Europe by Eurail
What World Leaders Might be Telling Trump
Trump brings out an opinion about him in every one. But if you were a world leader at this time, what would you say to him? Let's guess-
Angela. Why are you going where Angels fear to tread?
Modi. Can you modify that last bunch of orders you signed, please?
Putin. What exactly are your policies? Can we discuss them over a vodka?
May. Your exits from all the pacts are threatening to overshadow Brexit.
Mexican Prez. You are driving me up the wall.
Canadian PM. Trudeau or not Trudeau is not your dilemma, it appears.
France- Can you return the Statue of Liberty, please?
Angela. Why are you going where Angels fear to tread?
Modi. Can you modify that last bunch of orders you signed, please?
Putin. What exactly are your policies? Can we discuss them over a vodka?
May. Your exits from all the pacts are threatening to overshadow Brexit.
Mexican Prez. You are driving me up the wall.
Canadian PM. Trudeau or not Trudeau is not your dilemma, it appears.
France- Can you return the Statue of Liberty, please?
Kaabil- Film Review
My view of this film is mixed, tending towards the "Don't watch" side. Why? Let me explain.
The plot of revenge for a misdeed has been done to death in a number of formula films in the seventies and eighties, with better actors- Dharmendra, Amitabh to name just two. Even though Hrithik is good, he pales in comparison. He is also handicapped by the script that makes him blind. And revenge is the worst way, in my view, to show the Kabiliyat (ability) of a blind person.
What could (with a better story/script) have been a heart-warming journey to discover the everyday travails of a lovely couple in love (the first fifteen minutes are actually good), overcoming their lack of eyesight, meanders into a formula film of impossible-to-believe stunts that stretch your credibility. Yami Gautam is mostly wasted in cliched stuff, unlike in her earlier films (I think Vicky Donor was one of them). Comparisons may be out of place, but a remake of Koshish would have been a much better idea. (Gulzar's Koshish was about a deaf-mute couple, amazingly done by Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri). Might have given Hrithik/Yami a role of a lifetime.
And the last word- on the music. If Rajesh Roshan, one of my favourite music composers (with films like Julie, Yaarana, Des Pardes, Baaton Baaton Mein), has to come down to rehashing his own tunes, the end of the world must be close.
The plot of revenge for a misdeed has been done to death in a number of formula films in the seventies and eighties, with better actors- Dharmendra, Amitabh to name just two. Even though Hrithik is good, he pales in comparison. He is also handicapped by the script that makes him blind. And revenge is the worst way, in my view, to show the Kabiliyat (ability) of a blind person.
What could (with a better story/script) have been a heart-warming journey to discover the everyday travails of a lovely couple in love (the first fifteen minutes are actually good), overcoming their lack of eyesight, meanders into a formula film of impossible-to-believe stunts that stretch your credibility. Yami Gautam is mostly wasted in cliched stuff, unlike in her earlier films (I think Vicky Donor was one of them). Comparisons may be out of place, but a remake of Koshish would have been a much better idea. (Gulzar's Koshish was about a deaf-mute couple, amazingly done by Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri). Might have given Hrithik/Yami a role of a lifetime.
And the last word- on the music. If Rajesh Roshan, one of my favourite music composers (with films like Julie, Yaarana, Des Pardes, Baaton Baaton Mein), has to come down to rehashing his own tunes, the end of the world must be close.
Character Sketches
The
Man Who Knows Too Much
This is the watchman at any residential complex gate. He knows exactly what is happening inside, and who is coming or going. In case there is a murder in the residential complex, his testimony is crucial. Has to keep tabs on parking of sundry vehicles, and tries to fob off guests trying to park inside. Also a useful chap when the housewife has small errands like calling the dhobi, or the raddiwala, or the absconding maid needs a stern reminder. At other times, his sphinx-like appearance belies his alert mind, at least in the daytime. He may be occasionally found snoring at night, but never goofs off more than the average office-goer.
The Indian Student in 12th
This is a person who has to answer 3 times a day, for 1 year, the same dreaded question- "So, WHAT are you planning to do?" from all and sundry. Even tougher than answering the board exam questions. If she makes it to the dream courses like engineering or whatever, she is considered a success by everybody. But if she does not, God has to help her, like Krishna came to the aid of Draupadi. If she happens to have an interest which is somewhat non-mainstream, then even God is of little help. You can admire a Saina (or a Sindhu), but you can't aspire to be one, is the golden rule here.
A Girl Over 21
"So, what are your marriage plans?" goes the question for this one, on the lines of the question above. If you don't have any, you better be a celebrity, or else....all the older relatives feel left out of the 'family affairs' if this girl seems to be independent minded far as marriage plans go. It is after all, everybody's business what the girl does- for example, what would the Khap panchayats do if they can't sponsor a few honour killings now and then?
