Celebrating the religion of Friendship and love

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O' Friend, think of me today.
Ignore me if you will for the rest of your life.
Think of me today and the times we spent together.
The times we laughed together, went beserk with each other.
The times we stopped each others' tears.
We vowed not to get lost in the crowd.
Yet, this is the law of nature.
I shall think of you and the times we spent together.
You may have forgotten me.
But, I have not.
You chose not to respond to my call.
Yet, I always think of the good times spent in each others company, sharing dreams.
You lent me a shoulder to lean.
How can I forget it.
The day I forget it, I shall cease to exist.
Happy Friendship Day.

Hey folks, this is the first Sunday of August as we celebrate Friendship Day. In college, we would always live for the day and buy coloured wrist band on the streets and gift shops like Archies to tie on our friends' hands. Friendship was a religion to us and we would strictly adhere to the simplest rule of friendship. We would always be here for each no matter what, be each other's 4 a.m friend and laugh together. We simply believed in it. It was sacred. How we wish the times will never wane. Life can't be better than that and was the perfection we secretly wished for.
Doesn't matter if it's a Sunday, Monday in college would be the day where we would hug each other and tie the band on our friend's wrist. It was a dhaga that would tie for life and send some good vibes if we have moved far away from each other. I believe that our prayers and wishes is still flying in the air, reaching you, Dear friend. I can feel your energy and you can feel mine. It truly makes a difference.
Friendship day is also the opportunity  to kindle a romantic sparkle. The cute gal we never spoke to me would stay forever in our minds and Friendship Day we take our guts to a new level and tie the band to her hand and even give a red rose. If we are lucky, we will get a hug and ask for coffee. Friendship day is one day where no one can refuse our offer of friendship. The start of a beautiful relationship with the angelic face.This day has witnessed the start of several romantic encounters and it is a matter of time when we hold hands together stealing a kiss over coffee and make love to each other.
Droplets of tears falling into my palm.
I can stop myself as I found the tears and put into my eyes.
Our soul merges into each other.
I am you, You are mine.
Your tears are mine, my joy are yours.
As we kindle and celebrate the pure joy of friendship.

Happy Friendship Day
With Lots of love, prayers.
"True Friendship are the ones that stood the test of time."
With Love
Vishal

PROUST Questionnaire:Totally mine, always and ever

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PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: Uhmmm! Shobha Dé published her version and urged everyone on blogpost to rant on. It's not stealing as I acknowledged the latest belonged to her. I urge you guys to try it out. Be honest and see where it goes from here.

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Version Vishal-PROUST:Totally yours,truly and as honestly as it goes. Time for reality check..okay, roll camera, repetition over, action, mike 1, 2, 3

What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is a state of the mind!!!yeah, as philosophical as it gets, I derive happiness ranging from the simplest of things to the materialistic acquisitions.sipping a cutting chai at the thapri, visiting my college Katta, having chai at savera-in Pune the restaurant opposite the bestest Fergusson College, hanging at Barista, catching an entertaining movie at the plex. When a friend calls when you least expect it..Friends, friends my life, it gives me such a high and reminds me to express gratitude to life. I'm blessed and loved by so many. Being in amchi Mumbai and sipping coffee with book at Barrista, Bandra band stand or lonely evenings at Marine Drive...dil khush

What is your greatest fear?
Are we playing Khatron ke khiladi or what? We are all insecure. I am. The fear of losing a friend and loved member of my extended family--family and friends..Not being able to sit and write.Gosh! It happens often..writing paralysis and writer's cramp and SHIT happens..Thinking I may never be able to accomplish something I know I can do.It always happens at work..machines, computers and software. Ok! I admit that I am the biggest mental retard when it comes to the world of PC.. Not being able to stand my might to unreasonable people in an argument..I eventually lose it..biggest fear should be..losing my inner self..I AM..succumb to society's conformism..remember I am a non conformist..Yes, I am scared confronting..that should be the biggest coupled with reluctance to get into fighter's mood. bang on!

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for his intellect and vision for making India the toast of the world. He foresaw globalization and was the upfront and practical in his view of the world. Pandit-ji was traditional yet modern in outlook. He never wanted the partition. Mahatma Gandhi comes next for believing and dreaming of a society free of the shackles of race, caste and other racial divide. Unfortunately, till date we fail to fulfill the dreams of the great minds.

Which living person do you most admire?
Not one but quite a few. Amitabh Bachchan tops the list for being the man I admire the most. Very few actors can boast of having his intellect. Like wine, he gets better with age and it's admirable how he goes from stength to strength. His baritone voice, towering personality and humility is something we all should learn. Not only a reel but a real life hero. A man who at the age of 68 rocks and is forever young and his dedication to his craft, passion and the tremendous amount of energy. Goodness, I hope to reach this age with the same zeal. I doubt. The latest on my list is Anna Hazare for having the guts to move a whole nation in bringing the Lokpal bill and taking the government to task. Sachin Tendulkar is another man who inspired me. It's amazing that Sachin has never forgotton his middle class Maharshtrian origin--I am not Maharashtrian by birth. It feels great that despite all success, sachin remained grounded.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Tricky one!! Impatience, laziness and lack of concentration. I've been at a loss and suffered a lot because of that. It is the biggest mental disturbance and as I get restless I can't think and do the dumbest things on earth. Add to that my hyper nature. Due to these traits, I can't perform and so many time, I sat to write and was unable to do so and time flies.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I hate self whistle blowers, people with the biggest prejudices, Lack of civility and grace.. I just wanna tell them shut the fuck off..those over smart ass. They don't realize how stupid they are.Hate caste minded and racists with the typical.mere jaat, mera caste and mere desh and we don't like outsiders..fuck off maderchods.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I, me, myself..I am the biggest spend thrift despite being an Economist and a smart one. Money never stays with me..Right now, I am tempted to buy a Levis shirt for 2000 bucks and gonna get it..woohooo! and a laptop despite having a desktop..is it extravagance? Lost extravagance and it's a question of making me happy rather than show..my wish list: 2 Levis shirts, lap top and a Sony Bravia flat TV before year end as well as a car..distant dream for now and travel to several parts of India and the world..

