Saturday, December 15, 2012

Jaipur : Soul Surfing

I went to Jaipur for Sid's work , but it turned out to be a soulful trip , extremely good meeting with choti , and good time time with  sid n prachi ,discussions about past , Ghar ,Dost,Maa,Dad ,Pappu,Jiji, College ,Places ,Rishtey , Flashbacks , Reminiscences.... means  complete Soul Surfing. Saline Water!

Other side is colorful Bapu Bazar/Ajmeri gate shops , Lahariya/Chunris/Bhandej/Mozri , million colour shops , visual delight.After  long gap i bought mozri for me , kaatee hein lekin fir bhee ..

Gulzar : Times Literary Carnival

What a Rocking weekend , ISKON temple ,Dev Anand statue at Band Stand promenade,Time literary carnival at Mehboob studio , listening Gulzar Saheb , seen him at such a close distance , also seen Waheeda Rehman , tried to talk to her , but too much rush , then Sabir bros Sufiana sham ..

Times literary carnival was held at Mehboob studios , Bandra 7-9 Dec.2012 , almost 120 authors , writers took participation .Event I attended was auto biographical book titled "Dil Dhoondta Hey" ,Penned by Nasreen Munni Kabir on Gulzar’s life , and question answer session hosted by Times Filmfare editor Jitesh Pillai , Gulzar Saheb told that he will prefer to answer in Hindi , that is why I also thought that why not write this post in Hindi.












टाइम्स ग्रुप literary carnival जो की महबूब स्टूडियो में रखा गया था , 7 से 9 दिसम्बर 2012, फ्री एंट्री , रजिस्ट्रेशन इन्टरनेट या फिर महबूब स्टूडियो .मेरा इंटरेस्ट था गुलज़ार साहिब के प्रोग्राम में , जो के 9th दिसम्बर शाम 5:30 पर था , में अमिता और Nicx , तीनो 5 बजे ही पहुंच गए महबूब स्टूडियो , स्टेज बाहर गार्डन एरिया में ही था , 5:30 के थोडा पहले देखा तॊ वहीदा रहमान भी वहां ऑडियंस में एक लेडी के साथ आय्यी थी , वहीदा रहमान इतने नज़दीक ,वाह क्या कहें बाद में गुलज़ार , मुन्नी नसरीन कबीर और Filmfare के एडिटर जितेश पिल्लै स्टेज पर आए , जैसा की होता हे ऑटोबायोग्राफी “ दिल ढूँढता है ” को लॉच किया गुलज़ार साहिब ने .

बाद में सवाल जवाब का दौर चला , जिसका जवाब दिया गुलज़ार & नसरीन कबीर ने , काफी इंटरेस्टिंग सेशन  था , और खासकर जो nostalgic experience शेयर हुए वो यादगार रहेंगे जैसे की , 1st ब्रेक मिलना बंदिनी में “ मोरा गोरा अंग लेयेले " जब गीतकार शेलेन्द्र ने गुलज़ार जो की विमल रॉय को असिस्ट कर रहे थे से कहा की एक गाना आप लिखो , .गुलज़ार और पंचम की दोस्ती के किस्से जैसे की चाभी और फेमस लगेज वाला किस्सा मतलब “ मेरा कुछ सामान ”,

गुलज़ार साहेब की हमेशा से एक अलग स्टाइल रही

जैसे की कजरारे का “ आंखे भी कमाल करती हैं personal से सवाल करती हैं “

या बीडी जलाए ले जिगर से पिया ,

या जा पडोसी के चूल्हे से आग लेयी ले ” ,

और “ हमने देखी हे उन आँखों की महकती खुशबू ..

मणि रत्नम ऐ .र रहमान की कुछ बातें, स्काइप के बारे में , और खास कर संजीव कुमार के बारें में जिसे वो प्यार से हरी भाई कहते थॆ का किस्सा नमकीन के टाइम उनकी लेट लतीफी को लेकर और जब तीनो महान हेरोइनेस वहीदा , शर्मीला और शबाना ने फैसला किया की वो हरी भाई से बात नहीं करेंगी लेकिन वो कैसे तीनो  अपनों को रोक नहीं पायीं जब हरी भाई ने एक एक्सीलेंट शॉट पूरा किया और तीनो उनसे गले मिल गयीं .

कुछ और जो विषय ,जैसे की पार्टीशन , शहर , बंगला डायरेक्टर्स , काफी इंटरेस्टिंग डिस्कशन रहा और बीच बीच में कुछ शेर , कविताओं की कुछ पंक्तियाँ , कुछ यादगार लाइन .

जैसे की , “ जब तक लहू न निकले में हर जख्म को ....“

खयालो का कोई वीजा नहीं होता सपनो की कोई सरहद नहीं होती ......हर रात सरहद के उस पार मेहदी हसनसे मिलकर आजाता हूँ ....

