Oscar 2010 : Nominations Announced

The much anticipated Oscar Nominations have been announced and It seems a royal battle between Avatar and Hurt Locker.

And so here it comes after lots of speculation. Yes, I am talking about much anticipated Oscar nominations and I bet, many of you must have started to predict whether it will be one between the ex-couples, James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow emerging with the Best Director award! Bigelow is only the fourth female best director nominee in Oscar history and would be the first winner if she manages to clinch it. At the same time, few of you would be dismayed on Clint Eastwood missing out this time for “Invictus”. But surely, all the movie buffs have got plenty to talk about till 7th of March when the gala ceremony will differentiate winners from lucky losers.

Read rest of the article @ http://cinemaroll.com/cinemarolling/oscar-2010-nominations-announced/

A Few Inches More

Day before yesterday, my room-mate casually asked me about height of some of our top bollywood stars and that got me going about how some of the greatest personalities of last century are short-heighted. There are hundreds of examples of ‘short’ people making it real ‘big’ in public domain. Yet, despite of this we people are obsessed with tall personalities just the way we have this ‘unfair’ obsession with “fairness”.

Mahatma Gandhi was 5’3” whereas Stalin was 5’4”. We simply cannot ignore this fact that many powerful men in world history were short. If you are a movie buff, how about realizing the fact that talents like Tom Cruise and AL Pacino are quite short by standard height benchmark. Even in Bollywood, take the reigning Khans; Salman, Amir and Shahrukh are below 6’ but their box office records are anything but ‘short’.

Male brigade is facing tough times in the era of stilettos. Poor, Nicolas Sarcozy always has to match up to his tall wife ‘Carla Bruni’. Similarly, Tom Cruise is always subject to humiliation while accompanied by his wife Katie Holmes who loves to wear stilettos. Sometimes, the female partner tries to make her man look taller by wearing flats. Yes, Katrina Kaif is one such benevolent partner.

The seeds of this height obsession lie in image associated with height. It symbolises power and even studies suggest the same. According to one study, short men are less likely to be promoted, hired or paid as well as their taller counterparts. Women also prefer to have taller companions. That explains why many short men are suffering from Napoleon complex or Short Man Syndrome.

The general perception also adds to this existing problem. Men are generally perceived to be tall, dark and handsome and who could provide protection to females. Vanity, eh?! Interestingly, short men also appear to be more aggressive which is nothing but a defence mechanism method to (over)compensate for the lack of height.

One direct beneficiary of this dilemma is fashion industry that has added few more zeroes to its bottom line by offering products like ‘Elevator shoes’. It is common to see numerous fashion articles emphasising value of ‘dressing tall’ and suggesting dresses that can add few more inches to one’s height. I wonder, should men be really this much troubled with the entire hullabaloo surrounding height factor?

Though, I am opining about height issue, perhaps I should take the initiative to contribute my bit. I am of around 5’10” and yet once in a while I keep blabbering about how 2 inches more would have been just perfect! Yes, good things do come in small packages. And if nothing else works out we can always initiate a campaign on lines of ‘Yes We Can’ and appoint someone like Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara to champion causes of short men .

:Image Courtesy- theinsider.com & huffingtonpost.com

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Accept Your Faults

It’s not hard to accept your flaws. Why to struggle against our own blemishes till eternity? Let’s see some ways to accept our faults and be at peace with self.

So you think, you have got some serious flaws within you? You also think if you could just fix your blemishes you will be able to be more productive and become a better person? Well, congratulations for joining the brotherhood of people with blemishes! Yes, count me in as well…

Check rest of the article at-

http://socyberty.com/advice/accept-your-blemishes/

:- Image Courtesy Zazzle.com

Learning Self-Promotion

For quite some time, I was trying to get an idea about writing sites that work on payment sharing system. Came across a number of sites likes Triond, Helium, Associated Content or Bukisa etc who work on article submission/visit/clicks etc method.