What is your favourite journey?
Mumbai and Pune..getting into a person's heart and on a spiritual quest..a meaning conversation remains the best. The journey called Life to enjoy every moment.

Who is your favourite painter?
M.F Hussain..sad that I never known Hussain Saab and that he was made the target of fundamentalists and was deprived of dying in his homeland. I confess though I haven't really followed his works on canvas..Picasso..I'm intringued by the existence of both men.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I'm the most patient-less bastard and instinctive by nature. Why wait for 10 years to enjoy the good things of life. Go grab it now.Kal ho na ho! Njoy the ice cream before it melts..Propose the gal before someone else gets to kiss and make love to her.



On what occasion do you lie?
It is not always the best thing to argue with some unreasonable rogue who happens to be just a colleague and who doesn't make a fucking difference to your life..I lie to play pranks and trouble me..I do lie sometimes and try to keep it to a minimum..hate compulsive liar..I do lie to save someone's skin and try not to offend.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Well nobody told you I'm the hottest, sexy and suave guy around..just kidding, it's false..don't fall for me!!do so at your own risk..Well, the lil gray hair scares me to death and I freak out

Which living person do you most despise?
Godmen and Godwomen..those self claimed gurus and most of the politicians..Baba Ramdev is one asshole and Sathya Sai Baba was one and shall remain in my favorite hate list. His death doesn't change anything.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Fuck, chutiya, Bhenchod... you name it you get..shit man..screwed...The nicey nicey me..cool! dude and my loving female friends..babes or babe. Aye shapat!

What is your greatest regret?Another tricky one. Here it goes..not learning to swim till now. I could have learned to play a music instrument like piano, learn to sing rock music, not completing my Masters'..left it mid way..I intend to complete it or start anew. Plus, plus..till now haven't learned driving. The biggest well the biggest of the biggest is not pursuing my dream and passion..didn't tried my hands at acting and direction.Bah! I should have taken a film course.It's never late.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Life. I love life and cinema. I can't breathe without cinema. There was this girl with whom I was together 3 years back and wanted to leave everything for her. Sadly, it didn't worked out. She's happily married and settled in the states now. I dunno whether I can call it the biggest love of my life. I doubt it. That's why life and cinema are the biggies.

When and where were you happiest?
When I get a high in life. It can be a compliment and when something unexpected crops up.Meeting a friend after longish tym. It can be anything and everything. Meeting my small nephew and nieces and how they run to hug me. My friend's Prashant one and a half year old baby, Sham. He's delightful.

What is your present state of mind?
Restless. I am always restless running from here to there to do some stuffs. Presently, writing this piece, shall jump to read The Economist and then get ready for work. I am always in this state of mind though some people think that I'm tense. The two can't be confused.

How would you like to die?
With a smile and a feeling of accomplishment. On a film set..perhaps! Or, in an appartment far away from the maddening crowd and people discovering my body later. Picturing myself in the appartment, wearing my favorite clothes with a pen and notebook writing an unfinished story. In style a la God in Gucci. A greek god style:)

What is your favourite motto?
Live N Let Live. Be Happy in whatever things you do in life.

UNQUOTE ME:
To conquer, one first must yield. Rather than going against the change,one should flow with it. The nature of water is to flow with it. It goes with the current. It doesn't resist. It does not hesitate before it yields. But it is also one of the most powerful forces on earth.--Robin Sharma (Daily Inspiration)
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Finally it's done. Thought that I would forgot Proust. Took 2 days to compile it yesterday and today.It's painfully to answer truthfully and there was no need to rack my brains as Iwrote with my hurt. I urge all of you to answer the Proust Questionnaire. Everyone,please do it..Are you listening SEPO, Asha, Anuja and all beautiful people.