फिर जिक्र हुआ विशाल भरद्वाज का , जो की गुलज़ार साहिब के शब्दों में “ की वो मेरा एक एक्सटेंशन हे “

वहीदा जी जो की खुद वहां मोजूद थॆ के बारे में वो नमकीन के टाइम का गोबर वाला किस्सा , की इतना भी रीयलिस्टिक होने की जरूरत नहीं की गोबर ही भर दो पूरा .

सवाल काफी अच्हे थॆ , साथ ही दाद देनी पड़ेगी नसरीन कबीर की ये ऑटोबायोग्राफी उन्ही ने लिखी हे , के इंटरप्रिटेशन की , ऑटोबायोग्राफी मैं ऐसा नहीं की बस कुछ भी जो इंटरेस्टिंग हुआ हो वो लिख दो ,हो सकता हे  उस्ससे कई लोगों को चोट पहुंचे ,

एक अलग ही तुजुर्बा रहा , लगा की जीवन सफल हुआ , गुलज़ार साहेब और वहीदा एक साथ ..


Friday, December 7, 2012

Arjun Rampal











There is something about this ad , He is the best, India's most handsome man , also seems to be a nice guy , good human being ,humble ,a good friend that's what I feel & Looks of a Greek God,
Also the ad is about friends bonding , DCH.
Let us have some Chivas , right !

Ad link : Chivas Arjun 

Sufi music by Sanam Marvi : NCPA

Pic by Kavitha MH


Thanks to Mumbai Hangout , it was a wonderful , Gr8 Sufiana experience , It was my 1st ever such  experience , that also @NCPA with decent crowd ,she has a great voice , I heard her Pak Coke Studio performances are worth listening ,Sanam Marvi is quite popular there . My fav. for the evening was Ali Maula. Sad part was it was only for 2 hrs , not enough for such a shaam.


Dev Anand Statue Unveiled by Waheeda Rehman

Dev Anand :Café Reminiscence












Dev Anand Statue was Unveiled by Waheeda Rehman & is placed at Bandra Bandstand Promenade as a part of Walk of the Stars.
Waheeda Rehaman was in tears as she unveiled a life size brass statue of the legend Dev Anand , now he will join showman Raj Kapoor & Shammi Kapoor , who are already beutifying the promenade.
Reason to go to Bandstand & get clicked with idol  this weekend.
Hey Nicx letus go , Okeis...

So here it is       Me n Dev Anand
Café Reminiscence : Dev Anand

Sunday, November 11, 2012

100th Post : Dev Anand who else !

Café Reminiscence



















I have finally  reached my 1st milestone i.e. 100th blogpost , feel good , happy , nostalgic , what else , don't know .
One thing was sure 100th post heading would be Dev Anand , whom I always admired , followed , A Legend forever , never say die attitude .Earlier I used to carry cassettes of his songs while on tour or during  long stay outside , which is now replaced with USB ,> 100 songs Kishore/Rafi , Lata/Asha..his songs are always part of my travel , specially on long drives , his songs or voice is must , that gives me a sense of relief ,a sense of attachment,belonging .During my school days when everybody was following Rajesh Khanna, then AB , I used to search morning & noon show movie schedule in old Mohan talkies , where they used to show old , even B&W movies , sometime Naresh has accompanied me , knowing my fondness for Dev.
Recently I was very happy to see re  release of  "Hum Dono" Rangeen in a multiplex , theater was surprisingly nearly house full , nice , so many Dev fans.
1970 : My mother was admitted to JagjivanRam hospital at Bombay central area  for appendicitis operation , as she was a teacher in Railway school , we also got small apt near Maratha Mandir ,provided either by hospital or Railways , i don't exactly remember , the only thing i remember is that  her operation  was successful & afterwards me ,Dad , dada, n  both sis had extensive Bombay tour & enjoyed our stay in Bombay.All lamp posts , hoardings were displaying posters of 2 new releases ,i.e. Johney Mera Naam & Mera Naam Joker .Arch rivals Dev & RK Amne Samne , don't think so , but believed by many ,I feel  they both have different fan following , also are totally in contrast with each other.We came to know that JMN premier was held at Maratha Mandir only .Dev Anand , so close !!.
JNM became super hit , which was produced by Gulshan Rai's Trimuti films , not Navketan & directed by Goldie , the master craftsman , JNM became trend setter for different type of action movies a.k.a.Smuggling rackets & well dressed villain in big dark glasses  , JNM also known for famous Padma Khanna bold dance ,Hema Malini's beauty and super hit songs,which  topped the Binaca geetmala charts.Movie also beat 4 Rajesh Khanna hits for the same year as told by RK himself.
It is not good to keep on remembering the dead, reminiscences brings some sort of sadness , emptiness n u wish , ah wo thoda auur der saath hote , same for mom n dad , thoda auur...
With time I also followed other actors like BigB, Sanjeev , Vinod Khanna, Vinod Mehra ,Dharmendra , Danny , Firoz Khan..etc but liking and admiration is different ,Evergreen , Debonair Dev is always special , just luv him.
I remember his speech at IIFA Johannesburg , intelligent , full of life . His interviews are always watchable , no negativity , no complaints , no rift with anyone , never used to talked about others , always in search of something ,new theme , new places ,  he was specially fond of mountains ( Ex. Ishq Ishq Ishq) .He is also referred as style icon by many ,his westernized approach ,his scarves , mufflers, jackets and various caps, berets/fedros hats , cap like Jewel Thief , which he bought from Switzerland ,I still remember he wore Red trouser in AmirGarib song "mein aayaa hun", bold it was  , He was well educated & well aware of world politics , art , cinema &   always had international approach whether association with Pearls Buck for Guide , or his meetings with many international stars like Italian director Vittorio de Sica" of " Bicycle Thieves" fame ,Gregory Peck ,Charle Chaplin in Russia in 1954,Danny Kaye,Russian director Cherkasov,Ted Danielewski (Guide English), author Irving Stone, Kirk Douglas,Frank Capra and many many more , he had been to many film festivals in almost all parts of the world like Venice, Berlin Prague, Moscow , US,Cannes etc.He was also felicitated with many awards by various governmental organisations and  other societies world wide for his outstanding contribution to the world cinema.(Seen long list at wikipedia) I mean to say he was always international in his approach and was not just an Indian actor & was well versed with global art & cinema .I strongly recommend readers to buy n read his autobiography which is one of the most published bio's by any film celebrity , an awesome bio, I finished  reading 400 pages  in few days , specially 1st half is too good , but his career after Des Pardes or Manpasand  is just forgettable , prefer to avoid .

