My Life

Paypal sucks

2010-02-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

If you still don't know, here's why this post. Paypal has suddenly stopped payments to and from India, without any notification or any responsibility to answer our queries, who have been struck by this sudden development out of the blue!!!

I don't know where to take my rage but it's pretty disgusting to have payments reversed all of a sudden, and sitting in the middle of nowhere thinking hard when I am going to get my hard earned money. Paypal not only reversed 4 of my transactions but even sent back the money that I had transferred to my bank account-!!!

You suck PayPal for sure!

Thumbs down to you....

As an afterthought-was curious what Paypal thinks about this crazy idea of making life hell only for Indians??? Any idea???

Read a related post at http://techie-buzz.com/annoyances/paypal-sucks.html - I agree totally with Keith, and a thumbs up to all the well suited profanities too....

Durga Puja-Chaltabagan Lohapatty

2009-10-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

The pandal is a replica of a South Indian temple. This Puja was declared the Puja that cares by CESC and The Telegraph under True Spirit Puja.

Durga Puja image-4

2009-09-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Pandal and Idol of Salt Lake AG Block. This pandal showcased the various stages of the makling of these idols at Kumartuli. The theme is clearly described in one of the images.

Durga Puja image-3

2009-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja Pandal and idol of Salt Lake, BE (East). This pandal had the China Town as their theme. Look at the mesmerising set-up that gives the real China Town a competition good enough!

Durga Puja image-2

2009-09-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Puja Pandal of Salt Lake AE Part1 block committee. You can also see the close-up view of the idol of this pandal.

Durga Puja image-1

2009-09-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

My free limit on Flikr is exhausted. So, I am now uploading images here. Hope my blog readers won't mind. :)

This image is of the pandal at Salt Lake AD Block.

Durga Puja - photographs

2009-09-25T02:58:00.000-07:00

Keeping the tradition of my pandal hopping intact , I have already covered quite a bit of the city, the images of which you can see at my flickr account.

So, I invite you all to pay a visit and leave your feedback there.

Happy Durga Puja to you all.

Ghajini bhoot on Radio Mirchi

2009-09-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is a curious case. As I am an ardent Radio Mirchi fan and keep tuning into this Radio FM channel, as and when I get time, I noticed this case about a month ago (haven't kept the exact count of time though).

It goes like this - without any notice, the song that's on air suddenly stops and the Ghajini song-"kaise mujhe tum mil gayee" starts playing. As far as I remember - it first happened with Rupsha's show Coffee House Classics, and then has affected almost every RJ's show on Radio Mirchi - be it Deep's Kolkata Express, Neel's Harano Sur, Sree's Nobboi Not Out - et all!

The most embarrassing part is when this modern song pops up for shows meant exclusively for old classics like Neel's Harano Sur or Rupsha's Coffee House Classics. Wonder why this bug is yet to be fixed!!!

Image courtesy: mumbaiotf.blogspot.com/

Ajnatobaas - Nandikar's play

2009-08-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Name of the play: Ajnatobaas

Theater Group: Nandikar

Story: Sukanta Gangopadhyay

Direction: Sumanta Gangopadhyay

Directorial Adviser: Rudraprasad Sengupta

Nandikar - the name itself symbolises and stands for unmatched quality in the Bengali theater arena. Being witness to their play for the first time, I am enthralled and wish to return as and when their plays come the next time round near my home's theater.

Ajnatobaas adresses the plight of the elderly of these days who are often turned out of their own homes by their kin and have to fend for themselves, at an old age, despite spending the best part of their lives to raise their children who become so selfish when they need their help the most - in their old age. The dilemma faced by the old people is played beautifully by the veteran actress - Swatilekha Sengupta, but the viewers don't realise what's going on in her life till the very last scene that has a surprise stored for the viewers.

The story is simple and then not simple enough if you delve deeper into the message that it desires to convey. Homemaker Payel (Sohini Sengupta) is alone in home one afternoon, when an elderly lady (Swatilekha Sengupta) turns up at her doorsteps. Offering the lady a glass of water, the lonely Payel brings her inside into the verandah, and starts chatting, albeit with suspicion. However, she lets her guard down soon and starts enjoying the company of the lady. She comes to know that the lady remembers nothing of her past, and yet feels a bond with her that forces her to allow the lady to stay in till her husband Soumik returns.

What happens next is a twist-and-turn of events, that finally culminate into a message on life, and how the elderly and even the younger generation need to traverse the road of life. Yes, the story is contemporary - giving the apathy that our society doles out to the elderly people. The play touches the heart for sure. Hats off Nandikar, for giving me the chance of enjoying a wonderful evening watching this magnificent play of your production house. Hope you keep the flag flying high for years to come.

BEST OF LUCK!!!

Aapad by Nandipat-a review

2009-08-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Name of the play: Aapad

Theater Group: Nandipat

Source: Bimal Kar

Play: Rajat Ghosh

Direction: Bimal Chakraborty

I have heard praises of Nandipat's theater for long but this was the first time that I had the chance to catch up on one of their plays. I had great expectations and needless to say that the 2 hour play (with a 10 minutes interval thrown in between) was rivetting enough to keep me guessing what's going to happen next.

To tell the story in brief - it's about a rags to riches account of poor grocer Raghunath of Nishipur village. How a chance encounter with a stranger changes his life and why he has to wait for an entire year, suffering the conscience-pinch to finally understand what the event of that stormy night really meant, makes for an interesting watch.

