Things other than (dresses) that you can wear to office!

Do you think that the meaning of the above headline connotes wearing a bullet-proof polyester silver suit everyday to work or maybe bohemian vinyl pants, fish net stockings with an obnoxious pink hat? Then you have absolutely got the wrong idea. Corporate dressing sense has always been conservative and in many cases your success depends on it. But dressing well is not the key; there are certain other abstract qualities that are related to your dressing sense and personality. Let me delve deeper into it.

‘Beauty is skin deep’ goes a saying which means beauty is superficial. Your beauty doesn’t come out in the expensive brands with a hole-in-the-pocket price tag. Though you look smart, in the well-fitting clothes but your real beauty comes out with an amalgamation of certain qualities. Below I have defined few of the qualities that will help you to make the impression you always wanted to make with your co-workers. Here we go:

ATTITUDE

It really doesn’t matter which side of the bed you woke up today. All that matters is the attitude you are going to wear for the whole day. Look at your hands in the morning and you know, everything that you are going to achieve is with these two hands of yours. So, give up your superstitious belief and make a point that you are going to make use of the day as if it’s your last day on earth. Everyday you should have the attitude that your day has a purpose. This attitude will help you a lot in achieving the desired goals. Try to be practical in your attitude.

SMILE

A smiling face is worth more than a frowning face. Your true beauty and inner peace is reflected in your beautiful smile. You may feel low but try not to ruin the day of others with your frown and groans. A saying goes; “You haven’t lost your smile at all, its right under your nose. You just forgot it was there.” So, keep smiling and be happy.



Photo Courtesy:Freedigitalphotos.net
Photographer:Clare Bloomfield
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=862


CONFIDENCE

Being confident exudes an awe that can hold captive even the hardest taskmaster. But confidence must be distinguished between arrogance and overconfidence. Try to keep a balance and also you are confident when you have finished your tasks without the laziness vice creeping in.



Photo Courtesy:Freedigitalphotos.net
Photographer:graur razvan ionut
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987


GAIT
Body Language or Gait or the way you walk also speaks volumes about yourself. If you stoop lower with your head down, it can be assumed that you are lacking in confidence and are guilty of an uncommitted crime. But if you walk with your head held high with your shoulder straight, make eye contact than you give the impression of a winning man/woman, who has got the world at its feet.



CONVERSATIONAL STYLE

Conversational style speaks a lot about your personality. If you stammer a lot, it shows your nervousness. If you are confident and speak with a diction and proper accent it makes a lasting impression on the listener. As you speak, you don’t have to rant about things, also pause and try to know the listener’s point of view. This way you will get respect as well also a breather of ‘thinking before you speak’.

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS

This I will add as a bonus. As after wearing the above abstract qualities, you can proudly wear your sweet smell of success around.



Photo Courtesy:Freedigitalphotos.net
Photographer:djcodrin
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Gestures_g185-Positive_Young_Man_p13083.html


The above qualities are like making an exotic dish which will have all the ingredients in place to make it succulent and edible. Similarly, your persona will get a boost with the above qualities and it will add to your happiness which will motivate you to work harder. So, bring on the lasting impression.

Public Opinion and Social Media

Tom Hanks as ‘Chuck Noland’ in the movie ‘Cast Away’ and Daniel Defoe’s renowned character ‘Robinson Crusoe’ met the same fate that every human being abhors. Aristotle once said that “man by nature is a social animal”. This very social instinct has led primitive people to find out means to communicate whether be it through face gestures, hand signals and cave paintings which led to full-fledged linguistic abilities. It was this innate instinct of humans that led to the discovery of various means of communication. Drawing a parallel with this ancient means we communicate on a daily basis, through advanced forms of technological devices like pagers, mobiles and electronic communication apart from face to face interactions. The dependency on this media is so much that it’s perfectly fine if we are banished into an unknown isolated island with a
Wi-fi connection.

The whole idea behind people communicating is to express opinions. From the time Gutenberg invented the Printing Press, people have been vocal in their views and opinions. In the present time, social media has become a powerful tool to express the common man’s view point. Social networking sites, blogs, internet forums, opinion sites are in vogue and more sought after. With the onset of multiple options in social media, people are becoming more tech-savvy and are finding forums to express their views and opinions.

Michael Jackson’s death was a hot topic of discussion for quite a while. As soon as news of his death spread, the internet was flooded with search queries which led to a temporary shutdown of all the major social networking sites. Twitter, the micro blogging site, found the ‘tweets’ getting doubled with every passing second because of the innumerable tributes flowing from celebrities and fans. Rumours were rife that MJ was pulling up a prank and planning to make a comeback. On Youtube, thousands posted videos about their feelings and opinions about the legendary king of pop. His best selling album ‘Thriller’ took the number one position in iTunes within a few hours of his death. This form of hysteria was at par with the recent U.S presidential election where Barrack Obama made history on that occasion. A major chunk of his victory is attributed to his online campaign which helped him to connect with the masses.



Closer to our homeland, the racist attacks on Indians in Australia saw a surge in online protests condemning the attacks. Online communities demanding justice for the Indian students were set up in Facebook and Orkut social networking sites with over thousands members joining them within a week. A recent instance of the use of this aforementioned media was when a blogger created a buzz on the eve of Valentine’s Day with the ‘Pink –Chaddi’ campaign against the Ram Sena. This campaign vented out revenge on the moral policing of attacking and thrashing girls in a Mangalore pub. This campaign started as a group on Facebook and reached mercurial proportions with pink underwear flowing in from all parts of India. Though this sounds amusing but the right chord was struck against the atrocities caused to young women in the name of Indian culture.



The humourous "Pink Chaddi" logo

On similar lines, a great furore was generated when the parties during the fifteenth Lok Sabha elections made extensive use of internet and mobile technologies. It was a cue taken from the successful presidential campaign of Obama. Party’s manifestoes were available on the websites for the technically inclined crowd. But one of the most successful campaign was the ‘Jaago re’ campaign, targeted at the urban youth mainly students and corporates in 35 cities across India urging them to register and use their fundamental right to franchise and elect a stable government.

Public opinion through these sites are making or breaking brands and products. People freely let out their opinions, frustrations and reviews be it the newest gadget or a recently released movie. A huge chunk of revenue is normally plugged in for online promotions in social media targeting the ever-growing netizens.
Even though the biggest benefit of online networking is that it comes for free, but it has its own share of disadvantages. Even though public opinion is generated it can be diverted also. Recently, after the death of MJ hoaxes made the rounds that Britney Spears, George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum and Harrison Ford were also dead. There have been also instances when brands hired ‘sock puppet’ to elougize their products thus misleading the consumers. Sometimes it also becomes monotonous to become a part of so many causes and getting bombarded with requests to join communities in the social networking sites.

Social media is a medium that comes with its own list of opportunities and risks. As users of this medium, we should not exploit it instead we should make it a powerful platform to voice our fundamental rights as well as of the underprivileged people who do not have access to such privileges. There are no hard and fast rules to go by which marks the beauty and prevalence of social media in the future also. With revenues being generated in this medium in the form of advertisements, and getting the latest ‘feeds’ and ‘tweets’ in the privacy of our mobile phone , this fad is certainly going to last for a while.

Vacation Diary

I remember the anticipation that I had 3 weeks back before leaving for vacation. First of all, I had to worry about my air ticks as it was not proper. Thanks to my sparky friend's advice, I booked two ticks for the same flight and got it for 50%!! Well money was saved but it amounted to a ton of tension.

With my OOO(Out Of Office) reminder in place I made an early exit from office. Well, another nagging thing was to shift house. Finally, I have taken the decision to stay alone. Gosh whatta a pain, is shifting house!! In 3 years this is the fifth time scuffling PGs(Paying Guest) and rented accomodation.Finally, that bit was done. On the way went to Bar-B-Q Nation to have dinner but was totally exhausted to wait for half an hour for a table. Instead went to 'Ammi's Biryani' near Jaideva Hospital flyover. And boy was I hungry? I devoured my meal in flicker of seconds.

