Myopic Pride n Prejudice!

For Christ! This ain’t meant for females! Aah.. I knew it! All men are like that! You think I’ll stoop to a ‘bhaiyya’? That ‘Marathi Manoos’ is heartless n lacks intelligence! ‘Bloody Indian’, aren’t you? All Aussies are God damn uncouth... rustic fellas! That moron... son of a negro! Those racist unholy Whites! 

---- You won’t be too surprised if you getta hear such statements from those around you... your friends, relatives, colleagues... your boss or your subordinates! It is deep in-bred in us humans to STEREOTYPE... an art we’ve mastered from our ancestors and we continue to evolve n surprise ourselves by finding new ways that allow our biases to rule our wits… while conveniently engulfing the chosen ones in the ‘blanket of our stereotypes’! More often than not, we also feel proud for the prejudice we’ve nursed since our childhood... and we call ourselves rational educated Homo sapiens. ‘The government isn’t honest with its services and that logically gives me the right not to be honest with my income declarations either!’ All smart logic seems to vanish when we berate a person for his/her color, sex, religion, creed or sect. This is precisely how progressive ‘the developed’ and ‘the developing’ have been all these years!

We face terror… and we’re quick to blame it to a certain religion! Who gives them the right to call it ‘Islamic Terrorism’? Is it fair to say that the sentiments conveyed by a select few miscreants through loud n extreme measures, represents the voice of the entire community? Another myopic stereotyping – We’re quick to find atrocities on the Arab civilians especially women n children… n these are well covered in the top journals who portray themselves as the messiah of the ‘underdeveloped’… while they are relatively mum on the ‘Dad raping 9 year old daughter’ story of the west! DO YOU KNOW that every day on an average there are 4 deaths in the United States coz of domestic violence? And that there have been more deaths due to domestic violence in the US as against the number of casualties in the Vietnam War! How many of us are aware that quite a few countries in the Arab world have reservation for women in their parliament, when we struggle to enforce such a thing in our own nation? The mother of all… The Big daddy United States of America has struggled to have a single Female President! Isn’t that unbelievable… n as shocking as anything else we’re quick to spot as an anomaly in the name of ‘Islamic Nations’?

Actions of a few psychopaths and deranged are taken into consideration and an entire population of 1.5 billion is labeled ‘Oppressors of women n children’!  How fair is that? How many of us are even aware of this name called “Queen Rania of Jordan”? Google search won’t be a bad idea à better late than never! Check out her youtube channel and you’re sure to get a better insight into the reality as narrated and experienced by the ‘majority’ arab civilians!

Isn’t it time we stop judging people through the prism of our own stereotypes? Shouldn’t we assist those who wish to swim through the river of shit n come out clean on the other side? Isn’t it logical to stand by the Queen Ranias of the world and at least make an attempt to eradicate the filth before blaming it on others…worse still blame an entire community? Shouldn’t we learn to retrospect n check if our side of the pond remains contaminated?

--- While you ponder on these, make sure that next time you call yourself a victim… n blame someone else for the act, ask yourself if you did your bit for the cause!! If you could at least save yourself from the bug that breeds ‘Myopic Pride n Prejudice’, I feel you’ve played your part!

Rest we can debate.. It’s a part of dialogue anyways! We need not agree with each other to get along!!

PEACE!

The Bold and the Beautiful!

Almost a month back... I had this flight from Lucknow back to Mumbai....A bright new start to the Summers of ’10 n I was all geared-up for my internship stint with Tata Motors as a Marketing Trainee!

I had a chance to hit upon an in-flight copy of CineBlitz... n some of the things I read did make me ponder for a change! ;) Remember Zarina Wahab? The lady who played SRK’s mom in MNIK... She made some startling revelations about her hubby’s infidelity... and that instead of complaining n crying, she was actually accepting it as a mistake of her own for having let loose the rein a bit too much! She says – “Men will be Men... it’s our job to make sure that things remain under control...” Zarina represents the school which believes in dialogue, accepts mistakes and is ready to give a new kick-start to the relationship! It may not be feasible to assess the righteousness of the approach... but she accepts that it’s been working out for her... n that she is able to keep ‘it’ alive! I am not sure how many would’ve gone the Zarina way, but must give Zarina credit for what I perceive as bold-sensibility! If all females can think half the way Zarina did, perhaps, things will get a lot easier for us men! ;) On a more serious note, it’s certainly not easy for a female to discover that her hubby hasn’t been faithful to the level she expects him to be... but if the mind could be controlled, they can certainly work wonders and knock some sense into the requisite heads...!!

