore on the 15th of March... For now here is a list I have been compiling since I got here...

Kolkata mane aabege prem
Kolkata mane Satyajit Ray
Kolkata mane Motherer norom haath
Kolkata mane adda o torko
Kolkata mane pabda aar ilish
Kolkata mane rickshawalar chhot
Kolkata mane Nondone prem
Kolkata mane Robithakurer songeet
Kolakta mane minibuser pechone dhaba
Kolkata mane shari shari taxi
Kolkata mane Victoriar tej
Kolkata mane unnoyoner pothe
Kolkata mane protibad
Kolkata mane baishe sharabon
Kolkata mane moidane football
Kolkata mane boro boudir aador
Kolkata mane 'dada ki hocche ta ki?'
Kolkata mane 'dependable kintu strike?'
Kolkata mane Park Streeter jomjomat
Kolkata mane ekta double chicken double egg roll
Kolkata mane Feludar kirti
Kolkata mane bhide hashi
Kolkata mane Howraher dhakka
Kolkata mane cholebe na
Kolkata mane notunotto
Kolkata mane swapno o aakansha
Kolkata mane kalke uthe aabar juddho
Kolkata mane Salt Laker notun office para
Kolkata mane einth pathorer mela
Kolkata mane poda shonar chaap
Kolkata mane cinema diye andolon
Kolkata mane raatri jibone notunnotto
Kolkata mane phire aasha baar baar
Kolkata mane aami aar tumi


Cheers!
Abhishek.

Kolkata!

Its time to head back home for a bit...

Since my joining date at work is still a little way off, I will be visiting home after a gap of almost a year. Looking forward to it in a big way. My old room, the home food, the city's twinkling neon lights, the traffic jams, the noise and the lure of meeting old friends all seem very enticing. The funny thing is sometimes I feel like just chucking it and going back for good. Being away just makes you more homesick I guess, nothing more. When I had come to Singapore, I had these big dreams of making it in the financial markets in this region and the whole global experience thingy seemed very exciting. It still does, especially now when I have a foot in the door at least. But this thought creeps in once in a while. I guess it'll go away as soon as work life starts...

In other news, my flatmates (also my batch mates) are likely to join Indian companies and look set to head back. Its highly likely that when I return, I might come back to an empty house. Its a scary thought, believe me. This place had just started feeling like a home and we felt like a family. We celebrated together, we shouldered the bad times together, laughed and cried with each other and were each others' strength and weakness alike. Now its time for everyone to go their own way and a part of me sometimes doesn't want it to happen. Selfish, I know but its true. I guess I'm in the transition phase and its just a matter to sticking it out and getting used to the next routine. I guess this has added to the way I am feeling about home. Makes you realise that Home is indeed the people you come back to.

Anyways, enough whining. I shall be in Kolkata for close to 3 weeks and hope to partake of all that it has to offer to the fullest. There will be luncheons at relatives places, kilos and kilos of fish, dinners at Peter Cat (Ron, I owe you a virtual meal there!), Mocambo, BBQ, Blue Fox, Oasis (the mixed grill sizzler is divine!) and Tangra, movies with the galphriend, addas with the 'para' boys and cups of 'bhaander cha'. And this time I intend to see the whole of the National museum! I will be updating my blog there as well, so watch out for more photoblogs on the wonderful city of Kolkata. Home.

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Luncheon with the President

The Nanyang Technological University was fortunate enough to be one of the destinations of HE APJA Kalam's Singapore official visit. Students of the university were given the opportunity to hear the President at a luncheon at the University. Students from all disciplines, both undergraduate and postgraduate registered for this event with much enthusiasm. I myself jumped at the opportunity as it would perhaps be impossible to get this sort of an event going in India. Ironic ya? The school of Biological Sciences had the responsibility of hosting the president. We all showed up the designated time of 11 am.
The famed Indian Standard Time reared its ugly head again and we were made to wait for a another couple of hours before the President actually arrived with his entourage. The small hall with around 150 students stood up and applauded his arrival. After a few cursory welcome messages by the the Dean and Chairman of the University, the little fisherman's son came to the microphone. He spoke about the technological convergence of biological sciences, nanotechnology and information technology. It was part of his bigger vision of how science and education can together uplift the youth of emerging countries and contribute to growth and prosperity. He was aided by a fancy Powerpoint presentation (a tool which he regularly uses for all his speeches, I understand). During his speech he also paid homage to the great Indian scientists like Vikram Sarabhai, Chandrasekhar and JC Bose. He also spoke about his association with a few of them and regaled the audience with some tales from their lives. The teacher in the President got the better of him on most occasions when he started explaining the scientific terms that he used in his speech. He actually described in detail what the Chandrasekhar limit was! He had to check himself on more than a couple of occasions lest he got carried away. His speech ended with how Singapore and India could cooperate on scientific issues for mutual and global benefit. He also mentioned that he was very impressed with the technological focus of the University and spoke about the work that he had seen in the laboratories.
For me, it was a moment of pride. It was a reflection of a changing and fast moving India. How many Presidents in the world can balance science and politics as easily as this man? How many of them have such impressive resumes? That he is from a very humble background is also testament to how India is a land that can truly nurture talent, no matter where its origins lie. We have a lot to do and a long way to go, but it truly was a great occasion to celebrate India. The President then had lunch with the students and obliged photographs and autographs alike. He does have an endearing quality about him. A demeanor of a lovable professor rather than that of a politician. But I guess thats because thats who he is and we are all the better for it. I'd rather have a man like this than a hardened and corrupt politician. He truly commands respect. 'Jai Hind' to that.

