Facts n Fiction

My sister and I were browsing the Internet, reading through some sites, reading news and doing some comparative analysis on flat panel televisions. We came across this survey on one site ( www.moneycontrol.com ), which asked users to select their choice of Indian movie released this year that should enter the Oscars. The choices were: Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna Krrish Omkara Rang De Basanti Lage Raho Munnabhai Without any hesitation, I clicked on the 5th option and submitted my opinion. I felt there was nothing much to think about it and the choice was obvious. My sister, however, asked me why I had to hurry so much with the option. She wasn’t defying my choice but wanted to know why I selected Lage Raho Munnabhai . Here is what I told her. I don’t think I need to explain why I would not vote for Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (KANK) and Krrish . People in the west have seen enough of such superheroes flying and there is nothing new that we are trying to show them through our creative skills or tec...

The Indian railway minister, Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav was at the IIM-A (Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad) yesterday (18-09-2006) to enlighten the students there on how he brought Indian railways into profit. The turnaround goes to the IIMs as a classic case study of getting an institution into soaring profits after its long run into deficits. Laluji delivered a 3 hour lecture on what were his objectives and plan of action in planning the work around for Indian railways. The students enjoyed the lecture and felt that it truly was an inspiring and learning experience. Moreover, it was a two way communication with students throwing some specific questions and Laluji handling them very judiciously (& diplomatically in few cases). Added to the learning episode was his distinct style of humor and flavor of Bihari accent that made the lecture all the more interesting. At the end of it both the students as well as the professors at IIM-A were content and convinced that Lalu’s modus ...

Business is common sense used to make money

I know it’s a little late to write something about ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ . But it was only yesterday that I could manage getting tickets for this movie, that too for a late night show. I went with a mindset that this movie would be a continuation of ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ with Munna solving people’s grievances with Circuit’s help. However, I saw a vast difference between ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ and ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ . I would surely not call ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ a sequel to ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ . Though the story revolves around the idea of helping people and being compassionate, the plot and narration is laid in a completely different style. In ‘Munnabhai MBBS’ , the hero uses his own wit to handle issues. While in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ , he uses ideologies of a third person, Mahatma Gandhi. And the formula works! The concept, scenes, screenplay are excellent and deserve full marks. Thoughh there might be some minor flaws but I choose to ignore them as I would rather concentrate on the wonderf...

Ganeshotsava (Ganpati festival) is among the best festival that is celebrated across Mumbai city with equal enthusiasm and faith. Interesting part is that people from all religions, beliefs and caste come together and become a part of this amazing festival that spreads a mood of enjoyment and harmony all over the city. I am remembered of a Catholic female friend of mine who used to stand next to me and participate in pujas/aartis (chanting of prayers) of Ganpati at a common friend’s house. And it is just not my friend; many people in this city of dreams called Mumbai take pleasure in participating in Ganpati festival. Indeed if we had to just look at positive side of things, is it not true that Mumbaikars, though from diverse cultures and backgrounds come together and share sentiments united (even if they are religious sentiments). Nobody really cares at times when one has to dance in the Ganpati processions or eat biryani during Id. Lokmanya Tilak had started Ganpati festival to unite...

Everything in and around appears so pleasant since last two days. Even as I traveled to office today there was a calming atmosphere all around. The rickshaw driver too experienced it and said to me while driving “Ganpati mein sab kaisa mast lagta hai na” (everything appears to nice/beautiful during Ganpati). And yes it was. Though I am not a hard core believer of religious habits (I am not agnostic either), I have always rejoiced the festival of Ganesh Chaturti . It feels really nice to behold beautiful Ganesh idols, enticing decorations, devout worshippers and cultural songs. I could not stop the urge of writing about this beautiful festival that overwhelms the city for 10 days. I began my fact collection about Ganesh Chaturti and sat to write. Everybody looks up to Ganpati for good fortune and protection. Ganpati is also referred to as Vighna Harta (Destroyer of all obstacles). Ganpati blends everyone and hence no activity (nothing for that matter) begins without alluding to Ganesh...

I received a SMS today morning from my friend asking me about my opinion on the sea water turning sweet. I was fast asleep and I did not have a clue as to what he was referring to. However, the curiosity did not let me sleep, as I was sure it had something to do with some breaking news in the city or in the country may. After gathering all the will power and determination I had I got up from the bed and switched on my TV. I quickly surfed to Sahara Mumbai news channel (guaranteed channel where you can find any overhyped news related to the city) to see if something was happening. It seems sea water near some darga in Mahim had suddenly turned sweet and the whole city flocked to taste that water. The news catapulted so quickly that even Mumbai Mayor went and tasted the water there. People were taking water home in bottles, polythene bags, flower pots, etc. Many attributed this change to some miracle and surprising some thought that it was due to divine intervention. I fail to understand...