I had requested my son to name my grandson as Dev , at least neck name , short n sweet , Dev in my house , ahaa  , hope so .Then I will also call one day Dev aan , as his father used to call him , the best part in his bio , pls read also linked with my previous post.

"Romancing with Life"  : One day as I proudly jingled the marbles bulging out of my pocket , some of them spilled out , rolling down a slopy patch of ground .As I started chasing after them , I heard my father calling out " Dev-aaan "and there he was......................."  

Disclosure:Information gathered from his autobiography " Romancing with Life" and from other internet resources.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

99th Post :Zindaagi Rocks @ Bacardi NH7 Weekender Music Fest Pune


Café Reminiscence:Bacardi NH7 Weekender

Café Reminiscence:Bacardi NH7 Weekender


Café Reminiscence:Bacardi NH7 Weekender


Café Reminiscence:Bacardi NH7 Weekender




It was not planned , while having morning tea & scrolling thru news papers on leisure last Saturday morning  , Sid suggested for this Musical extravaganza @Pune, I said Yes , Nicx as usual, was ready for any outing nd long drive, she was too excited for her 1st ever music live fest..I was not knowing that it may turned out to be one of the best Weekend or rather memorable weekend ,I ever experienced  In fact after reaching home back on Saturday night at 2 AM after 4+4 hrs long drive , we again got up Sunday morning & went for Grand Finale  & reached the venue on time @4:30 PM.

What a place "Amanora Park" signature Hiranandani dome building , artificial lakes ,Thai huts (pic) with legs submerged , 6 stages , parallel shows , for which I was not happy as we had to choose between 2 fav. performers  i.e. Indus Creed Vs Kailash Kher as both were schedule for the same time slot , anyways ..
Food stalls , 2 Bars by Bacardi & Eristoff , Food stalls ,Music store & other handicraft & merchandises, accessories ,lush green garden , just sit there in groups n enjoy ,pleasant November weather, what else one can expect .

OK that was about the venue , now the show ,Million watts of thunderous blast , Piccadilly lighting , Lasers ,Variety of musicians from India & abroad ,We specially liked Australian "Karnivool" for their high voltage music n  well Synch lighting  ,Buraka Som Sistema fr Portugan with their fusion Techno beats with Afro-Kudroro genre music,  Bombay Metal Project  , for their high octane metal sound with non understandable lyrics,Rob The Bank DJ for dance ,DJ Michal Merent ,Indus Creed was rather not up to the mark, 
Vir Das"Alien Chutney was good in  well timed jokes & funny Lyrics e.g. Pappe you're a dude if u got the Man boobs & comparison between Delhi & Bombay girls , funny Harry potter and Himesh Reshm'a etc.

Whole environment was electric , charged , Young beautiful well dressed guys n gals in shorts , minis , almost  a fashion fiesta .Here we feel proud of being part of the well behaved Bombay Pune crowd as there was not a single awkward or indecent incident happened in spite of close proximity , darkness , booze , smoke etc. etc. Luv u Bombay ...Fantastic.