Things to do before I die-part 1

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It happened during the monsoon in the last season. I was stuck at Borivali, the flood reaching the upper part of my body and I was reckoned to pray to God to save my life. Then, I felt a thunder and a tall, potent figure appeared from nowhere. I was scared like shit. I mumble to the figure, "Who are you? Will you take me home?"
He replied in a coarse voice,"It's too early son. Don't worry, you are not going to die. I am God. But, let me ask you something. If I tell you that you have only one week left what will you do?"
God made me realise that life can be taken at any time. The heavy rains might carry me, I may perish in the train blasts and meet with an accident. I realized that with one week to go, there are several things which I actually wished for but din't do.
I will quit my job and travel in a faraway place and stay far from the maddening crowd. I shall write a book. I shall also travel to different parts of the place. My list is actually long. Venice, Egypt, Kashmir, Rio carnival in Brazil, Paris, New York and click amazing photographs, picture the snow and print a travel book. I will learn photography and put it in book form.
Then, I shall pen a script and make a movie.Yeah, with my childhood hero, Amitabh Bachchan. It got to be an all out commercial movie and pay tribute to the acting legend. I will also enact a small role in the movie and fulfill my desire of becoming an actor.I will also walk the ramp and become the show stopper of the show. I will create an album. Since, I am a bathroom singer, I think this will do and fulfill my dreams. Since, I am already a film critic, I shall not tread on the achievable path..
I will tell my Mom how much I love her and despite our stupid fights, I will wish that I was born to her every time and be grateful what she and Dad has done for me. No matter how much I tried I was not able to tell her how much I love her. I was never able to tell Dad how much I love him. I did thank him but on his death bed. Then, I shall meet, phone or email all my crushes and ex-es whom I couldn't muster the courage to express my feelings for them. I will also genuinely tell them how beautiful they are as women and how I consider them to be an important part of my life. Then, I will go on a long journey. It can be in any part of the world and will seek true love and contentment.
I will also learn swimming something that I've never learned for fear of the water paralysis so that I can live my remaining days and die without fear.I will teach kids from the slum and fund the education of a girl child till she reaches 18. This has been one of my most important wish list and for some reason or another, I was never able to fulfill it. I will also watched my favorite team, Manchester United play at Old Trafford and watch India, of course play at Lords. Perhaps, I could blow my money and buy myself an apartment sea face at Bandra in one of the most expensive cities, Mumbai.
Me think the list is becoming more and more materialistic. Ok, I shall go on a long journey of life, soul searching and in quest of my identity. Who am I? I shall seek the answers and visit soulful places and meet enlightened beings, irrespective of religious faith. Till I don't find my answers on my state of being, I will be restless and continue my journey as a pilgrim. Is hall be alone on a desert in a far flung place and will embark on a quest to meet angels. I believe in angels and that they exist to protect us against all forms of unforeseen events.
Off with that, I will fly on a parachute and feel death, hanging on the balloon near the sky and the open air. I will also swim in the Artic Ocean. Once I am done, I shall leave a free life, released from the shackles of morality, religion and society. I will go on the peak of mountains and hills and yell down. When I get down from the parachute, I will yell and dance in front of people, I have done it. Have you? I am living my life. Come and join the crazy party. Let's go on moon. Hopefully, I will find my love partner and take her with me on the desert and on the spiritual quest. We shall make love and have beautiful sex zillion times. We shall see the world together. We shall visit the Himalayan, go to Tibet, visit Rishikesh, carry Ganpati on my shoulders for immersion.
My wish list is long and a single post is not and will not be sufficient. Things to do before I die. The more I think, more crazy ideas crops up. After I achieve some of my wishes before I die, you shall meet me on the terrace at Juhu sea face or the morgue at Lillavati hospital. I will die in style and will book a suite.At least, I will fulfill some of my wishes and not all. There are too much to be fulfill and regrets there shall be for not be able to achieve all. Perhaps in the after life.
Watch out for part 2. Let me think what is there all to fulfill and work it out.
Cheers
 

F***, Monday hangover resurfaces

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Waking up on the first day of the week, I rave, oh!it's Monday and how about sharing the booty with everyone. Hmm! It is always painful to get out of the bed and no matter what time, I fix the alarm, I always wake up one hour late and the alarm keep screeching to an irritating level. It seems to tell, hey dude, for how long will you make me work for you. I'm not your godamn servant. As I wake up, I shut him down, telling fuck you alarm, I paid a bomb paying for this cellphone which you are an intrinsic part and m gonna rule you. Even if you wanna get laid, you shall seek my fucking permission.
The past week which elapsed yesterday saw me enjoying two consecutive off days, Saturday and Sunday which my nice boss gives me every alternative days. Spent my time reading, blogging and watching a nice DvD movie. As Monday creeps in, it makes me damn lazy to work in office as I suffer the Monday blues. It always happens when I enjoy 2 consecutive off days and sometimes I would prefer to work on Sunday so that I don't suffer the office hangover. Guess, the time I reach office, I shall attack whatever tasks is there to fight the Monday hangover. Such typical morning, I always wake up with Fuck it's Monday!!!!!
Courage boy!Atta boy!!!Courage! I have reasons to be courageous and take heart as on Wednesday I shall be at home and singing altogether a new song to my blogdosts. It reminds me of some interesting posts which shall find its way here. For example, I wanna post something on Things to do before You Die!!! Yesterday, I almost started the post but at the risk of sounding boring, I chucked it out. I need to work it and meet the Self and think of things I wanna do. Log in on Wednesday for a super-duper, interesting post on blogspot, dear blog dosts. I must confess I've seen something on a the blog of a very famous, prolific writer and shall adapt it here with my own likes and dislikes. Ahhh! which reminds me that I need to comment on da blog of friends as well as interesting blogs in the making.
I shall survive the day.
Happy Monday
Cheerio
 

Nazreen

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Light my heart!O thy Beauty!
When puts your lofty feet on the ground, you spray the perfume of lifein an otherwise polluted Mumbai.
Your are the epitome of beauty and good vibes.
Is that love?
I nurtured feelings of positivity, the love lorn of a disturbed lover.
Yet!It's not love or is it?
Love with detachment.
You seems to be an enigma.
Like the butterfly spreading its nectar on the crest of seawaves,
your light scatters gems and honey on the polluted smoke.
Nazreen! Your name is almost poetic and belongs to the Almighty.
There is divinity in your voice,
You presence is divine magic.
Are you an angel who shrivels the moistures in the atmosphere?
You are everything a man can ask for yet are within reach of the ordinary mortals.
You are so complex yet so beautiful.
You personify the beauty of life.
Till love and longer never remain the same,
You cannot be love for it kills the beauty of life.

P.S:
This poem is inspired from this very beautiful girl I met in Barista, CST Mumbai. I was struck by her beauty. No, I wasn't in love with Nazreen but was awestruck by her beauty. Almost, statuesque in appeal. One could call it a crush and perhaps more that. I worshipped her beauty.
Cheers, Nazu
Happy Friday