Climbing four floors with luggage was really tiring.Spent the last night at my favourite place on earth, the first rented accomodation that I and my roomie had got!! I will really miss this place!!:(!! But I am ready to make new memories in my new house.:)

Woke up with the rain lashing outside my window at 4 am. Just 2 hours left to whoosh to the airport, couldn't sleep after that. Woke up finally at 5am and had my bath since I had a long day. Eventhough I am going by air, I will reach Guwahati at 3 pm. Finally, everything packed I set out for my long destination, to my homeland. Saying a silent prayer so that I can buzz through the tickets ruckus with Ozzy Osbourne's 'Mamma I am comin home' ringing in my head.

As I waited for the Volvo at 6.30 pm, a weird cab driver started haggling with me, "Madame 400 bucks to the airport, I have got a pick up don't want to go empty." I was totally apprehensive of going with this guy eventhough it sounded like a good deal. I said a firm 'No' as for a girl safety is the foremost concern. Then a girl came and this cab driver approached her too. Now, the fare was 200 bucks each. We agreed but at the last moment the girl backed off and luckily saw the Volvo coming.

The girl was a student doing her MBA and was from Chandigarh. She had got a strict dad and she was constantly taking my name that she was travelling with me. Amusing but really smart. I hardly knew her for 5 minutes and she is already travelling with me. Thankfully, didn't converse with her much as she was glued to her phone. Wondering with whom she was talking at this hour. As it was the perfect time to snooze with the blanket over the head with the soulful symphony of the rain's music playing outside. With a deep sigh, I patiently sat for 45 minutes at least that's the benefit of catching the first bus to the airport in the outskirts of the town, 2 hours journey is shortened to 45 minutes.God knows, the brilliant perspective of the BIAL's board decision to locate the airport so far from the city. In peak hours it takes upto two to three hours just to reach the airport. People reach different cities within this time. What a waste of time and money. Hope my grand children if ever I have them will benefit from this with better connectivity.It is ruled out in my case, not grandchildren but of course the long journey to BIAL.

Thanks to my contacts in the right place, was able to sail through the ticket commotion with ease. I took a deep sigh of relief.I hope this tension has made me lose some weight, chuckle chuckle. With the tickets done I headed for the security check and a long serpentine queue was there especially in the women section. As I approached nearer an audience has gathered as there was a verbal war going on with the security lady and an old grandma. Reason was unknown but the second X-ray and security console was opened thankfully. With security checks over, I straightway headed to the coffee outlet and got myself a chicken tikka sandwich which tasted shite for the price that I paid. Stale chopped capsicum and shredded masala chicken in coarse white bread wasn't welcome for my taste buds but it certainly averted my hunger cramps. Another one and half hour to go, sent out text messages to all and listened to music. All the time I was observing the people. Among them, I found an old colleague from Guwahati, Mayuri, but with the poker look in her face, didn't feel like introducing myself. I have always found her to be a lil reserved unlike me and didn't want to disturb the deep thoughts she was in.

Finally, boarded the flight, as usual got the window seat, thanks to the guys in the counter! giggle giggle. The people sitting next to me was a young man and an old uncleji. In the course of the flight came to know that these people were from Shillong. Mukhim was the young man sitting next to me, a business man as well as working for Meghalaya government.He was very talkative about his background. Both he and uncleji were into the coal business and were converted Catholics as is the story of the rest of the north=east excluding Assam and Manipur. Sometimes I wonder why did the Missionaries didn't convert us. Is it because they were in awe of the Ahom kings or maybe they crossed through China? I gotta dig into history soon.







Glimpses of the greenery of Guwahati


Alas!reached Guwahati, and after landing the temperature was at its boiling best. I removed my sweater and went towards the luggage belt to collect my things. My bro had come to pick me up and finally reached home in 45 minutes. My kid bro has finally mastered driving and was showing his skills aplomb much to my surprise and disgust. As I have a driving licence, but as soon as I am in front of the steering wheel, all i can do is 'vroom' with my mouth, I don't remember the ABC of driving now.

Dad was sleeping when I came home and mom gave me a warm welcome hug. Finally, my realatives started pouring in. I was so elated to see the newest addition to our family 'Neer', my cousin's 5 months son. Wow what a bonny baby, I was in love with him in the first sight! and yes he showed his affection too by peeing on me. Kiddo was the centre of attraction and I relaxed by playing with him. Finally, when everyone went, I finally took my bath and slept off in the spread eagle position.

The next day went out for shopping. Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar was geared up for Eid and Puja shopping; flocked by people in hordes. Eventhough bomb threats were a regular feature in the newspapers, that didn't deter the people's spirits. Thanks to the retail outlets, shopping in bulk under one roof was possible. One interesting thing happened, due to our hefty bills , got some scratch cards and wonders of wonders I got a scratch card with a cash prize but my bad I scratched is so hard that I torn it, had to be happy with a keyring.

Guwahati was too hot, eventhough there were around 8 days for Eid, I couldn't fast for the darn weather. Just fasted the 28th roja which is considered to be very auspicious taking the count of my fasting till 6. I know shame on me. Finally, Eid day was there. In the afternoon Guwahati was jolted by an earthquake. It was after a decade that I was facing the tremors. But it was not welcome. Eid day was over and I enjoyed thoroughly with my family. Nothing can beat this feeling of being with closed ones on this day with good food, eidee and friends, relatives , neighbours makes it an enjoyable event.

Finally, 3 weeks just whoosed by and it was time for me to be back to my hectic lifestyle leaving the warm hearth and home of Guwahati.I was really sad but my dad encouraged me, you gotta do your responsibilities no matter what as without a purpose a person is like a kite without a string. The most dreaded part was my two and a half day journey to Bangalore.

At 5 woke up and mom packed my breakfast, dinner and lunch for a day. My sweet Mom was up at 4 am to prepare all this even after telling her not to exert herself. At 5.30, mom, me and my bro left for the station bidding a tearful goodbye to dad. Dad has started crying from the previous day itself eventhough he wasn't showing. I got into my coach and much to my dismay, I got an old coach, where even the seat numbers were written with a red marker and there were no charging points also. The only respite was my side lower seat. I saw all the girls crying, I somehow was able to keep my tears in my ducts but as soon as the train was chugging seeing my mom's face I broke down. After the teary goodbye, I composed myself for the long journey back to Bangalore.

The people in my compartment composed of a Mallu couple and their son Aryaman who were going to Chennai, a middle- aged couple from Meghalaya, Mary and Elvis who were going to Vellore for Mary aunty's cervix cancer treatment. An air-force official posted in Tezpur, going to Bangalore for a 3 months IT course and a young Bangalorean lad, whose father is a tea scientist posted in Tezpur, was a fresher joining his first job in Bangalore. Also a girl, Akumo from Nagaland who after passing 12 was going to Bangalore to experience the big city life.

The train journey as expected was boring to the core. This time thankfully I didn't get locked in the loo like last time. One fascinating thing happened in the second night of the journey. Just 15 minutes of blasting the coach attendent about the hygiene of the train toilets, the Eureka Forbes guys came in the next station with a gift for me. But I was so deep in my sleep, from underneath of my blanket i swayed my hand in a 'move away' fashion. This is the second time I am having a bad luck including the scratch card. Maybe I did the right thing thinking what if it was a security threat. Thank God, the train didn't blew up.

To add to my woes the train was full three hours late and when we finally reached Bangalore, it was raining like anything. Somehow paid through my nose, got a coolie and an auto and rushed to my new home which was in a store room format!! Next post will detail it.

CORPORATE DRESSING TIPS!!

How many of us has been the victims or victimizers of stifled whispers and giggling in the office foyer, corridor and the washrooms? Ever felt the eerie feeling that somebody is giving you piercing looks and watching your anatomy as you stride away. Gosh! How you wished that you had eyes at the back of your head too. Even some has the indecency to speak out loud about your fashion faux pas and laugh out loud and in the worst case scenario comment too. You are miffed and feel like dialing the harassment advice line.

WAIT!! Before dialing or dropping in a mail.

You should reflect back and give a look at yourself? Did you ever think what’s provoking your colleagues to make such snide remarks? God forbid but you might fit in the Fashion Disaster Club!