Such a great satisfying rocking experience , Yahhooooooooooo.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Die Virte Macht:(Germany) :The Fourth State

Café Reminiscence : The Fourth State


Die Virte Macht:(Germany) : The Fourth State 

A fast action packed political thriller , truly a movie 
Par excellence ,brilliant acting by lead & supporting actors , geo political plot , insight view of Russian so called Federal Democracy , Story revolves around a German journalist who's late father was also a renowned rebellious journalist , who wanted to expose state sponsored terrorism.

After moving to Russia from Germany Paul Jensen (Moritz BleibtreuHe ) used to work for a celebrity tabloid,owned by his father's friend , tabloid is cater to nou·veau riche population, problem starts when he witnessed murder of a senior journalist and met fellow journalist Katza (Kasia Smutniak ) who is a rebellious & wanted to publish facts about the murder of the journalist by the federal secret service , she manages to convince Paul to publish the facts, who then publish the murder story in his celebrity tabloid without taking prior approval & got fired & become Bête noire for going against the system. Russian government has imposed strict censorship on media & his action puts his tabloid & jobs of his colleagues on stake.


Actual story unfolds after a bomb exploded after his meeting with Katza near same bus stop & nine people got killed including Katza ??.He was arrested on charges of involvement in terrorist activities and having linked with his few meeting old lady love Katza's activist brother , whom he casually met at an anti government rally and at a drinks party , he was sent to the prison where he met Chechnya leader who knows his father , as his father took his interview which was never got published ,Movie also portrays inside of prison horrible , inhuman conditions and torture to suppress Chechnya rebels .Somehow with the help of his Uncle he manages to get himself freed & on suspicion of getting killed in an encounter he escapes & surprise to know involvement of his own people including ...    he came to know about the conspiracy to nab him for his article as well as for being a son of an anti government journalist , he finally able to find the CD his father left for him , where he finds all the evidences of a multi story building bomb blast which infact was carried out by the federal  agencies to divert peoples attention from the corruption charges , oil money & to attack Chechnya to regain power ,which actually helped the ruling party in getting land slide victory in elections .Movie was shot in Moscow & Ukarine & pace of the movie keeps you engaged through out.This was my last movie at the film festival which turn out to be the bestest at least for me.

There was an interesting dialogue which justifies the terrorist activities by the agencies " Only during terror threats people of a country gets united & country can flourish".



Café Reminiscence :Kasia Smutniak
Kasia Smutniak












Now another reason for my Blah Blah for the movie is
 Femme fatale    Kasia Smutniak   ( Katza) , what a face n personality to die for or to go to prison , lean, tall ,expressive , pout .She is a Polish supermodel , acted in many international movies like "La Passione" and "From Paris With Love" & is a fashion diva .She speaks fluent Polish, Russian, English and Italian and is a mother of an eight yr old daughter , she had also hosted the Opening Ceremony at the 69th Venice Film Festival in September 2012.

The Mumbai Film Festival 2012

Café Reminiscence




















Had been to Mumbai Film Festival (18-25 Oct.2012 )  , Total 254 movies from all over the world were showcased under following categories ;








  • International Competition
  • Above The Cut
  • World Cinema
  • Busan Selection
  • Rendez-vous with the French Cinema
  • Celebrate Age
  • The Real Reel
  • Film India Worldwide
  • Celebration of Italian Cinema
  • Restored Classics
  • Celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema
  • Kabul Fresh: New Voices in Afghan Cinema
  • Dimensions Mumbai
  • New Faces in India 
  • CinemaIndia Gold 2012


  • I was able to watch 13 movies & would like to mention some of  them which I really enjoyed . It was not a well management event , specially at INOX, Nariman point where maximum nos. of movies were shown in all 5 cinema halls, they used to issue tickets for each n every show inspite of having ID which was issued for the whole event ,. any movie , any where ,.There were long ques & watching back to back movie was really painful .Cinemax Versova & Tata NCPA had no such system, just go n sit, first come first., anyways that's how we are.

    • Die Virte Macht ( German) or The Fourth State : Deserves a Separate post .