Well, if I look closely it appears that probably getting your own domain name and starting to write what you feel passionate about is the better idea than depending upon these articles sharing sites. But at the same time, they have better reach in terms of advertising, traffic and other marketing related stuff.

Selecting right set of articles is another tricky choice. What type of column will get more traffic or are these articles highlighted in Google trends? Plenty to think about so unless I don’t get my own domain name I can always check out these sites and see how it works. So, I just posted my first article on Triond that talks about ‘Indian share market’s recent fall’.

Just submitting the article is not sufficient. One needs to promote it through his contacts, social networking sites or twitter etc. I am not good at these things especially at ‘Art of Self-Marketing’ but then well, I should give it a try. So what am I doing in this post? Yeah, I am trying to promote my own stuff (LOLz). Someone has rightly said, Just remember, if you fail to succeed the first time, Thank God you’re not sky diving.

Article is published at  http://bizcovering.com/investing/panic-in-indian-share-market/

2009 Memoirs

I stole this Meme from Sunday Stealing to share with you all

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

I helped Pranav Mukherjee in his diction,

I agreed to do Heath Ledger’s part in next Batman Movie;

And I gave my consent to Dan Brown in researching for his next Mayan novel!

This might sound funny but this year finally, I boarded a flight for the very first time. I had delayed it for too long but then thought, what the heck and gave it a shot. I wondered afterwards, why first timers make such a big deal of it! Apart from that, I also started to hunt for purchasing a house for the first time! And yeah, I also started this blog.

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Oh Yes, I always make New Year Resolutions on 31^st Evening and make sure it is in order till the year ends! It’s a different matter I suffer from Amnesia on the morning of 1^st Jan because of Hangover effect!

I neither make New Year’s resolutions and nor intend to do so. However, a few ‘Decisions’ might be lurking around the corner.

3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?

I will be going to a mental asylum and helping the inmates in praying for World Peace with sane minds. Exciting, eh?!

Umm..how many times, I have been asked this question by so many people and like previous year, it will remain the same; stay at home, party with friends, feel good about everyone’s existence, shout a lot and chanting Happy New Year for umpteen times.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not that I remember of but trust me, even if someone did, I ran away before he left us all happy and cheerful!

I am Glad, No one close died! Touchwood!

5. What countries did you visit?

Umm…Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, Norway and New Zealand….That was before my roomie woke me up with astonishing question, ‘Do you have 5 Rs. Change?’

Well, I didn’t! But yeah, roamed across few states.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

8-packs in front  and 6-packs (I will live with that) in back, a Movie offered by Vishal Bhardwaj (even James Cameroon would be fine) and winning Dance India Dance…Chalega?

A complete wishlist is there, right from a new house to better professional performances and cementing of relationships.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

18^th of May when stock market zoomed 17% in 10 minutes! All I had to do was to invest few crores two days back and that would have allowed me to retire in my late 20s!

It is a real tough one. There were so many memorable moments in every sphere of life but probably 22^nd of June will be the one as I became a mama on that day. Also, 17^th August for commencement of my British Council course and 9^th December for my Yoga class.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

When I narrowly managed to escape from ‘Rakhi ka swayamvar’ saved myself complete boycott from India’s intellectual population!

Honestly, I don’t remember any striking achievement as such but yes, my ‘closest’ relationships kept going strong and I do think I have become more stable mentally. The desire to take affirmative actions also surfaced strongly.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Readers caught my lies in Question 1 & 8!

Earning remained stagnant and In fact lost some heavy amount while dabbling in stock market.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes, chronic spinal issues that too from sitting idly and comfortably on a royal chair! Imagine my embarrassment!

Yes, it was a miserable year on health front what with recurring pains of neck and lower backache.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Buying ‘Vertu’ and Porsche! Though, it’s a different matter both are too heavy and big to be actually called Key-rings!

Did I buy something? I guess, it must be some books.

