Trip to IIM Kashipur

 My wife and I visited a friend at IIM Kashipur. Neeraj Dwivedi was my colleague at IIM Kozhikode, in the 2003-05 period, and we were together at IIM Lucknow too. He and Shradha are family friends. We had a great time meeting with them and staying on campus. It's a lovely 200 acre campus with plenty of greenery, and buildings inspired by IIM Ahmedabad. There's also a small lake. I got a chance to speak to some Doctoral students, and also taught Golf to a few students and staff. 

We also managed a small getaway to a resort nearby, Camp Hornbill, dedicated to bird history. 

Itika (above) has played before.. others were first timers. 

The CAO is a Golfer, ex-Army.

Nana Patekar No More

 One of those actors who remains etched in your mind after a movie is over. Whether doing fun parts in Welcome, or serious ones in Natsamrat (Marathi), we will remember him for his expressions, dialogue delivery and magic on screen. Thoda sa Roomani Ho Jayen was a unique film, with a different role. So was Khamoshi. Lots of talent, some fiery stuff in Tirangaa with Raaj Kumar and his own movie Prahaar.

He played every role with aplomb. Even did a dance number Kabhi 100 one kabahi 100 two.. with Bindu.

Hats off!

Golfing in IIM Kashipur

 I was at the IIM Kashipur campus last week. They have a few large patches of green on campus, and we had a couple of Golf Basics sessions for students of MBA and Ph.D. Some admin. folks and the Director also joined in. 

Itika, an MBA student, has played Golf, so she joined in as Coach.

Some more students try out the tee shot.. below, Poorvi, a Doctoral student.

Putting, above, and a demo below.

Almost the entire group of trainees. 

Drishyam- The Conclusion- Film Review

 Saw the third and final part of this film in a theatre. Good acting, direction. Keeps you gripped, and the suspense is so good it can go either way. Courtroom sequences are handled effectively. One of the best in this genre of films.

Birthday no. 66

 Had my cake and ate it too.. 3 of them. One that Roopali Saxena sent, one we ordered, and another compliments of the restaurant we went to for dinner!

Music Show by Rajabhau Tikhe

 Rhythm Entertainment staged a music show yesterday at Balgandharva Hall, Pune. It was good, featuring Sanjeev Tanksali and Vaiju Chandavale, whom we had seen before, and Sonali who was new with a few others.. quite good, focusing on OP Nayyar, Pancham and Bappi Lahiri's music.

Many good songs, particularly OP Nayyar's tunes.

Rajabhau Tikhe with Sonam, above

Most of the group who performed, in the last pic.

Meetups in Pune

 There were two this week. One, of a music group members from Pune, and second, my former students from VJIM Hyderabad. Both were great fun, full of stirring conversations and reminiscences. The best part is, these are likely to be regular - at least once a quarter!

Ranjana Rudra and Roopali Saxena from VJIM.. at Malaka Spice.

Geetha and Omprakash, Raka and Ananya, and Rina from the music group, socialising at FC Road Social

One more from the students' meet.. below