    Café Reminiscence
    Aprés Mai (French) or  Something In The Air :



















    This French Movie is about an adolescent 17 yr old high school student who is an artist , a new age painter and who is also a part of a small revolutionary school students group who revolt against school management & wanted more freedom  , Group of 5-6 students paste anti management posters & graffiti on university wall during night time , while escaping from the university campus after being chased by the guards they hit one of the guard who got seriously injured , and one of the fellow student got implicated , Later on this small student revolution which happened in 1960's , sparked mill workers to fight for their rights , freedom and to take participation in managing the factories which is called 1960's revolution. which later on spread to other neighboring  countries like Italy, Poland etc.This young movie is about portrayal of  French society in 1960's , students life ,social activism , philosophical ideology & French art works.Portrayal of Protagonist school boy Gilles journey as a student of the painting when France had art forms called "Pop Art" , which has painting of attractive nude women , his affairs with 2 girls who are strong & have their own concept of life, specially Alain who is in love with Gilles but prefers to remained committed to the revolution & leave him to join other activist  group .Film has portrayed free society  , artists workshops on media and  cinema,tons of smoking , booze , nudity , sex , hasish ,hippies like culture but what I liked is the artistic essence & philosophical aspect of the life , teenage boy n girls involvement in the social movement , who are very clear in their thoughts and goals & work hard to achieve what they feel is right for them ,movie is like admiring a masterpiece art where individuals can interpret same painting in their own way.. An artistic movie , insight of French & Italian society ,so different then conventional movies , Fantastique ,a must watch.




    Café Reminiscence

    La Vie D'Une Autré ( French)  :Another Women's life :


















    Movie is centered around  Marie (Juliette Binoche)  who awakes one fine morning and realizes that last thing she remembers that has happened  15 yr back ,means she forgets everything whatever happened in last 15 years , the last thing she remembers is her 3rd meeting with Paul whom she fell in love with . She later on finds out & feels happy that Paul who is a cartoonist is her husband & he works from home and having  office at upstairs only , but her joy vanishes as soon as she came to know that she is not the same women in fact she is a famous business women and managing a large company  & has separated from the man she loves. She is now known as a   shroud business  women , who never visited her ailing father who is no more now & never supported her mother .She then tries to become who she was 15 years back & wants to bring Paul back in her life & spent time with her 7-8 year old son & support her mother..An unusual plot and acting by French movie goddess Juliette is just beyond comparison.




    Café Reminiscence
    Die Wand ( Austria/Germany) :The Wall : 



















    Based on a novel by Marlen Haushofer , brilliant creative story , with every scene we expect something will happen , a women trapped inside invisible walls some where in picturristic Alpine jungle  and only has a dog, cat n a cow as her companion & things visible on other side of the walls has no life , everything is stand still ,Movie has beautiful cinematography , and shows human survival in such horrific conditions ,Complicated .. yet  , concept was highly innovative but lacks events & slowly you loose hope for any surprise , then it just ends ..In my personal layman views there was enough scope for a fast action packed mysterious thriller , an idea just remained unutilised forever.A sought after movie in the festival due to artistic contents & unique theme.



    Café Reminiscence

    California Solo : 

    A Scottish expatriate running from his past & would like to settle in southern California , working as a farm manager & selling organic products , who is a musician as well , once he was a lead guitarist of  a popular British pop band "The Crank" , which got dimanttled after death of his older brother Ted, due to drug overdose , he wanted to forget his past  and is living life in total isolation , until he was caught by the local police for drunken driving which made his life more complicated as he had no money for the legal proceedings & is now facing threat for getting deported back to Scotland . Unwillingly he takes his divorced wife's help to get out from this mess, there he meets his teenage daughter and they both share some good moments , I was so involved with the movie that I just wanted that he should gift the guitar to his daughter who also used to play guitar ,in stead of selling it to meet his legal expenses.Performance by the lead actor Robert Carlyle is the soul of this beautiful movie, his rustic looks also suits the character he played of a pop musician.

    Café ReminiscenceSmashed (USA):



















    Kate who is having a good life , partying , drinking , music & having a loving husband , One day, while teaching in her class, she finds herself in a difficult situation when her elementary school kids find her vomiting & ask her is she's pregnant? and to hide the truth about her over drinking habit she lied to them & also to the principle , after realisation of her uncivilized acts at a grocery shop and sleeping at some strange places ,she then joins a group called AA who helps individuals to get rid of the alcoholism.Although theme of the movie is " I am an alcoholic " but for me it is about an individual fight with herself/himself , to tell the truth and got fired , and realisation that her non working alcoholic husband infact wants her to remain alcoholic so that he also can escape from his responsibilities.

    Café Reminiscence
     My Brother The Devil (UK , Arab) :



    I was looking for an Arabic Egyptian  movie , which turns out to be a British Arab movie of 2 Egyptian brothers who are growing up in  backyards of down town London   & involves with drug trafficking , younger brother admires his smart and strong handsome elder brother until he finds a bitter truth about him , quite similar to our own Hindi movie , but with stealing  performances by young actors.ie , looks like Indian movie , nothing much.


    Do-nui Mat : The Taste of Money ( South Korea) : Korean movie 

    .