Cast wise, Bimal Chakraborty as Raghunath is simply superb. He brings the character to life and helps turn a somewhat mundane story into an interesting watch with layers of emotions depicted in the right dosage. Biplab Naha Biswas as Satyadas, plays another major role, and enthralls with his short presence on the stage.

I also liked the way this play used the stage space, creating a 3-in-one arena: one where Raghunath's shop is situated, the front space with some benches for villagers to sit and gossip, and Raghunath's home at a little distance away from the shop.

In brief, YES, I liked Aapad very much but won't spill the beans who or what this aapad (problem) is in the play. You have to see it for yourself and believe me - you won't be disappointed for sure!!!

Late marriage-is it so bad after all?

2009-08-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

There is nothing wrong on going for a late marriage. For a successful relationship, one has to be financially independent. To have you own pay packet becomes all the more important in the recession-hit scenario of the present age. With the rising cost of everyday commodities, it’s no longer the man who needs to shoulder the responsibility of being the breadwinner. Women too have emerged as emancipated human beings who have a career to boast of and can share the responsibility of the home and hearth equally with her man.

Marrying late also makes you have a clear understanding of who you are and where you want to head to in the future. Rather than the mushy-mushy romance of the early 20’s, a relationship in your late 20’s or 30’s is based on hard facts and not on dreams. This in turn makes it much easier to weigh your options and plan your future much better.

From a personal point of view, I can vouch for the phenomenon of getting married late. Though there have been the usual pressure of getting married from my parents and relatives, I resisted the matter till I got settled into a steady job and felt that the time was ripe for a conjugal life. I’ve married at 33 and am pretty happy the way things have shaped up.

To conclude, I just want to say to the people who comprise of our society to let the men and women decide on their own when they want to get hitched. It’s not the duty or moral responsibility of people to put undue pressure on the boy or girl and get them married just because a few of their friends or relatives have done so. Let the choice rest with the person whose life is going to take a new turn once he/she falls prey to the marriage bug!

Things that I am passionate about

2009-08-18T08:53:00.001-07:00

There are quite a few things in my life that I am passionate about. To begin with, there is hardly anything that matches my zeal for freedom. Without freedom – both physical and mental, living life would be nothing short of a real torture. I need to act sans shackles to live my life to the fullest.

Secondly, my creative pursuits are something that I can die for. I love to read, write and share my thoughts with the global audience. I still remember the joy of seeing my words being printed in the newspaper for the first time. Since then, I have come across a long way. Still I feel the same anxiety and eagerness even today when my words are published – be it in the online media or the print media.

Third thing that I’m passionate about is traveling. Though my busy schedule doesn’t allow me the luxury to travel frequently, I try to squeeze out some time to go on short trips - usually during the weekends. Though I have traveled quite a lot - from the rugged terrains, lush green landscapes, forests till the snow-capped mountains and vast oceans, I have a clear affinity towards the water bodies. So, I often try to plan tours to places that are either seashores or have some lakes or rivers nearby. A friend of mine once jokingly told that perhaps my affinity towards visiting water bodies has something to do with my Zodiac sign, which is Pisces. According to him, just as fishes love to remain in the water or close to it, so do I – the true sign of being a Piscean!

Last but not the least, I’m extremely passionate about matters related to the mind and spirituality. I like to meditate and exercise to keep my mind and body fit. I am a strong believer of nurturing positive mentality. So, I try to read good books and meet successful people from various walks of life to motivate myself and keep the fire in my belly burning. I also try to make my own small contributions towards some social causes – the primary one being the task of ensuring education for the kids. I also love to bond with my family members and friends as I feel they help to nurture my life force and make it worth living.

In a nutshell, I can say that I am passionate about living my life to the fullest and enjoying the simple things that life has to offer.

Thanks Rediffiland

2009-01-01T23:25:00.001-08:00

This post was long due. Some of you might have wondered why there was a long silence at my blog and what I was up to. Well, I got married on the 29th of November, 2008. The blogging world played a huge role in my marriage. How???

I met my husband Dhiman online, not via chat but at the blogging platform of rediff, called rediffiland. He was a fellow blogger who made posts erratically and was basically looking to make some friends online. He sent me a friend request that I accepted. That was the beginning of a journey that none of us thought would culminate in our marriage.

That was way back in August 2007. We used to keep in touch via our blog comments, appreciating the other's write up or just posting a message on the message board. Though he had shared his cell number in those early days, I didn't bother to call up. Taking the silence on my part in his usual self assured sense, he wrote back saying he would wait eagerly for the day when I would call him. I just shrugged off the thing and thought: Oh God, here's another of that typical guy looking to make an online friend and then meeting her and…..

However, what impressed me during this phase was that he was a cool customer. He didn't bother me unnecessarily and gave me time. Slowly, he started sending mails. Though I had added him in my chat contact list of rediffmail, I hardly gave me him the chance to catch me online as I almost always used to log-in in my invisible avtaar. On those days, I saw that he was always online when I used to log in. (Now I know how eagerly he used to stay online during those hours just in case I was online and we could chat).

Things were slow and this continued till Jan'08 end. By then, we were keeping contact via mails too. (Of course, he was the more eager one sending me mails and nice forwards, most of which went unanswered). By this time, I had figured out one fact-here was a guy who was a trusted friend of mine. I gave him my cell number in Feb (not before asking for his cell numbers again as I had not bothered to save his mail where he sent me the same long time back). We met for the first time in March when I went to book a package tour to the Sunderbans. From there, a lot of unexpected events happened (unexpected on my part, off course because the other side had a planned approach that I am aware of now). Finally, I- who had a stance of staying unmarried and had caused much trouble to my parents on this issue, had exchanged garlands with the one around whom my life and dreams now revolve. Want to meet him? Check out his rediffiland blog at http://extremist.rediffiland.com.

