Chalo Amreeka Saathiyon..Ab Acche Din Aa Hi Gaya, Obama-ji

Our dear, Barack Obama, must be thanking his stars! After the American administration lost the visa stamp for years and finally recovering it post May this year, Obama 'Yes! We Can! must be borrowing a cue from India how to get the US Congress win the next election. A plausible scenario! You bet!

Image downloaded on Google India

At a time when the US economy is in the lurch, Modi-nomics promises to save Yankees from the looming disaster. It's like Amitabh Bachchan telling the US immigration officer in English Vinglish, 'I am here to spend some dollars to grow the US economy. You don't want it!"

A lil' bit on Gyaan on the American soil on the great American Dream! Soon, Obama will start singing, 'Ab ache Din Ayega America Mein, brushing up his Hindi. Or, will he say, 'Ab ke Baar Modi Sarkar. See, Modi is going truly global as New York is dazzled to his charm, singing 'NaMo, NaMo'. Madison Square will enter the Guiness World Book Record as NaMo stood tall, witnessing the hero of the day, delivering his monologue. Now, who says, India can never make it to the Oscar? Of course, we can. Yes, We Can. Modi has already made it to the Oscar as India creates history in a non-film award for acting.

Pic credit: PMO India (@PMOIndia) | Twitter

Now, can our NRIs left behind as they stormed the Madison Square to get some incentive from Modi, proudly displaying their American-Indian flags to the great delight of TV crew. What a proud moment for them, one is tempted to ask. After all, they have just been credited as the crew who made the NaMo film, 'An Ache Din Aa Hee Gaye' a roaring success. Now, most of them must be booking their ticket to reach Mars at Rs 7 per km, cheaper than rickshaw rate in Gujarat at Rs 10 per km. What say? Cheaper than Tomato and Mc Donald burger. They better re-settle in Mars and leave behind their American dream. They can sell hot dogs on planet Mars cheaper and make a killing. If they are not satisfied, it's time to come back to Desh....Mera Bharat Mahaan..see India needs them as the savior. Why would they not come back? Arnab must be racking his brain. After all, India wants to know!

Our dear NRI shouting Inquilaab must be leaving Barack Obama in a state of confusion on the next revolution. Is it for him or the president-in-waiting Hillary Clinton? After all, NRI has an uphill task: send American tourists to India and freebies, no visa on arrival. Wait, I got a better option. What if...we do some barter! Let's all of us shift to US and let our American friends make India their home. That way, we can take upon ourselves to save their economy, the spend thrift that we are. Chalo Amreeka, Saathiyon! Make New York, Madison Square our home and start tearing each other's off in Obama's land. See, we can vote for Obama's part, US Congress, and keep them in Government for another five years. 

Image Credit: Google India

We shall sing, 'Pseudo-secularism.' No! We shall be boys and girls, better than our ABDC counterparts. Nopes, we will not settle in US to learn ABDC the wrong way..it's American Born Desi Confused. We shall drink our Coca Cola to heavenly bliss. We shall sing and dance, 'Jeeo Kurta Phar ke', tearing the shirt of journalists who question us on why we support Modi. We will be the new Modi Bhakts assaulting not just Rajdeep Sardesai but Americans journalists telling us to behave ourselves. After all, we are the torch bearers of 'silly' Hindutvaa and who has the balls to question us!

We, Indians, are good in doing jhol. No prize for guessing here! We shall earn in dollar, buy in rupee and make our currency the new dollar, selling our prized assets, our rupee to dollar babus to make a killing on the market. Better than that, our Indian rupee will replace the Dollar groom and bahus of the world. Modi-nomics has just altered market dynamics in US and high time for MNCs to pack their bags and settle in India. 

After all, who needs motivational Gurus like Shiv Khera, Robin Sharma when we have apna desi Prime Minister, Narendra Modi telling us one thing or two about, determination and how to make things work out for us? Perhaps, our own Congress man, Mani Shankar Aiyyar must book his air ticket to New York city and start a tea stall, 'Special Modi Chai.'

New age Facebook narcissists!

Are you on Facebook? Mujhse Fraandship Karoge..acha! Send me a friend request! Been there, done that. Sounds familiar?! Right. Sharing-varing, feeds, heated discussions and venting out on almost anything, right from being a political animal to sex'ual creature and social issues. As a friend wrote on her blog, Facebook is becoming increasingly a tough call for us not-so-young owing to the infiltration of our elders mushrooming on Mark Zuckerberg's baby. As if, the online world is too big for us to run away from!!!

Facebook! What's that? Rocket science for the silly me and my faint heart. I am off from this thing called Facebook and it's a self-conscious break coz it was getting too much for me. I was getting tired of the things that I share every alternate minute, venting out my frustration on almost any ludicrous stuffs wrapping my tiny existence. Yeah! I am on a FB detox coz it an obsession for me, spending early morning and nights, basking in my own glory. One day, I told myself, 'Cure needed. I de-activated the account.' Do I miss Facebook? Nopes! I can breath fresh air, cut off from the feeds and from the horde of FB-ers. After all, I have a life. No! Really! This post is not about me but the narcissists that we have all become, sleeping on FB and taking pride in our 'Dabbang' statuses or wall posts. Tag Me! Ah! The game of tag or selfies all over the place roaring like Rajnikant blowing smoke and fists on the villains, flying in the air, like UFO's.