    Café Reminiscence
    L'Intérvallo (Italy) : The Interval :



















    A young girl was kept as a prisoner by a local goon  inside some old factory as a punishment for her involvement with the rival group guy , an ice cream ( Ice Gola) mobile small time vendor boy named  Salvatore was forced to accompany her and to make sure that she remained there .A light slow movie and no romance , they both share things about their life , struggle at this young age .No heroic incidents and girls finally surrenders and accepts her fate.

    Salvatore ....  . name reminds me of one of my Italian colleague , with whom I really shared some good professional time during  a project execution few yrs back.

    Sunday, October 21, 2012

    Dev Anand & Mohd. Rafi


    Dev Anand & Mohd. Rafi














    I was about to finalise my post on Mohd. Rafi songs picturised on Dev Anand , draft was lying for almost  more than 3 months , then while searching for this combo I found this site having same topic , therefore I have dropped the idea of making post on the same subject.
    Without any prejudice & intention I am posting here link for this post titled Dev Anand & Rafi , a well written post ,a worth read for  Dev Annad , Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi fans .I have also posted my comments there.


    Link : http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/mohammed-rafi-and-dev-anand.html

    Friday, October 12, 2012

    Plan India- Because I am a Girl Rock Concert



















    I had been to a charity rock concert " Because I am a girl" at Andheri on Wednesday night, the show was organised by Plan India , an Indian NGO working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, their families and communities. Anil Kapoor & Govind Nihalani were the chief guests & 6 rock bands have performed at the concert , Indian Ocean, Sona Mahapatra , Parikrama, Indus Creed , Papon & Euphoria.I personally liked Parikrama's ( >3:00 hrs) high Octane  , scintillating performance then Indian Ocean & Indus Creed , rest were just OK.
    A perfect night out & I thoroughly enjoyed electrifying performances.

    Monday, October 8, 2012

    Hold my hand

    Café Reminiscence :Hold my Hand
    Hold my hand By Prachi

















    During our usual weekend long drives , we accidentally clicked this pic , place is Shahpur ( Asangaon ) 70 KM from Bombay , we were enjoying greenery overlooking Sahyadri mountain range , then suddenly we found this little boy walking & holding his mother's hand , such  casual carefree walk n mountains in the background.

    Sunday, October 7, 2012

    Firoz Khan & Dharmendra together :Aadmi Aur Insaan


    Firoz Khan , Dharmendra




    I was searching for any movie or song picturized on Firoz Khan & Dharmendra together ,  , finally I zeroed in on this 1969 great movie called " Aadmi Aur Insaan" produced by BR Chopra , u know who directed this movie... " Yash Chopra " , not many people may be aware , the only movie where Dharmendra & Yash Chopra had work together .

    I wish I could get a chance to see these gr8 movies in cinema halls , but now dayz no place for old movies , even a year old movie is not possible to watch, earlier we used to get some chance to watch old movies in noon shows, I remember watching all Dev Anand movies with my friend Naresh in noon or matinee shows , when I was in school.

    OK come back .. this song is special .,Two handsome , macho heros with sexy smile & bod , well dressed  ,Mumtaz in long cut gown ,cleavage ,70's Bar ,Cabaret( not todays' item no.) which had some guidelines to be followed , n Asha Bhosle signature song.

    Watch this :You Tube video link : Zindagi Etafaq Hai


    Saturday, October 6, 2012

    Dev Anand’s memorial service 16th Dec.2011.

    Dev Anand












    Memorial service was held at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai,for the legendary actor, producer and director Dev Anand.

    Tuesday, October 2, 2012

    Le Parinde





    Parinde @Home : Feeders/Nests :  http://www.natureforever.org/

    Weekends full time pass : Breakfast n fighting starts @ 6:30 AM








    Friday, September 28, 2012

    Do we really Love Mumbai ? then why so many posters ?

    Mumbai Posters

    This Ganesh Utsav season there are too many posters with their leaders pictures (funny) are placed everywhere by various political parties  ,this  filth gifted to Aamchi Mumbai by very own residents. I had counted approx 300 posters between Marve junction to Infinity mall on Malad Link road within approx 1.5 Km distance, 1 or 2 posters on each & every Light pole & plenty near pandals  . Mumbai lovers have done exhaustive research to find open spaces where a poster can be hanged, well done Mumbaikars !! Also Thanks ! to Mahanagar Palika for charging 125 Rs for each poster & for initiating poster war among various political parties.
    Mumbai has approx Total 1950 KM of road network , means Mumbai has been loaded with more than 4 Lakh such posters ,i.e. wooden frame , synthetic cloth/Paper/colour , where this garbage will go afterwards ? on shanties roofs , Nallahas , or will remain hanged here n there in bits & pieces  & wait for aerial degradation , a real environment disaster .
    Apart from usual Chamcha posters for B’days, arrivals , promotions , now a day’s greetings on every festival is becoming norm here & all parties are in competition to grab as much space as possible .Why don’t we learn good things from other countries . Rest of the world don’t put posters on Christmas  & south east Asia on Buddha birthday or on Chinese new year or other local festivals, they put decorative lights , lanterns ,& other decorative items placed aesthetically  , but we prefer to put posters n posters & sponsor’s banners only .