And yes, thanks for reading this rubbish stuff till the end.

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu

2008-09-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Though there is still confusion galore as to when exactly the Devipaksha begins (some say it's on 28th Sept while some others say 29th Sept is the day), I take this opportunity to wish you all Subho Mahalaya.

The auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, observed seven days before the Durga Puja, marks the advent of Devi Durga. It also heralds the initial stages of the biggest festival of Bengal and the Bengalis (often called Bongs now-a-days). The pre-dawn hours of Mahalaya when almost every Bengali house keeps the radio in full volume and the chants of mantras, shlokas and songs "Jago Tumi Jago, Jago Durga" fills the air, Mahalaya becomes synonymous with the invocation of the supreme power, mother goddess Durga, to descend on earth and make our lives better.

However, it won't be until the wee hours of 29th Sept when AIR airs the enchanting and legendary voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, ushering the Devipaksha along with the devotional songs and chanting of mantras.

Visit to Mani Square

2008-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Keeping my trend of mall hopping alive, I paid a visit to the recent addition named Mani Square Mall on the EM Bypass this weekend. Before I go further, here's a brief note for the enthusiasts (as per the Mall guide distributed for free) :

Location: 164/1, Maniktala Main Road, 9th floor
(Beside Apollo Gleneagles Hospital)
EM Bypass, Kol-54.

Floors: Basement+4 floors

Car Parking space(multilevel valet serviced) : for more than 1500 vehicles

This shopping mall is launched by the Mani Group. The best thing about this place is that it stays relatively empty as compared to the other hot spots like City Center or Hiland Park. Perhaps the absence of a nearby housing complex or the approach road (parts of which are still under construction) could be a reason. Nevertheless, with its spacious interiors (the 3rd floor food court is spread across 25,000 sq foot while the dining space measures 50, 000 sq ft), it is a good place to catch up with your friends over a cuppa sans the crazy weekend crowd.

It seems that Spencers-the Hypermart has got a penchant for the basement. Like South City Mall, here at Mani Square too, they have booked a major part of the basement for their store. At Mani Square, you will get almost all major brands under the same roof. Koutons (basement, also called the lower ground floor), Westside, Lee Cooper, Woodlands, Levis, McDonald's (ground floor), Reebok, Nike, Adidas, Turtle, Reid & Taylor (first floor) etc are some of the names worth mentioning. The E-Zone (that stocks electronic appliances) is a big attraction on the second floor. Nik-Nish, another possible show stopper on this floor, is yet to open its doors. The third floor houses the food court. Apart from sipping coffee at CCD, you can get a variety of cuisines here ranging from the chaats, deserts, kebabs as well as South and North Indian dishes. A Scary House, the Indian version of the Horror House on this floor, is still under construction though what it will have inside is still a closely guarded secret.

The topmost floor ie the fourth floor is reserved for specialty restaurants. Only Machaan and Shack Lounge have started their operations and the others listed in the directory are yet to set shop. Machaan has already been featured in one of the leading Kolkata dailies. The entrance looks impressive with two Egyptian pharaohs standing guard while the dimly lit interiors try to replicate the hunting ground with machaans (that's the theme behind the name of this eatery).

All in all, I feel that Mani Square is poised to be the next happening spot on the EM Bypass. Once the IMAX theatre (a 3-screen multiplex) at Mani Square is opened for the public, this place will be a serious competitor for the other shopping malls.

Happy Independence Day

2008-08-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

On the eve of our 61st Independence Day, I wish all my countrymen a Happy I-Day. May my nation climb the heights of new glory and be a superpower in the world to reckon with.

Image courtesy: startanindiancompany

Community Pujo – My childhood memories

2008-08-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Durga Pujo 2008 is less than 2 months from now. As I was thinking about this festival, I grew somewhat nostalgic. Finally I thought-what better way than sharing my memories and feelings with my blog readers? This thought brought me to the computer keyboard and the following result emerged:

First things first: I still prefer to call the greatest festival of the Bengalis as “Durga Pujo” instead of “Durga Puja” as I believe that the feel and nostalgic air that spring up every time I utter “Pujo” is amiss in “Puja”.

For me, Durga Pujo during my childhood was all about new clothes, festivities, savoring the Ashtami Bhog Prasad, participating in various competitive activities and relishing the relaxed rules of my parents.

As my father was posted in Muradnagar (near Delhi) during my childhood, I remember the special bonding that those 4/5 days of the Pujo elicited among the Bengali community (of course, we Bengalis were a close knit family otherwise too, but the Pujo days were somewhat different from the routine). We had a permanent community hall with a concrete covered stage, a permanent Bhog-ghar, a long space where durries were spread while we had our Ashtami Bhog Prasad and a spacious place where Devi Durga and her children sat graciously – the cynosure of all eyes.