Below we discuss the top 5 fashion disasters that both men and women commit knowingly or unknowingly. Let’s start with the WOMEN first.

TOP FIVE FASHION DISASTER AT WORK FOR WOMAN

LOUD AND DULL COLORS

The fuschia/ Rani Pink, Flourcent green kurtis or tees are absolutely a NO-NO in the office. This might be the colors of the season but is absolutely not okay for the office. Similarly, if you are wearing a dull or washed out color it is absolutely not a good choice. Also, wearing an outfit that has taken the color of another dress while washing them together even though you have worn it once in your life should not be worn again.





TOO SMALL TO FIT IN

Never wear too tight clothes to office. If somebody comments that you have been wearing the shirt or tee since you were 5 year old or have raided a teenager’s wardrobe. It’s time for you to shun that piece of clothing. Also, if your belly fat is bulging from the seams than its better you go for a new wardrobe.

ARE YOU WEARING A TENT TO WORK?

Similarly, oversized clothes should also be avoided. Please don’t wear your husband’s tees and jeans to office to make yourself look trendier. If you have picked that snazzy looking XXL top in a sale where getting your size is a matter of luck. Please do invest in a good tailor. Many retail malls has got their own tailors so you can make use of this service also.

ON-THE-MOVE JEWELLERY SHOP

Did somebody term you as an on-the-move jewellery shop? Well if the answer is affirmative than instead of taking it as a compliment reflect on it. Accessories like bags, scarves and minimal jewellery looks very fashionable. But the idea is to keep it simple. Simple studs/ earrings, a pendent looks classy enough. Also, wearing heavy anklets that clinks, rings while moving through the office like a spectre of ‘Umrao Jaan’ is not classy at all.

HAIR-DO
Well wearing a ‘BAD HAIR DAY’ tee doesn’t excuse you of a bad hair do. Please do invest in a good haircut and styling products to make you more presentable.




TOP FIVE FASHION DISASTER AT WORK FOR MAN

TOO MUCH CASUAL

Avoid embroidered, flowery, block prints in your shirts. The flip-flops, sportswear is best for home and the gym. Even if you are wearing jeans at work, make sure it fits well and is clean. You can pair up your jeans with shirts or a well-fitted jacket. Also, wearing sneakers with your formals is a major faux pas.

UGGH! UNDERARMS STAINS

If you sweat a lot and get underarms stains in your shirts getting a good deodorant or an antiperspirant could be of help to you. To avoid embarrassment, please also make sure to properly wash your garments to get rid of the yellow stains.

LONG HAIR, PONYTAIL

The ‘Joe Masceranhas’ look of ‘ROCK ON’ fame is in vogue. But this look doesn’t go with the office environment. Even if you are straightening your hair pokey straight, you got to take care of it by investing on shampoos and conditioners meant for it or better go for a clean and short look. Even if you are growing your hair it should not go beyond the base of your neck.

COLOGNE TORTURE
Spraying a whole bottle of cologne for office is not a cool idea. Too much of cologne repels others and yes you are at higher risk of getting busted about not taking a bath. Also, too much of after shave and cologne is a deadly mix for the nostrils of your colleagues. So, keep it at a minimum.

BLATANT LOGOS AND LABELS

The blatant logos and labels tees should be avoided at work. Tees displaying a ‘DUDE’, a ‘STUD’, and a ‘ROCKSTAR’ across your chest looks very inferior. Also, wearing too tight tees to show off your well toned body will make you look like a bouncer at a disc. So, avoid it.

If you have a look around the people who are dressed well are the ones who keep it simple but classy. They are not trends fanatic but wear clothes that fit them. So, go on for a classy fashionable look as you have got the clues now.

REFERENCES:
Photo Source:http://www.bigfoto.com/

Slumdog Milllionaire & Q&A

Last week of February 2009, saw history in the making with British directed Indian film Slumdog Millionaire grabbing eight AA (Academy Awards). The brouhaha about the movie had already started at the GG (Golden Globe) Awards. Suddenly promos sprang in the Indian channels as “Coming soon to India”. Dev Patel the main actor and the other newbies did not impress me in the promos but it was after watching the movie I saw the potential of the actors.

I saw the movie and was boggled by its freshness. Though poverty in Dharavi slums of Mumbai had been the much touted subject matter of many Bollywood flicks but Slumdog had an underlying optimism and was not a sob-sob story. The journey of a chai wala in a BPO winning KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati?) as well as his childhood sweetheart was a story of hope and the human spirit. After watching the movie, I just couldn’t resist myself to lay my hands on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup. For those who are not enlightened, the theme of Slumdog Millionaire was taken from this book.




I thought that the book will be same as the movie. But I was in for a pleasant surprise. I came to know that all the questions asked and the protagonists were different. Though the book and movie starts in the prison, I was aghast to know that the movie’s protagonist was named Jamal while the book has a guy called Ram Mohammed Thomas an orphan who was dumped in a church as an infant.

In the movie, Jamal has got a brother Salim while Ram in the book has a friend called Salim. The book surprised me a lot. As it had sleazy details about the Mumbai underbelly and India as a whole. There were tales of homosexuality, incest, junkies, prostitution, Bollywood blues, everything that is so hush-hush in the Indian society.

Ram Mohammed Thomas falls in love with a prostitute whereas Jamal falls in love with Latika a street urchin. The story in the movie is simply done without much gross details. But I almost popped my eyes reading the novella. Ram Mohammed Thomas is sued by the producers as they don’t have a billion rupees to give Ram as they were banking on the ad revenue and Ram makes the dreaded mistake of winning W3B in the second month. Hostility of the hierarchy and the well-off against the have-nots is so vividly described, that you can feel the horror.

Also, unlike the movie the events culminates into a beautiful tapestry and connects itself in the end. Yes, there are twists that makes this book a fabulous read. But some chapters like the war tale of Pakistan and India in 1971 definitely does not connect with me at least. I felt it really does not fit in Ram Mohammed’s rags to riches story.

The book was definitely a page turner, as I am slow in reading I finished the book in 36 hours. This legacy of converting a book to a movie has been going on for decades. Very few have succeeded in achieving the right portrayal and spirit of the book. Slumdog Millionaire doesn’t disappoint us in this case definitely and Q&A surely has a class of its own.

Garish Display Of Patriotic Emotions!!

Time flies without wings. How many of us have realized that we are in the second month of 2009. Well, not many we know. But I have realized because I am writing a post on January 26th celebrations in our office. I know it’s a bit too late for this post to come. Thanks to my hectic work schedule now-a-days. Well, that’s a long story so let’s get back to the celebrations. Amresh, the brain behind all the activities in our office and the Cultural Committee came out with an idea to host a cultural fashion show, representing different states of India.

It was supposed to be a pre-event and was to be staged on January 23rd as it was a Friday. But this idea seeded only on January 21st leaving us with two days of practice. We got a meeting request for practice on January 22nd. All I knew was that I was suppose to be a Kashmiri as there were only three vacant posts- Kashmiri, Marathi and Bengali. Since, the other two involved draping a saree, I backed off owing to my petite frame and the pain that came in managing an unstitched piece of clothing that too on a ramp. Vishal Wadhwa was suppose to be my partner. Never heard of him though.!

When we went for the meeting. From Kashmiri, I was given the role of a Manipuri, as my almost chinky features and height matches that role. Even my partner changed to Vishal Khandelwal, my best friend. Vishal was not there when this was decided. He was very pissed when he came to know that he was a Manipuri, as he didn’t look an ounce chinky. Just to match our heights he had to dance with me. But I was elated to get him as a partner as he used to claim that he’s a great dancer and even in occasions he showed some of his ‘break- dancing stunts’. The other pairs were- Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannadiga, Keralite, Goan, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi and Kashmiri.

When we went for practice, we were told that they will play AR Rehman’s ‘Vande Mataram’ and in pairs we have to catwalk. The order was to come from North and then proceed towards South. So, the order of the pairs were- Kashmiri, Punjabi, Manipuri, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi, Goan, Kannadiga and Kerala. When the first pair catwalked it was looking so odd! Finally, everybody spoke out and a new formation was given. Everybody, will do a jig on the folk songs of the respective state for 2 minutes and than we will catwalk on Vande Mataram and we roped in another “Bharat Mata”! The idea came out really well and whatever songs were there in the lappy, the couples started practicing on those songs.