[I always believed that KJo’s MNIK was not even half as good as ‘Khuda Ke Liye’... n it wasn’t surprising to discover that ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ featured on top of Zarina’s favourite’s list as well! :) ]

There was another article... n this one featured none other than ‘Preity Woman Zinta’! She discussed about the transition phase which she n Ness were going through during IPL... Things weren’t easy... and with all the media glare surmounting, gossips rolling n babbling tongues... it required some ‘stuff’ to hang in there and self-subsist! She carried herself throughout the series in her typical chirpy disposition... n what certainly won my heart was when she confessed – “You gotta forget everything for your kid... King's XI being theirs!” J Hats off to the lady! If we strain our memory a bit, Preity happens to be one amongst those few stars who had actually confessed in public and in the court that there is a great deal of Underworld involvement in the film-industry.

 I certainly took a leaf outta Preity and her ways – ‘What appears to be the most grave, may not always be the most mature... and vice versa!!’ It’s no rocket science... everyone knows whats right...whats wrong... but few have the MIGHT to face it when the guillotine falls on your head and emerge unhurt! Its tricky, this whole relationship thing and its derivatives... not many have the right temperament to deal with it the right way... but we do have a few around us who can be looked-up to! I hear people talking about all these celebrities n blabbering stuff like – “These celebs have a screwed up personal life!” Well, if we can learn from some of them like Preity n Zarina, we can improve upon ours for sure... than just beat around the bush n talk nonsense!

It was refreshing... never thought CineBlitz would add so much value! There were other decent articles on Nana Patekar, Farhan Akhtar, Sajid Khan amongst others... but this post is dedicated to the ladies – “The Bold and the Beautiful” J

Slippery Soaps!

It hardly matters if it’s a Weekday or a Weekend, when you’re at home! Given the short stay, you end up spending more time with your family members and venture less... and ‘live it the way they live’... and that’s a special experience, an even worthier feeling! The hustle n bustle of the b-school engagements are set aside... n your intentions are clear – ‘Work as less, Eat as much... Spend your dad’s money, extract as much and feel guilty as less...’ In short, enjoy this phase of pure awesomeness which the Almighty hath kindly bestowed upon ye!!

Without much further ado, let’s get back to the tag line... Sitting with your Mom, 730 in the evening, with the television full on... it’s time to witness a genre of soaps which are mighty integral to a typical Indian family set-up! There was this new kid on the block – “Sasural Genda Phool” (the English translation sounds ultra-cool - ‘Marigold like in-laws place’... lol!) on Star Plus... n I was absolutely jobless... n the recap of the 5 times a week soap caught my attention! The protagonist being an extremely cute looking female, apparently Govinda’s niece :O, and the entire half an hour’s story revolved around a purple coloured fancy saree (not sure if it was ‘sari mein sari Parag sari’ :P – wonder if it ever made sense?) which was given away to the maid... n the notorious ‘mausiji’ who had actually gifted the sari, happens to drop by! The drama that follows, the heart-stopping dialogue delivery, the facial expression n the nagging background score coupled with an amazing bickering... it had all the elements of a successful television melodrama! ;)

These ‘slippery soaps’ surely catch the pulse of the majority Indian Moms n Granmas! The IPLs n the EPLs last a season... but the best part about these soaps is that they’re never ending! You always expect the unexpectedly expected to happen (even the T20s are more predictable trust me, despite all the fixing n betting)... n where else can ye have the privilege of witnessing 5 or 6 generations sitting n having dinner on the same table?! Undoubtedly, these soaps have worked their way outta the “Pull Theory” and have been addressing the ‘needs and wants’ of its viewers to perfection! The smart chaps who devise these family soaps, understand the way people associate their own selves to either of the characters involved in the series... n play with the emotional connect! What might appear to be cliché plots and ordinary twists are actually the results of pretty well thought of strategic constructs! ;)

I don’t think it’s a bad idea for the guys to carefully watch these serials and try to comprehend the complex female psyche! ;) A tough task indeed...at least a step forward will do them some good, if not serendipity! :P For all those... who in the name of pure fun, end up watching some stupid Akshay Kumar flick – Folks! These ‘slippery soaps’ are sure to drive you crazy... if ye get what am trying to say! ;)

These soaps surely affect our lives in some way or the other, for the hold they have on the sizeable female population of our country! *Respect*

They’re slippery, slimy... more often than not outta the normal and beyond our understanding, yet – you just cannot IGNORE them! #*Double Respect*#

Family Soap Industry! Take a Bow! ;) #Peace#

LONG LOST!