Don't ask bout' selfies! It's such a major put off where X or Y is sharing a new picture every alternate nano second of their mundane existence. It's too much to take, yeah. Or, you taking a pic with Priyanka Chopra or Lady Gaga at her latest show. I mean, taking a selfie occasionally is perfectly legitimate but I find this over-the-top behavior damn depressing where you sharing almost everything on FB. This applies to me as well coz I became this FB-narcissist writing at length about politics, corruption or the Alia Bhatt jokes. Don't we all need a good, fucking break and enjoy the ME time? Some friends asked, when I am coming back and it's no sooner, though I haven't said tata, bye bye. I shall be back in a while, fresh and rejuvenated.

Social media mavericks! We offer everything under one package, wannabe political analysts, marketing gimmicks, online social Gurus and what's not! New age wizards selling a product, we are all over the place in our desperate bid to become an attention seeker like the five-year-old showing his chocolate bar to uncles and aunties, jumping from one room to the other. If we have a trophy girl friend or wife or six-pack abs boy friend, flaunt them all over the place as if it's some aesthetic object of desire. Now, who needs sex toys in the age of FB? You bet! We need to tell the world about the better half on Facebook. The zillion pictures clicked in parties is shared on FB, close up shots of our drowsy eyes, drenched in Vodka shots...party all night, party all night, aunty police bulayegi..party on Facebook. It's all about Tandoori nights. Move over Yo! Mama! Jokes or Acidic Aunty. We are the new acid, talk of the town on FB.

Sometimes, I wonder how Facebook robbed us of the joy of human interaction, a time when meeting friends for some good fun carried emotional warmth. Gardening is done not in the open air but farmville, watching birds has become Angry birds. We've become so obsessed with our online image yet the emotional touch is just for effect. 1000 followers, 900 friends, yet we get so busy as online robots that our fingers doesn't hit the key pad to send an e-mail to old friend or make a call for that matter. Forget once a year, perhaps in a decade, we may not hear from someone we spent the best of times with. 

White lies has never got better on  Facebook or Twitter. After all, we are competing with the likes of AB, SRK, Priyanka Chopra or JLO to become the next celebrity in town. And! The silly game requests! Please, don't ask!!! It's like the new age paper boats that every one needs to play on an online format. Just refuse someone's game request and you are in the bad books forever. The next day, you are dumped out unceremoniously off their list. After all, Facebook is all about boosting the EGO where the E and GO cannot be separated. 

It has never been such a dangerous place to live on the digital media. We shall post update during the morning, share stuffs and comment on the latest stuff...NaMo in US, Jayalalithaa condemned by court on account of graft charges for four years, Deepika-TOI war. Bring it on, FB-ers! After all, your are trending.

Sending you some FB-love

TOI does it again! The Cry Baby defying gravity

They are simple incorrigible and 'thick skinned', no matter how wrong they are. Yes, Times of India has done it again! A sad tale of indulgence where India's  supposedly No.1 newspaper is sinking itself into new lows of journalism. Post the fracas where Deepika Padukone has rightfully slammed 'India's leading daily', they are repeating their feat. Rather than gracefully tendering an apology and moving on, TOI is getting angry and sullen like a cry baby by spewing venom on someone and questioning her career choice and life style.  It sucks to see ToI indulging into such cheap antics journalism.

Words failing me to make sense of the gravity-defying logic of the journalist in question who is a woman and who is indulging in slanderous attack against another working woman and professional who is an accomplished person in her own field. The fact is TOI cannot explain themselves after last week's flop show and they have driven themselves against the wall. The picture shall speak for itself where the paper has made itself the butt of practical jokes. The so-called letter appeared in Sunday's edition of Bombay Times. Have a look for your own reading pleasure.

I wrote this post on my other blog to voice my opinion against the kind of mudslinging made against Deepika Padukone where they attacked her femininity and showcased her cleavage. To say the least, it's an unveiled attack against the person. Now, they are justifying something that cannot be!

Entertainment! Seriously! Deepika's cleavage show! Guys, are you serious when your EQ is all about the lady's cleavage. And, the country I am based in, I fork 25 bucks to get a late copy of Sunday Times shipped from India, which is sold for five bucks.  Am I a fool to fork out five times more money to get a late copy of my 'favorite' newspaper? It makes me shudder when you defend and justify yourself that it's a compliment to Deepika. It's downright sexist and it doesn't make 'news' sense to me. It's not even sensationalism and you've gone to an extreme step by living up to the adage, 'sex sells.' It's not even that but a scathing attack on the dignity of a professional woman who is proud of her femininity. Mind you! Being comfortable in one's body, doesn't mean someone is indulging into skin showing as the newspaper is trying to portray but rather she is expressing pride in who she is. She is proud of her body, but,ToI, you make it look so cheap.

TOI has been my favorite newspaper and I was in awe of them, owing to their high standard of journalism and the kind of human-cum-feature stories they would come up with in the not-so-distant-past. But, now! I am not very sure about that. Now, I understand why accusations of pen pushers and whistle blowers are directed with a punch against my tribe. The OMGs! Actress have sex in car, show boobs, showcase assets is a matter of laughing-stock. I mean, seriously! Is that feature or news in the first place! I wonder whether I am in the right profession!

Deepika served you right when she placated, Yes! I am a Woman, I have Breasts and a Cleavage. You Got a Problem?!  Don't Talk about Women Empowerment when You don't Know How To Respect Women. Deepika Padukone deserves and commands respect for taking a stand against something which is demeaning and humiliating, to say the least. It's so unfortunate that many women in the film and fashion industry face such kind of cheap thrills under the name of journalism. Sorry, it's not. Before going to print, one should have checked the facts and quality of news.