This is the watchman at any residential complex gate. He knows exactly what is happening inside, and who is coming or going. In case there is a murder in the residential complex, his testimony is crucial. Has to keep tabs on parking of sundry vehicles, and tries to fob off guests trying to park inside. Also a useful chap when the housewife has small errands like calling the dhobi, or the raddiwala, or the absconding maid needs a stern reminder. At other times, his sphinx-like appearance belies his alert mind, at least in the daytime. He may be occasionally found snoring at night, but never goofs off more than the average office-goer.
The Indian Student in 12th
This is a person who has to answer 3 times a day, for 1 year, the same dreaded question- "So, WHAT are you planning to do?" from all and sundry. Even tougher than answering the board exam questions. If she makes it to the dream courses like engineering or whatever, she is considered a success by everybody. But if she does not, God has to help her, like Krishna came to the aid of Draupadi. If she happens to have an interest which is somewhat non-mainstream, then even God is of little help. You can admire a Saina (or a Sindhu), but you can't aspire to be one, is the golden rule here.
A Girl Over 21
"So, what are your marriage plans?" goes the question for this one, on the lines of the question above. If you don't have any, you better be a celebrity, or else....all the older relatives feel left out of the 'family affairs' if this girl seems to be independent minded far as marriage plans go. It is after all, everybody's business what the girl does- for example, what would the Khap panchayats do if they can't sponsor a few honour killings now and then?
Continuing
with the thoughts, here are some more, this time in the form of job profiles.
A Management Guru
You have to spawn a new vocabulary, and a new 'paradigm' which is expected to change the business world forever. A best-seller outlining 10 ways to achieve the largest market share in any business in 1 year, is mandatory. You must wear a three-piece suit even in peak summer, so that your brand value is not eroded, corroded, etc. You must also have a travel itinerary that spans the world, so you can be unavailable for appointment seekers, again enhancing your value through what cine-stars have been practising for ages- being elusive.
A run-of-the mill Guru
These are now perfected recipes. Take 1 ashram on the outskirts of any city with a large population of IT or other rich guys. Mix one measure of robes of any colour. Give gyan in a branded course on anything under the sun, including yoga, pranayam, breathing, or anything Sanskrit-sounding. Throw in a dash of calisthenics on any spiritual TV channel by buying enough airtime, and you are all set. Buy a couple of currency counting machines (or borrow from chief of Medical Council of India) to keep track of the cash. Do some invigorating exercises, after making sure there are no hidden cameras.
A Management Guru
You have to spawn a new vocabulary, and a new 'paradigm' which is expected to change the business world forever. A best-seller outlining 10 ways to achieve the largest market share in any business in 1 year, is mandatory. You must wear a three-piece suit even in peak summer, so that your brand value is not eroded, corroded, etc. You must also have a travel itinerary that spans the world, so you can be unavailable for appointment seekers, again enhancing your value through what cine-stars have been practising for ages- being elusive.
A run-of-the mill Guru
These are now perfected recipes. Take 1 ashram on the outskirts of any city with a large population of IT or other rich guys. Mix one measure of robes of any colour. Give gyan in a branded course on anything under the sun, including yoga, pranayam, breathing, or anything Sanskrit-sounding. Throw in a dash of calisthenics on any spiritual TV channel by buying enough airtime, and you are all set. Buy a couple of currency counting machines (or borrow from chief of Medical Council of India) to keep track of the cash. Do some invigorating exercises, after making sure there are no hidden cameras.
Remembering Mahabharat- by BR Chopra
The TV series made a great impression on me when I first saw it. Its beauty (to me) lies in the fact that it shows a realistic world fuelled by desire for power, crooked uncles (Shakuni is a great character, played effortlessly by Gufi Paintal), casteism, idealism (Bhishma) gone wrong, the good, the bad and the in-between, indecisiveness, a mother's power over sons (in asking them to share a wife), and so much more.
I particularly liked the way Krishna was portrayed by Nitish Bharadwaj- I still remember the smiling visage, as a friend of the Pandavas, and his exasperation at some of their oaths. He asks them to think before they utter some of the more consequential ones, at one point.
Mahendra Kapoor's soulful song which rounded off each episode also was memorable. Draupadi played by Roopa Ganguly was also a powerful character. Mukesh Khanna had a role of a lifetime, and so did many of the Pandavas, and Duryodhana and Karna. Later, I read Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, which tells the story from Draupadi's point of view. That was great too.
I particularly liked the way Krishna was portrayed by Nitish Bharadwaj- I still remember the smiling visage, as a friend of the Pandavas, and his exasperation at some of their oaths. He asks them to think before they utter some of the more consequential ones, at one point.