Kasakai Mumbai-part 1

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Mumbai..my city my life. A fantasy yet so complex like life. Life is full of complexities, isn't it? A city that never ceased to amaze me, its fast life, its people and the surprised thrust forward. I fell in love with the place the second time and since then, I became a Mumbaikar. We share a love-hate-love relationship. me and my Mumbai. At one shot, it's the most amazing place on earth, then city life gets too much on me and the need to break away from maximum city. Then, I start missing the place. Why God made you that way, Dear Mumbai.
Alas!No matter how much we complain that we are the soft target of terror, the lack of proper infrastructure or water logging problem, we love the city. The fact that we are a Mumbaikar makes us gloom. Sitting at Marine Drive and admiring the stillness of water and thinking over the meaning of life. The silence makes us realize how alone we are in the world but suddenly the wave reminds one is not alone. The city has such a big heart that it embraces everyone. We realize how fortunate we are to be in the city that never sleeps.
It's a nice that moves at an unparalled speed that one may feel that he or she may never catch this fast train. Well, some call it the spirit of Mumbai. A world of 2 extremes, a world in itself. At one minute, you are in Mulund, next in Andheri and the flick of seconds at Churchgate. That's why we are called the fastest city in India. Our resilience is lauded. The way we stand on our feet 24 hours after a blash shook our city. Are we a myth or the city has moulded us to become like that. Very complex question to perhaps an even bigger complex answer. Sometimes, an answer is not a means to an end. Our lives is not governed by rules.
No matter how much a localite will crib about his Mumbai, he will not stand shit against his city. Do that at your own risk. Screw you!!That's Mumbai for you, the city that never sleep. We are so used to the hardship yet we smile.
As a Mumbaikar we are proud. We are proud of our huge buildings, BEST buses, local trains, yellow and black cabs, proud of our stars and cricketeers..proud that Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar and Dhirubhai Ambani are Mumbaikars..we won't trade them for anything or any other city. Mumbai is our love. We just love the city for its intricacies..We love Leopold, the maddening crowd, the slums--it makes us content deep inside that Dhairavi is the biggest slum in the city.
We love our Mumbai. I love my Mumbai.
It's a city that has a soul.
Ruthless yet beautiful.
Artrogant but complex.
This is my Mumbai.
The greatest drama on earth.
If only you were human.
Were you a woman, I will never wake up.
We would embrace each other and sleep.
Love you maximum city.

...and the city gets back on track

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This is Mumbai. Maximum city, the city that never sleeps. A blast from the past is passé and Mumbaikars know that it isn't certainly the last. The people faced several terrorists attacks in the past and we have become resilient to terror attacks now. Some proudly call it, The spirit of Mumbai while most are fed up with these strong words coined by the media to describe Mumbai and it's people. It's just that we have come to terms with everything that happens in the city, blast, waterlogging and Shiv Sena ka natak. We are used to it and are plain fed up of the old songs hummed by politicians. Great ideas and no implementation to make the city secure. It's not resilience but rather a habit. We must travel by local trains, board the BEST buses and taxis, go to Gateway of India, work in SoBo or Andheri, have a beer at Leopold, Cafe Mondegar or Sports Express bar. Mumbaikars like any other resident of any city in India know how to survive and they must get out of the appartment.
It is also true that when we leave our houses in the morning and travel by local trains, we don't know how we will come back home..as a dead corpse or a life. We are forever grateful that we are still alive. Like Abhishek Bachchan told Priyanka Chopra in Bluffmaster, Juhu ke terrace par ya Lilavati mein. It perfectly suits Mumbai and its people. It is the grim reality everyone has come to terms with.

Mumbaikars have lost hope on politicians, netas, Congress-NCP cat fighting in Maharashtra and it showed on the day of the blast where our intelligence services have blatantly failed. The police, hospitals and the government of the state was not working. Everytime on the day of blast, phone lines are jammed and makes it difficult for Mantralaya and police to communication. Beware! I am not saying this but our dear CM, Prithiviraj Chavan has admitted it. Then, we have Congress poster boy, Amul baby face, Rahul Baba Gandhi who showed his I am different attitude with his irresponsible and insensitive statements when the whole of Mumbai was in shock on the day of blast, "We were able to prevent 99 per cent of the attacks."Oh! really Amethi boy!!!
Mumbai and the whole of India needs a citizen movement and Anna Hazare's movement shouldn't stop here. We want every citizen of Mumbai to be an Anna Hazare. We are just so tired of seeing everyone, standing as a candle vigil at Marine Drive, station or the Gateway of India. Perhaps, what happened in Egypt should happen here. Not to throw away the government, of course! We need answers why only 150 cops out of 45,000 have safety jackets, what happened to the money to strengthen our sea water, community policing in slums, the huge budget devoted to strengthen the city and its infrastructures. This cannot continue like that. They must be able to answer us and we have every right to hold them accountable for their acts. We must be able to give a warning to terrorists and the world..This is Mumbai, do not mess up with us.
I was not born in Mumbai. The day I came to the city I made this my home like millions of Mumbaikars not born and brought up in the city. I am a proud Mumbaikar and made the city my home. For the time being, I am not in the city and planning to make my return soon. In times of need, like a true and ever lasting friend Mumbai embraced me and no terror attack can and will deter me to be in the right place and for the right reasons. I witnessed several attacks and with immense pride I say that we can got back on foot the next day. Our life, the jam-packed locals is on its way early morning and the last one reaches the station at 1.40 a.m. Travellers, college goers, working people are on their toes and no matter how much we crib about the attack and the fact that we have no choice, the next day is just another day in the life of a Mumbaikar. This makes our strength, not resilience. Habit makes the city move yet we are forever on the edge.

There is no city like Mumbai.
Every year there is a terror attack on us.
We have become immune to such violence.
Some call it the spirit of Mumbai some call it our resilience in the face of danger.
Yet, the next we move and thrust on our feet as if nothing happened.
No one bare talks about it.
We are so used to terror.
Waise, there is nothing new in it.
For we know we know that it is not the last terrorist attack.
As we hums, aaye dil hai mushkil hai jeena yahan,zara hatke zara hatke
Yeh hai Mumbai meri jaan.
Love you, Mumbai my amchi Mumbai

Terror strikes again

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I am going to be strictly short with this post. Yes! Another terror attack strike Mumbai, the financial capital city and once again, South Mumbai has been the soft target. For sure, this ain't be the last coz we have never learned our lessons. God knows when we will learn our lessons.
I am boiling inside, hurt. my ego and pride is hurt. I am proud of my city coz it boosts my ego as a Mumbaikar. I don't know whether I should be proud or not of maximum city and the spirit of Mumbai. We are fantastic people and yet we are urged to show our resilience coz people look up to us, The spirit of Mumbai. I have several questions to ask and shall do it tomorrow.
Just sharing a piece of information. Please people spread the information coz we don't know who will need the help.

