Graduation? Ya, that's what they call it.

Hi I really feel obliged to warn every one of you that the point of view that I have put forth is extremely strong and many of you (in fact, possibly all of you) are likely to disagree with what I'm saying at some level. However, please respect the fact that this is a personal opinion and I am just taking the liberty to express it publicly. That is what Democracy is all about anyway, right? The basic point I am making here is, that a Graduation degree and the education for the same, is a waste of time, at least the way it happens in Indian Universities. It is something that is forced upon students so that they can turn into money-making machines or at least produce enough cash at the end of the day to have a decent living. Students aren't pursuing Engineering because they're passionate about it. Most of the BMM crowds are hardly Media-savvy. There can be so many more examples. So Graduation is basically this compulsory little task tagged onto the backs of students because there is no other way.

 Now the system is right in its own place for majority of people. But what I wish to put forth is, that if there are students who are well aware of their passion and know what they wish to dedicate their lives to, they should be allowed to nurture that one area, without having to succumb to the imposition of getting a degree. The reason I feel so strongly about this is because I will always maintain that the 3 years that I gave to BMM took away from me a lot of time that I could have wholly devoted to Music. Now that I have taken up Music full time and know the kind of possibilities that exist, I regret not having started this 3 years ago. 3 years is a long time and if it was Music and Singing that I always wanted to end up doing, fails me why I graduated in a Media based course.

 Primarily, I did it to keep everyone at home happy. I come from a family of people with Post Graduate degrees and "12th Pass" would just seem horribly incomplete. The reason my family wanted me to graduate, though, is so that I could have a "back-up plan." Now here's the thing. With all due respect to that protective intention, when you are a 100% sure about taking one thing up, you shouldn't want a back-up plan. Midways should not be allowed in life, you know. A back-up plan is like abusing the Faith that I actually should have put into Music long ago. Whatever it is that makes your blood pump, whatever it is that makes you laugh and cry, deserves all your attention, all your effort and all your time; Undivided, and uncompromised.

 So if you are clueless about what you wanna do in life, then sure, graduate in whatever you think would be the right course for you. But please don't do it because of other reasons like earning well later. That approach is so messed up. I mean, you start something with money on your mind, you've just chosen the wrong path. It only gets worse along the way. Do what you wish to do. If you give it all your determination, nothing would be able to stop you from achieving what you see yourself achieving. Human potential is immense and doesn't need the assurances and the securities of a degree in your hand.

 In fact, why on earth aren't there more options to graduate? Why are there not enough good courses in the Arts? Music, Painting, Dancing... Most good colleges that train you in these faculties are abroad. Not enough options here in India, sadly.

 Having said everything that I have though, I would like to say that my College years were amazing. I made some great friends, met a lot of lovely people, ended up learning a hell lot of new things just by deciding to go with the flow. But then I do realise that all this would have happened even if I had taken up full time Music all those years ago. On the other hand, I would have devoted all my resources to the one thing that matters the most to me and would have discovered and accomplished a lot more than I have today. But at the end of the day, there are no regrets. There never are. Like they say, never regret something that was exactly what you needed at one time. Well, I think I needed a "back-up plan" at one time.

 Better late than never, though. I'm glad I'm not doing a desk job and I'm glad that the direction I've chosen has nothing to do with my BMM degree, which by the way, I'm still awaiting. It is a gamble, I know. I may not earn as well as some of my engineer friends 5 years down the line, but that's okay. For some of us, being content with what we're doing is far more important. The fact that I am finally where my heart is elates me beyond reason, beyond logic, beyond everything rational. It makes this really endearing warmth consume me; warmth that the security of a degree could never provide. So yes, if you do know what you want to do in life and are absolutely sure about it, give it a shot; a shot, devoid of compromises. Leap! Run! Dance! Celebrate! Life is more valuable than we make it look like. :)

Lower the gears

This post is especially addressed to the people of Mumbai, or any other "upbeat" part of the world. See, all of us are too caught up in our pursuit of appraisals, increments and what not. Life is moving at an unbelievable pace and that's probably a good thing, who knows! However, maybe it'd be a good idea to just take a break, breathe perhaps, relax for a second and then get back to gear 5 (or 10, or 15, doesn't matter really).

I myself have been so busy with college, Music, the balancing act; but in the midst of all this, last night I took the time out to indulge in some star gazing with Dad. That's when I realized how much in life we're missing out on because of our "busy work schedules". The little things and the little joys they bring with them are precious. Too precious to be compromised for a life that leaves you with nothing but stress.