12. Where did most of your money go?

I donated all my income and essential necessities of life to a NGO specially dedicated to Sexually Starved Bachelors!

Rent and stuff along with laptop repairing.

13. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Phir Haath mein Sharaab hai Sach Bolta Hoon Main….

Another toughie! Let me try…umm…Rehna tu and for its symbolic meaning, ‘Dhan tana’.

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Gambled more money in stock market, making love more frequently in real life and not in virtual world and sharing room accommodation with AXXO for his quality rips!

I wish I were able to do more on my writing career front, had done more reading and gone for backpacking.

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stealing, lying and filling questionnaire like this…!

I wish I hadn’t left some of the works I had started midway.

16. What was your favourite TV program?

Oh, So many…Perfect Bride, Big Boss, Roadies, Pavitra Rishta and DD1 News Channel! You see, my life is so full of excitements!

I hardly watch any but perhaps some CNBC business program.

17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Definitely Yes! It’s just that I hated them last year as well but never confessed!

Probably yes, though I am not sure.

18. What was the best book you read?

“How to do Girlie Shopping” and “Making New Year Resolutions”

Immortality by Milan Kundera and for the sheer excitement and anticipation of it, The Lost Symbol.

19. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Emotional Atyachaar by Himesh Reshamiya. Another wonderful musical discovery was that one does need to listen to a song to identify a singer; sometimes just the make-up and attire will suffice! Ask Lady Ga-Ga!

I am not sure of discovery word here because I listen to a whole lot of stuff depending upon mood. But, yet I would like to name instrumental stuff whether trance or chanting!

20. What was your favourite film of this year?

Chandi Chowk to China wins hands down! Also, all the zombie movies!

Actually I know I am pretty late here but I would like to name ‘Shawshank Redemption’ as I finally managed to watch it. Hindi Movies, I guess…It must be ‘A Wednesday’.

21. What did you do on your birthday?

It was my birthday this year? Why didn’t you tell me before! Guess, I was sleeping!

I had house party attended by some really close persons.

22. What kept you sane?

Emotional stuff, crying babes, wet kiss and beer. In No particular order.

Distancing myself from interacting with too many people; reducing usage of cell-phone and getting to know some new people. Honestly, my life is far from perfect but I don’t have much to complain about.

23. Who did you miss?

People I have never met and knew!

Umm…It must be ‘She’….

24. Who was the best new person you met?

All the ones in my social networking friend list who never care to interact!

I met a lot of new people this year especially while doing my Creative Writing course and some of them are real gems. It’s hard to name one but yeah few of them I would always like to be in touch with.

25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:

I shouldn’t try to be humorous because I suck at it! It hurts even more when I strive so desperately to become one! Guess, I will have to adjust with being merely an Intellectual!

It’s pointless to wait for things to happen. One has to make them happen. Cut out the weeds from your life. Don’t have people just for the heck of it. You don’t love people just because they love you. One must see whether those people are adding any value to your life; if not then better to be selective and ruthless while dealing with them. Networking is extremely important so got to work upon it. Depend less on others, complain less and be proactive! That’s what I learned!

Looking back, it is hard to write such simple answers. I hardly ever do such exercises but while doing this; it reminded me of the entire year which Helps in keeping things in perspective. Reflection is a much better word than remorse and regret.

Though, time is passing by but perhaps, 2010 will find me more responsible and aware than ever! That’s the feeling I am having, rest…we will dwell over the course of the year.

Image courtesy:-

blog.taragana.com

flickr.com/photos/waynemethod.com

krikor.info.com

That’s How My Yoga Sojourn Panned out

I recently made to a trip to Yoga-Land. Thanks to my friend Rajeev, who did the same course in Hyderabad and his strong recommendations, I was inclined to join this Yoga-program. Well, there were other reasons as well, like my own desire to do something different and Yoga is definitely a ‘different stuff’. The willingness to try out things that I have never done before was already there and add to all these factors my own struggle with spinal issues and lethargy factor.