Mumbai Blasts: Emergency Numbers: 022-22621855, 022-22621983, 022-22625020, 022-22641449, 022-22620111

Mumbai serial blasts: Hospital helplines: KEM (022-24136051), Nair (022-23085379), Harkishandas (23855555 / 30095555), Saifee (22 6757 0111)

Please Spread this Msg all across the wall! u may never know someone might find it useful....Take Care Mumbai...

 

Review of Murder: Grippiing, fast paced thriller

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Hey folks, this apppeared on the Monday issue of The Independent Daily. My second stint as a film critic. Me watched Mahesh Bhatt's Murder on Friday and filed the story on Sunday. Three and a half stars. So far, the feedback has been good and looking to share my take on Murder 2 with all of you.
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Movie Review: Murder 2

Gripping, racy and fast paced thriller

Three and a half stars

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sulagna Panigrahi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Prashant Narayanan and Yana Gupta.

Director: Mohit Suri

There are lots of expectations when a sequel is made and Mohit Suri’s Murder 2 scores over the prequel. The month of July is mint for cine buffs as we witnessed the releases of two equally lovable, exciting movies, Bbudah Hogaa Tera Baap and Delhi Belly.Murder 2 ensures that the party is not over yet.

Set in Goa, Murder is the story of a former corrupt cop, Arjun (Emraan Hashmi) who serves the mafia and flesh trade lords, Priya (Jacqueline Fernandez) who is in love with Arjun, Reshma (Sulagna Panigrahi) a college girl turning to prostitution to support her life and Dheeraj ( Prashant Narayen) a psychotic killer.

The film starts with the murder of a call girl. Arjun is entrusted with the task to find out the real killer. As the drama unfolds itself, it takes off at break necking speed, keeping the viewer glued to its seat. One is anxious to know who is behind the gruesome murders as several girls disappear. The sequence of events, one after the other is heart pounding and director Mohit Suri does a fine job in maintaining the suspense and in keeping the surprise element alive.

The main aspect which makes a film work both at the critical and the audience level is the script. The story penned by Shagufta Rafique is crisp, brings the different characters alive on the silver screen. Kudos to her for writing such a beautiful script and making it work at every level. Director Suri proves once again his talent in manning the different characters with grey shades. Both Rafique and Suri combine their talent to make Murder 2 one of the most edgy, fast paced thrillers ever told in the history of Hindi cinema.  Emraan Hashmi proves his credibility as an actor and shows that he has been consistently improving films after films. He gives a wonderful performance in Murder 2. Jacqueline Fernandez is fine and exudes her oomph factor. Sulagna Panigrahi gives a notable performance. Murder 2 also marks the big come back of the villain on screen, something which has been missing for years. Prashant Narayen as Dheeraj essays the role played by the powerful Ashutosh Rane in Sangharsh and stole the show. His performance is one of the most beautiful performance as he hums,’bheege hont tere’. One just need to sit and watch him perform. He is frightening, scary and sick.

On the flip side, the second half drags a bit as Arjun keeps looking for Reshma and one wonders whether she will be found. It takes away the interest so successfully build up by Mohit Suri in the first half. However, it gets back on track soon after that. Some scenes appear to be absolutely unnecessary and could have been easily chopped off at the editing table. Wish the director could do away with the scene of the influential eunuch entering the police station to release Dheeraj.

It is a fast paced thriller, carries good editing and brilliant close up shots on Emraan, Jacqueline, Prashant and Sulagana ensures that it carries repeat value. In Murder, Suri takes the bold scenes to an extreme level. A word of caution: do not bring your kids along as Murder 2 contains several bold, erotic and some violent scenes. On the whole, Bhatt’s Murder should not be missed for its powerful script, astounding performances and skillful direction. 

Friendship is what matters

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Don't they say that if you make one friend in a year your blessed for. I can safely say that I'm more blessed since I don't have just one such friend but a few of them. I know that I can count and rely on them at any time. They are my support system and strength and I know that till they are here, I can do any thing, surmount any form of unsurmountable and uphill task. They give me such confidence.
One such friend called me on Tuesday night after I reached home from office. The last time we spoke was six months back when I called him in Pune. Sometimes, few words suffice to describe how much you are loved and you hold a special place in your friend's heart. This is, I believe is the biggest achievement, that people hold you in their hearts.
He enquired about my life and told me how proud everyone is in Pune that I am working as a sub editor. He was like, we often speak about you in Pune and we miss you a lot. If you want anything, let me know. It gave me such a high, not before he said,long time I haven't heard your voice. Thanx bro, I'm happy that you did called and heard my voice. You don't know how much it means to me, Kok's. 
My friends have always been an intrinsic part of my life and they will always be. Friendship is to be treasured and groomed throughout the years. Blessed are the friendship who grow over the years and not only stand the test of time but conquer it as well.
Happy Monday

Review of BHTP: The Bachchan magic stays forever

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Hey folks, I watched Buddha Hogaa Tere Baap and my first reaction was, Amitabh Bachchan is not called the one man industry, the Baap of Acting and Entertainment for nothing. Make no mistake, the sole purpose of Puri Jagganadh film is entertainment all the way and a moving tribute to Bachchan's persona, charisma and acting abilities. Bachchan is the best and no one comes close to him.
Buddha Hoga..is about Amitabh Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan. It is a tribute to his movies of 70s and 80s when he emerged on the silver screen, it was an experience to die for. I salute his indomitable spirit, passion and zeal for his craft and not only you feel he is Bbuddha in the film. He gives the young actors a run for their money and they don't comes an inch to him as far as acting, style and entertainment is concerned.
With BHTB, the fast lanes of 70s, 80s and 90s is revisited by the man who gave hits after hits at the box office. He roared like a tiger, bash the villains, romances his lady loves and shines in his emotional scenes with Hema Malini. Bachchan communicates with his eyes and he doesn't need to utter a single word in the movie. The Bachchan mania continues. Hema Malini is too beautiful an perfect while Sonu Sood, Sonal Chauhan, Prakash Raj and Makrand Deshpande does a good job. Raveena Tandon is okay.