It’s a LONG LOST road leading to the unknown

It’s been a while since Helios has shown

The dark lords have engulfed it all

n the creatures that fly, swim n crawl

Are wondering what’s gone wrong? 

There is no cheer, clap nor song

None of us are used to things so dull

for the air breathes fear, mistrust n a killing lull!

My eyes stare at the forlorn sky

no ray of hope or rain... everything looks so dry

The high road ahead is steep

fear in all eyes... No signs of rest or sleep!

24x7 I can hear the owl’s hoot

and the miscreants running away with their loot

There is panic... cries of pain 

looks like all my perseverance will go in vain!

Am left baffled, bemused, dismayed 

it’s a game never heard of... nor played

There are no rules... no clues

All is random... from somewhere outta the blues!

I shut my eyes, I take a deep sigh 

crept in the sudden urge to get high

Is this the end? Damn! Why should I care? 

Be it triumph... glory... or despair!!

I chuckle, I giggle... I feel so light

“Confront me!” I exclaim, with all my might

Foolhardy adds to the fire some fuel 

n am all geared up for some random duel!

Results, Outcome, Future are words of the weak 

these stupid things won’t make me squeak

The same LONG LOST road I now tread upon penniless,

sans any partner... yet fearless!!

BRING IT ON!!

Sir Robin!

Slightly bigger than the size of an adult rat... this white lil creature arrived in our premises with the pledge - “I can eat it all n more”! Never had I come across something as hungry, crazy or nasty! He’d keep licking the steel vessel until the last drop of milk had found its way from his tongue (which was definitely longer than His Majesty’s length) to deep down his intestines!  Had we allowed him to persist with the licking phenomenon, am sure that the steel vessel wouldn’t have survived for long... such was the sheer force which Sir Robin wielded through his tongue! The strangest of all, the moment he was done with his meals, his tiny stomach used to swell up like a balloon... and he would stare at us, literally commanding –“You take me out or I’ll dirty it here”! His Highness were the king of the territory until he had to face the stairs... for Sir’s limbs were too soft n young to climb ‘em up... n the moment he said “pow-pow”, it was expected of us to lift him up n take him where he wanted us to! No arguments, No fooling around, the expressions, n a slight tilt of the head, n those big round eyes staring at you were enough to mesmerize the wittiest n the most heartless! Those were the early months of my youngest bro – Robin!!

Mr. Robin was quick to grow bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, wittier... his hunger for food had certainly gone down, but the intent to dig n discover n then hide back his loot had only strengthened! Give him a ‘Roti’ and if His Holiness weren’t hungry and were being forced to eat, he would silently go to the front-lawns or the kitchen garden in the backyard and dig n hide! Perhaps, Sir’s only treasure, his food... and he knew it best how to protect it! Fair Enough!! Let a stranger pass by his treasure n the heavens were sure to fall!

Robin – “Ghoomne Chaloge? (will you go out for a walk?)” Oh my my! The moment you utter those words, the first thing you find is your slippers are literally snatched away... n someone would be waiting for you eagerly at the door!  The moment you let open the door... n Sir Robin would be seen all over the lawns... bubbling with energy... several hops, skips n jumps and he’d come dancing down towards the main gate... ready for the much longed for evening walk! And when you’re back, its time for Sir to take rest for a while... n a little rubbing of oneself against the grass n the foot-rag!

Sir Robin has everything in his resume – Sit, Shake-hand, Jump, Ring... learnt through the slightly strict but essential carrot-stick routine! The only difference being, the carrot was replaced by a biscuit... n a slight pat on the back from our hand served the purpose of the stick! The pat on the back was not required for long as Mr. Robin picked up the tricks of the trade pretty soon... for am sure that his Intelligence Quotient far exceeds that of many Homo sapiens I’ve known! He wasn’t far behind on Emotional Quotient either... you come back from school... or when Dad comes back from office, the way His Majesty greets ye, defies the best of greetings by any Kingfisher Air-Hostess! ;) Or when dad comes back after a few days from an outstation-trip... or when Mom returns from a bi-weekly departmental store trip, it is Sir Robin who seeks all the attention!