The problem was with us to find a Manipuri song. Though, I am from the north-east am basically an Assamese from Guwahati so Manipuri to me was same as Greek and Hebrew. Also, just two day for the event, finding a song, practicing the steps and keeping the bulk of my time finishing my work assignments seemed suicidal. But luckily, the Cultural Committee was able to convince the HR Director to postpone it to January 27th. After buying time, with two hours of googling and endless downloads, I finally zeroed down to one song ‘Mami Sami’!! It had nice folk beats and sounded just perfect. Though the words were unintelligible everybody gave me kudos for selecting this particular rhythmic song.

The practice session was nightmarish. As Vishal, my partner had two left feet when it came to folk dance. I don’t find myself as a dancing diva but I can catch steps fast and with little practice I carry it off well. Vishal took a full 30 minutes to get the steps right. But I was proud with my partner as there were even worse two left ‘feeters’ around!! Liker the Kannadiga couple was very stiff and conscious, Guru the guy was ostrich like and Mamatha the girl lacked poise and the song was very patriotic as Mamatha wasn’t comfortable with a love ballad!! The Rajasthani guy Piyush, danced aka jumped and shook the whole fourth floor. But full points goes to him for his effort. Comparatively, the guys were worse than we thought and the girls were born dancers.

By the time it was Friday people started backing off as due to the extended weekend people were going for a long holiday. Some backed off as the replacement they got were ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle’ types. Moreover, the practice sessions except on Sunday acted as a dampener. The Gujarati and Marathi couple was absconding and had to be replaced.

Come Saturday, we were off to office half-heartedly. Even though had to come to office on a weekend, the practice sessions were fun unlimited! Everybody was in a holiday mood and everybody instead of dancing to their songs were dancing to others songs. Most of the time I was learning Salsa from Sunny the Sardar. Some real pun intended jokes like the Manipuri song ‘Mami Sami’, while ‘Mami’ in North India means sister-in-law from mom’s side. Since no one knew the lyrics everybody started singing ‘Mami, Mama, Chacha(uncle) and what not. Recession had to play a role in our fashion show too. Due to recession, the budget was very less according to Amresh. As a cost cutting measure, Sunny the sardar was adamant that at least a banner should be put up with two bamboos. This idea was vetoed by the rest of us. Also, there was no ramp and we had to do the catwalk in the cafeteria of Hallmark building. The crowd in Hallmark was too rowdy. Cat, wolf whistles, cow mooing, crows, cock-a- doodle- doo anything you name comes from the crowd. Unfazed by this all the couples religiously practiced on January 26th. The programme was shaping up quite well.

With the excitement of practice everybody forgot about their costumes. Finally, Manish, the ‘Ethnic Dress Competition’ winner came to the rescue. All the clothes will be rented. I was at tenterhooks as finding a Manipuri costume in South India is just finding a needle in a haystack. Also, if they get me the Manipuri dance costume than it will be more like weight lifting for me leave alone catwalking and dancing. So, taking the advantage of being in South India where they can’t tell the difference between a Naga, Assamese or Manipuri, I thought of wearing my own costume. Also, keeping the faith that among 900 employees I just know one Naga and the rest are Assamese like me and the one Manipuri I know is on a L1 visa to US of A. I thought of designing my own costume. So I thought of wearing the weaved ‘Mekhla Chadar’ in Manipuri style that my Aunt gifted me in my last visit to Guwahati. I also remebered that her son had performed Manipuri dance in the Assam Governor’s house recently. So with her help and a little googling again I was able to make a picture of my look in my mind. She was very sad that she couldn’t courier me the Manipuri dress due to short notice.

D-day came and after everybody got their costumes on rent which came with a warning that one stitch gone will face heavy penalty in monetary terms. Good that I wasn’t wearing one. With a little help from my friends I was able to drape my costume really well. Thanks to Smita and Smriti, they helped me a lot and the mekhla(skirt) was very nicely draped so that I can dance freely much to my relief. For the last touch of my make-up I had to put a multani mitti bindi that runs from the middle of my forehead to my nose to give that perfect Manipuri look. A frantic search for a toothpick was on in the girls loo. Finally, got one in Payel’s bag. Girls carry everything. Hence Proved!!! Smriti drew the perfect ‘Bishnupuriya Manipuri’ bindi.

When we reached upstairs., everybody looked straight from a Nautanki company(Theater group). Vishal, my partner didn’t look like Manipuri at all. After endless photo sessions, we were ushered in. Everyone performed really well. The crowd behaved themselves and sang ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ . We had to do the programme once more due to public demand.

Than came the reviews, everyone praised all of us. But there were mixed feelings also. Some of the employees thought that we will be paraded in short skirts just like a real fashion show and were disappointed. But as a whole, we were appreciated by all.

For me this was special as I performed after a gap of 10 years almost a decade. It was exhilarating and I believe I carried it off really well, thanks to my partner who kept me grounded and made every possible attempt to cheer me up. Also, the rest of the people, Yashshri, Pratibha, Geetima, and each and everyone of them were very sporty.

To end this post, I would say ‘WE ROCKED THE SHOW! HALLEJUAH”(sic)!!!!

Things from my childhood

A list of some things that I miss from my childhood:

1. Mary Poppins
2. sleeping period in Nursery and kindergarden
3. multi-colored Sugar-coated fish shape candy
4. Mr. lollipop with that chimp pic
5. He-Man, Jungle Book cartoons
6. Cibaca toothpaste
7. Phantom candy cigarettes
8. Barbie dolls
9. Scotland Yard Game
10. my Hello Kitty bag and tiffin box
11. My Russian folktales book
    
    The list is endless….

Till Death Do Us Part!!!

Christmas is a season of cheer and festivity. With Christmas just gone the day before, you must be wondering, why am I writing this dismal post. But like any happy occasions like birth , marriage , death is also an inevitable part of our lives.

Emily Dickinson the nineteenth century poetess, was a reclusive and introvert obsessed with the theme of death and eternity. She wrote many poems that eulogizes death.

This thought of death, the permanent sleep, came to me while I was in the cab. I was sitting in our office cab adjacent to the driver’s seat. The cab is a typical 36 seater Swaraj Mazda. I had a view of the traffic in front of me. As I was lost in my reveries, a sudden jolt brought me to my senses. Our driver was about to crash with a truck in front of us. Suddenly, I started thinking about the aftermath though we have escaped the gory consequences. If the inevitable would have happened, I would have been the first one to be thrown out banging my head on the windshield and striking the truck. God knows, I might have just died on the spot or died in the hospital with multiple brain injuries. I was thinking about my parents, what would be there reaction when they would come to know about it. Would they let my mom know, before my corpse arrived? What about my bank accounts, my things that I have accumulated would it be handed to my parents? Would my facebook a/c will be filled with wall posts by my friends? Sitting there, just one question ran to my mind that human existence is so temporary. Today, I am alive but I might die in the next second. Faces that I see today can vanish tomorrow.

The scenes in movies that shows the bomb blasts in trains in Mumbai which has claimed so many laymen’s lives. People who were there are not anymore. This is a case where you are not prepared to face death and its destiny.

Let’s look at people who end their lives by themselves. History is replete with death of well-known personalities who committed suicides.

Kurt Cobain, the vocalist of Nirvana who immortalized ‘Man who sold the world’, ‘Lithium’ and ‘Smells like Teen Spirit’ is somebody whom I would like to bring to life if given a chance. The member of a band that brought grunge to the limelight just shot himself one fine day when his career was at peak leaving behind a year old daughter and a grieving wife Courtney Love. Trouble loomed large in his marital life, addicted to cocaine fighting it out in the rehab and his deteriorating physical condition took the toll on him.

The sex symbol Marilyn Monroe born as Norma Jeane Mortenson died at the age of 36 due to an overdose of medication termed as ‘acute barbiturate poisoning’. From a troubled childhood, marriages she shone to stardom. But again her fame was short-lived.