Music directors Vishal-Shekhar gave a soul foul music and pays tribute to Bachchan in his medley of songs. The best part is the direction of Puri Jagannadh who keeps the audience glued to their seats as the Bachchan mania is revisited. A fitting tribute to Big B as his magic emerges stronger. BHTP is a film which will remain with u for ever. To be watched over and over.

BBudah Hoga Tera Baap all over the place

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Bachchan fans..the wait is finally over..Bbudah Hoga Tera Baap released today all over..Brace yourselves and get set to book your tickets at cinema theatre next to you. I have grown up on Amitabh Bachchan films and frankly, I can wait to watch my childhood hero, Amitabh Bachchan, I'm already getting jitters.
I always wanted to see Amitabh Bachchan in the successful part he played in the 70s and 80s, be it Sholay, Zanjeer, Deewar or Agneepath. Finally, the wait is over as Bachchan set the stage ablaze with a performance which I believe will be remembered for a very long time. A treat to all his fans the world over. Bachchan comes to rock your city. AB is a legend, an institution of acting and words fail to describe the persona, the legend. 
What is admirable is the way he performed all the stunts at the age of 69. A Star who can wreck havoc, brought the nation to a stall. Once Vikram Bhatt said, AB is a national treasure. This time director Puri Jagganadh pays homage to a one man industry,a man who took the nation by storm and who continues to do through his sheer power of acting, dedication to his work and humility. He is Amitabh Bachchan, after all? Is there anything that should shock us about him? He's got the power and everything his touches turns into gold. Amitabh Bachchan, the man with the midas touch. An Amitabh Bachchan movie is an education and I think Bbudah perfectly gives tribute to his career which spans over more than 3 decades and brings the angry young man image to the forefront.
As a child, I remember how Dad would take me to watch Bachchan bashing the villains as I watched with awe and inspiration. In our family, watching Bachchan on screen was no less than an outing. I look forward to Bbudah Hogah Tera Baap and I'm sure that it will rock and shook the nation. It's gonna be a super duper hit.
Amitabh Bachchan rocks

Janamdin mubarrak, Dad

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This 28 June,2111 Dad would have been 69. He passed away on 19 June, five days before his birthday. God bless him. I'm sure he is still present among us and is showering his blessings to everyone around us. It's his barsi today and how time passes so swiftly in the nick of time. A jolly good fellow who would proudly tell everyone that today is his budday coupled with his eyes beaming like a school boy. Keep rocking, birthday.
I still recollect him telling everyone that my son b'day is on 24 and mine on 28. Everyone on the planet were made aware that father and son share their b'days in the month of June. We would often have a drink together on our birthdays. It was celebration for the family and he was the architect of the celebrations. I was the doting son and I believe that I shall always be. After he came back home from work, he would take a bath and get ready for his birthday and menu a la carte: chicken curry with rice. His favourite. We would say cheers to that.
Any particular incident at home about Dad. There are so many, I'm sure. Right now, I am in no mood for that since I'm already half asleep. Okay, lemme try. He was obsessed by cleanliness and was a very disciplined soul. In short, he hated things lying down. He would always tell me, why your stuffs not in proper order in the room. Put some order and you have a table and a shelf. Still, everything is in a chaos. Then, after incurring the wrath, he would re-arrange all my stuffs in complete order the next day. Obviously, I was unaware of the fact and when I reached home,I was surprised to see the room in order.
I still remember that I was a huge fan of a soccer player when I was in school. Then one day, he bought a magazine with a huge poster of the dude and would place the magazine wide open on the bed. It was a beautiful surprise when I came back from tuition I saw my bed occupied by my hero.
Thanks a ton Dad for believing in me when everyone lost hope.
Cheers N Love
Your son, Vishal

Mumbai[Rewind]

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Mumbai 2005: I alighted at VT station and found my way  out of the station at 6 p.m. I chose to walk, a heavy bag on my shoulders, all the way to Colaba. Now, with less money in my pockets I need a cheap motel to stay. Finally, found a small room at a South Indian place and everything got settled in Rs 100 bucks per day. Not bad for a five days deal. Imagine Rs 500 rent in what is known as the most expensive place in Mumbai. Dude! Its Sobo( South Bombay)
Colaba is an enticing and beauty for the eyes during the night as one stroll through the cause, opposite Leopold Cafe. One can see throngs of gora foreigners, some Jmaicans guys trying to sell Hashish and other drugs, touts trying to entice passers by and the fake sellers of Dolce and Gabbana coaxing you into buying their products. They won't let you go and a price of decent shirt may easily fall from Rs 600 to Rs 80, provided you understand their trick and be a smart ass.
Go for a long walk and near Picadilly hotel, there is a guy selling Kurta and decent shirts ranging between Rs 120 to Rs 180. Typical street malls in Colaba and very comfortable, indeed. You are dressed for the day. The view of Colaba causeway easily comes straight from a film reel, at least this is what I think. It's totally awesome. On another day, I remember being pursued by one guy selling a map of India which I finally bought for Rs 100 bucks. I remember saying no and this chap followed me from Causeway to Gateway. Finally, I gave in! This is Mumbai for you. I was new in the city. Every time, I visit the maximum city, I end up staying for more days than actually planned for. It is such a crave and addiction. 
The honking of our classic blue and yellow cabs, the red BEST buses, the awesome crowd, cafe Leopold, Sports Express bar, Cafe Mondegar, touts,sellers of all kind of stuffs-necklaces, earrings, bracelets, the beautiful and super hot women, the goras makes it a life long experience. A moment to cherish throughout our life.I am not born in Mumbai but it is a magnet. Over the years, I have grown to accept the city as my own, amchi mumbai--I made it my home and how I miss hoem now. It's been more than 2 years.
Till, Mumbai part 2 happens for me.
(To be continued....)