PS: The President begins most of his replies with the line. 'see, its like this...'

Cheers!
Abhishek.

Moving on...

My long relationship with unemployment finally ends. A crazy British bank has been brave enough to offer me a position as a Management Associate. And I've taken it up. Quite a few formalities are still to be completed but I think the deal is done. I've signed the offer letter, so I think its safe...
Well the first feeling that washed over me once the call came was one of immense relief, rather than happiness. It was getting a little difficult living the life of a 'bekar jubok' (unemployed youth) indefinitely. I guess happiness will make its presence felt in due course. I was also in contention for a higher paying job with a smaller French bank, and when that didn't come through, dejection and hopelessness reached new levels. Wet hens would feel quite ecstatic, compared to my situation. Months of waiting, calling people, getting rejection letters, hounding contacts made at networking sessions was taking its toll, but I guess it has finally yielded something. But its all about the 'Bhagvan' (as someone recently said), and He took care...
So things will change now. The boy must turn into a man. The frivolity and the boisterousness must go and gravity and focus should replace them. Family life and responsibility will soon approach and I can tell you that fear and panic has arrived sooner. Will I cope? Will I be able to balance all the acts well enough? I don't know. I guess these answers will only come with time. Lets see where life takes me from here. For now, I'm good. And ya, Mr. Bartender, I'll have another one...

Cheers!
Abhishek.

The Nanyang MBA Series - 3 (The Rooftops) - Photoblog

The 'Rooftop' was something that the class of 2004-06 had turned into a lifestyle. What a few years ago was a bunch of haphazardly arranged benches and clothes lines, quickly turned into the most lively junction on campus. The concept isn't too complicated. You enter Graduate Hall. You take the lift to the 8th floor. You plonk yourself on the benches with a motley collection of Graduate students, PhD uncles and assorted strangers. You connect with people from different countries, backgrounds and courses. You leave having had a blast. Note - You don't get do any of the above if you don't bring alcohol! True, we had the odd hiccup (no pun intended), with campus security warning us to keep the decibel levels down and sleep deprived students in adjacent rooms threatening to throw stuff at us in an attempt to catch up on much needed sleep before class the next day...but by and large the gatherings were peaceful and without incident. It was almost a weekly ritual. We've met the warmest and the craziest of people there. Exchange students were initiated, birthdays were celebrated, 'F' grades were railed against, sparks of

romance were ignited and drunken songs sung. We did it all at the 'Rooftop'. See for yourselves...

Hello people..space for one more?

Ashwin through a smoke haze.

'JD' gets ready to enthrall...'today was gonna be the day...'

Ashwin, yours truly and Gaurav

The devil woman reads Simi's future while Bruno looks on

Cheers!

Abhishek.

Songs of a lifetime - 5

'Four seasons in one day'. This classic by one of the most underrated bands ever, Crowded House, is one of the most bittersweet numbers that you'll ever hear. The Finn brothers infuse magic into the insightful lyrics with a great melody. The song is about life's full circle. Whatever goes around comes around. There are days where you are elated, demoralised, happy, sad, anxious and carefree all within 24 hours. Its like all the emotions you had played out one after the other. Its like you receiving all of life's lessons all at once. Its a warning as well as an uplifter. This song has got a lot to do with how I'm feeling recently and hence is close to the heart.


Four seasons in one day
Lying in the depths of your imagination
Worlds above and worlds below
The sun shines on the black clouds hanging over the domain
Even when you’re feeling warm
The temperature could drop away
Like four seasons in one day

Smiling as the shit comes down
You can tell a man from what he has to say
Everything gets turned around
And I will risk my neck again, again
You can take me where you will
Up the creek and through the mill
All the things you can’t explain
Four seasons in one day

Blood dries up
Like rain, like rain
Fills my cup
Like four seasons in one day

It doesn’t pay to make predictions
Sleeping on an unmade bed
Finding out wherever there is comfort there is pain
Only one step away
Like four seasons in one day

Blood dries up
Like rain, like rain
Fills my cup
Like four seasons in one day

Cheers!

Abhishek

Apaharan

Prakash Jha's 'Gangajal' was engrossing fare, hence I was eager to catch his next venture, 'Apaharan', based on the state of general lawlessness in Bihar and focusing specifically on the kidnapping trade there, which has almost taken shape of a parallel industry.
The movie didn't disappoint. It is an honest effort by a talented director. The story line shows how normal, middle class, educated youth lose their way and enter the underworld due to a lack of options. The end of all this can only be bad and the director leads the film onto its tragic and bloody conclusion. The casting is superb. Ajay Devgan as the youth gone astray is very good and gives an understated performance. The other actors, Mohan Agashe, Mukesh Tiwari and Dayashankar Pandey are very good as well. But Nana Patekar as the corrupt politician steals the show with a brilliant performance. He steers clear from being loud and verbose, something he has been guilty of doing in some of his past performances. He also delivers some of the best lines in the movie and gets ample scope to show his range. Bipasha Basu, in a blink and you'll miss it role, is unnecessary and wasted. The story could have done without her.
Some people might think of the film as dark and depressing, but I felt that the subject deserved to be treated in this manner and films like these are only diluted if subjected to too much of the commercial formula. Prakash Jha, however could not resist adding a mindless item number. The second half tends to be longer and more dragging than the first and this is my only major criticism of the film. Otherwise, a well made picture with solid performances.

3/5

Cheers!
Abhishek.