When I first heard the whereabouts of program, I wasn’t really excited or deeply interested. Rajeev told me about the site, Ishafoundation.org and about the Sadguru. I did my customary googling and felt liking giving it a try. I tried my bit in finding about the Sadguru and his credentials before finally going for the course. He himself wasn’t taking the course but his trained disciples were assigned to do this work in different cities of India.

So finally I walked in at the camp held in a dharamshala in nearby Model Town. I tried analysing presence of co-participants and found most of them were middle aged or old aged persons. For certain time, I was the youngest until I saw this school kid coming. The course was of seven days with 6 days having 3 hours each and Sunday being the full day. By the time, introductory class ended, I was pretty sure I am going to give it a try.

The next few days were about learning Asanas and listening to Sadguru’s videos. I am not sure but there was something very powerful about his speech. He covered a wide range of subjects but the focal point was just one, to raise our consciousness and to find bliss within through responsibility and awareness. He had some divine hypnotic power and that’s why I kept finding myself staring and listening to his each and every word with maximum attention. It wasn’t just a mere ‘Moh-Maya’ gyaan but it was about some really relevant issues of our life. Based on science and the teachings of ancient times, it made every bit of sense and my susceptible mind finally surrendered to his infinite wisdom. It’s hard to exactly write down what he said but I could feel every evening I was walking back to my place in a cheerful state and a strong realisation that he has touched something deep within me. His lectures are there to be experienced and not to be heard from someone like me.

The days consisted of learning new Asanas and finally the day arrived when we were initiated to ‘Sambhavi Maha Mudra’. There was a magical moment when we finally performed this kriya. The entire process is of 21 minutes but that day it took longer than that. The Guru himself initiated us into it and I can never forget the sound of mantra and chanting. It was an exhilarating feeling. He chanted something and trust me, that was the best music that I have ever heard in my life. It sent me in a trance and I was spinning in a different orbit. I keep longing for same music and believe me or not, it was a heavenly feeling.

I don’t know what exactly is done in the initiation process but there are series of Asanas, Yoga, Kriyas and what not. I could feel myself looking at my thoughts separated from my body. The entire practice is quite simple and you may even find it silly but one definitely feels the change after doing it. Personally, I feel more relaxed and energetic. It’s more like a strong current of positive vibrations flowing within you and you just want to hang onto it.

We, the participants also performed Guru Pujja where you throw party to the Guru with flowers, sweets, foods (that contain positive pronic energy) incense and chanting. I am trying my best to continue the Kriya on a regular basis and have plans of doing few more programs from the Isha foundation. The next stage is of ‘Bhaav Spandana’ that is basically a residential program.

All in all, I entered into this program as a doubting Thomas but I came out being a believer. The course has nothing to do with religious beliefs and it is as simple as introducing yourself to the power of Yoga, Meditation and Inner Engineering. But then, after all you are hearing it from the mouth of the flowing bird and you got to be there and experience it. Then perhaps, you will figure out what I am talking about!

Donkey’s Existence

The events of last few days or let us say, weeks has triggered kind of introspection-chain. Quite a few times, I wondered about whether being stagnant makes changing events of the world unnoticeable to me? But, I guess not! It does not really matter whether you are being stagnant or moving at a nano-second speed, things keep changing and you will be forced to notice them. Yes, if you are one of those active types, you will rather notice the changes quickly and in turn will be better equipped to handle the subsequent effects. Whereas, people like me who are more of laid-back nature and into the notorious habit of procrastinating, would be slow to react and adept quickly. The subconscious mind will be noticing each and every thing because of the fact I am always tuned to things taking place within the realm of my interest and even beyond that.

Sometimes, it feels that the best state of mind is to remain ignorant. You wouldn’t know what is happening and how is that going to affect you in short to long run. But problem is, you are hungry for ‘k’nowledge and even manage to acquire this dreaded K-word but if you are slow to process them, there are higher chances of you being confused at crucial junctures of your life. All the three angles of this triangle, absorption, procession and execution should be in sync with each other. There is no other way out.  