4 a.m post

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Quite a weird post this one..4 am Indian time post as I dare myself to post something quite short and fast. I wonder whoz gonna read it at this odd hour of the day. You guyzz must be busy partying and reached home all sloshed. The last thing you gonna do is to crash on the bed. Neways, this is the least of my major concern or yours..coz tomorrow is Sunday. I work tomorrow and how bout screwing your happiness!
To start with is 4 a.m the proper time to have sex? At least, I am not doing it. But, indeed writing at the odd hour gives me orgasmic sexual pleasure..Wait!Hell! I'm just kidding. I've been sitting and writing my script and it is the proper time to do so coz the whole world is in quest of sensual pleasures or sleeping. So, no living organism is taking the slightest pain to disturb me and my world. I have already finished two pages. So, I guess the script is moving, quite so in a dreamy direction, not to say positive which sounds quite boring to me. I mean the word since I've been using it too much.
Night owl! Where art thou! A time to get creative and it works best. Trust me on that point. It's making sense to me right now..was planning to jump on and create a short story..But, tomorrow office. See the mint time..I mean 4 a.m is confined to the blog and see the world of fucking illusion as monotony of work's upmanship over creativity..All's not sooo gory gory for me..
A time to kill not really..I am conversing with you, beautiful people at the cost of my sleep on the couch,ooops sorry,my ed who is waiting for me..patient bed,I shall joim you in a few minutes and we shall make love.
Buzz off...chal, kalti maarta hai apun:)

Happy Birthday to me

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June 24,it's my birthday which came and went..no wait there is 55 minutes more for me to celebrate ma budday..Yay! Im the b'day boy and I share ma b'day with quite a few people, Alex, Rucha and Urvashi and so many who were born on June 24.
I am grateful and elated as I woke up to the sms wishes, email, FB mail and wall messages. I made it a point to reply to everyone who wished me on my birthday. I'm grateful to the wondrous friends and well wishers around who chose to make my birthday so special and wonderful. Then, there is the others who didn't wished due to the sheer lack of time,laziness and not feeling to wish me. It's entirely their call. But, I know even if you haven't wished me personally, I can still sense your positive feelings, good vibes and blessings sent to me. For choose to ignore, I can understand that with time, we are all busy in life and have far more important friends to rely on as well as doing far more important fun stuffs to do. There are friends who gradually moved away and you feel you are no longer wanted. But, I shall always think of the good moments spent. Life moves on and as I sing.mein zindagi ke geet hamesha gaata chaala.

I am eternally grateful for the wishes on the part of everyone. Thanx a zillion people. So what was the b'day boy's plan? I woke up to b'day wishes and read a story in TIME, Forever Young..couldn't have agreed more with dat and it reassured me that I am very very young and life can wait for me-be it love,marriage and whateva serious stuffs people do to fit in.I ain't into the game of fitting in to society's rules and regulations. Then, met some family friends and kids..Yay! I got a holder as a small gift from aunty. I treated myself with Shantaram and I finished reading the first 2 chapters. It reminded me of my beautiful days in Mumbai and as I read the book, I painted a picture of Mumbai, a truly awesome city. I am revisiting the book by David Greegory Roberts for the second time and it makes for a good awesome read. The first time I was reading it in my hostel room@Churchgate and in the famous locals. This time, I can only miss the city.
Think me going to catch a movie, Love and Other Drugs in some time. yeah, I did had a Vodka on moi b'day. It was a truly wonderful birthday. Next year, perhaps in some other city, I shall describe my b'day. At least that's my b'day wish.
B'day cookie: Beware, I stopped growing when I turned 18.
Cheerio

Frothy week end

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Back to the grind. Hello Monday! Had a supa week end...Spent quality time with my sister and her kids over tea and dinner. Sunday came and here I indulged in creative work..read Rushdie's Fury and Blessed days with Osho, penned by one of his follower going by the name Ageh Bharti. Brownie point: The man didn't got his final work properly edited as there are many spelling mistakes.
Feeling jolly and happy happy..u know why? coz had saturday and Sundays off and here I work for four days and Friday I'm off. I changed my off day since Friday is my b'day. Come B'day I will be lazing at off,gonna buy myself Shantaram as I revisit Mumbai through the eyes of David Gregory Roberts. It is treat and why not?Post that I'll indulge myself in a pair of Levis jeans after I bought an earlier one in February/ March. I believe that we must be eternally grateful to the Almighty for blessing us as we see the light of the day. Come Friday, perhaps no birthday bums, no cake cutting but grateful to live through the day. But, but, we are growing a year older and it freaks me sometimes..Will try to be graceful as I grow a year older..Bingo! Shut up! I'm not yet 30 so why I'm scaring myself..though I am not far from this cycle
Coming back to smooth super week end..Yes, I was able to do my creative writing as I sit down and continued my short story plus been writing my script about a smoker. Basically, wanna make a short film of 7 to 10 minutes long. A psychological thriller, I would say. How I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day so that I could afford myself the luxury to do so many things..No girl friend..Yeah! It's cool! You know why..dunno how I would balance my time since love shov would take my whole day. But, I am searching for someone. For how long, can someone been lonely on this planet. There is something called desire and love.
Me heard, the monsoon has started in Mumbai and I truly miss those beautiful times in maximum city with maximum rains. The best monsoon falls in Mumbai. Pointer: Get set in the heavy rains and go and sit at Marine Drive or Bandra bandstand..you will know what I mean. I spent wondrous moments in Mumbai monsoon as your newly acquired black umbrella tears itself apart as you ran to catch it. This is Mumbai for you. Don't forget to steal a kiss..a long passionate smooch at Marine Drive as you get yourselves drenched. Celebrate life. Monsoon is soooo soooo sexy and hot.