The days of Durga Pujo were different from our other days. This was true not only for us-the children but also for our parents, especially for my mother and the other kakimas (almost every Bengali couple was Kaku-Kakima for us though “jethu-jethima” were reserved for some of the elderly ones). My mother and the other kakimas used to come to the venue during those days quite early in the morning. This was somewhat essential too as the preparation for the Pujo (arranging the flowers and other materials for the Pujo rituals) and Prasad (i.e. peeling of fruits, vegetables etc.) was the bastion that these ladies held with their adept hands. We, the children, were packed off to the Pujo venue by our father later. However, by 9 a.m, the area usually buzzed with high activity: kakimas –some helping the Pujaridada with the rituals while some others gossiping in huddles, kakus busy strategizing the Pujo procedures and the budgetary details while we-the children, making merry of the freedom, away from strict rules of “don’t do this/that” and “don’t go there”. I was quite good in “aabdar”, often pestering my father to buy me that almirah-look-alike piggy bank or give me some money to treat myself and my friends to a round of ghugni (sad but true that we didn’t have phuchkas to feast on; the golgappas, rarely available, were no match for the phuchkas).

Pujo activities were a big attraction to all of us. Everyday there used to be a series of competitions in the afternoon for the women and the kids. It was somewhat sad on the part of kakus as they were never the active participants. Apart from organizing the events and managing the prizes for the same, participation of the kakus were limited to the sidelines – encouraging the participants (I must admit that there was no nepotism in the encouragement. So, it flowed freely – be it for their own wives or children, that pet para kid or some Boudi- there was hardly any difference in the levels of their energies).

The Pujo activities were of a wide variety that encompassed conch-shell blowing, lighting as many candles as possible by using a single match stick, putting a thread in a needle and then passing the thread through a selected number of beads, throwing a ring to get it around the objects arranged (needless to say that we were the proud owners of those objects that our ring successfully encircled), memory game, musical chair etc. So, you can easily imagine how busy our Pujo afternoons were-courtesy these interesting activities.

Another big attraction was the Pujo evenings when plays, dances and dance-dramas were staged. Usually, plays by these four groups were allotted the second half of the Pujo days- by kakimas, kakus, us (the children) and a joint collaboration of the kakus and kakimas. The first half that lasted for about 45 minutes – 1.5 hours was generally for solo performances or dance dramas.

Preparation for these plays/dances/dance-dramas used to begin 2/2.5 months before the actual stage-act. I still remember how I and my friends hurriedly returned from school, rushed through our tiffins and hopped to the rehearsal venue (which was generally the house of the person who had conceptualized the play/dance drama/dance sequence). The rehearsals continued for 2/3 hours. On some days, I resented going to the rehearsals as it robbed me of my playtime. However, a bigger attraction of being on stage with make-up and dresses particularly made for the occasion were carrots big and lucrative enough that got me through the rehearsals.

When the D-day finally arrived, I used to feel equally elated and a bit nervous should I miss my lines/dance steps on the stage. Thankfully, that never happened. These and some other incidents are sweet memories of my childhood that I hold very dear.

It has been a long time since I left Muradnagar and came to Kolkata. However, I have never got the same enjoyment here that I had there. With the passage of time, Para Pujos (in the true sense) have slowly vanished and the camaraderie that those erstwhile days portrayed can hardly be matched by the Community Pujos organized now a days. I feel that most of these theme based Community Pujos are now devoid of the warmth that I experienced in my childhood. In fact, most of these are now arranged with an eye to draw the crowd and win that coveted prize by X, Y, Z channel/newspaper group. Only a few Pujos still continue to hold aloft the torch of what we call the “Para Pujo” in the true sense.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

2008-08-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Like the whole world, I am also waiting eagerly for the curtain raiser on Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Five tiny creatures act as the official mascots of this Olympic Games. Collectively called as Fuwa (good-luck dolls), the colors of these mascots reflect the colors of the interlocking Olympic rings (blue, yellow, black, green, and red). Each of these mascots has individual names:

Beibei (in blue, drawing its inspiration from fish and water designs). Chinese people consider fish as the symbol of prosperity and harvest.
Jingjing (in black) symbolizes happiness. The headgear of Jingjing draws its inspiration from the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234). The green headgear stands for the lush forests of this land and urges people to protect nature's gifts.
Huanhuan (in red) represents the passion of sport and symbolizes the Olympic Flame.
Yingying (in yellow) symbolizes the vast landscape of China.
Nini (in green) has golden wings that stand for the infinite sky. Wherever she goes, she will bring good-luck .

The mascots names put together as "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" read as "Welcome to Beijing". So, it's over to the Olympics from tomorrow.

Image courtesy: Geckoandfly

Volunteer for a good cause

2008-07-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

If you can spare 2 hrs a week to educate those who have not been lucky enough to savor the sweetness of literacy, you may consider volunteering for the "Teach India" campaign of "The Times of India" group. Though a friend of mine has already recommended my name a few weeks back, I haven't heard anything from the organizers yet. So, I sent an application today to stand a chance of doing something good.

Now the important things in case you are interested in this campaign. To volunteer, you can choose any of these options:

SMS TEACH to 58888
Log on to www.teach.timesofindia.com (for me, this URL returned error)
Send an email expressing your desire to volunteer at teachindia@timesgroup.com (I did that)

Last date to volunteer: 28 July, 2008

Ananda @ Baghajatin

2008-07-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Location: Near Baghajatin crossing in a lane (the poster can be seen on the main road)
Timings: 11 a.m-9 p.m
Closed on: Mondays

This was a wish for long. The outlet of Ananda Publishers closest to my home was near Lake Market though I never got to visit it. I always wishfully glanced at it while passing by and told myself that I would come here someday though that day never came. Finally this outlet was inaugurated last week near my home, granting my long standing wish.