I remember, once while attending a class based on operation Management, I was told about four states of knowing,

1)    You know that you know

2)    You know that you don’t know

3)    You don’t know that you know

4)    You don’t know that you don’t know

Till the date I have always remained confused about these four states of being. For first couple of years, I always lived in the certainty of being in first two categories. That knowing of the state I am in, used to give me immense satisfaction and boost. How the tide has turned! Now, I think I am more in the level 4; the stage of Ignorance!

Have you ever observed a donkey and stigmas attached to it? Donkey signifies the ultimate insult and humiliation to your intellect or rather, existence! But is donkey aware of any of these exalted nomenclatures? Probably, his happiness arises from the fact that he is a donkey and that’s what is expected of him. To remain ignorant! We are slave to our own perception barometer! But, if a donkey is expected to behave within its limitations and not perform any smart act, are we humans any different? This question may lead to plethora of arguments but I am not in a mood to buy any of these.

Donkey’s life dictates, wake up, perform your daily chores, deserve some punishment, eat whatever you are being offered and sleep. Do humans behave any other way? Here, I think I can offer arguments from both side pertaining to humans’ exalted position in the microcosm, his ability to rise beyond the limitation, power of thinking and what not! But having said all that leave all those possibilities to a selected few whereas rest; please do adjust with your ‘donkey’ existence!  

Image courtesy-  maaadddog.wordpress.com

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Witchcraft- Reality or Illusion?

One of the ages old debate centers around intellect levels of men and women. Who is more intellectual? Or should I put it this way; who uses intellect more frequently? One theory says, men are more prone to be intellectual because intellect occurs in the same direction as that of argument or aggression whereas, women are known to be more intuitive and they live by hunches. The theory further explains, it is always hard to argue with a female precisely because women tend to arrive at conclusions on the drop of the hat. So even if you try arguing with a woman there is no point to it because she has already decided, her final riposte is already clear and therefore, argument is not needed at all! Even the man comes up with amazing logics and arguments, woman has already made her mind, she knows what is going to be the end result and all she is waiting is to declare the conclusion!

To further the point, it is said that intuition is always conclusive and perhaps that’s why telepathy more is more associated with woman. And why just telepathy? Take for instance, clairvoyance; hypnosis, clairaudience etc come under the domain of women expertise. Now, you may be wondering how I am going to establish this theory in the realm of title of the post? Well, because witchcraft was always intuitional and again it was a craft of women; Witchcraft!

Many of you must have heard of church’s crusade against the witches during the Middle Ages. And what was the reason? Priests belonged to the world of intellectuals and witches adhered to intuition and it was hard for priests to really understand how intuition can work. Take into note one more fact, all the witches were women and all the priests were men and what happens next? Priests tried to burn the witches thinking that witches were dangerous and ungodly. Priests did succeed in wiping out all the witches from the planet. It was one of the most barbaric and heinous act done in the name of God. But this atrocity took away something real precious.

 The mass murder movement of Middle Ages snatched away superior possibilities, higher knowledge and beautiful receptive abilities. Though few witches managed to survived, they could not regain their receptive capacity again because of the fear. One interesting observation was witches were consulted by predominantly men population. In other words, intellect seeking the help of intuition.

In hindsight, I feel the crusade was less against witchcraft and more against women. Imagine, intuition taking precedence over intellect and that too in a male dominated society! ‘Reason’ was used to wipe something powerful but irrational. The priests were self-appointed messenger of God and they could not take any competition. The aftereffect was tragic because women kept shrinking into a shell. She was no longer confident to show her power and if she showed any glimpse of any special talent she was immediately branded as a witch and you can imagine what could happen to her after that!