Something which is fresh in our memory is the death of Heath Ledger who died on 22 January 2008, aged 28. The actor who immortalized the role of ‘The Joker’ in Dark Knight with the phrase “Why so serious?’’!! Seeing him alive in screen makes it hard to believe that he’s not there anymore. He also died due to an overdose of prescription drugs as he was suffering from insomnia.

Whatever be the cause, but all of us are going to die one day. We are here for a temporary period of time. Some die when they are young and some has to face death in their old age. Let us hope that we have a good existence so that people can remember us with fondness in their hearts instead of bitterness.

Alas! Mofi Sees the Beach!!!

Flashback scenario 1- 12 December, Friday morning; 9 AM

Giti, my roomie while tying her sneakers says "Mofi, I am going to Chennai today! Will you come along?" I said “oki, only if we get the tickets.”

Flashback scenario 2- 12 December, Friday morning; 11 am

Giti says; “Gosh this redbus.in is not accepting the payments. Dunno what to do?”

Flashback scenario 3: 12 December, Friday afternoon, 4 pm

I ask Giti “What are you planning to do, is the trip still on?” She says; “I am going early and would get the tickets done.”

Somehow, it was thumping in my head that this trip won’t materialize again because we have already planned it for the last few weeks. I backed off and told Giti to do hers.

Sitting at office, I already planned my weekend ahead. i.e. to get my power checked for my lenses and visit my two school buddies in Garuda Mall on Saturday. Also collect the Oriflame products that I have ordered from the local beauty parlour. So, I was all set for the weekend.

So, as usual, took the company cab and reached home at 8.45 pm. Giti had already prepared dinner and was packing simultaneously. She told me again to come with her. But I denied. Me being me, I do my air tickets six months in advance and train tickets before 3 months. I really dread the last minute confusion and the suspense of getting my tickets confirmed kills me. This leads to insomnia and am in a state of panic all the time. So, I prefer, an orderly, well planned holiday.

I had already answered in the negative for many holidays that she had, she wasn’t able to convince me then. But Giti, was very convincing this time. She reasoned out that, her sister, Aditi is working in Chennai and she is shifting to Mumbai, so this is the last chance to visit her. Moreover, one of the things in my wishlist was to see a beach.( Yes, I know you can’t believe it that I never saw a beach in my life.) So, finally, I thought I will take the plunge. So with minimal packing we rushed off to the Madiwala Bus stop at 9.30 pm with 300 bucks in my pocket. Giti had her bus at 10.45 pm. Hoping against hope that I will get a seat in the same bus, which seemed unlikely.

The first Travel agency I went to where Giti did her ticks was all sold out. Finally, I got a ticket for another bus at 11.15 pm. I got lucky on that part but now I have to think about my return ticket. I asked atleast a dozen of the travel agencies, everything was sold out for Sunday night. Finally , I crossed the road and got a return ticket for Sunday at 2 in the afternoon from a nondescript travel agency. The funny part is that both of us were going but in different buses. I was doing things that I won’t even dream of. But somehow, I was feeling so excited about the whole thing. One of our friend gave us the idea to exchange tickets with a bachelor guy in the 10.45 pm bus. Luckily, that time, the guy from whom I purchased the ticket for 11.15 pm called me and handed me a ticket for 10.45pm in another bus.

It was a non a/c bus. I sat in the first seat and the TV was bang on in front of me. A tamil movie was already playing in there. I looked around and I could see only guys. A big burly man was sitting next to me. I started to panic and started stretching my to neck in the hope to see some lady passengers. In the process I got some awkward glances. Finally, I saw a girl sitting some few seats at the back . Whoa! I took a sigh of relief. Later on, some more girls came though.

As soon as the bus started, I made myself comfortable, slouched back and started enjoying the movie. Though I couldn’t understand one word also, the movies was stylishly done with hunks and pretty babes with gadgets and a foreign location. Thankfully, the heroes have started trimming their moustaches and looks presentable. Whoa, the heroines are still voluptuous but their garb has become refined. The movie seem like a cocktail of 'The Matrix' and Sharukh Khan starrer ‘Don’. As I was enjoying the movie, after some few minutes, an itching started in my lower back. To my horror the seats had bugs/fleas. It was proven when I saw the other people itching there hands and feet. The whole night I couldn’t sleep as I was busy itching and the bugs feasted on my blood. Darn, I felt so helpless. Also the man next to me was snoring so loud, that sleep went for a toss.

We reached Chennai at 5.30 in the morning. My bus gave me a tour of the city before we reached Koyembedu bus stop. A funny thing happened, a girl came bare-feet to complain that her shoes were missing. The handyman guy had to go under the seat to fetch , the sleeping beauty’s shoes. She seem to be lost.

After touring for 40 mins, I reached Koyembedu bus stop. Poor Giti had to wait half an hour for me. After that it was very tough to tell our destination, Saidapet, some tongue twisting market. The autowallahs couldn’t understand what we said. They were blabbering in Tamil and was asking us 150 and 200 rupees to get there. Finally, we got an auto who was ready to go there for 90 bucks (as he didn’t know the directions). But like all of them , he knew only Tamil. We called up Aditi to wake her roomie, Bharati who knows Tamil. Bharati explained the autowallah and then finally we were on our way. Gosh, the autowallah started picking more passengers on the way for a few bucks. What a bugger it was. Finally we reached our destination and straightway headed to the bedroom. We slept and woke at 10 am. Aditi had a lunch invitation but she cancelled it for us. We saw ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ in her lappy and had nice Chettinad chicken and pulao for lunch that her tamil friend's mom has prepared. The food was yummy .I think I love Tamil food more than any other South Indian food.

Now, the time had come to fulfill one of the wishes in my wishlist that is to see a beach. Aditi couldn’t believe it that I never saw a beach in my lifetime. That was really expected.;) She kept on asking me as to why I never saw a beach in my life. So, in the evening, me , Geeti and Aditi were with me to share my moment of joy. We went to Besantnagar Beach. All the images that I use to see in TV came to life in front of me. The colourful balloons and air rifles, the small-sized giant wheels, corn on the cob, fried capsicums and the amazing aroma of seafood. It was dark by the time we reached there. Still, it didn’t deter my spirit. The moment I was there , I opened my floaters and went straight to the water and allowed the waves to kiss my feet. I could feel the sand getting washed below my feet and it seemed I am getting pulled in quicksand. The soft sea breeze refreshed me. The feeling was awesome, it will always be etched in my memory. Then, to celebrate the moment we went and had Pomfret and prawn fry. It was mouth-watering and fresh from the sea. Eating in the open with the soft sea breeze blowing added to the ambience. We went to the Besantnagar Church and also to the 'My Dollar Store' and 'FabIndia' stores for timepass and get some goodies too. Aditi was very keen to feed us Murugan Idlies, some famous shop. But seeing the crowd who were dying to eat idlis discouraged us to go with the idea.

We headed towards home after paying a fortune to the autowallahs. We had a grand feast back home. The sumptuous dinner was cooked by Giti, Aditi and Bharati. I stuck to peeling and chopping the veggies!! !! One of Aditi’s friend also joined us named Ramanand , all the time I confused his name as Ravan when the girls yelled at him. He got a local brand vodka named MGM, that tasted like shite!!! Thankfully I just took a sip. I was shell-shocked to know that the tamils have their vodka brand also. Amazing!!!

After dinner, Giti was in the mood to watch a horror movie. So, the scariest one in the collection was The Omen, Part 1. So, we settled down , to watch it. I knew I will doze off in the middle. As everybody drooled to see the antics of the kid Damien, me and Bharti were the first ones to sleep off. Ramanand left and Aditi also fell asleep. Giti saw the whole movie till 2 am. After that she was even scared to switch off the laptop.:)

I was the first one to wake up( since I was the first one to sleep also). After that one by one everyone woke up. We had our breakfast and was watching RDB (Rang De Basanti). In the middle the CD started playing foul. It was coming out as if it has drunk last night and was puking it out!! (This extraordinary comment was made by Aditi. )Finally, we settled for ‘Chicken Little’. But since I had a bus to catch at 2 pm, I had to rush. After having the leftovers of the previous night (which tasted even better in the morning.) I rushed off to Koyembedu bus station half-heartedly. I had so much fun, didn't thought it will be so short-lived. I had to wait for a full hour before the bus came.