Think about it. When was the last time you broke into an unplanned melody on a wide street at an odd hour? I'm really not blaming you if you can't recollect. It's the story of more than one person's life. Blame it on the concrete jungle! Let's figure it out together. For once, let the share market not bother you. Leave the office alone. Don't get it home with you. Forget about the sales. Forget about the deadlines. Forget about the worries. Take a break.

Take a break. Sing a song. Break into a jig. Let your inability to dance not matter. Ask that long time crush of yours out. Who cares what he/she will say? Make yourself a meal. Mix those spices up. Board a local train in the off peak hours (trust me, it feels NICE)! Kick start that long forgotten bike of yours and let the wind rush through your hair. Go to that park. Swing on those swings. Play the Karaoke. Sing loudly and out of tune. Dig your teeth into an ice cream. Let it melt. Ditch the heels. Dump the dress. Wear pyjamas and go for a walk. Bare feet on wet grass. Take a break.

I know this one guy who missed out on a lazy Sunday, a midnight meal, an unplanned date, a memorable movie, a walk by the beach, a long gaze at the sky, a spontaneous song... He was too busy hating everything around him. Please don't be that guy. Smile. Because the best things in life are indeed free :)

Delhi's Belly is on fire... Delhi Belly film review

2011 has been one of the better years for Bollywood in the recent past. There have been some treats for cinema lovers with half of the year to still come. But Delhi Belly, let's just say, takes things to a completely different level! With it, a new era in Bollywood officially begins!

To start with, when I first came across the trailer, I couldn't help but admire how appealing and cult like the Music was. About the film however, I assumed that it would be a random compilation of abuses and double meaning jokes just to get people's attention. Well, I am glad I was wrong, and HOW! The story line is more or less a comedy of errors, replete with contemporary references and extremely realistic settings that urban youth can completely relate to. Not much to talk about the story line per se. So there is this package that needs to be delivered, and a lot of mess occurs as 'passing the parcel' is going on between the stars and the ensemble cast. Anyway, we really needn't veer in that direction. Here's stuff that you need to know- the cinematography is par extraordinaire. While that's almost a given every time the perfectionist Khan is producing a film, but some shots in this one are really breathtaking (albeit gross sometimes, like when they focus on Kunal Roy Kapoo's not so picturesque rear). These brilliant shots are more or less evenly distributed throughout the film. That, coupled with other strong technical aspects, easily ensures critics' liking for the film.

As for the masses, if my judgement is anything to go by, they are totally going to love it with lavish doses of humor through and through. Sparing some remotely lame jokes, most of the humor here is intelligent, boind to captivate urban youth! The actors have all done a great job. Kunal Roy Kapoor's performance totally stands out and this is definitely Imran Khan's best so far (Not like he has a flattering body of work but if anyone was planning to write him off, they surely need to press Ctrl+Z). Poorna Jagannath is convincing as the educated and fun modern woman and Vir Das is his usual funny self. Vijay Raaz shows why he is loved so much as an actor as there is no one else who could have done that kind of justice to the negative role. Shehnaz, I'm afraid doesn't match up tp the rest of the cast's performance but a good show by her too. All of the ensemble cast members also wholly justify their casting.

Let's move on to what, according to me, was the strongest aspect of the film. Got to be honest, the superhit songs had a massive role to play in mounting the film's popularity prior to its release. In the film, however, songs (including the cult hit DK Bose and the hummable Switty) have been sparingly used, mostly in the background. That does nothing to prevent them from standing out. The background score too is a jackpot! Especially the score associated with Vijay Raaaz and his gang, an absolute beauty! If people are meant to get what they deserve, Ram Sampath is going to get so damn big in the coming years... he has been seamlessly respected within musical circles but it was high time he got his due with the masses. And Delhi Belly has done just that. Take a bow, sir!

At this point, I can recollect many scenes that I wish to talk about but some of that might spoil the fun for those who haven't yet seen the film. So my best advice as of now would be, watch the damn film as and when you find the time! It'll be the best 96 minutes ever! WARNING: Not for those who find abusive language offensive. Also, the film has a more Mumbai twang to it rather than Delhi in more ways than one, but who cares? Mumbai and Delhi are going to love the film alike, I am sure!

So go right ahead, watch the film... My verdict: It is the closest to becoming a cult hit amongst the recent crop of films. Irrespective of what the Box Office tells us in the weeks to come, this one will be remembered and talked about for a long, long time; and a huge reason for that is the censor board's unbelievable kindness! Yup, this is a big collection of never seen before stuff and can't be missed at any cost. so Bhaag bhaag and catch the first show that you can (if you haven't already)! I, for one, am surely gonna watch it one more time at least!

Rating: 4/5

The man I wish existed...