It pains me to say that TOI is going the down slide when we see such stuffs appearing as news. Not so recently, someone wrote something sexist in the name of entertainment, 'advantage of women being a virgin till they marry.' It's another thing after protests that the story was removed. But, the damage was done. Sad that the paper with the biggest circulation in the world has reached this stage. I am tempted to ask, 'What's gone so horribly wrong?' Is there no such thing as editing and news filtering, with sub-editors being the last line of a newspaper's defense?

Objectification!You name it, you get it! The latest victim today is SRK 'We don't go into frenzy seeing SRK's abs.' Mind you, I am no prudish and know that some people enjoy picking up a mag seeing glamour and sexy pictures. But, seriously, this is not even glamour but an act of over selling yourself. Surely, you are not that desperate to sell your newspaper since your office is not housed in some dingy corner down the road. It's no standard of journalism. Let's not speak about ethics. I feel a shudder down my spine since I have seniors whom I respect a lot and who made careers at TOI and one of them is a respected columnist. But! But! such sexism cannot be tolerated. Good that someone took the cause of not just the females but males in the industry. Yet, sometimes back, Aishwarya Rai's Karva Chauth was breaking news. Or years down the road, Amitabh Bachchan's family boycotted the Filmfare Awards when one of your sister company, Mumbai Mirror, published an untrue story about Aishwarya Rai suffering from stomach tuberculosis and therefore cannot conceive. It's slanderous against woman! The irony was a refusal of apology and the rare feat is repeated in Deepika's case, four years' later.

Nowadays, I prefer to read Hindustan Times who has upheld its standard of journalism, features and entertainment. Hope ToI will pick up the thread where they left or may run the risk of being sunk into oblivion with the adage, 'Has-been newspaper with high standard'. It will break my heart to see TOI going down the road like that. I want the good old Times of India which made me rush to hold it in my hands, enjoying a  cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday.

Or else! I'll prefer a pirated copy of Akshay Kumar's Entertainment, any day. Let's skip the booby trap TOI and cleavage show. Certainly, it doesn't honor our profession as journalists.

A 100 crore tale of Love Jihad, Chicken and Beef in Kamasutra Land

I am feeling bored today till I started playing the game of Love Jihad. I throw the dice to entrap someone, an invisible victim. The game of entrapment, zeroing on my catch, some innocent girl, flirt with her, promise her love and marriage, then break her heart. Amen!

That makes for the script of 100 crores blockbuster, scripted by the likes of RSS and the great Yogi Adityanath as the savior in the breath-taking climax. Our new-age superman has taken upon himself to save the lives of million innocent girls in the magnum-opus 'Love Jihad.' A script tailor made for success: Man in beard zooming past on the motorcycle as the Hindu girl, clad in Salwar Kameez, red bangles and red Bhindi, hop on in the name of love. You know the rest! If you don't, Hindu outfits will tell you the story coz they will narrate the concocted soup of threat to spill down your throat.

See, the Hindu religion is in danger na coz of Loove Jihad hell bent in destroying man kind. What a formula for success! This will put the likes of Karan Johar and Rohit Shetty to shame. In this RSS Kahani, there is no twist coz you see vultures are hell bent to make our girls fall in love with them and force them to convert. Romeo Jihad! Beware of Love Jihad! Why? Baby! Proponents of Hinditva agenda are telling and you must  listen to them. It's their script, their movie. Have you bought the tickets? Totally free of cost. Unplugged propaganda of fear. Now, they are turning into vigilante in our University campuses coz the world, oops sorry!, their religion is in danger of being possessed by Love Jihad. I tell you, Valentine celebration is against our culture and is such a westernized concept. Now, see how Love Jihad is making a comeback to force things down the throat of our girls and they wanna rope us after brain-washing our heads. You see! The perfect script of 100 crores votes!

Have you said secularism? What is that! According to them, there is only Hindutva which is the perfect package, designed to delete secularism and the fabric of the Indian constitution. Didn't someone said that everyone is a Hindu in India? Now, why are you scoffing at them? You find it funny, na. Must be! Beware, they don't find it funny coz we belong to the land of Lord Rama, declaring war on Love Jihad, no chicken and Beef! We are so pure that Kamasutra exist only in our dirty minds. We, young people, are so polluted coz we believe in love and making friends with people, irrespective of their ethnic or religious belonging. We are the ignorant youth of India who should be taught the conspiracy of Love-Jihad which is destroying our religion and our girls. If we fail to adhere to their logic, we should be beaten up every Valentine Day coz we are wiping our religion and not being able to save our girls. Beti Bahu Bachao! Declare war on love Jihad!

See, we are only capable of making love and not war. But, who will tell them this? They don't want to see us  united like Sooraj Bharjatya's Hum Saath Saath Hai! After all, it's a question of their pro-Hindutva sick agenda that sucks like rotten tomato. Suddenly, I am wondering how they would call Hindu boys falling in love with Muslim girls! The boys must be innocent that the Muslim girls are putting a Jaal-The Trap, to ensnare the poor boys, na! It's Pyar Pyar Pyar vs Maar Maar Maar, the RSS way! A new script, changed to suit their 'religious' sensibility of hatred. Wait! Howz about forming an outfit against hatred to destroy their proxy war?

