Kishore Kumar Birth Anniversary

 It's actually tomorrow (Aug. 4th), but.. 

One cannot really say anything that has not been said before, but one can give it a shot.

Born in Khandwa, he found fame in Mumbai (where else?) after a longish struggle. His brother Ashok Kumar was already established in one of the studios there, and got Kishore some roles in films, and maybe, gave him hope. Eventually, Khemchand Prakash gave him a break, and Kishore sang in Saigal style. Dukhi man mere, sun mera kehna was a song from Ziddi in that style. Later, SD Burman mentored him and got him to find his voice. The rest is history.

He sang mainly for SD Burman, as Dev Anand's voice, or in his own films where he was on screen. But not many music composers opted for him, while Rafi was going strong. That changed after Aradhana, his major hit with Rajesh Khanna lip-synching. They both took off. 

He produced countless hits, for many music directors like Kalyanji Anandji (Safar, Johny Mera Naam, Mahal are some), Rajesh Roshan (Julie, Des Pardes etc.), Laxmikant Pyarelal, and RD Burman, his favourite (Parichay, Golmaal, Aandhi, Kati Patang and so on), Chitragupt (Ganga ki Lehren), apart from SD Burman (Prem Pujari, Gambler, Mili, Jewel Thief). 

Heroes he gelled with included Amitabh, Dharmendra, Randhir Kapoor apart from Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand.  He also sang for Deven Verma, and Pran. And many others. 

A salute on his birth anniversary, 2023.

Whisky, Wine and Cognac

 Drinks are much-maligned, but they have a few pluses too.

They loosen inhibitions, among those who may otherwise be tongue-tied. Up to a point, this is good.

They are a conversation opener. I have unexpectedly found Single Malt or wine enthusiasts while talking about these.

I also think appreciating a good drink or making one, like a cocktail, is an art, like any other.

My current interests are Single Malts and Cognac. Wines, beer and cocktails, occasionally.

Had a master class on Malts in person from Krishna Nukala in 2018, at Hyderabad. He's a Malt Maniac, part of a worldwide group.

Recently, started following Sonal Holland, a Wine Master. Thanks to Prabhakar, a friend, I have tasted many great wines from around the world.

Cheers, to those who drink responsibly, and enjoy their drink.

Oppenheimer - A Review of the Film

 Nice film. The pluses-

Serious plot about an important invention. 

Good acting, except the guy who played Einstein. Didn't like him, or his hairstyle.

Scenes which were underplayed. The Bomb blast, and a few others.

The persecution of communist suspects! Realistically depicted.

Some great names like Niels Bohr, and a few other greats are seen personified- knew them only from text books before this.

The Minuses-

The length seemed like eternity. Easily reducible by at least 20 minutes without losing anything.

Overdramatic scenes with lots of background music. Felt like a pub for youngsters.. my favourite ones are quiet!

The scientific community is beholden to politicians, is the message I got. Even in the US. Or Germany, or Russia.

Resisting Salespeople

 Call centres have made this a level playing field. Sales calls are as much a woman-thing as it was a man- thing. Anyway, how to resist them on phone calls is the subject.

Say 'Wrong number."

Listen for the pitch and cut the call.

Listen, and say a polite, "Not interested." Then cut the call. 

Ask some stupid question, or say something unintelligible, and cut the call.

Most interesting of all- Don't pick the call, if it says it's likely to be a junk call. Thank your software that figures this out. Technology does have its uses. Sometimes.

Mails are easier. You know they are junk when you see them.

You are welcome. I know you want to thank me.

HPS Ramanthapur Reunion

 Meetup. Long awaited. Schoolmates. Some expected, others unexpected.. long chats, reminiscences, lots of leg-pulling, in English and Hyderabadi..

Lots of pics too, candid and otherwise- Tahseen was visiting from the U.S., and was a catalyst. The most distinguished looking guy in the first pic is him. Suri played a great host at his hotel, Royal Reve. Atul Bhatia from Mumbai, Ram Seshu from Bangalore, and Nadir from USA were some visitors. Our secret agent too, called Narendranath. From an undisclosed location. Dattu regaled us with Dattuisms, and other locals were Krishna K and Krishna S., Damodar, Raghu, Praveen (part local).. Ashwin from the alumni association and his friend completed the team. 

Scotland by Proxy

 My wife and daughter visited Scotland and I got a few memorabilia, including from the Golf course at St. Andrews..the oldest.

And of course, some Single Malts, too. 

Above- An actual shot from St. Andrews, the Mecca of Golf.. oldest Golf course!

Jai Vilas Palace Gwalior

 It is also a museum of important historical artefacts connected with the region. Housed in a palatial building, it's a pleasure to see some of the unique exhibits, like a train that ran on the dining table, its compartments carrying dishes that could be stopped at the press of a button, to serve oneself. Pics from the place, outside and in.