Haven't blogged about something in what seems like a long time, but some great Music that I've been listening to lately inspired me to come up with this one. So, I was listening to "Your Song" by Sir Elton John. All over youtube and the internet, in general, people seem to be so concerned about his sexuality, the fact that he's gay. I say, so what if he's gay? Even if he writes all those sweet songs for a man, that's the luckiest man alive! Cos you know what? I'd kill for a guy who would write such songs for me...

And if that guy existed, it wouldn't matter a rotten pig's tail as to how he looked cos he would have to be the most beautiful human being around to come up with something so pure, so serene. Beyond which, everything else ceases to matter. Close friends of mine would swear and tell you with unbelievable conviction that I am scared to fall in love, that I am commitment phobic and all that jazz. To be fair to them and their judgments, maybe that's true. But as per me, the larger truth is that the right guy is almost impossible to find.

As I said, it wouldn't matter how he looked or how he dressed. All that I talk about is a person, who is full of love. Not just for his lover, but for everything and everyone around. Someone who can see and appreciate the beauty that so comprehensively surrounds us, craving to be noticed. Someone who would agree and respect the presence of God in everything that ever existed. But clearly, as you would agree with me, such a person would be a rarity, to say the least.

Guys keep complaining that girls are unreasonably demanding. Maybe it's true. My version, however is that the demands crop up because the more soulful needs are left untouched. Give a girl the love she deserves, and she will give you back more. I am not saying that demanding girls don't exist. They do and will always be around, but got to be fair to the many who wouldn't stop thanking God if they found a guy who loved and respected them for who they were. Cos ultimately, every girl would want a guy who could bring a smile to her face, simply because of the love that he is full of.
The sweetest line ever from "Your Song" to conclude:
I hope you don't mind,
I hope you don't mind,
That I put down in words,
How wonderful life is,
While you're in the world :')

P.S.- Silly, who would mind that? <3

Short of laughs...

The face of Indian Television has undergone a significant change over the past few decades. We, the viewers, have been subjected to the "K" phase, the reality outbreak and the breaking news plague. Over the years, various domestic concepts as well as international formats got moulded into the Indian scenario. We have seen everything from the betis to the mothers to the mothers being exchanged :P However, despite so much experimentation, there is still that one void, especially in comparison to the American and other international telly zones. Where is the regular dose of rib cracking humor? You know, the kind of humor that you can call intelligent, witty, sarcastic... the kind where things are not funny simply because someone can't stop stammering or a fat dhoti clad businessman slips on a banana peel?!

When I think of quality humor on television, various shows come to my mind, only that most of them lead to the mental transcending of borders. Every episode of shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Two and a Half Men, Yes Minister etc, ensures twenty awesomely funny minutes. I can't help but wonder how amazing it'd be if we had some kind of Indian parallel; because come on, it'd be so much funnier and easier to relate to if the cultural context was more oriental. Sure, a lot of the kind of humor we're talking about here would fall flat in a language like Hindi due to the oh so famous "lost in translation" syndrome. However, I'm sure the Indian context will open up a lot more possibilities of humor that suits our social conditioning (obvious, in-your-face done-to-death comedy excluded please!) I do remember some nice comic soaps like "Zabaan Smbhalke" being on air while I was a little kid but now, nothing really. By the way, Pankaj Kapoor is the ultimate :)

Anyhow, it's quite clear what I wish to convey. Although I am skeptical if wry kind of doses of wit would work with the masses in this part of the world, no harm being optimistic given that mentalities and sensibilities are slowly but surely changing (more often for the better, if I may add). So here's hoping that in the years to come, the Indian television arena would boast of some genuinely spine tickling, out of the (cliched humor) box quality comic shows. Let's hope we can have our own funny guys who can match the standards set by the super sarcastic Chandler or the uber awesome Barney a few years down the line. Cheers to the fulfillment of the void yet untreated.

Win some, lose some...

They keep saying, you got to do what you got to do. I could not agree more. Why I say this is because many a times in life, one stands at crossroads and every road tempts you. One of the infinite occasions when this happened to me was when I began my college life post Idol. On the one hand, there was the desire to capitalize on the new found (not to mention short lasting) fame that the dramatic face of television had given me and on the other, there was the conventional college life, acknowledged by most individuals as the most memorable years of their life. The decision was mind boggling to say the least. Struggling to find work in the many studios in the dingy by-lanes of Adarsh Nagar, or cherishing the never-ending classroom jamming? Networking tirelessly on the internet or savoring the unhygienic canteen food? :P Keeping the event organisers happy or keeping the professors content? I had to arrive at some conclusion for life wouldn't spare me otherwise...