We shall walk the tight rope to spread love and only love minus Jihad. Our Jihad will be filled with feeling will of love and we shall them some flowers and 'Get Well Soon' card the Munna way. It shall be our war against the force of terror and our Love Jihad against violence, brain-washing and hatred. Till then, let me enjoy my chicken Briyani made with love and feast on secular food.

With Love

V

12 Most Favorite Things

Our life can be crazy and chaotic, isn't it? A roller-coaster ride filled with fun stuffs and doing our perso-cum- favorite stuffs like a strict disciplinarian in life. As we grow more mature in life coupled with unexpected surprises, twists and turns flung at us, we never stop doing our favorite things.

Here's linking this post to Write Tribe, Wednesday Prompt: 'Write a post listing 12 Most.....Favorite Things'.

WT's 12 most only on http://writetribe.com/12-most/

1. Reading

I loove reading a lot, be it romance, biography, poems and fictions. Books has been my loyal companion since childhood and it's the most trust worthy friend that accompanies me in tedious bus or train journey. I often sit in the cafe, relaxing with a book. Recently, been reading quite a few e-books which is quite a task but I lap them on my I-pad. Trust me, I can do with 100 pages e-books but not the lengthy ones. Give me a printed copy any day. There was a time I used to buy paper back every single week on the road stalls in South Mumbai or on my way at Bandra. Does it get better than that?

2. Coffee

Nothing beats a good cup of coffee to kick start the lazy morning and enjoying the coffee grains that stimulate the brain. I am a coffee person and there is no excuse to skip the grains to help me face the day.

3. Blogging

Blogging has become the love of my life where I pour out my emotions, script stories and poems. It's a space where I connect with like-minded souls, reading their thoughts and bonding. I made so many good friends in the blogo-sphere and they never shy away from making me laugh, point at flows and motivate me in life.

4. Movies

I cannot live without movies. It's my first love and a passionate affair that makes it two hours of non-stop entertainment. It won't be wrong to say that it gives me the kick to laugh and think passionately about issues. I love all of them, brainless entertainment, artsy and meaningful cinema since I believe either you make a good or bad movie. So, what if I have not been able to make it in films? At least, I get to enjoy them full swing.

5. People

I loove meeting, speaking to people and, man, I can be quite a good listener. It's always good to meet people physically or the online space, get a hook of their thoughts and may be, translate into stories. I love the entertainment quotient and the bond cemented over time. Nothing beats a good conversation. Ok! There are people whom I wished I'd never met coz they can bore me to death. But, then, I guess, every child is special.

6. Music

I crave for good music that makes the day go rock steady. I was never able to study for exams without my precious music and have quite a collection of songs on the lap top, 70s. 80s. Awesome 90s, Indi-Pop and recent ones accumulated during the years. As a student, I spent a fortune investing in cassettes and audio. Guess, now, everything is available at one click.

7. Television

Yeah! Me love watching TV but not the typical idiotic Saas Bahu soap operas but shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati. Comedy Nights with Kapil, Jhalak Dikla Jaa, MTV Splitsvilla. It's fun. And, of course, news and debates on NDTV and Headlines TV coz this is what I get in my part of the globe.

8. Magazines and newspaper

Social media and e-stuffs or not, I loove collection magazines and stuffs. I have quite a few treasure trove made of Filmfare, Stardust, Cineblitz. Femina, Society, Cosmopolitan and, of course, TOI Sunday that I get to quite late. I would buy filmi mags every week during the college days and I am very proud of my collector's edition. Nothing can beat the joy of holding glossies in the hands.

9. Trains

I loove traveling by trains and the act of hopping on a crowded local still excite me like I am traveling for the first time. It's like falling in love. The rattling sound, mad dash and the crazy people. It's something I truly miss since I am not in India right now.

10. Chattting

First there was yahoo chat, then Orkut, Facebook but loove pinging friends on G-chat. I prefer the G over the FB thing. which I have de-activated to get a life. My favorite people are on G-chat and indulging in some fun is a routine activity that can never bore. It gives the feeling that we've never left and we are so close to each other. Thank to the almighty for that.

11. Long walks

Enjoy taking long walks which is so refreshing and can recharge my energy cells after to beat tiredness and depression. I love winter walks but also sweating it in the summer.

12. Talking to self

I love talking to myself and do it all the time, on the street, at the desk or while lazing on the bed. Self-talk brings out the best in me and blog-cum-short story ideas often sprout from the crazy conversation with yours truly.

Hope you enjoyed my list.

WoW: Mother India visits

This post is written as part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Write Over the Weekend inspiration for this time

It is the night of August 14th. You are sleeping peacefully until a lady, who identifies herself by the name of Mother India, wakes you up and starts talking. What does she talk to you?

On 15 August, India celebrated its 68th Independence Day throughout the globe. Wishing all of you folks a very Happy Independence day and hope you like my take.

Mother India visits

I am carrying the Indian tri-color in my hands at Red Fort in Delhi, running with pride as the mammoth crowd clap for me as I dash around the venue, running through the vast swathe of humans. Suddenly, I over hear AR Rahman voice, singing in my ears, 'Maa Tujhe Saalam.' It feels like a lullaby.

I turn around and saw myself on the bed. Somebody caresses my forehead. I look up to see a beautiful and attractive lady in her late 60s, smiling to me. 'How can anyone be so perfect and divine?" I ask myself.

I am astounded and look around the room. "Who are you? What are you doing in the house?" She sports an angelic smile and caresses my forehead, "Beta! I am Mother India."

Mother? What? India! How can it be?