I feel perplexed at the hypocrisy of men and specifically the so called religious representatives of our society. Think about it. If woman shows any special talent, she was burned, tortured and killed but if a man shows same sort of talent he was celebrated as a ‘Miracle man’. He becomes a saint, a so called representative of God whereas a woman because witch and a darling of Devil for the exhibition of same quality! And Now, History is repeating itself all over again but with a slight twist.

New age Psychoanalysts (including the Freudians and Adlerians) are vehemently opposing witchcraft and why am I not surprised to find all these analysts are men? Everything remains the same except that psychoanalysts have replaced priests. Tell me who are the patients of these analysts? Yes, your ‘intellect’ is not deluding you. It is women predominantly. Complete twist of fate and total reverse of what used to happen during Middle Ages. Now, intuition has to seek help of intellect and that tells us something about crippling of intuition.

I don’t think, the term `witch’ is a bad word. Rather, it is a beautiful word signifying a wise woman. The conspirators even derived the conclusion that witches were in a sexual relationship with the devil and can you really believe that? I mean, priests always preached devil do not exist then how could witches have sexual relationship with him? And why sexual relationship was scoffed at?

Two of the enlightened ones, Jesus and Buddha had a life changing experiences with prostitutes. Buddha was taught Art of living by a prostitute named Kamala whereas Magdalene was always closely associated with Jesus. And would you mind believing both these Messiahs actually went against the society and stayed with the prostitutes! These two female characters have not got their due in history books but they will get that eventually and so will Witches!

Image Courtesy – media.photobucket.com

P.S- Came across few articles based on themes like Witchcraft, Church, Magdalene and related subjects. So credit goes to those articles. I am just writing it in a slightly different way.  

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Shahrukh’s Detention: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

Detention of Shahrukh Khan at Newark Airport has remained the issue of the week. This piece of information was the headlines of our National daily ‘The Times of India’ when several other important issues were vying for our attention. As Salman Khan rightly said, ‘what’s the big deal about it’, I feel like echoing his words. I don’t think I will be able to put forward any enlightening thought that has remained uncovered by national dailies, News Channels and plethora of blogs. But watching this piece of ‘important news’ forced me to write and express my anguish over the hullabaloo.

So who is Shahrukh Khan (SRK)? Oh yes, India’s superstar and a favorite among expats. He is someone, who is used to get VVIP importance at every juncture of his life. His sight makes girls scream and boys drool over much hyped six packs he used to flaunt less than a year ago. SRK belongs to a country where VIP culture reigns supreme. Here, a passenger aircraft with 200-300 odd passengers onboard is kept waiting when a big time politician or VIP is about to board the aircraft. Custom officials salute politicians or film stars or even cricketers on airports instead of checking their belongings. If you dare to frisk them, either you are fired or shunted to unknown of locations on basis of one phone call. Daredevilry is considered stupidity and is rewarded with question marks on your career growth. IAS officers are supposed to touch feet of illiterate VIPs in power and that is an established practice.

Perhaps a much bigger issue was of frisking of APJ Abdul Kalaam, the previous president of India. But that news was relegated to inner pages of the daily newspapers because the news was not likely to grab too many eyeballs. The frisking of ex-president was against protocol. But we are more concerned with detention and questioning of superstar SRK. But why do we forget that USA has different policies when it comes to safeguarding the national interests of the country. Even former vice president Al gore was frisked. But he did not make any fuss about it. Bob Dylan of ‘Blowing in the wind’ fame was detained by two young police officers because he was loitering around. That makes sense in a country that has been victim to terrorists and that likes to take care of its civilians.

Here, in India we do not seem to mind loss of few lives. I mean, who gives a damn about loss of few lives in a country with a population of one billion. A poorly built metro bridge is responsible for death of certain number of people but what action has been taken? The construction company was barred for certain projects and till the date no arrests have been made. A report will be submitted after an eternal waiting and it will be quickly forgotten. Or should I say, it has already been forgotten!     

