Went to Chennai for a few days, after quite a while. I used to attend a December conference at Great Lakes Institute for a long time. This trip I went to a wedding, and spent time with Vijayakumar-old friend and colleague-
We had a cousins meetup in Pune for celebrating Rakshabandhan.. multiple sisters tied rakhis to brothers (cousins) present, and we had a gala time with conversations that went on, and a slide show of pics from our families.. the two daughters and SILs of the host added another dimension by participating enthusiastically.
And digital menus.. imagine these..
If you want to enter Heaven, you need to prove your credentials.. first, a KYC to prove your identity.. and then, enter your OTP to confirm you are dead- but how do you do this when you are dead?
KYC to use a public toilet.. so that you can be fined if you forgot to flush..
KYC to enter a classroom and get your attendance marked.. proxies will be eliminated.
Criminals who want to prove that they committed a crime can also do a KYC.. or else they can't take credit for it.
Moms of newborns need to do a KYC that they are what they say they are- mother of the new-born. Or else, that kid won't be given a birth certificate!
None of this proves you are a citizen.. go do an SIR, sir!
Saw an impressive film called Frame (Marathi). Apt title, because it charts out the life of a photojournalist- and his young apprentice.
Very well acted and directed, it stars Ameya Wagh and Nagaraj Manjule. The female parts are not as significant, though they help define the character of the main actor. Can't disclose the plot, but it's very interesting, and disturbing.
This screening was at the Film Archives audi in Pune, on the same road as FTII. It was a full house, and the director, Vikram Patwardhan, was also there.
Met two former students of IMT Nagpur currently in Mumbai. Shafique Gajdhar is from Dewas near Indore, and works in Mumbai. Vishakha Sugand is from Mumbai. We met at Juliette's Cafe in Oshiwara, Andheri. Recounted the good old days, and lots of common faculty and students we all know.
Wonderful conversation that stretched for about 5 hours!
Saw a good musical program dedicated to Khayyam on his death anniversary. Umrao Jaan, Noorie, Bazaar, Kabhi Kabhi and Trishul - and Sagoon were the major films from which songs were sung by Jitendra Bhuruk, Ghafar Momin, Ankita Takle-Tikekar and Pradnya Gaurkar.
This is the season for visiting the spots we drove across. The rains give it a special twist, and the greenery is amazing. We drove in a circle, taking Sinhagad road to Panshet, and then to Varasgaon, Lavasa and back, passing Temghar dam on the way. Had lunch at Ekaant in Lavasa (outskirts), and Kanda bhaji on way to Panshet. Took in many spots on the way, including a small waterfall. Did a speedboat ride at Panshet too.
Pics-
Went to Chennai for a few days, after quite a while. I used to attend a December conference at Great Lakes Institute for a long time. This ...