Today while returning home, I decided to check it out. Sadly, I found that the shutters were about to be downed as it was a few minutes past nine. However, the proprietor (I guess so) sweetly enquired where I lived and asked me to come tomorrow. It may not be before this weekend that I will have a close look at the outlet and the titles that they have on the shelf. Nevertheless, once I check it out, will keep you posted about the details. Till then, it's three cheers to Ananda.

Image courtesy: Ananda Publishers

Return to your childhood and be a child

2008-07-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

“Nurture the child in you”. Well, this is a statement that I have forgotten where I heard but have taken care to remember and implement in life. I often wonder why do we need to conform to rules every single second and behave as "Grown-ups" even when we don’t want to. As far as I am concerned, playing always by the rule isn’t my cup of tea as I just can’t stand to lead a stale life without having fun. And what better way to have it by doing something that society approves of being done by children. Believe me, the pure enjoyment by doing something as silly as a child not only makes me happy but also satisfies me as I can still enjoy that childhood streak in me which I have conserved painstakingly till date.

So, here’s my take on how I have kept the child in me alive through the turmoil of life:

Taking a ride in the swing at park when the guards are away (as these are mostly meant for children, you see).
Laughing aloud (often people have suggested that I offer background laughter effect for Ravana during the Durga Puja cultural program), often showing my yellowish (yuck!!) teeth.
Sticking my tongue out whenever I feel very angry at my near and dear ones (my mother knows it the best).
Laugh it out when I inadvertently embarrass myself.
Watching cartoons, especially Tom and Jerry shows.
Buy dozens of lozenges, eat it myself and share with friends and family (yummy!!!).
Ditch the self-consciousness and do certain things that a child would do (Sorry folks, can’t tell this…you see-something should be secret).
Shake a leg (I’m a lousy dancer for sure) when that favorite music or song of mine plays.

Are you feeling nostalgic? Well, it's time for you to listen to the inner child. Nurture it and let that innocent feeling of childhood overwhelm you. I bet that you will love it.

Train journeys-some nostalgic childhood memories

2008-07-20T03:15:00.001-07:00

A journey by train has always fascinated me since my childhood. It was something that I always looked forward to. Apart from being a comfortable and cheap option to reach your destination, trains also offered a chance of social bonding-that too with complete strangers.

Today I read an article in a magazine about how a journey via train remains special to the older generation (yeah, I too belong to this category now!) against GenY's fascination for cheap air travel. That made me nostalgic as images of many enjoyable train journeys came rushing back to me.

I have always loved traveling long distances by train, especially the ones that gave me a chance to spend a night or two in the train compartments. I loved the lower bunks (I still do) during the daylight as the scenic and rustic beauty of India always vowed me (after so many years, it still does...). The seemingly endless fields with their lush greenery, distant huts breezing by, the farmers toiling in their fields with bullocks, brick kilns...the list will go on. Each of these charmed me in my childhood days. Though I don't get to travel long distances much now a days, these and some other scenic views still hold an unspoken charm to me, a charm that's hard to describe and should be felt to know what I mean.

Though the window seat was something to die for during the day, I preferred the upper bunk as daylight gave way to dusk. I loved climbing the 3 steps to reach the bunk, made my cozy little space and settled with comics or books (in the initial phases, these were mainly Amar Chitra Kathas, Chacha Chaudhary, Nandan and Champak though they gradually gave way to more serious novels as I grew up) that I would pick up from the railway book stalls. The dinner served by the railways in packed aluminium foils was another thing that I loved very much though my family often preferred to carry cooked food items from home or chucked the rail-food for some delicacies picked from the bigger junctions.

I was so much in love with these journeys via train that I felt sad every time we were about to de-board. In fact, my love for the Indian railways hasn't diminished till date and I still look forward to the same whenever an opportunity comes my way.

Kolkatans - prepare to die young

2008-07-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me right. For the past few days, The Telegraph has been running an awareness campaign by means of its pages to disclose how adulterated fuel (katatel) used by Kolkata autos has turned the air we breathe into sheer poison. Today, they provided the icing on the cake (somewhat!) by quoting city doctors. These doctors hold the view that young Kolkatans who are getting affected by cardiac diseases despite having no family history of these ailments have the poisonous Kolkata air to blame.

But the bigger question- is Kolkata’s transport minister reading these reports???

Belated Happy B'day Tom

2008-07-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

This post is to wish Tom Hanks, one of my favorite actors, a belated Happy B'day (9th July, 1956). Though I have seen several movies of this actor (the first one goes back to my college days when I saw Big), here is a list of some of those that I can watch again and again (not necessarily in this order of preference though. I have randomly listed the names of the movies that I love, irrespective of the date of their release):

1. Philadelphia

2. Road to Perdition

3. The Polar Express (a cartoon film where he was the voice of the ticket collector)

4. The Terminal

5. Catch me if you can

6. Cast Away

I have excluded the hugely popular Sleepless in Seattle as I am yet to watch it. Some other films, which were critically acclaimed are also missing from my list (like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan) as I wasn't too impressed with the overall presentation.

So, here's hoping that Tom Hanks will continue to enthrall us by his stupendous performance on screen.

Gadget free Sunday

2008-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I was reading an article about how the modern technology has made people overworked and anxious. As I was reading, it occurred to me that I also belonged to the category of people being talked about in the article. Apart from spending 10 hours in office staring at the computer screen, I am tempted to switch on the home PC as soon as I get back home to check my personal mails (personal mail surfing is not allowed at our office). Even on holidays, I log in 3/4 times a day to surf the net, chat with friends and check mails. Though my mobile use is pretty regulated and limited, somewhat consciously by me, I realized that I have already got net-addicted. So, I have decided to go gadget free every Sunday beginning from the coming weekend. So, friends and foes, don't try to contact me on a Sunday from now onwards. Even if you want to shower some brickbats for this decision of mine, hold it till Monday arrives.