Yes, I agree American security officials have been slightly paranoid about checking the credentials of Muslim visitors or tourists from South-Asian region. But can you really blame them considering the painful experience they had? The surname ‘Khan’ does cause some problems but you can’t really blame US officials for their circumspect rules and regulations. Being overly protective of your national interests is far better than being lax about your security. At least that makes sure that lives of people are not being risked because of the need of maintaining VVIP culture. Don’t be a cry baby SRK! Just take it in your stride and perhaps now onwards you will be more sensible towards the plight of common citizens who daily go through such rigorous procedures and yet accept it silently!  

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Two Movies I Am Scared Of

I am dead tired of two big budget movies of recent times. Yes, they came back some six months back but they continue to haunt me or should I say, chase me wherever I go? Imagine, you going in a bus or trying to watch a movie with your family members on cable and these two movies keep coming to you with alarming frequency. Okay, one was a blockbuster and perhaps the second biggest hit of Hindi Cinema (what has happened to people’s taste? Thinking…) and another one proved to be a dud at box office (yeppieeee!) but does that give them a right to torment me? Yeah, I am talking about ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Chandni Chowk to China’. During my last trip to Mumbai and home town, I had to suffer the ignominy of watching these two horror movies almost 5-6 times. Most of the Hindi movies are crap and those that are not, hardly make any noise (except in film festivals) at box office but these two are top rung craps (if there is any sobriquet like that!)

I admire Amir Khan’s marketing skills and innovative approach to promote his movies but are people so blind not to differentiate between what is quality and what is total Bull***t? Most of the times, hype and hoopla fail to justify their existence. It was a movie that had numerous loopholes and yet it broke all the collection records. How could we appreciate a movie that has been ripped so shamelessly from quality stuff like ‘Memento’? Throughout the movies, there was not a single instant when I could find any love spark in girl’s eyes for his hero. Movie shows her in a smart and helping avatar who lives in Mumbai but was she so dumb not to identify the top honcho of country’s leading Telecom Company?

The villain, well, he was the only respite in the entire movie. Come on, he made me laugh! At least, the villain (supposed to be!) tickled my funny bone with his hilarious ‘dadagiri’! Yawnnnn!! More than a dark character, he looked like a clown trying real hard to be scary. Yeah, he succeeded in scaring me from watching this movie ever again in my life! The only saving grace was A R Rahman. Man, he rocks! The only thing I was left with after watching the horror show is ‘Re, Kaun Si Movie Thi Yeh’ (Like the villain keeps saying, Re kaun tha, Pata karo 2 saal pehle humne kis kis ko thoka tha! – Arre Yaar, if not anyone else, tumne mujhe toh thok hi diya!)   

Coming to Chandni Chowk to China, do let me know if there is any option like giving a movie -5 stars! I was glad this movie bombed. After the stupidity shown by Akshay Kumar in Welcome, Singh is King blah blah, finally our rising star crashed to some hard hitting reality. He has always been an average actor but dude, how far can you push your luck? The story of the movie is totally crappy. Did they really think, we would accept whatever nonsense they dish out? Acting is pathetic, scenes totally unrealistic and dialogoues…ummm..as crude as it can get! Throughout the entire length of the movie, you will come across dialogues like ‘Mere ande pe kyu maar rahe ho? Bache ki jaan loge kya? Mere pichwaade ko apni dukaan samajh ke kyu thok raha hai?’ and yes, we are supposed to laugh on these creative dialogues! These movies literally come in my dreams and scare me to death. No pun intended!

Welcome to new age bollywood where we have learnt to copy scenes, blindly follow action stunts, show unrealistic perspective and no original creativity! I am so glad small budget movies have come to the forefront with no mega budget and superstars! They are the only respite we have! Long live bollywood! To finish with, isn’t it ironical the term ‘bollywood’ itself is copied/mimicked from Hollywood so the how the hell we could even think of having originality under its plagiarized shadow?!

: Image courtesy istockphoto.com