Everything is possible, son. Haven't you been calling and imploring for my presence? I know what my child wants. Listening to my songs on your computer, standing in deference to me, watching Jnana Gana Mana, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Saare Jahan se Acha Hindustan Hamara, Aye Mere Watan Ke logon and Dil Diya hai Jaan bhi Denge Aye Watan Tere liye on You Tube. What do you think? I can see the tears rolling down your cheek when you think about me?

"You? Mother India. Do you know.....?"

"I know everything, Beta. Your dedication and love for me. Some call me, Dharti Maa, some Mother India?"

I can't control my tears. Mother India, you don't know what these people are doing? Fighting and killing each other in the name of religion and caste, raping innocent girls, exploiting women, dirtying India. How can we be united? Why don't you do something?"

Mother India makes me sit and hold my hand. "My son! What's the point of standing in deference in front of my image and singing my anthem, Jnana Gana Mana with pride twice a year when they abuse me and break my heart? They don't understand and think they can fool me. I know everything."

"What don't you do anything?", I ask.

"I am angry at every point when I see how they abuse me. They throw their filth in river Ganga and at holy places where I am present. For how long, I can sustain abuse? Sadly, so many people lost their lives in Uttarakhand last year and every monsoon, lives are lost. They don't realize that they are the ones who took innocent lives. I feel so hapless. My heart cries when I see so many atrocities when people don't respect their wives and daughters, destroying their souls."

Mother India bears her heart out. "May be, they don't realize it. When they jump on the ground like crazy, I feel the power of their legs on my soul. I am happy when I see them stomping their feet in joy but it hurts me when they use violence in their acts. When they kick someone, I feel the pain inside my body and soul."

"Mother India, why don't you do something?"

"Sometimes, people need to realize on their own, what they are doing. All of you must do something to make India a better place to live. It's very easy to criticize me. I can be ruthless at times. I may be ugly but that doesn't mean you should stop loving me. You speak of finding another attractive Mother, going to a new land but, if you don't anything to make your mother loving, who will? Be the change. You will win my heart when all my children will teach each other love when stoking up communalism, casteism and sexism will be a thing of the past, respecting each other in a world filled with love and peace."

"Son, I know what you are thinking? If you wish for something with your heart, you will get it. I know you really want to come to me. I know you will. I will always call you for a mother never stops loving her children."

I smile. Mother India disappears.

*********************************************************************

On the occasion of Independence Day, I dedicate my favorite patriotic songs to Mother India.
1. Jnana Gana Mana

Every time, I listen to Jnana Gana Mana, my eyes grow moist and it's simply divine. It touches the heart to see the devotion for Mother India.

2. Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon

Another gem by Lata-Didi. One is left speechless hearing her singing, showing her devotion to India and the sacrifice of our army Jawan.

3. Vaande Mataram

This songs sparks passion and love for the Motherland. It evokes patriotism fervor in us, reminding us that there is no place like India.

4. Saare Jahan se Acha

I remember listening to this song during the innocent childhood day which shows the beauty of our country and a dream where nothing evil can happen. I hope that one day we can call India, 'Saare Jahan se Acha' where there shall be no evil men and women.

5. Maa Tujhe Salam

Another song full of passion, love and devotion for Mother India. It makes us so proud to be Indian.

6. Haqeeqat-Kar Chale Hum Fida

Another song that expresses patriotism and love for the country, reminding us of the sacrifice of our freedom fighters and army Jawaan to make India a better place to live.

7. Karma

This is another favorite song of my mine, a kinda national anthem, that bring the people together, irrespective of their political or race differences. A song that touches the soul and brings heart together, reminding us that united we stand as a nation.

8. The Legend of Bhagat Singh-Mera Rang de Basanti

This is one song that stays with us forever and carries an element of pride, speaking of sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of this great nation.

9. Diljale-Mera Mulk Mera Desh

A song that speaks of the innocence of a child, dreaming of an India where men and women, will never be discriminated and that we are ONE. It's a call for peace and unity. It has a certain sweetness and idealism. Hope the dream become true some day.

10. DUS-Hindustani

A beautiful song celebrating the India that we live in. Let's make India a beautiful and perfect country that the world will look at us in awe. It's very easy to criticize but we can ask, what have we done to make the country better?

11. Pardes-I Love My India

Another favorite in my list on the love one feels for India. It is simply breath-taking and touches the heart.

Hope you guys like my take on the prompt and the small gift made of patriotic songs on my list.
Jai Hind. Vande Mataram
Proud to be an Indian
Vishal

Raksha Bandhan, patriarchy and economics of inequality

Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival, celebrating the bond between brother and sister, was celebrated last Sunday. On the occasion, the sister ties a sacred thread on the wrist of her brother to protect her from all evils.

Over the years, I always looked forward to Raksha Bandhan where my Rakhi sisters tied a thread on my wrist as an expression of love, affection and respect. It strengthen the bond between brother and sister. Being the only child, I always miss a sister in life. But, over the years, I started thinking about Raksha Bandhan, wondering whether a sister needs protection from the brother, a male in the family. Unfortunately, I feel celebrations like Raksha Bandhan and Karwa Chauth are products of the patriarchal society hell bent to reduce the status of a woman to a non-entity and confined to submissive role in our society. I don't have anything against Raksha Bandhan and I respect people who follow the tradition.