How I spent my frothy week end
-Woke up at 11.30 on saturday

-Had dinner with my nephew and niece

-Reading Salman Rushdie's Fury-check it out

-Come Sunday:
Gave tuition to my student

-Slept a lot: yeah right full three hours nap in the afternoon

-Watch Anjaana Anjaani on DvD-been trying to play the Swadesh video rather unsuccessfully..The DvD had problems..me gave up.

-Wrote my script..not finished yet, just started. It's moving thank God..the best time to write is between 11 to 3 a.m

Have a great day.
Njoy da rains.... 

Miss you Dad

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Hi fellas!!!
Just had a coffee in a my branded Nescoffee mug and it's the perfect time to blog ripe at 1 a.m. So far, had a good day and spent the whole evening at ma sister's house and relished on chicken cooked by her husband. I caught between a jolly good mood, frustration and sadness.
Jolly good mood u know the reason. A pleasant day and well spent with the kids, being a kid myself. Frustrated at the state of things. For six months, I failed to continue my short story. It's not that I lack ideas. Contrary to that, ideas are brimming in my head but the problem is that I started a short story but so far I'm stuck. I ain't leave without finishing this one. I started the story and I shall finish it. Right now, a note book is open and a pen are lying beside me on the table.A story of a couple who just married. They are not able to communicate with each other as the husband makes effort to make the relationship while the wife has drawn a curtain. The female character was struck by a tragedy. God knows when ideas will flow. Writer's block.
It's been four years since Dad passed away on June 19, five days before my birthday and 9 days before his. I was in the hostel in Mumbai when I received the news that he has suddenly fallen ill and is in the hospital. Before leaving for home, I remembered Anwar telling me, you must be strong. Fight for your rights always, you are an Indian. These words shall remain etched in my heart. I remembered the night which was falling. I wasn't able to sleep and was suffocated. I received support from all quarters, family and friends. I still remember the day when he was discharged from hospital. He slept in my room while I slept on the sofa. Didn't realized that it was to be his last night with us.
The next morning when I woke up, he was slowly giving up on life. Never I thought that death will conquer his soul. He looked at me with sadness and love. I guess people know that their last hours are approaching. Four years been a long time and how time passes so swiftly. I still vividly remember the day as his dead body laid on the floor. Dad was resting so peacefully. I came to terms with it. Mom didn't and she still has regret. Thank you Dad for everything. God bless your soul and I know you are always with us. I know that as I am writing you are all smiling and looking at me as you always did, wondering what I am doing so late and telling me to sleep.
Love you Dad.
Good nite

Water!Water!Have mercy at least!

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They prayed for water to lash.
The God of rains ain't listening as their drought is tearing humanity apart.
Love is not enough. The price of gold is falling relentlessly.
Yet!The tiny droplets of water is dearer than fortune amassed my men for aeons.
The children are starving. Flowers are in a depressing mood, as if they could shed tears.
The animals in the farm are thirsty,longing for drops of the ocean.
God is powerless and perhaps facing the wrath of the demons.
Killing the mighty has become so easy. Yet!Water is the new demon in the age of ruthless drought.
We are living in black ages.
Saints and seers successfully failed in their prediction theory.
Godmen have lost it. They have incurred their wrath as one of them already died and the other one was compelled to break his fast due to mental, physical and intellectual collapse.
The Earth is coming to a standstill.
Or is it?
A new Tsunami seem to knock at the door.
Men behaved like animals for long, exploiting and killing each other.
Perhaps, they are paying for their sins.
Governments have successfully played with the lives of citizens.
Corruption, nepotism, casteism, racism everywhere!
They call it the chess game as the commoners are dying from thirst.
Vegetables and waters are thicker than blood.
The rains are mightier than the sword.
They blame it on the forces of nature as they washed their hands away from their responsibilities.
They refuse to acknowledge their failures in managing our dams, rivers,lakes and reservoirs.
They have been sitting on their laurels for long.
A new uprising in the name of water.
Till a new dawn come.
The rains shall pour.
They will tell us they are a good government and God is showing its kindness.
Till then,we shall sacrifice our thirst for them.
Nepotism never paid so much as they sit and drink in luxury.

The artist and his muse

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We woke up to the death of India's greatest and most charismatic artist Maqbool Fida(M.F) Hussain and most probably the greatest artist on a planet called the world.M F Hussain lived a youthful life and a portrait of a man and his muse on the canvas of life.
There are questions raised on the hypocrisy of politicians and government of India. Through his living existence, we failed to acknowledge M F Hussain. Yet, on his death we greedily acknowledged him as ours. Yet, we forced him into exile. Yet, we luxuriously chose gundagardi over humanity. Have we failed as Indians?Is it our biggest mistake made? There are lessons to be learned for us as Indians and draw upon? We are the biggest democracy in the world. There is no question on that. Yet, we failed in protecting a national treasure, a kohinoor.
I have the utmost respect for M F Hussain as an artist. Yet, it depends on how we react to events in a secular, democratic set up. Do we react as individuals or as Hindus, Muslims or Christians? We have a right to be offended and offended. Don't like the trailer, don't buy the tickets. As simple as that.
An artist has the right to express itself in whichever possible manner. It is the free flow of human energy and emotions and Hussain expressed himself.He painted and depicted Godesses,like he depicted the beauty of Madhuri Dixit. Not pleasing to some who will jump at the next opportunity to gain political and religious mileage. The biggest farce of everything and above everything . As a society, we never learned to be tolerant and it seams to be an utopian tale much to the disdain of life.
Sad that a man of his stature was forced into exile and driven out of his own country. Till fundamentalists exist, Art can never conquer. Intelligence and aesthethics must bow to them.
May your soul rest in peace, Hussain saab.
Ameen.