    Solution : As all political parties are involves , political/governmental solution may not come , until unless new age young party leaders/workers come forward to stop this nuisance. 

    Friday, September 21, 2012

    Barfi! :Rishtey


    Barfi!

    Barfi! Ranbir

    Barfi!











    After watching Barfi! & Rockstar I am seriously thinking , Why I am watching other crap movies , RK movies are enough to quench my thirst for the good movies , which force me to think that there is something in every relation   ,hold them , don’t just let them go ,Listen to your heart , spent time with friends/family , Travel more (already) , Long Drives ,Parinde , Rain, Pani ,Train  Music , Drink …..Ahaaa… 

    Barfi! is based on my fav subject i.e. Rishtey , therefore a must watch.

    Ranbir rocks , what a performance , also PC & Ileana , PC never went overboard ( SRK to learn  ,MNK ?) & Ileana looks  fresh , charming ,honest who loves Barfi! But unable to ignore materialistic requirement , hence choose secure married life but later on regret  her wrong decision & left her home for Barfi! , but too late ..
    Ranbir has once again proved that he is a  good actor first  than a Star. His comic timing , adaption . innocence ,child like lover boy act is remarkable .
    Apart from brilliant performances , romance ,rejection ,Reminiscences there were too many elements in the movie for me ,to just fall in luv with Burfi! ,a child like boy who follows his instinct , not much bothered for livelihood & social limitations , his funny acts ,enjoys drinks occasionally, steam engine , , train general compartment ,loyalty tests ,cool choti ,bicycle ,picturistic hill station , brick tiled home ,green fields …..
    Fav shot :A beautiful girl chasing train in cotton Sari holding a hand bag (PIC) to be with her luv against all odds.

    Munna mute hi aannsoo bahaye…..
    A must watch.

    Monday, August 27, 2012

    Indianisation of MTV India : Coke Studio : Madari !

    I witnessed MTV India transformation from Only English , American like TV channel to a purely Indian Channel, I remember ,MTV India earlier used to showcase only American countdown songs like Billboard & some other programmes like Grind etc. , Anchors used to speak 100 % in English in Americana ascent , no Hindi words , Bollywood was untouchable . I used to watch it occasionally , now don't even remember programme names ?
    When MTV India was launched in 1996 iwas catered only for Urban , Xavier like viewers , they maintained same Hollywood copycat  version for almost a decade & only after 2010 Indianisation process begun & shows like MTV Roadies & Spitsvilla in pure desi versions got huge success.We may now call MTV India as purely Local channel , maybe it is something to do with the change of Guards , now MTV India is owned by Viacom Inc. and Network TV 18 .MTV Roadies is hugely popular with GenX & made RanVijay a heartthrob , reverse is also possible I mean ,may be new desi version is not liked by those , who were more connected with the Original MTV. Youths today don't have much choice as all prime time is reserved for Ekta K Saas Bahu dramas & remaining by Dance & Music reality shows , almost no Indian programmes for Today's urban & semiurban youths ?


    MTV now : Sometime back I accidently watched MTV Coke Studio , showcasing North-Eastern unknown artist singing folk music , not at all understand by mainstream Indian viewers ( Ye hee sach hey , We treat them discriminatory like our neighbours  not fellow country wallas , Sad it is ..) . It was in contrast to my perception of MTV  , I mean MTV & Folk wow..It was season 3 when I really started liking the Format of the show ,their effort for unusual fusion of folk, sufi, ghazals & filmy popular music with western . Topmost musicians Like Shankar-Ehsan-Loy , Lewis , KK , Kher , Sunidhi , Vishal, Benny ,Wadali-Sabri bros , Gogoi, Shafqat Amanat Ali etc....nearly all are part of this show alongwith new wannnabes on same stage that too singing jointly gr8 .
    Ist song I fell in  luv with was ,Wadali  Bros " Tu Mane Ya Na Mane.." Then   Chitthiye & Jhakki Dil by Sunidhi & others , but finally it is Madari by Vishal & Sonu Kakkar which is my latest passion , it is also a chartbuster , amazing song with Indian Roots lyrics ( Gulzar type), experimental , unusual ,having  matti ki Khushboo like Lines 
     तेरी  रुखी -सुखी , सुखी -रुखी , खा  के  देखा ,हर  एक  निवाला  अमृत  लागे  ! 
    & Sonu's Blast  इत्  खराक्के , दुख्हद  वज्जे ,तत्ता  होवे  चूल्हा . आन  फकीर  ते  खखार  जावन ,राज़ी  होवे  बुल्लाह
    Although I didn't understand all lyrics.  