The intention is not to provoke people or declare war on the religious sanctity of the celebration. What I am only trying to discuss is why a woman need a 'male' protector to shield her from evils in society. I wonder why we treat our girls as inferior beings who can only be better in the presence of a male member of society. If we really want to pave the way for more equality in society, why do we judge a woman and type cast her in the role of a wife, sister and mother. C'mon! A woman has her own identity as a human being and her role is not to sit at home, prepare food for her husband or brother, watch Saas-Bahu drama. Let her be who she is to carve her identity and fulfill her aspirations as a complete human being. She has her own needs and urge. She is not a doll where the remote control is in the hands of the male patriarch and she would laugh, cry or sleep when she is told to. A woman is no commodity on the market who is expected to follow certain courses at the university or enter career at the work place that women should do. She has the right to fall in love and follow her heart.

Unfortunately, celebrations such as Karwa Chauth and Raksha Bandhan reflect a certain conservative mindset where there is a hidden meaning, 'A woman's place is in the kitchen or to fulfill the obligations as deemed by society. Why let this old patriarch decide what is good or bad, morally right or wrong for her to do? The whole purpose of being a complete human being is destroyed by a society hell bent on promoting old age concepts of superiority and inferiority. Why can't a woman work in a corporate world and her partner or husband, for that matter, stay at home, look after the kids, cook and do the vessels? 

Today, we stand at a very critical juncture in society where women have been exploited, sometimes as the house wife, sister or mother.My take is simple: Do we need a Rakshak? I am speaking for both men and woman, where sons and daughters rely on their father to take all decisions for them, be it toys, career and who to marry. For me, a brother is someone who let his sister grow by being herself, carving her place under the sun and she needs no moral certificate or male patronage. For me, Raksha Bandhan is all about love and uniting souls, being each other's strength. My issue with conservative patriarchy ingrained in such festivals is that there is something terribly wrong with our society, a grave injustice perpetrated against human beings who are terrorized at every end to fit in certain roles. Remember the old age stupid crap, 'Don't cry like a girl'.

I rest my case. Let me assure again: My perspective on Raksha Bandhan is not meant to hurt anyone who believes in the celebration, forging love, among siblings. I am opening a healthy discussion on ugly patriarchy, conservative mindsets and whether these festivals have contributed to create inequality which is rampant and works against the interest of woman in society. I don't need to be a 'Rakshak' to my sister. If she can carry a child in her womb for nine months, she can very well dictate her life and live on her own terms.

V

Remembering the one & only, Kishore Kumar

There is never a dull moment with Kishore-da. The teasing like Kanhaiya, stealing his Makhan the singing way, tragedy in love, romance, passion and lust. That's Kishore Kumar for you. Timeless voice that makes you sing along with him. Playful at times, his voice touches your heart and takes you along with him to a destination filled with love and magic. There is a mystery behind his voice.

I have immense respect for most Indian singers who won our hearts, right from Rafi Sahab to Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan and Shaan. Honestly speaking, no one comes close to the range, repertoire and intensity of a Kishore Kumar. A voice that transcends ages and generation to find echo in our hearts. Whether it's singing for Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor or Sanjay Dutt, Kishore-Da's voice enthralls listeners and made music an ongoing romance. There is nothing like Kishore-da.

Kishore-da celebrated his 85th birthday on Monday, August 4. It's a small tribute on my part to reminiscence on the days of yore where the man, larger than life persona, exuded streak of sadness, naughtiness and playfulness.

Leaving you with some of my favorite Kishore-Da songs.

A versatile artist-singer, actor, music composer and director, Kishore-Da was the complete package. He has no formal training as a singer but left a mark in our hearts and I am sure, generation to come will always remember the one & only Kishore-Da. Yes, he is my all-time favorite,despite the fact that I don't belong to Kishore-Da's generation.

With Love

Vishal

Happy Friendship Day!!!

True Friendship withstand the test of times

A prayer for togetherness,
the season may change but vows and bond of friendship stand strong.
The waves will turn strong and wild,
but our friendship and unflinching belief in each other will sustain the rough weather.
Happy Friendship.

Hey folks,

Today is Friendship Day. A day when we remember our friends with whom we made memories, laughed like crazy, shed bucket of tears and played pranks. True friends are the ones with whom we shared our dreams, no matter how silly and with whom we can be ourselves.

 Our belief in friendship is beyond the colorful bands tied on the wrist and with every passing year, our ties grew stronger. Some have moved places and made new friends, the rest have forgotten us in this materialistic world. But, the emotions remain the same. Friendship is a sacred prayer where we were taught to move the world for each other and with whom, we spent priceless moments.
Happy Friendship Day.
With Love
V

My UBC Journey

How I survived the Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014? To be honest, I was clueless bout the UBC Writing Challenge spanning over 31 days during the month of July.

It was the first day on July. The routine task of hanging on whining my time on Facebook was going to pay big time. It was a chance encounter when I stumbled upon Corinne Rodrigues (http://everydaygyaan.com/) status bout' registering for UBC. I wondered, 'What's that?" and out of sheer curiosity, I clicked on the link.

The very thought of posting every single day. was scary and sent shiver down my spine. No! Not possible! At the same time, my pal Meghna pinged on Gchat, 'Orkut is closing down.' After all, Orkut was and remains my first love when I discovered something called social networking. It was the tube light moment. 

We discussed on the possibility off saving our scraps, testimonials and pictures on Google drive. My fingers magically typed a message to Meghna, 'I am doing a love story, a kinda novella with Orkut as the backdrop..my way of paying tribute to Orkut.' I was wondering, 'Doing a novella for 30 days and let's see how I fare.'

