Jab We Met- Story of a Wedding

 This is about my wedding. I was a Ph.D. student in the U.S., and wanted to marry. So we decided on a visit to Pune, to advertise in a magazine- Rohini. This was dedicated to matrimonials, mostly. And in Marathi. So we wrote out an ad for a potential partner for me and published it in the mag. 

In the meantime, also looked at ads from girls who wanted grooms. One or two were shortlisted with help from my aunt in whose house we were staying. So happened that we visited my wife-to-be and her parents for a cup of tea, after answering an ad. That was in Nagar Road, some distance away. I went for a walk with Anu to the Aga Khan Palace opposite their place. We chatted, and decided on a next 'date' for lunch in the Camp area. And I popped the question, and got a yes. 

We came back, and announced our decision. That led to a frenzy. We got engaged, got married and got her a visa to go back with me! All in a space of two months, maybe a bit more. 

It helped that her Mom was a doctor like mine, and they also got along. We also had a common friend, Abhay Temurnikar, who knew my parents as his parents had worked in the same company in Andhra Pradesh.

All's well that ends well.. or goes on .. this wedding was in 1988. At her place in Pune.

Starting a Youtube channel

I plan to start a Youtube channel called Chat Masala. It will feature chats, sometimes me talking to myself, and sometimes with others.

It's an experiment, like this blog was a decade or more ago. Some experiments work. This one did.

It will feature varied content, from films, music, books, travel, views about life and some undisclosed areas of expert opinions from, well.. experts.

Stay tuned, and you won't regret it.. at least, that's what I think. 

Favourite Foods

These are not my favourites, but of fictional characters/celebs.

Bruce Lee- Idli

James Bond- A Bonda

Daler Mehndi- Vadda Paav.

Mika- Makke di roti

Now, for some of mine.

Biryani-Hyderabadi

Mutton curry- red coloured/Kashmiri

Chicken Chettinad

Fish Molee (from Kerala)

Ginger-garlic Prawn

Baingan ka bharta

Lasagna

(Greek) Moussaka

Spahetti with meat balls

Keema pav

Seekh kabab

Tunde kabab (Lakhnavi)

Crab curry (from Karwar)

Dal tadka

Palak paneer

Goan fish curry

Thali (set meal) from Tamilnadu

Thai soups (most of them-including Tom Yum)

Sushi rolls with spicy accompaniments

Bun-maska with Irani chai

Yet to try Cambodian, Australian, New Zealandian, Brazilian, ...

My Budget

Today is India's budget day. So I thought I would set out my plans for the year.

1. Meet classmates of 30 years past at my IIMB alumni get-together later this year.

2. Celebrate at least 3-4 occasions with family in Pune/Hyderabad.

3. Teach innovatively/Write a few research papers that I enjoy.

4. Watch a few good films.

5. Read a few good books, and of course, not to disappoint you,

6. Write a few more blogs.

Sounds achievable to me, with no major fiscal deficits to account for.