    Le voilà: Madari : Vishal Dadlani, Sonu Kakkar.
    Courtesy : You Tube & MTV Coke Studio
















    Amazing ..such a passion & devotion , Incredible . Lyrics seems to be amalgamation of Khadi Hindi boli ( rookhi sookhii roti , Madari -Jamoora ), Punjabi , Frontier Pashtun reference Bullah Shah & Gurudwara  , Sufi Makka /Karbala etc. Slight Complicated with modern pop flavor , I was stunned , speechless Wowwww .Both Vishal & Sonu Kakkar are fantastic , Vishal has added another feather in his cap & showed that he is not only a music director , can sing such an Indipop with perfection .Sonu Kakakr energy at full throttle is remarkable .

    After-all Coke name is attached with the show , Brand value bhi kuch hey na. True .

    Declaimer : I am neither a great fan nor dislike MTV ,Post is about transformation of the channel ,reader's  opinion may differ , Comments are welcome !

    Sunday, August 26, 2012

    Chocolate


    Chocolate




    It is often said that Chocolate  is a way of life ,It’s having a character , fun , life ,indulgence , a sort of joie de vivre ,sometime associated with Sex also , amazing !! , it has got stress relieving property  also. I always categories  people, those who like chocolate & other who don’t. I normally don’t have good tuning with those who don’t eat chocolate  unless they are too old & of previous gens. If u luv life & yrself , chocolate is must,

    Some chocolate Quotes ;
    “There are two kinds of people in the world:  those who love chocolate, and communists. “ Leslie Moak Murray
    “My favorite thing in the world is a box of fine European chocolates which is, for sure, better than sex.”  Alicia Silverstone
    “All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! “ Charles Schulz

    We may find thousands of poems on chocolate on the internet.

    Buying chocolate & liquor at airports is always fun , especially when you are buying in $ or in other currencies  .I feel like  a child while filling my cart & more than that chocolate is fav gift for kids & they just luv it , feel happy to have lots of chocolates ,such feeling gave me immense pleasure  & I always utilised opportunities to buy chocolates.
    After all chocolate brings happiness in all sizes and flavors ....& for all sizes.

    Reason for writing this Chocolate post is not only due to my liking for the chocolate , but to express that some food varieties can also bring real happiness & one can really indulge in it ,In fact one can buy happiness , isn’t it ! .
    During our recent visit to Bangalore , we visited "Corner House Ice parlour" serving Chocolate named “ Death By Chocolate “ or DBC as popularly called , Tukur liked it instantly & immensely , I too had it once & like the stuff. During our 3 days stauly at Bangalore we had visited same Corner house parlour for all 3 days that too after crossing half of the city .

    In Mumbai CCD is OK , mainly for their locations e.g. Bandstand   ,  other one is   “Costa Coffee “ at Khar (w) , Café is in posh area of Khar & always occupied by niche gentry , great ambience , seating  both inside & outside(preferred)  beautiful road with huge tress lined on both sides , posh residential buildings , also few bungalows , nice place to drive thru on a weekend , they have some delicious chocolate muffins with chocolate sauce.
    Search is still on for more . .

    Forget Cutting Chai : Oh  NO  , read earlyer post

    Tuesday, August 21, 2012

    Dil Chahta Hai :Trendsetter

    Preamble :Last weekend I went to Kolad along with three young boys i.e. Sid & his 2 friends , we clicked almost 350 pics , as during rainy season whole area looks so beautiful , green everywhere .There was a small old bridge over  a small water stream with reasonable good flow , I asked all of 3 to sit on the edge in DCH style with DCH expressions , such is the impact of DCH on me I always remunate this movie extraordinaire......... so here is the post ;




    Sid , Jabby & Varun somewhere @Kolad
    Dil Chahta Hai
    Chapora fort

    Dil Chahta Hai


    Dil Chahta Hai
    Tanhai

    JNMD
    JNMD



    Even after >10 yrs DCH is still most remembered movie for the youths , directed brilliantly by debutante Farhan , a fresh Start with a different  approach , which is reflected in every frame of this incredible movie , truly a youthful movie although based on proven male bonding Yaar Dost theme .DCH has turned out to be a milestone movie for Farhan, Amir , Saif & also recognised Adhuna Akhtar who did risky hair styling for the trio , after all with great risk comes great reward.
    Apart from the theme (Dosti) , great direction & acting by Amir, Saif & Preeti ,  my fav is STILLS in the movie , a new dimension for the Hindi cinema ,a different angle of cinematography , never done before , I still remember most of the stills (Pics ) which were shot beautifully . In fact Chapora fort (pic) in Goa now is called DCH fort ,Everyone wants to imitate the scene in some form at different places , amazing isn't it !
    Infact Zoya again tried to repeat certain things in JNMD .

    test ad