Thankfully, the bus was A/C, we got blankets and water bottles also. The trip back to Bangalore was smooth and I just reflected on the past two days. For a change, I felt better. I needed this break. Thanks to Giti, who coaxed me and the hospitality of Aditi and Bharati were touching. I wished I could have caught the 10 pm bus, then I could have spent some more time with them.

Anyways Cheers to my first beach experience and for more beaches to come. Next on my wishlist is SNOWFALL and DESERTS!!! Let’s see when that happens!!! For now am still reveling that for a change I SAW THE BEACH!!!!

Dentally Mental!!

The taste of physical pain can be really dreadful. I experienced it on November 24, Monday, a day to be remembered as I had one of a lifetime experience. Well, thankfully its not an injury or a delivery. I got my third molars on my left jaw removed. Well, in simple lay man term, I got my wisdom teeth removed.

The bugger on my lower jaw (read as lower third molar) was bugging me from last week. It was showing on my left jaw the size of a dot, never thought what am in for a few days down the line. I resisted, persisted , had painkillers but this bugger got its way.

Last Friday, I went to see a dentist. The lady doc told me to get my OPG done which is kinda an X-Ray, that shows the teeth portion of your skull. I never saw such a distorted portion of my skull! It was just like a grinning skull. FYI, you gotta remove your ear-rings if you are going for an OPG. Since, I got sensitive ear lobes, I could not open my ear-rings. But the OPG was barely passable. The dentist verdict was, sweetie you got four wisdom teeth, you gotta remove all four of them. I tried telling her that since one is only paining, why she can't do away with it and I can be back if the other three pains. (So much for my wisdom that I have gathered all these years, am still stuck at the age of four)) . The doc swayed her head in a negative motion and told me to remove all of them. I bargained and settled it for two on coming Monday and two laters. She agreed too, thankfully and put me in a dose of painkillers which hardly worked.

Well, after that I started reading on the Net about wisdom tooth and managed to see a vid on Youtube. After that I couldn't even breathe. I was so filled with awe, but I had to as the dot inside my mouth was testing my all limits of patience. Finally I confirmed my appointment for Monday afternoon at 2 pm. She told me to have a heavy lunch.

The surgeon was Dr. Ramdas, thankfully it wasn't a lady, as my friends has already told me about the myth that lady dentists don't have sturdy hands and strenghth to pull out your teeth. They might injure a nerve and all that idiotic blah! But somehow I felt relieved to see Dr. Ramdas. Gosh his phone was constantly ringing.

Finally, he called me in and explained me the initial procedure. He numbed my left portion of the mouth including the tongue with a local anaesthesia. After a minute, I couldn't feel anything, only a tingling feeling. I closed my eyes as I was scared of the surgical tools that were put inside
my mouth. The only diversion was when I heard 'Holy God', only to see my teeth gave way and Dr. Ramdas shirt and forehead was soaked with my blood. It was such a funny sight,eventhough I felt like puking seeing my own blood. The doctor calmed me and started cleaning his shirt. I was like 'hello, what if my anaesthesia effect goes off, I will be darned, like I saw in an old movie where surgeries were done on patients without anaesthesia and how they were screaming. Thankfully he was back. He extracted the whole tooth and that dot was actully half the size of my little finger and I saw the bugger came with a small portion of a tissue in the shape of a mouse heart. That heart was paining all the time.

Finally, it was time to extract the second tooth, he injected me again, Gosh it was so painful. Injecting part is only painful but the rest of it went well and then he put the stitches.

After I came back, I couldn't sleep because the anesthesia effect was wearing off. I cried with the pain. I just popped the painkillers and antibiotics. I could feel the blood in my mouth. I can't even spit it out. I drank my blood and the gauze was filled with it.

It was only after I had a large family sized chocolate sundae , I felt less pain and finally, the painkillers were working too. Ibuprofen and paracetamol together. I didn't eat anything that day. After 24 hours, I just had a mixture of rice and lentils. That has been my diet for the last two days and I have to be on it till two weeks till my stitches are cut.

I can't brush properly, neither can I use left portion of my mouth. But atleast I am blessed that its out and I hope that my healing process will be quicker. I am dying to eat solids again!!

"Chicks on Flicks"!!!

I was watching this new programme called, "Chicks on flicks", in Sony Pix on Friday night. The main crux of the show is that Neha Sarin and Ira Dubey, reviews movies and tells the audience whether to 'thrash' or watch movies that have released. My take on the programme is what follows:

Well, I loved the programme, am not being biased or feministic in this issue. I say that because I usually follow Nikhat Kazmi's TOI reviews on Saturday. I liked the programme because of its sheer choice of words, reviews and movies comprising of two new releases and two DVD releases is quite appealing. Also, there is no rating system, which has been very misleading off-late.

The presention of the hostessess looks very chic too. Dressed in formals with subtle make-up sitting on big-sized sofas, the kind you get in PVR Gold Class with a flat-screen television at the background is simple but contemporary. Anyways, you just can't keep off your eyes from the girls. Though, both are equally good, Neha seems to be protective of Ira who seems to be a novice in playing a host in the show. Ira stammers at times but what seems amusing is the time while taking a commercial break. Though both are spontaneous and manages it quite well, it seems the commercial break part is out of the script. :)

They give you a lasting impression on the review though. The perspective of watching a movie through a girl's eye really hooks you. The observation, knack of detail, intelligence shines in their reviews. Simple things, for example: while reviewing 'Body of Lies' they observe that the title of the movie is not going with the movie script. I was wondering, the guys who would be watching this programme would really nod their head in affirmation or not. Also, both of them don't sing in each other tunes, they have a difference of opinion too. In those few seconds, you are bound to think which side to take. The conversational format of girl talk is very catchy definitely.

I am definitely catching another episode next week. Gosh!! I would give my right arm to do a job like this!!! :)!!!

Your Love is a Stranger Now!

The pangs of the heart know no bounds!
You left me without a word!
A heart that loved me with all its might is stranger now!!
That warm hug, entwined fingers, listening to each others heartbeats!
Those sweet nothings whispers comes back to haunt me!!
I realise I have been a fool again!!

You said a lot and I listened!
My eyes had all the pain that you were aloof of!!
The heart has got deep wounds!!
But you don't care!!

I still hold on!
Am not afraid to fall in love again!!
This time with a head!
My destiny awaits me!!

Peace for India is actually Utopian

My motherland, my state Assam, bleeds!! Born and brought up in Guwahati, but actually sitting here in Bangalore writing this post for my blog!! But I am also devasted like all the people in my state and the nation as a whole. The blast in Ganeshguri is just 10 mins from the place where I stay. My kith and kin pass that place everyday. I had been there just two weeks before! This place has been targeted many times though. Once I remember, the blast was so furious that a big deep crater was formed. But yesterday's blast triggered off another act of terrorism, an act of cruelty that cannot be compensated.

It was a regular working day for me yesterday(October 30, Thursday), when my phone started vibrating. My friend Sachin calls up from Kishanganj as he's there on leave. I started having the regular friendly chatter. Suddenly, he told me that 3 blasts has occured in Guwahati. I wasn't astonished as I have grew up in that violent environment. Having a bomb blast is a regular occurence. I candidly said "What's new in there?" He said its really gory this time, news channels are flashing with reports. Smoke is billowing from the buildings and everything is in flames. Still the gravity of the situation didn't sink in.

After hanging up on Sachin, I called up my dad, and he was in tears, my 'mama' (mom's brother) was not reachable. Actually, he works in the DC Court where a blast took place. But,he was safe. I count myself lucky as none of my family members or relatives were hurt. Maybe my 'mama' cheated death yesterday but what about the 61 killed, 350 wounded? The death toll rising with every passing second. Most of them must be vegetable vendors and small time business people, trying to make a living in the streets or a mum or a dad or a college goer going to office and college. What about their families? State Government is giving them 3 lakhs as ex gratia and 50 thousand to the wounded! So a life is priced as 3 lakhs and the price of a limb, a lost jaw, a skull is priced at 50k! Even though the State government is acting generous but this blasts could have been averted.