An interesting insight

2008-07-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I heard an interesting thing on a fm channel and would like to share the same with all of you.

It so happened once that a girl, unable to cope with severe stress and adversity, approached her mother to help her out. The mother took the daughter to the kitchen. She took three containers and filled them with water. Then, she put a carrot, an egg and some coffee beans in the three containers respectively. Afterwards, she put all the three containers on the gas burner. As the water boiled, each of these three ingredients underwent some change.

The carrot gave way to its hardness and became soft. The egg hardened from inside. The coffee beans melted somewhat and gave the water a taste of coffee. The mother asked the daughter – "Of these three, which one would you like to be- the carrot, the egg or the coffee beans?"

The daughter was unable to decide and asked her mother once again to explain what she meant by this experiment.

The mother explained: Each of these three ingredients show us how some people react to stress and adverse conditions that they face in life. The heat of the burner is the adversity in this case. The carrot gave way to its natural character quite easily and became soft, referring to people who don't have the ability to cope with difficulties. The egg when facing troubles became hard, just like some people who refuse to adjust to changing circumstances and become stubborn. However, something interesting happened with the coffee beans.

The coffee beans not only underwent a change in their character but also made the water taste like coffee. In other words, some people not only adjust themselves to face the adverse situations but even change the situation in their own favor, partially if not fully. So, when faced with difficult situations, we should try to emulate the coffee beans.

The mother went on to explain further:
The happiest people are not the ones who have the best of everything. Rather, these are those people who make the best use of whatever they have. Remember that you can't escape adversities. So, rather than escaping the inevitable, make yourself strong and confident enough to face whatever situation life throws in your face boldly. To sail through the rough waters of life, all that you need is your self-belief and confidence.

The message was now clear to the daughter. She thanked her mother for explaining the things so nicely and encouraging her to face the situation boldly.

The freemale phenomenon

2008-07-06T02:03:00.000-07:00

Freemale- I came across this word first in the t2-the supplement distributed with The Telegraph (ABP group). A few weeks later, the group’s Bengali paper, Anandabazar Patrika talked about it again. After reading these two articles, a few things cropped up in my mind.

I wondered how the scenario has evolved. First came the age of couples who were classified as SINKs (Single Income no kids). It was soon followed by DINKs (Double income no kids). However, society has rapidly undergone changes and now is the era of the SPUDs (Single Person Urban Dwelling). Many believe that the "freemale" belongs to this last category.

Coming to the definition of "freemale", it refers to those women who have chosen to be single. In other words, these women are not single by circumstances (like family burden to take care of ailing parents or siblings, unable to find a suitable match etc). Rather, it’s a choice to be single that these women have made. The characteristics of the fremales, if newspapers are to believed, are:

· They have well paid jobs.

· They love to spend on themselves, be it shopping, going to the salon for self-pampering or taking a vacation.

· They have a close knit network of friends.

In other words, it is not an exaggeration when some people say that the freemale phenomenon is where “Bridget Jones meets Sex and the City”.

I, for one, however don’t understand why the word “freemale”? These women don’t hate men and may even have some good male friends to whom they can turn to in their hour of need. Just because they have chosen not to tie the knot or co-habit with a man doesn’t give reason enough to tag them as a freemale. For me, we females are better without any tags whatsoever and should be allowed to live life as we want to, meaningless tags and societal pressures be damned.

Via Darjeeling:a thriller minus the thrills

2008-06-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Sonali Kulkarni, Vinay Pathak, Parvin Dabbas, Rajat Kapoor, Simone Singh, Prashant Narayanan, Sandhya Mridul

Direction: Arindam Nandy

Producer: Joy Ganguly

Written by: Arindam Nandy , Atul Sabharwal

The film tells the story of a married couple Ankur and Rimli Sharma (played by KK Menon and Sonali Kurkarni respectively), who had gone to Darjeeling on their honeymoon. But on the day of their return, Ankur vanishes from the scene. Many years later, the then inspector in charge of the case (played by Vinay Pathak) who failed to solve it, recounts the events to a group of his friends. The friends come up with their own versions of what might have caused Ankur’s disappearance. However, these multiple narrations couldn’t translate into a riveting story. The open-ended stories by the friends failed to connect in a single thread, which if happened, would have made the plot a lot more meaningful.

Acting wise, Rajat and Simone are good. The others are just average. Sonali, in fact, irritates a lot with her mannerisms and over the top histrionics. The lack of a good script had little to offer to these polished actors. So, the sheen is off their performance but the director, rather than the actors, is to be blamed. Even the end of the film is abrupt and leaves the audience wanting. The bottom-line: an unsuccessful attempt to present Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” on screen.

Postscript: Came across a nice site Onyomo where you can get every detail of your city (movies, shopping, restaurant, bookstore and more). For getting more info on this film (which cinema halls are screening it and what are the show timings), click here.