Pakistan was born August 14th, India was reborn August 15th... n Mr. Robin will be turning 11 coming August 16th 2010, to celebrate 11 years of non-stop barking! His timely “Bow-wows” have served warning bells to the black-eyes aplenty... n the way he barked away the thief at 3 in the night is a story in itself...which shall be narrated at a later date! J 

For now, I can add just one more line for you bro – “Love Ya...Miss Ya!”

Boulevard of Broken Dreams!

I know that am almost there n that I can smell it deep down my nostrils...that familiar smell! I just need to hunt it down! One final killer blow n I’ll have my prey. I’ve been striving hard for it, for what feels like ages! I am hungrier than ever... am swift enough to pounce upon it, the earliest I spot it... am strong enough to hammer it down in one shot! It eludes me... it continues to abscond me... It’s been fuckin’ tricking me all this while n I’ve been able to do nothing about it! It’s grown dark n it’ll grow darker still... n I’ve been longing for the dusk to fade away into the hands of the dark lords, for I feel I can be tricked lesser when my senses are numb... coz that is precisely when my instincts take over... n that’s when I am at my best! The Judgement Night is here... n am all set to make the most of it!

Yes, I’ll have to wait! I need to hold-up for sometime... patience doesn’t fit in naturally with my disposition, yet, for the sake of those thousand futile days n nights I’ve spent waging wars n shedding blood n sweating it out performing the most irksome n prosaic tasks, I’ll have to play the waiting game! I’ve been dreaming of catching it since time infinity... I’ve come close enough n those eyes have always conveyed that panic n stress n terror which I’ve infused in its spirit... but for some reason, it has never allowed me to achieve the sense of satisfaction I’ve been looking for... I am still looking for that eternal victory I’ve been deprived of!

Now that I gotta lie in wait... I can’t stick around the same spot... n its my innate nature to linger around! I feel so God damn better, for as the night is approaching, I can feel my natural self slowly getting back to its true being! I look around... I whistle, I trot n I move around... Its the same old tar-laden street I walk upon... a few dry specimens of maple leaf get trampled while my springing gait continues to be the only activity in that dimly lit scratchy grey silhouette of nature’s expression! I seek a companion in my shadow, the only saving grace when a place is lit... for otherwise, I rather prefer darkness... perhaps my shadow reminds me that I exist, purposely... n am its sole care-taker... n that its one thing which can never ditch me... for we co-exist! I can feel the ever thumping lubb-dupp of that pumping device within, which is perhaps the only thing that beats, on those deserted streets!

Here, amidst such a forlorn setting, I’ve been walking alone... I continue to walk alone! Suddenly, from nowhere... something makes me feel, that every step I take... I hear the cries of a horde of shattered dreams! I feel some strange kinda pleasure... “I’ve not been the only one”... n that gives me the strength to give it a try yet again! “I have it in me to catch that lurking foe”... I’ve been doing the right things... I have the right spirit... I have the right agility n strength n an ever conniving head! “That moron won’t escape this time mind ye!” I care a damn for the number of attempts made... infact I’ve lost count! It’s time I walk back... I’ve come far... the darkest hours have finally befallen... “I’ll grab you by your ....”

These thoughts continue to persist, while I make a foray back to the den of the hiding archenemy! 

Yet another attempt...

While I walk this empty street... On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams!!

When I watched ‘IT’ Live!

‘It’ wasn’t planned! Most of the beautiful things in life aren’t... I wonder why we plan, scheme or program...when the ‘Happy Go Lucky’ results are as rewarding! J Somehow things fell in place naturally... n we got the tickets for the “Inauguration Ceremony of IPL 3.0”, the most celebrated event of this cricket frenzy nation!

We were waiting for a few of our friends to drop in... n there were these 2 ‘firangi’ dudes who came from nowhere n exclaimed, pointing at me – “We’ll interview this chap first!” Are you happy that the IPL is back in India? (Well of course! We’re expecting some fireworks this time around!) Which team’s gonna win today – KKR/Deccan? (Tough to predict...It’s pretty much even-stevens there!) Which team do ye think will go on to win the IPL this time? (Royal Challengers Bangalore... Obviously :P) ...and the same set of questions were repeated with a few of my friends around me! There was hell lotta cheering for ‘Dada’ outside the stadium as there were loadsa KKR fans, clad in the new KKR Jersey – chanting slogans, most of it sounded “Hooo-Haaa...Blahh...Blooo... Dada...!” The long standing wait was over, as we underwent a quick security drill... and there I was, Hill Side, North Stand, Bay G, Level – 1...Seat #135!