The CM blatantly admits that we had information about the blasts but didn't think will be carried out at such a large scale. The Ministers and everyone in the higher level were clueless! This is the Government we voted for to save us! What about the Centre does it have any answers? 64 blasts in 6 months. Every month there is a blast in a state killing scores of people and wounding and maiming them for life!! To add to the chaos, terrorist groups are united to carry on this anti-India acts. As in the case of yesterday's blast, the needle of suspicion is pointing at ULFA and HuJI militants of Bangladesh and other jihadi groups eventhough ULFA is denying a hand in it. But whoever is to be blamed, they don't have a heart. There are making the common people scapegoats so that they can spread fear and put pressure in the Governments. We are helpless, but we have to live with it since reality is not a movie.

As I watched online in awe, saw people screaming and the streets turning crimson, I sat helpless here, seeing my hometown burned down. I called up my friend who had reached home safely some four hours after the curfew was imposed. She was caught in the shootout in Ganeshguri. People started burning and pelting stones as no adequate disaster management were in place. The fire brigades arrived a full hour late to add to the people's misery. Everything from people to cars were mangled and charred beyond recognition. Many people lives would have been saved if a proper disater management would have been in place.


The news flashes raised the blasts from 3 to 18 and the deaths and injured were in tandem. I couldn't take any more of it. I hated every moment of my existence, thinking I might be one of them and God forbid someone whom I know. A thought passed by that maybe next time I will be in Ganeshguri, I wouldn't be seeing some faces whom I used to pass by. But life goes on for common people like me and the others!!!

Rock On ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fascination for cinema transcends all boundaries. As a little girl, when my parents and siblings used to enjoy an afternoon siesta on Sundays, I was the only one awake with a mute TV watching DD regional movies ranging from Oriya, Tamil and the diverse Indian languages with subtitles of course. A few years before that used to watch Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, which my uncle gifted me on his numerous trips to Calcutta. The old creaky VCR used to play this B&W movies and I used to squeal with laughter. My only indignation was why wasn't it coloured even though am watching it in our coloured ONIDA TV, our prized possession then. I remember people thronging our house when there was a India-Pakistan match or a football match. I remember my uncle recording them too in our VCR. Somehow, I wasn't fascinated by serials as I was with movies, I don't remember watching them except cartoons like HE-MAN, The Jungle Book and the RAMAYAN.

Things have changed so much now. I download all the latest movies and watch it in the computer. I feel more comfy watching it with my headphones on. Theathres also, fascinates me but mostly, I like to watch special effects movies ,in there as the Dolby digital sound adds to the thrill.

The latest movie that I saw is ROCK-ON, the first rock music Hindi movie. It started on a very bad note, the electricity went off, when the film just started rolling. Of course, there were also a bevy of hooters sitting bang at the back of us!! I liked the movie but I think Farhan Akhtar is oki-doki, I really don't like that weepy-weepy characters. I just loved the other three and did I say Arjun Ramphal in the last scene when he takes the stage, set my pulse racing and my heart was beating so fast if not for the music the people sitting beside me would have heard it. The music is awesssooommmme!!! I loved it!!! It's so fresh and all the singers has done a supppa-duppa job with of course the music-director trio!!

Well, apologies, I think lately, I have been posting a lot of movies in my blog!! I will do so, until and unless I find another topic!! Watch it out!!!

Buzzing around!!!

Last week my friend was asking me, if I have stopped blogging. But my answer was not in the affirmative. There has been a lot happening in my life. Indirect things that are impacting me directly. Just take the case of rising fuel prices. Next month, am going to my hometown which I have made a yearly ritual. Basically to be with my family for Eid celebrations. But the rise in fuel prices have taken flights prices soaring northwards. So, this time I have to use the salamander vehicale the train. Its a tiresome, the most dreaded journey from South India to the North East spanning 54 hours. Thanks to the Indian railways, it just might be a few extra hours late. Just preparing myself for the inevitable.

Also, a series of bombs went off in Bangalore. Out of them three, was placed nearby my residence. People were totally gripped in fear and with network connectivity dipping down at zero level, patience went for a toss. I was in office at that time. The rusted loudspeakers in our floor sprang to life' Please do not get panic'. Is panic an epidemic, that we can get it? Since it was a Friday, many took opportunities and left for an early weekend. I left at 6.30 p.m in the office cab, braving an hour of traffic snarls. Thankfully, it was only an hour.

Bangalore traffic can be maddening, especially , I face a lot every morning commuting to office. The Silk Board junction towards HSR layout is the most dreaded. Twice, I was caught in the traffic for two and a half hours. Just to do away with the traffic blues, in the morning while boarding my office cab, I carry a book, music and few eatables to sustain myself against the boredom helpless situation. My heart goes out to the driver. If I have to drive in his place in Bangalore roads, I think I will have to become a pilgrim and retreat to the Himalayas. Road rage is at its best here. Honking, swearing (in Kannada of course) sometimes a few fists will come out of the window cursing the drivers. To kill time people sleep. Abnormal as I am,I don't like to sleep in a moving vehicale, so, observing has become a good timepass for me. While inside the cab , the few heads that I see while ducking my head upwards are all tilted to the right and are in blissful slumber, making up for the extra hour of sleep everyday, sometimes getting up with a jerk and than again lounging back to the semi -state of napping. Though its heavy traffic jams are very tedious, time-consuming thankfully, I finished some five books since last June, after joining this office.

Another thing that comes to my mind that I did in the last few weeks is to watch a late-night flick, last show of the first day. Saw that mindless crap, "Kismat Konnection". Just got in time, to exchange tickets for 9'o clock show instead of the 10'o clock one. Had dinner of some all dough semi-cooked noodles and rushed in to see the movie. DUH! it was such a damp squib. Made me feel like slapping myself for wasting a peaceful sleep. At least I could have watched 'Babel' that was coming in one of the movie channels.Finally, the traumatized experience ended, got into an autorickshaw, of course which came out with an exhorbitant fare. After paying saw that the gate was locked. SO, had to do the stunts, that you normally see in television with the tag "Not to be done at home". Finally went to bed to have a long siesta, till Saturday afternoon.

A day like today!!!!

Date: )1 June, 2008, Sunday

What's so remarkable?- I SAW TWO MOVIES BACK TO BACK ON THIS DAY!

FLASHBACK : 9.14 am- Geeti, my roomie calls, unquote "Mofi , toi WOODSTOCK VILLA sabi neki?" (Assamese translation to English"Mofi would you watch Woodstock Villa?")

Mofi: When?

Geeti: today at 10.30 am !

Mofi: okay!

Geeti: see you than at 10.30am!

Mofi: sure!

Destination Garuda Mall , INOX 10.30 am.

Movie: WOODSTOCK VILLA starring newcomer Sikander Kher, Arbaaz Khan

Synopsis: A rich business, bratty wife suspects hubby having affair. Takes the help of a womaniser romeo, to plot her own kidnapping to know the truth behind her hubby's darling love! Gets killed in the process! lotsa twists and turns. Somebody gets the moolah at the end!

My Autopsy: Woodstock Villa as the movie is named is a web of deceit and changing moralities in today's fast moving world. Except for the movie name , the villa is shown only two times in the movie. When the Indian thriller is concerned, this one is exception fare by Hansal Mehta. Though I don't vouch for its Screenplay, as insequential(sic) songs come out from nowhere. Sikandar Kher, son of the famous actor Anupam Kher is hideous and makes a perfect combination of villain and Mr-goody-good-pants! The actress is quite a waste with bad teeth! Music is not that great too. Thrill kills! Plus points are the movie is short, the sheer plot will keep you going till the end.

Destination Garuda Mall, INOX 3.50 pm

Movie: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen


Synopsis: Year is 1957, peak of Cold war! A Crystal Skull, the chief interest of the Soviets to rule the world, voicing Joseph's Stalin's psychic warfare. This intention makes them seek help from Henry Indiana Jones, a Professor of Archaelogy part time and a full-time adventurer. The quest leads them to the temple of Akator, where the skull rightfully belongs.