Image courtesy: NFDC

Netaji Museum

2008-06-29T00:54:00.000-07:00

Netaji Museum, 1 Woodburn Park (opposite Forum on Elgin Road)

(open everyday except Monday)

Time to visit: 11 a.m to 4.30 p.m

Cost of ticket: Adults: 5/-, Children under 12: 2/-

Ticket counter closes at: 4.15 p.m

Photography: allowed only in the ground floor (outside the museum)

As it wasn’t a planned visit, when I reached the place oblivious of the timings, the museum had already closed. Nevertheless, the ground floor has some interesting things for the visitors. There’s the Wanderer BLA 7169 enclosed in a see-through glass enclosure, which Netaji used in 1941 to flee Calcutta. The marble tablet beside the glass case reads:

"Wanderer BLA 7169

Car in which Sisir Kr. Bose drove Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from this house in Calcutta on the night of 16^th-17^th January’1941 to Gomoh on the first leg of Netaji’s great escape."

At a few steps from this glass enclosure stands the brick red colored replica of the Singapore Memorial to martyrs of the Indian National Army, the foundation stone of which was laid by Netaji on 8^th July, 1945. The original memorial was blown up by the British Armed Forces after their reoccupation of the island. This replica has three rectangular structures, the highest being the middle one marked “Itmad”. The two lower ones on either side of it are marked “Ittefaq” (the left one) and “Kurbani”.

The walls of the corridor have glass cases showing the publications of the museum, images of important dignitaries to the place, celebration of 23^rd January, and a tablet showing the plan of this house by Sisir Kr. Bose. I was thrilled to see whatever I could and vowed to return soon to visit the museum.

Image Courtesy: Jugantar

Chalo Let’s Go - a film by Anjan Dutt

2008-06-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

Sanjoy (the narrator), Hori, Shekhar and Asim (a qualified doctor, who wants to try everything except the medical profession) – it’s the story of these four friends. The first three had a band of their own but their singing talents (they believed it was “talent” though their audiences believed otherwise) couldn’t save them from public humiliation during one of their stage shows. It was then that they quit and encouraged by Asim-the “visionary & planner”, formed “Ghoroya”-a travel agency. How they arranged a trip to Darjeeling with a motley group of passengers, faltered at almost every step due to poor planning and management and how events unfolded – all these make the central theme of “Chalo-let’s go”.

The first positive thing about the film is the brilliant photography (Indranil Mukherjee) of the scenic locales. You will enjoy the trip for sure even without venturing out in reality. However, the screenplay isn’t a taut one and the love triangle between Ria (aka Keya), Hori & Sanjoy drags and irritates. Among the tourists, each has his/her own story. The overacting of Koneenica, though, stands out as a sore thumb. Asim (Saswata) stands out amongst the four friends – for effortlessly portraying various shades of the character - the businessman in him asking for “mallu” (money) being collected from the tourists, scolding Hori for falling yet again for a girl, asking Sanjoy to step aside of the love triangle or donning the doc’s cap to save a dying man at the Father’s Missionary and cursing himself afterwards for being unable to save a life despite knowing well that he was fighting a losing battle.

This film has a few witty dialogs and has lingo used by Gen Y that would make you laugh and enjoy the proceedings somewhat. There’s nothing much to write home about the music though (unlike Bong Connection whose special rendition of “Pagla Hawa” took the city by storm). Overall, I feel the film got much more hype that it really deserved. I went to see the movie after hearing words-of-mouth praise but was disappointed in the end. Anjan Dutt could have developed some of the characters more and gone deeper into them. According to me, a good film is that which gives you something to carry with you outside the theatre after the credits have rolled up on screen. Chalo Let’s Go fails on this count.

Image courtesy: Calcutta Tube

A visit to Forum

2008-06-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

After more than a year, I stepped once again into Forum-the mall on Elgin Road (Address:10/3,Elgin Road, Kolkata - 700020. Phone: 033 22836022). Last time, I could not survey the entire mall but this time I ensured that I did. The 5 & ½ storeys have almost all the big brands under its roof. The top two floors (4th & 5th) have food and snacks counters, the 5th floor having the additional facility of seating arrangements. The few steps from the 5th floor will lead you to INOX, the multiplex. Some construction work is going on at present in the mall and the iron pillars beside the escalators ask visitors to cooperate. Overall, it was a good time pass checking out the stuffs at these shops. However, the malls in Kolkata could take a lesson from South City Mall and provide some seats in the corridor to rest the tired legs of the visitors (though that seems a distant reality as most of the former shopping malls, Forum included, have so little space in the corridors that putting seats in them would block space and cause more inconvenience to the shoppers). So, before venturing out to this place, ensure that your legs have had enough energy for long standing hours (unless you take time out to sit, savor the delicacies at the food court and rest your legs).

Mourn for your Money day

2008-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today while searching the web for my work, I came to the site of 123greetings. There I found that Tuesday, the 1oth of June'08, is "Mourn for your Money day". That kept me thinking – why do I need to mourn for money any particular day when this mourning is part of my everyday routine (not very apparent though, but yes, deep down somewhere!!). Perhaps the same feeling applies to many of you. Why is that we always seem to want more and are never satisfied with what we have (Ja chayechi ami ta paina, ja peyechi keno ta chaina – remember this song?)

It was long ago when the great saint Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said :Taka maati, maati taka (referring to the fact that wealth is short lived and we shouldn't pine for it). However, clever souls of the present consumer driven age have added one more line to this philosophical saying :Taka baadey jibon faanka (life is empty if you don't have enough money to buy and splurge on things). Wonder what my readers think of the craving to earn and have more and more.