It all started with the Opening Ceremony... n it was pure awesomeness to see the 8 captains come one by one...as Ravi Shastri uttered those familiar household names! Mahi n Dada were cheered with big roars... but even before Shastri could say – “Last but not the least...”, there were enough indications that the next would be the “God Himself”, n the rest of Shastri’s blabber was lost in the reverberations around the D.Y.Patil... as the mighty fella – S.R. Tendulkar, walked in... with all the spectators in awe of the phenomenon they just about witnessed! This was followed by a few performances here n there...November Rain, Abba – Mamma Mia... a few other forgetful ones including Deepika’s... even though she was looking hot ;)... followed by some decent-ish laser shows amongst others!

It was festive time @ DY Patil Stadium MUMBAI, as the coin was tossed, hands were shaken... n it all begun with Ump. Rudi Koertzen – “Batsmen... Ready? Fielding Side, Ready? Ladies n Gentlemen of India... Are you ready? LETS PLAY”! Though the quality of the game on display by the Knight Riders and the Chargers was quite ordinary, the mood in the stadium was such, that even those misfields n wides n dropped catches n some poor stroke-plays weren’t enough to mollify the upbeat crowd! It wasn’t out n out poor cri’g’et as there were some good performances by Angelo Mathews n Owais Shah n Gilly... yet, in its entirety, it was by no means ‘flawless cricket’! Nevertheless, the match proved to be an outright entertainer as there were huge swings in fortune... just when the KKR were looking down and out, the unbeaten 5^th wicket Partnership between Shah n Mathews ensure that they reached a fighting 162-4! When Gilly had almost done the job for the Deccan Chargers, his departure pressed some sorta panic button in the Deccan camp n the rest showed no signs of resilience... there was not even a fight in the final few overs as Gilly’s XI choked big time under pressure! Dada’s antics were quite noticeable n the crowd loved it...especially when he took that lolly catch n threw the ball up in the air... we could see a glimpse of the old Bengal Tiger ( though his contribution during the match was that solitary catch coupled with a ‘duck’)! Nevertheless, it was quite obvious that KKR weren’t used to winning as the KKR players hugged n huddled n clapped like crazy! It was a much needed victory for King Khan’s team... n this match proved yet again that It’s foolish to predict T20s!

That was the match... but a few things running in synchrony... were the shaking bellies n jaw-dropping movements of the cheer-gals spread across the circumference of the boundary ropes! 3 of those angels were quite close to where we were seated... n the crowd in that part of the ground had almost gone berserk! I was lucky enough to manage a pic quite close to the spot where they were ‘boogie-woogie’ing, escaping the arms of Lalit Modi’s law ;) I felt the ground DJ did a great job engaging the crowd... n the timely hooters n lights were good enough to sustain the fiesta!

An amazing start to the IPL... and it’s great to have it back in its own den - India, where it belongs! It is obvious that movie releases... n the Saas Bahus... n the Baalika Vadhus... n those TV Reality shows... gotta wait until this phenomenon called IPL culminates!

Whatte Night!

Admissions 2010, SJMSOM IIT Bombay!

It’s not every day that you get up as early as 6:30 am... for many a times we actually end up sleeping when the dawn is just about to set things rolling for some diurnal activities! And whilst I was brushing ma teeth, I find Bala all suited-booted... like a solemn sergeant... armoured to the limit n ready to accomplish the task at hand... when he suddenly exclaimed - “Dude! You’re up! Make sure you wake up Anirvaan too... Make it on time!” That was 5-Mar-2010, precisely, the first of the days for Admissions to SJMSOM, IIT Bombay, for what will go down in history as the batch of 2012...if the prophesies are to be believed!

Velvet-Black Blazer n Trouser, Ironed-shirt, Matching-Tie... ‘Aal wazz well’, except that it took me some time to figure out where exactly I’d dumped ma socks... (I’ve had few chances to dump other things in life :P )... nevertheless, high on spirit... n with a spring in my steps... I was on my way towards SOM, with a ‘compering’ script in my hand!