My Autopsy: To be honest, this was my first Indiana Jones movie. I did not regret the movie experience and had the best 'Indiana Jones' feeling. Steven Speilberg has done a great job again. But the touches of ET and Encounters of the Third kind reflects heavily in the movie. Harrison Ford though he is 65 now, does not let us down. He gets a son in this movie Mutt Williams played by Shia LaBeouf sets fire on the screen. The humor was not rib-tickling but it definitely fell into places. Cate Blanchett playing Colonel-doctor Irina Spalko is a delight to watch on -screen. Her vamp villanious instincts come out in her stark blue eyes. The Russian accent catches us by surprise. All-in-all a great movie experience.

Preacher (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Preacher (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is something I have stumbled in last week's Indian Express. The 'Preacher' by Vertigo (DC) comics is a very dark story. The plot is very 'grown-up' kinds. But it really captures your imagination. A preacher 'Jesse Custer' getting possessed by a supernatural creature known as the 'Genesis' which is the end product of a passionate encounter of an angel and demon. Custer with his newly found powers and a strong belief of what's wrong and right, goes in search of God with his ex-girlfriend Tulip'O Hare and an Irish Vampire known as Cassidy. Strange characters, supernatural beings dominates the plot.

This series is something to get hooked on comic-lovers.

Losing grip!!!!!!

Loss is the word, that we can all connect to. How many times you have lost and how many times you have won?I bet the ratio of winning will be lower than the losing one. In my case this ratio is all-pervading. We have related ourselves with the saying in Hindi,"Kuch pane ke liye kuch khona parta hain' (To get something, you have to lose something!). My friend says, "I have got everything the hard way. Nobody has put a thing in my platter!" Even I can relate to her.

Things just does not happen the way you want them to be. You expect something and it turns out to be the anti-thesis. In my case, it was the appraisal this time. Though everybody had a similar fate. I was exceedingly dissapointed. Utterly hopeless and helpless situation. Being that 'Emancipated ' lady types. Giving priority to career than personal life. The sense of loss pervades.

You wake up in the moring and stumble on your life. You feel that you are wasted. No job security, on top of that nubile too. Even nubility becomes an issue now.Eventhough you never gave a dime, when the so-called blabbermouths blurted out that unwanted thrash or advice. Your friends are getting married, left, right and centre. You stand there with the 'SINGLE' tag and 'GROWING OLD' that's what the married class says.

In situation like this, you tend to miss your family. The loss of the home and hearth makes the situation more worse. Staying away from your family to earn a living here, becomes a joke. You go to flashback, where dad was asking you to reconsider the decision. Ashamed and as you are matured now and the lessons that you have learned as a toddler, that 'Never give up, fight your own battles, comes to the forefront." How much you try to pacify yourselves, you end up being naive!

Its the same day again and you are brooding in front of the computer, "Do I give up?" I end up writing this post. Naive is the word that goes with my status quo. I feel like am watching life in slow motion from a moving car window staring without a blink.

April fool's Special!!!

So how many times you are fooled today? This myth of fooling others were created when New year's Day was shifted to January 1st instead of April's 1st basically the creation of English calendar. People who celebrated New Year's in April was considered a fool!!

Why is april fool's day not a national holiday? Atleast it will rid me off the pain of eccentric mails sent by people again and again to outsmart the others. These e-mails were doing the rounds from last month:

Specimen 1: IT Companies Salary

Hi All, All IT companies need to give minimum of 10% salary increment to all employees every six months as per latest bill passed. Hurriah!!!!!

Finance minister P. Chidambaram has approved and it comes to immediate effect from 1st April 2008, which is after the financial period March month.

This comes as a relief to petitioners appealing against the growing work hours in the Indian IT industry without a proper system to check overtime.

The bill also mentions that all IT employees be provided 20 days of casual leave every year.

Attached is the document for details regarding this bill.

AS SOON AS YOU OPEN THE WORD DOC, YOU WILL GET A BABY'S PIC SAYING 'HAPPY ADVANCED APRIL FOOL'S DAY'!! What a prank, but it does have an irony in it!

Specimen 2: April!! 101 ways to fool others!

April 1st

Be aware ....Someone can fool you. Read the attached document not to get fooled by any one.... Enjoy Reading !!!! The last one is Ultimate. ;)

When you open the attached WORD doc you get 2 see "THIS IS ONE OF THEM, REMAINING 100 i WILL MAIL YOU LATER''!! Gosh I can never believe this!! This trick is so predictable. Good for the gullible souls though!

Specimen 3: Sarah Jacob

Tuesday, April 1, 2008 (Chicago)

In a strange development, a number of cities in the US, including Chicago and Phoenix, are in the middle of a major power outage.

Reports coming in say that the power outage occurred seconds after an unidentified flying object (UFO) was seen hovering in the sky.

Unconfirmed reports also say that a strange green light was seen around the flying object.
Another report says that the flying object fired a shot of what looked like a blue beam of light seconds before the lights went out.

One witness described the flying object as a thin, circular plate, which looked somewhat like a frisbee, only it was much higher than a frisbee would go.

Scroll Down and you get "Strangely such things happen only on April fool's day! :)"

Specimen 4: A ppt of Deepika Padukone's new collection and Miss India 2008 opens a psychotic laughter of a baby showing its tongue and two grinning baby monkeys.

Specimen 5: A mind blowing pic of Ash, you scroll down and u get a 'handful of real ash ' pic!!

Specimen 6: Hi ,

I have a very sincere request to all of you. Please don't send files that are contaminated with virus to me or anyone. One of you (don't know who) had sent a virus file to me and damaged my mouse drivers very seriously. I have attached the details of what has happened (please scroll down). Hopefully, you'll be careful next time. All you see is a CARCASS OF A MOUSE!!!

Specimen 7 says, The 1st of April is the day we remember what we are , the other 364 days of the year. Have an intellectual day ahead!!

Some food for thought on Specimen 7.

Approaching Appraisals

This article was published in our office mag portal 'GLIMPSES' authored by me!

Approaching Appraisals



It is appraisal time and you are on tenterhooks as how to impress your boss and get a significant hike in your paycheck. Another scenario is of having a bad appraisal last time and you want to avert the damage before the company completely writes you off.

Considering that most performance appraisals are conducted once or twice a year, how you can use the evaluation period as a chance to demonstrate your role in the organization? In anticipation of your next appraisal, what should you do in order to obtain a good review? Well guys, you have to think out of the box in the first step, the following steps will help you:

Step1: Defining your important accomplishments -

Scratch from the surface and dig deep into your specific accomplishments during this appraisal period?
Try to know the critical abilities that your job requires? Ask yourself to what extent do you fulfill them?
Ask yourself about teamwork. What value you have added to your department or team?
See what went bad in the last appraisal, why it went bad, what is
lacking, and what are the blocks (if any).

Step2: Defining your personal growth -

Try to find out what have you done from the period of your last to prepare yourself for more responsibility?
Don't just stick to what you are supposed to do. Acquire new skills that can add value to your work
What new skills you have worked on and have helped others to gain?
See your future perspective as what you want to do five years from now? How are you preparing yourself for it?
Identify your weak areas and work on them.
Identify your strengths and make them stronger.
Make sure that you do not repeat your mistakes.

Step 3: Defining obstacles you encountered –

Ask yourself is there anything that you do that hinders your effectiveness?
What knowledge, skills, or abilities you lack to perform your job?
Does your present job make the best use of your capabilities?
Do you need more experience or training in any aspect of your current job?
Is there anything that the organization or your supervisor does that hinders your effectiveness?
How could your supervisor help you to do a better job?

Step 4: Describing areas that need attention and plans for improvement -

Which goals or standards you lack and could not achieve?
How could you become more productive and helpful?
How can more experience or training be accomplished?
What changes can you make to improve your performance or to prepare for more responsibility?
Share any new knowledge gained with your peers
Go an extra mile and think of ways in which you can benefit your
Team/organization through your work.

The above points are tips to work towards a better appraisal. It cannot be the yardstick to measure an employee’s performance though but nonetheless can help prepare and face the tough time of appraisals. Hoping each one will get an expected hike, I sign off! Good Luck!!