It was pure bliss. Opened Microsoft Word and in a jiffy, wrote the first chapter. It was quite an easy affair and one thing led to another. It struck me that I need to pre-plan my posts, saving them in a word document and hit publish the next day. Finally, on July 30 for Day 31, I couldn't believe that I've sealed it. A cute novella, set in Mumbai where a boy and a girl meet on Orkut, separated by the sea. There was break up and like in many fairy tales, they fell in love all over again..the classic happy ending. I kept it light. Short chapters, at times, not exceeding my standard yard stick, varying between 500 to 700 words. I had no reason to make the chapters lengthy and boring, to scare away readers.

Writers' block? Quite surprisingly, I didn't struggle a lot to write. For sure, at times, I fought to become more creative with the romance, fighting over laziness for the novella to take shape. I didn't want it to drag endlessly and, initially, was toying with the idea of 24 chapters plus 7 short stories. But, glad I wrote 31 chapters on 31 days. I lagged behind only twice or thrice, if my memory not failing me but with proper planning for the first time, I was able to keep up with the challenge. UBC taught me one thing: Discipline and consistency matters. Everyday, I would pen small chapters and saved them to be published on the next day.

What UBC taught me?

-Writing is one big party. One can never know when the next big idea will strike like thunder. There are so many amazing writers around the globe from which you can learn a lot in terms of narrative, scripting and sketching character. It doesn't go without saying that reading blogs goes a long way in not only earning you comments, followers and friends but also teach you how to hone cum polish your craft.

-Be open to criticisms. Taking criticism in a positive vein goes into teaching you a lot how to buck up your writing and tighten your narrative, grammar and spelling. I was fortunate that some bloggers, including established writers dropped honest words how I should firm up my writing, make someone read the final draft and avoid grammar confusion. Honestly speaking, it was the first time I was writing fiction in the present tense and was quite confused at times. Thank loads, People.

-Motivation. UBC is a huge, huge motivation at a time when you are writing crazily every single day, keeping up with your hectic work schedule. I would warm up to the motivating words of fellas, telling how much they enjoy the stories weaved. It's such a huge high. Trust me, you may be toying with the idea of abandoning the whole challenge but such encouraging words keeps you going from strength to strength. The more, the merrier.

-Comment on blogs. The UBC page elaborated a strategic but effective rule. Paste your link and make sure you comment on the above links. This way, each blogger is ensured to get at least two comments so that their work is not only read but shared among folks. I always make it a point to comment on blogs which runs like a circle, spread some happiness and it will come back to you. You learn so much by commenting on each other's blog. The challenge may be over but I will keep commenting on blogs I may have missed. I intend to do it for the next five days.

Yay!!! Yippie! I can't believe the challenge is over. It still seems like a dream to me. But, yeah, I've done a rom-com novella. The best thing is that I made so many good friends during the challenge and many of them are on my facebook. Time for a short break from blogging to be back with a bang. Hope to see all of you for another month of blogging. This time on my other blog, www.vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com

Yeah! We've all done it with a bang. Congrats everybody:)

Finally, Big Hugs to everyone taking part in the challenge and, of course, the new friends made. I am not taking the names of specific people. They know who they are. Nevertheless, drop in to see the amazing work of writers on the FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/UltimateBlogChallenge/

Drop on write tribe to read amazing posts you may have missed:

http://writetribe.com/48-commonly-misspelled-words/

Loads of love N See you, soon

Vishal

Disclaimer: So many asked me and assumed that 'An Orkut Love Story' is about my life. No, it's not. The novella is pure fiction and I drew analogies from the life of fellow blogger, in terms of mushy and cute love stories that happened in their lives. The rest is fiction.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 31

Yah! Yah! I finally made it. I am a UBC Champion. I registered in the nick of time for the challenge and the thought of making a novella, with Orkut as the backdrop flashed at the back of the mind. It was my way way to pay tribute to Orkut, my first love, who will soon be history. I was apprehensive since doing 31 chapters on 31 Days for a novella was quite a task. I know, the novella is not best seller stuffs but at least a start. It's fraught with mistakes and grammar confusion. Still, I am happy to live up to the challenge. My first ever novella, spanning over 31 days, on the blog.

Today is the final Day, Day 31: The novella 'An Orkut Love Story' is linked to Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014

An Orkut Love Story:

CHAPTER 31:

We’ve been drinking inside Uncle Vijay’s room and he faked fever to Swagata, oblivious of the happening inside the room. The clock struck midnight. Vijay uncle dumps me out of his room filled with cigarette smell and out pouring of alcohol.

I traipse towards Swagata’s room, holding a candle in my hand and slowly open the door. It’s dark inside. I can sense she is fast asleep, curled on the bed. I can’t help feeling the frantic heart-beat..dil dhadakne do! (Let the heart beat). After all, we will see each other after ages. Not in my wildest fantasy, I would imagine we would meet like that. 

‘You are what fairy tales princesses are made of’

‘You sleep like a cute baby’

 ‘Your angelic smile makes me want to fall in love over and over again with you’

‘Independent, incurable romantic who can feel the beauty and pain of love’

‘Your belief in our love makes you the most beautiful person on earth’

‘I promise to love you forever, take you to the gates of heaven’

‘I shall hold your hands till old age, narrate our love stories to our grand-children’

‘My love for you is like the vast ocean, Swagata De’

I hear someone making a slight movement on the bed, trying to slowly push out of the bed. I hold the candle right in front of her face.