And there I see this battalion... a few nervy-jittery ones... a few of them trying hard to conceal the butterflies in their stomach by means of that calculated smile... yet others, giving that weird stupefied expression! Saw it all, as the fresh set was all geared up for GD-PI...! Aah... it was a pleasure indeed, to be on the other side of the fence... for we conquered it last year... same time around... and nothing pleases the senses more than to see a herd of fresh ‘ones fight it out for the limited, prestigious and sacred!

All gathered in the IRCC Auditorium... everything looked perfect... Mr. Admissions Co-ordinator - Kunal gave the nod... and it all started with me uttering – “Ladies n Gentlemen, I Welcome you All, on behalf of Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay. May I first congratulate you all for having made this far!”... And the Agenda for the day followed... which covered a brief Presentation and Video on SJMSOM IITB... an overview of the school and the myriad of activities that makes SJMSOM IITB one of the best b-schools for Management Education.

This was then followed by the GD process... and the walkie-talkies... the ‘Alpha-Beta-Gamma-Delta’ were echoing the SOM foyer! The Verification Panel was on its task right away! As they feverishly verified all the documents, it was interesting to eaves-drop on some of the conversation between the candidates and those from our batch (SOM-11)... for each one of the verification Gods had a unique disposition with which they handled each of the candidates... a few pep talks here n there... some loving glances exchanged in rare cases ;) ... n some deep sighs of relief/desperation... it was all happening! Simultaneously, the aspirants were summoned for Interviews... and the panel co-ordinators made sure that everything was entact... right from making sure that “needs and wants” of the panel comprising Professors, Industry Experts and Alumni’s were met with perfection... to the pat on the back of the candidates... n all the running around with the stylo earphone walkies... It was one spectacle must confess!

Everything had gone smooth... not a blemish! It was heartening to see some of the candidates actually come to us and appreciate the efforts put in by the student’s Admissions Committee and other Volunteers... for executing a fool-proof, streamlined, impeccable Admissions Process! I simply cherish those moments as a volunteer... a compere... and a ‘senior’ for the upcoming gems of SJMSOM, IIT Bombay.

Let me congratulate the flawless Admissions Team... the ever persevering Logi Team... and the spirited Volunteers of SOM-11... for the efforts put in!

Trust me, It feels great to be a SENIOR! ;)

Cheers!

Simply Sachin....

Raghuveer Yadav sang this jingle in one of the oldest Pepsi ads featuring Sachin - 

"Umad-Ghumad kar jeera garje...dil yeh bole..jhoom ke bole taare choo le... arey pyaas badhi hai aur bhi badh le... arey khol ke bandhan tod ke taale yeh dil maange moooooore!"

What followed these memorable lines was something even more memorable... “Aila Sachin!”... n the look n feel in the eyes of those kids said it all!

I remember watching a talk show featuring Ad-Guru Prahlad Kakkar... n what he revealed was even more startling... the fact that while the commercial was being shot, those kids weren’t even aware that the guy behind the “Sachin-Mask” was infact... the Little Master himself! J Just to capture those natural expressions! Amazingly done... n u can make that out with those innocent dreamy eyes... tryin to come to terms with what they’d just witnessed!

It’s indeed blasphemous... if you make an attempt to glorify His-Majesty Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and fall short! Well, i’ll try my best not to commit that sin of under-glorifying Cricket’s most celebrated Deity! A 20 year old action-packed career... with loadsa glamour n humility...no signs of mollified agility on the field or while running between the wickets...infact he seems to be growing young with every match he plays! Be it the upright, back-foot punch through the covers... or a front foot heave over mid-on... not to forget the immaculate straight drive... n that witty paddle sweep which keeps the keeper guessing...or that pull over deep square leg... n the latest in the kitty... a gentle swish past mid-wicket, picked from wide outside off stump! He can play them all... n more... you can’t say that Sachin’s  got a wide array of strokes... for that would associate some sort of limit to his genius..! Each time he surprises us with something new... unravelling some divine stuff... n if someone talks about the Mumbaikar being “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, he is lying! It’s impossible to measure how Fast he is, what Height he is at... or what Strength he’s got!

Dale Steyn, arguably the best in business today... was so God-damn awestruck with the God’s stroke-play... it appeared as if he was blessed to be bowling at him... the fact that the God chose him for glory!