I finally decided that on the musical front, I will accept whatever work I get, but will not let that affect my college life. That meant that I did not go about work hunting. Ever since my life after Idol, I have been fortunate enough to get shows and recordings frequently but I must admit that professionally, things could have been way better if I had tried harder. I could have been juggling crazy amounts of work if I had decided to give graduation a backseat. But I have no regrets. None, whatsoever; chiefly because I was determined to enjoy my college life. As a child artiste on stage, many a times I felt that I missed out on certain really beautiful moments of childhood. The stage matured me before I would have wanted to; involuntarily, that too. I was quite sure that I did not want to penetrate the big, bad world of glamor already, what with ugly cut throat competition out there with a fresh crop of singers with every reality show!

Life has been amazing after having made this decision. I go to college, hang out with my buddies, enjoy the vigorous and testing project work that comes along with the prestigious Wilson BMM, participate and scream my lungs out in festivals, chill out endlessly at the McKenzie premises and fool around the beautiful Wilson College campus, in general. Yes, it is hard to keep everyone happy and the professors don't exactly love me. After all, I can't let go of my first passion in life, right? I do the shows and go for the recordings as and when I find the time, which obviously leads to an attendance that I am not quite proud of. The defaulters' list loves m more than gravity loves apples :D And after every semester I hear those wise words from Prof. Sudhakar Solomon Raj, "You must learn how to balance the two things."

To that, well, what can I say? Dear Sir, it's not that simple... but I'll try :)

'MySha': My take on Aisha

Firstly, sorry for the gay title but I'm kinda sleepy. Secondly, three days after a film releases is not the perfect time to come up with its review of sorts but since 'Aisha' was an integral part of my day today, I feel the need to talk about it.

It is hard for me to begin without saying that Aisha lacks a concrete, well-written story! The resident 'Emma' is not quite a tale per se. The entire film revolves around 'Aisha' (Sonam Kapoor), the the typical spoilt, rich fashionista who, at the end of the day is very good at heart (wow, SO unpredictable). However, she has this unintentional tendency to take charge of others' lives and decide what they should do what they shouldn't. Not a healthy habit which she obviously realizes by the end of the flick (happy endings are mandatory here). So basically: Aisha, and her relationship with a bunch of rich Delhiites that form her folks is pretty much the entire 'story'. Planning to not watch it thus? Re-think! There are enough positives in the film.

The characterizations are beautifully done. Casting is near perfect. Arjun (Abhay Deol) is that witty, secure, caring and chivalrous guy that any sane girl will effortlessly fall in love with. Flawless acting by the hottest Deol yet (after Dharmendra of course). Amrita Puri has done a good job as the behenji- turned- babe 'Shefali', while Lisa Hayden is every bit the super hot 'Aarti'. Ira Dubey fits 'Pinky Bose's' shoes quite effortlessly with oodles of sarcasm. Sonam Kapoor however, falls flat. As if the bad acting isn't enough, the nasality makes life worse! Sadly, she is the lead :( Barring her though, every actor has done a great job which certainly makes the film watchable.

Amit Trivedi for sure deserves a very special mention for the breathtaking Music (both songs as well as the background score). A more than hummable title track, a soulful love song, a sensuous Salsa track, an infectious dance track, Aisha has it all. Music lovers are especially requested to go watch Aisha for the songs alone, if nothing else.

The stylists for this film need to take the bow of all bows. The characters are all very stylish, chic and sophisticated through and through. As far as the style and fashion quotient is concerned, Aisha establishes a benchmark and new standards for Bollywood to follow. At the price of one movie ticket, Aisha is a rather pocket-friendly crash course in fashion!

Another big plus would have to be the witty dialogues. The dialog writer has done quite a job with the pen. Arjun's lines are quirky and hilarious more often than not and Pinky takes the cake on more than one occasion with those harmless sarcastic remarks. Humor is an essential part of the film practically throughout, more so in the first half. One will definitely have a hearty laugh at regular intervals. In a crux, I could put the positives and negatives as follows:

Positives: Characterizations, acting (except Sonam), the songs, the background score, the styling, lavish doses of humor, the flawless look of the film, the feel good factor.

Negatives: No concrete story, pathetic acting by Sonam Kapoor, sloppy editing, very average script.

All in all though, Aisha is thoroughly watchable. You'll come out of the cinema hall smiling most probably. Don't expect to carry with you some great learning experience. Aisha is not one of those cinematic milestones. It's more of a feel good one time watch. Fashionable girls would more than adore the film. It's a chick flick in that sense. The last verdict: Watch it once if you're not terribly busy.