“You?!” She is bewildered. “Shit! I got so scared, thinking a thief erupted inside the room or some ghost is lurking around.

I smile. “If you reject my proposal, I will turn into a lovable ghost and haunt you forever.”

“But! How you got inside the room? Did you climb? Has anybody seen you?,” She asks with a frightened face.

I put my finger on her lip. “Don’t say anything. Vijay told me everything and he took me here. Swagata, I love you. Will you marry me?,” I propose.

“Aisa koi propose karta hai kya (This is how someone proposes),” she asks with a sheepish smile.

“I don’t know any other way. Don’t worry about Tarun. Vijay told me everything.”

“Yeah, such a big asshole. It’s Vijay uncle, by the way.”

“Arre yaar! I recited a poem for you. A gift for you.” I give her the CD.”

“Wow! I can’t believe it. You are proposing to me with a CD of Amitabh Bachchan holding a gun in Ek Ajnabee. You are mad. It seems that I must teach you romance.”

Swagata opens the CD box and a red rose falls on her feet. She reads the note inside, ‘Listen to song no.3.’

She puts the CD in the lap top. The romantic song starts playing, ‘Tere liye Mere Sanson mujhe tum se pyar hai.’ She hugs me, her hands pressed on her face and tears rolling down on her cheek. “I love you too, Mr Karan. Will you marry me?”

I bend on my knee to kiss her hand, “I do, Swagata. I promise to love you, forever.”

Swagata face beams. “Hey! Let’s go on Orkut and flirt shamelessly like in the old days.”

It was my turn to protest, “Swagata, not now.”

She makes a face. “Please, please, please,” She pleads. “One last time, baby.”

We log in to see a message flashing, ‘We regret to inform you that Orkut is now closed.’

We made faces. Uncle Vijay joins us, singing, ‘Le Jayenge Le Jayenge, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.’ The three of us tightly embrace each other.

GOA

The calm water and gentle breeze flutter our hair as we walk, hand in hand at Palolem Beach, Goa. It’s midnight. Not a soul could be spotted on the beach. There is a sense of serenity as timid waves swoosh during the night and we steal innocent kiss, leisurely plodding our steps on the sand. It’s a beautiful and silent night.

We walk back to our shack. “Coffee, I ask?”

Swagata teases me, “Dunno, whether I should try your coffee.”

“Try me out, baby. I mean my coffee.”

“You are very metro-sexual,” she gets naughty, running her fingers on my chest.

“I am only sexual.”

We kiss each other and make intimate love. We are a newly engaged couple, dying to get married in three months here at Palolem Beach and planning for a huge red-designed Orkut logo.

The End.

An Orkut Love Story: Chapter 30

Day 30: This post is written as a novella, 'An Orkut Love Story' for the prompt, Ultimate Blog Challenge for July 2014.

CHAPTER 30:

September 30, 2014

I walk inside the boisterous café Leopold, swarmed by the typical South Mumbai crowd, hip n hop local and foreign alike. I scout for Vijay Uncle but there is no sign of him. I settle at the right corner, close to the entrance door, facing the horde of hawkers selling fake branded stuffs. I order a King Fisher Strong beer and lit a cigarette.

A tall, bespectacled man in his 40s, wearing Dolce and Gabbana tee and Blue Denims, approaches me, ‘Karan?” I nod. He offers me a tight handshake, introducing himself as ‘Vijay.’ I was expecting to meet an old man, nearing 60 plus but Vijay uncle tells me that he is the younger brother of Swagata’s Mum. We order a huge beer pitcher and it didn’t take long for our conversation to veer towards Swagata.

He opens his laptop and asks, “Log on your Orkut account. Remember, today is September 30. It’s the last day to hang on Orkut and tomorrow, it will be buried in history.” He eyes me, “Okay, transfer your precious document to Google drive. I already saved Swagata’s stuffs on Orkut. Both of you have made history by falling in love on Orkut and high time to take things to the next level.  Make it a symbolic Orkut love story.”

“But, Vijay, Swagata is engaged to Tarun,” I protest. 

                                      

“We called off the engagement. This idiot was two-timing her with other women. But, listen, it’s quite a story,” Vijay Uncle pats me on the back.

“Tarun is obsessed with him own image and nurture the false impression that he can buy Swagata’s love by the power of money. You know what asshole was doing? If Swagata stops at the mall to gush about a sexy dress, Tarun would force her to accept it as gift. If she needs to go somewhere, he would order a brand new car that would land at her door step. The ass was forcing gifts down her throat. Once, they were on a date and Swagata was telling that she is planning to get herself a new I-phone, well, you can take a guess. Designer shoes, expensive watches and air tickets would land at her door steps.

Few girls walk inside Leopold. Vijay winks at me, “Hot chicks, na. Dude! That’s the perk of being a bachelor at 40.” He gulps his beer. “I am very close to my niece. I know her too well to say that she cannot live without you. Tarun was suffocating her with his obsession. I knew, right in the beginning, that something was not normal and got some men to follow this fool. He was playing the same game with not one but several girls. We caught him red handed.”

 “This bastard is so shameless that she asked Swagata to give back all his gifts. I slapped him..bloody chutiya,” Vijay uncle suddenly became all charged.

Tomorrow is Sunday and Swagata will be home all night. We will sneak inside the house and, at midnight, you just pop inside the room to surprise her on Orkut’s last day. It’s time to fall in love all over again. We clink glasses and drink merrily.