They fight for their religion... X says the maximum follow mine... Y says, we’re the most aggressive n passionate... Z says, we’re the most tolerant! 1/6^th of human race residing in India alone worship his holiness... Ask the Donalds, Akrams, Warnes n Lees n they’ll tell you if there was a bat which wielded more aggression... an existence, which showcased more passion! Who commands more respect on n off the field for his compassion? Who has silenced all the king-sledgers n master-critics without uttering a word?

Guess the monkey-gate controversy is fresh enough to have a mention! When the ICC failed... with all the rules n regulations gone haywire... none knew who to believe, who not to believe... when all appeared tarnished... and none too innocent... who could be trusted for a judgement? It’s the God, who came... who saw... who gave a statement... and that was accepted without any questions! The guilty were decided on that premise! Need I say more?

Every single day which has passed by, my respect for this individual has grown...exponentially! The demeanour, with which he carries himself, on n off the field, makes him the most loved, trusted, celebrated of all times! Can’t imagine a game without the master... n he reposes faith by continuously entertaining fans like us, with no signs of fatigue! I am infact waiting for the day, when Sachin would be playing alongside his son for the Men in Blue... n trust me, that aint an exaggeration! I thank him for all that he has given us... n am greedy enough to ask for more... n am sure, he won’t disappoint us!

Lord! Take a Bow! 

The Green Mile!

Folks! This stuff has got nothing to do with Stephen King or Tom Hanks! It’s merely an austere attempt to recall a trip down the countryside during the Christmas vacations. Normally I woke up that Sunday morning ‘round 10, as if a weekend really matters once vacations are on... Nevertheless, Dad asked me if I would accompany him for a drive down the “Bakshi Ka Talab” – a small village on the outskirts of Lucknow City! “Hmmm, It’s been a while since I’ve seen a thing green. I quit green vegetables long back :P”, I chuckled... “Why not... Let’s Move n set things rolling!” It took about an hour for us to reach the ‘Talab’... alighted me from the Tavera with my Kodak... n I seriously felt that God finally heard me moaning – “Gimme some Sunshine”!

The jacket was thrown away, for Mr. Apollo was dazzling with full might! There was something pleasantly peculiar about the smell of the breeze, which was kinda tangy... and there lay a vast stretch of limitless land, which was green n yellow n wavy... outlined by a hazy strip of woods... which blended with the horizon in perfect harmony! The green life was expressing its delight by means of those yellow little bunches of florets... which drove me closer to them n whoa! I see myself in the middle of some Neverland... and you automatically let loose your limbs... n take a 360 degree view... n feel like jumping in the thin air when suddenly you feel something just trip over your feet! I knew it... It were Chip n Dale, jeering me for my act... as if scorning – “Look at this poor chap, deriving pleasure outta the simplest of things!” Who can explain those dinky squirrels, that it’s the simple things which are rare in the human world... n they marvel us more than the convoluted!

I could’ve stayed in that patch for eternity, but for another piece of simplicity which caught my attention. There was this little space that appeared to have been naturally carved out for a purpose... What surfaced to be Di-hydrogen Monoxide... with the tiniest of green leaves covering them... similar to a few from the Summer/Spring collection of Victoria’s Secret adorning those zero skinned females which just about qualify to be termed as apparels! ;) Adjoining which was a man-made road... which probably lead to another one of those la-la lands! Something asked me to follow that trail... and I aimlessly moved about to find another little space... n there stood this huge dignified gentleman... quite similar to the Na'vi Home-tree of Pandora (Avatar Fame)... the only difference being that there were no Na’vi warriors aiming poison arrows at me... and there was no Neytiri (SIGH) (SIGH) to... ahem ahem!

Of course... surrounding the Home-tree, there was this huge chaff bundle... which would probably find its way through the intestines of the village cattle sometime soon! That spring in me made me jump at that chaff-bundle like I’d crash at ma bed post the last terminal examination of the semester!! Trust me, lying down on that... despite running the risk of bird-drops... was a heavenly experience in itself! “Tumse hi din hota hai..surmayee, sham aati hai...”, Don’t get me wrong there... i aint getting romantic... it was ma bloody cellphone which played the spoilsport, yet again (SOB) (SOB)!! “Beta, am done with ma work, where art thou... get back to the car!” Finally, it was time to go... and I was cursing Airtel... for it was “Expressing Itself” at the wrong time! I did manage a few clicks here n there... n a few of those impressions remain in the gray film of the Cerebellum!

Cheers!