Mahendra Kapoor's soulful song which rounded off each episode also was memorable. Draupadi played by Roopa Ganguly was also a powerful character. Mukesh Khanna had a role of a lifetime, and so did many of the Pandavas, and Duryodhana and Karna. Later, I read Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, which tells the story from Draupadi's point of view. That was great too.
Definitions- Days
You may want to redefine or reinvent yourself at the urging of a personal coach, or boss at work. But if you want to redefine days, here are some possibilities-
Valentine's Day- When you are acutely made aware of the lack of a Boyfriend/Girlfriend
Rakshabandhan- Likewise (see above)
Republic Day- When planes fly, but not over the airport
Teachers' Day- When you remember those who gave you an A
Student's Day- When you get an A
Labour Day- When you curse the management for not paying you more
Management Day- When you vent about the labour slacking off
Facebooker's Day- When you get more likes than expected
Blogger's Day- When people read your blog, and even comment on it
Neighbour's Day- When your neighbour smiles back at you
Valentine's Day- When you are acutely made aware of the lack of a Boyfriend/Girlfriend
Rakshabandhan- Likewise (see above)
Republic Day- When planes fly, but not over the airport
Teachers' Day- When you remember those who gave you an A
Student's Day- When you get an A
Labour Day- When you curse the management for not paying you more
Management Day- When you vent about the labour slacking off
Facebooker's Day- When you get more likes than expected
Blogger's Day- When people read your blog, and even comment on it
Neighbour's Day- When your neighbour smiles back at you
Hey day- When he/she says Hey.
Dey's Day- Obvious. If your name is Dey
The Lesser Players of Bollywood
There are a lot of character actors in Bollywood who add their charming little acts to the proceedings. Here is recounting a few from their heyday-
Iftikhar- usually playing the Commissioner of Police, he lightened up in Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye..
Om Shivpuri played many small but important characters, like in Don (the Amitabh original).
A.K. Hangal made Ramukaka, the homely servant popular, but played a horny old man in the comedy "Shaukeen" with panache too.
Om Prakash was an endearing character in most films, Chupke Chupke being one of his best roles as the jeejaji who is a stickler for Shuddh Hindi.
Nazneen excelled at the sister act- the hero or the heroine always had a sister in old Hindi films.
Keshto Mukherjee was the eternal drunk, and made this act his own.
David was the uncle or elderly equivalent in countless films, particularly noticeable in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's and Basu Chatterjee's films.
Ashok Kumar played many important roles long after he stopped being a hero, adding charm to lots of films.
Lalita Pawar, known as the mother-in-law without a heart, played a wonderful contrarian role in Anand, the Rajesh Khanna starrer.
Sudhir, Mac Mohan, Viju Khote, Paintal, are some others that come to mind.
Iftikhar- usually playing the Commissioner of Police, he lightened up in Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye..
Om Shivpuri played many small but important characters, like in Don (the Amitabh original).
A.K. Hangal made Ramukaka, the homely servant popular, but played a horny old man in the comedy "Shaukeen" with panache too.
Om Prakash was an endearing character in most films, Chupke Chupke being one of his best roles as the jeejaji who is a stickler for Shuddh Hindi.
Nazneen excelled at the sister act- the hero or the heroine always had a sister in old Hindi films.
Keshto Mukherjee was the eternal drunk, and made this act his own.
David was the uncle or elderly equivalent in countless films, particularly noticeable in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's and Basu Chatterjee's films.
Ashok Kumar played many important roles long after he stopped being a hero, adding charm to lots of films.
Lalita Pawar, known as the mother-in-law without a heart, played a wonderful contrarian role in Anand, the Rajesh Khanna starrer.
Sudhir, Mac Mohan, Viju Khote, Paintal, are some others that come to mind.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Musical Program
Could be inching towards the 30th in the last few weeks. But they are addictive. This one- on 29th July 2026- was dedicated to Mohammad Ra...
These Were Liked a Lot
-
Got a surprise visit from two IPM alums who were in my Marketing Research class too- Amogh Jawa and Vanshika Chaudhary- she's on to a P... -
These are not the official ones, but meets with alums of different places I have taught in, personally, either at Indore or elsewhere. Met ... -
Golf has given me a lot of new friends- teaching it, I mean. One of these I taught on request, was a talented actor from IIM Indore FPM pro... -
Ok, this is a continuing series, and many more people I know are yet to be covered. But let me try- NIFT Students- Thanks to Bhaskar Banerj... -
Usually, I am not very talkative. But in the right company, I can hold a long conversation. Happened again in the company of my friend Swat... -
I discovered a new website thanks to an article I was reading in the Mint Lounge (the saturday paper that I have come to like). It is www.re...
-
Ok, one such meetup happened yesterday, with old friends, Prachi Jain and Pratishtha Batra, of IIM Indore fame. There was a new member too ...