Kolkata's favorite B word

2008-06-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, my city is again entangled in the dreaded B word-Bandh. Today and tomorrow, two different political parties have decided to bring the city to a standstill. The reason? Rising prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. The big question-will all this make any difference? Well, of course not. In the past, bandhs have not helped the common man's cause. The situation doesn't change now. It will just give the political biggies a chance to flex muscles and prove their power. For us-the hapless souls, we will have to bear the heat of the rising price index.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-06-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Good ol' Indie is back on the silver screen, this time with the support of Steven Spielberg (director) and George Lucas (story).

Though I have never been a fan of the Indiana Jones movies, I could not resist the temptation to check it out. Like the previous three Indie movies, this one also turned out to be a fast action packed film.

In this film, the famous archaeologist Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones (Harrison Ford) comes back to the action scene when some Soviet soldiers led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) force him to uncover the mystery surrounding the Crystal Skull. As the story proceeds, we come to know that whoever returns the skull to the original temple will have immense power to control the world. With a sci-fi edge given to an otherwise action packed flick, this Indiana Jones movie is a roller coaster ride. I enjoyed watching the film but at the same time, after coming out of the cinema hall, nothing remains with you. I mean the film has got no repeat value and there isn’t a scene that stays with you long after the viewing is over. Nevertheless, it is a good time-pass movie.

Jannat-the film on cricket betting

2008-05-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

The meteoric rise of a common man having a sixth sense in cricket betting and his eventual downfall- that’s “Jannat-in search of heaven” in a nutshell for you. Actually, I have been hooked to the song “Zaraa si dil mein de jagah tu” (sung by K.K) from this film for the past few days and was wondering if I could watch the movie just to see the song’s picturisation (yeah, yeah ..I know you would be telling….kya bahana hai film dekhne ka), a chance invitation from a friend came my way. I just can’t stand Emraan Hashmi and was dilly-dallying whether to go or not. Finally, I decided to go for this movie. I won’t say that I loved the movie but it was an interesting presentation nevertheless. In fact, films by the Bhatt Camp have always something to offer the viewers. Even if it is a stale story or situation, their intelligent presentation makes all the difference. Jannat also belongs to that genre. Some witty one-liners, good acting (of course Hashmi would have better got a hair-cut with all that moollah coming into his pocket), an insight into the world of cricket betting-all keep the viewers engaged. Though the climax was somewhat cliché, there would not have been any other way of ending the story. My verdict-go if you want to but stay back if you’ve better things to do.

Prince Caspian:Film Review

2008-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Prince Caspian is a better and much bigger-canvas film than its predecessor. As with all other sequential stories on the reel (like Harry Potter series, Spiderman etc), the first Narnia film (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) was a slow one, justifiably so because the characters needed an introduction as did their background for the build-up of the story. Prince Caspian on the other hand had no such responsibility and started much breezily. From the very beginning, the tone of the film is set when Prince Caspian’s professor helps him flee from being murdered by his uncle Miraz (played by Italian actor Sergio Castellitto). As he is pursued by the soldiers of Miraz, he escapes into the woods and blows the magical horn (which was given to Susan in the first film by Santa; Santa told her that blow this horn whenever you’re in danger and help will come). The horn transports the Pevensies from an underground train station to Narnia. The only difference this time is that the Narnia the siblings left had changed a lot (1300 years had passed in the Narnian time-frame).

From here events unfold rapidly. Though the central character of the first film, Aslan-the mighty lion, appears only towards the end, there are many new characters. Apart from Prince Caspian (played by Ben Barnes, the British stage actor)- the rightful heir to the throne, there is Trumpkin- the dwarf (Peter Dinklage), Reepicheep - the mouse who is a brilliant sword fighter (voiced by Eddie Izzard) and several non-human creatures like centaurs, dwarfs, minotaurs, flying gryphons and mice with quick reflexes in this episode who fight against the troops of Miraz (called the Telmarines). I loved Reepicheep who is believed to be one of the descendants of those mice who cut the ropes of Aslan in the first film when he lay dead on the Stone Table.

Prince Caspian employs a huge cast and crew counting almost 2,000. The numerous special effects (over 1,600 CGI shots) also form a major chunk of the film. There are two important battle scenes-one inside the castle and one beyond the woods, which form a significant part of this 2 hour & 18-minute film. I liked the one inside the castle fought in the dead of night. Everything was superbly planned, getting Caspian, the Pevensies and their troops via flying gryphons (taking the aerial route, which will be monitored by no-one), Edmund’s torch signal, the valiant fight, the retreat and then the miscalculation resulting in the death of many brave hearts. The pain in the eyes of Peter (William Moseley) when he can’t do anything to stop his troops (trapped on the other side of the castle gate) being butchered by Miraz’s men and instead has to flee was a touching shot.

The second battle scene is also done beautifully though I would vote for the one-to-one fight of Peter with Miraz. Apart from its fast pace, this film is also different from the first one with respect to sibling bonding. The first film saw Edmund switch over to the team of the White Witch but finally coming over to fight with his brother and sisters. In this film, the Pevensies are a close-knit family. All the siblings have grown up and Susan (Anna Popplewell) even gets bits-&-pieces of romance with Caspian though there’s not much time to let love blossom between the two. Her kiss perhaps makes amends for it.

In brief- Prince Caspian is a better movie than “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and the more polished effort shows in every frame of Prince Caspian. As Aslan told Lucy- “Things never happen the same way twice, Dear one”, don’t expect hangovers of the first film. However, old characters like the Pevensies, The White Witch (appears for a short while in this film) and Aslan help maintain the continuity. Only that this time, the story unfolds on a much bigger scale. I am already waiting for the next Narnia film, shooting of which has already begun. My verdict for this film- you won’t regret watching it; instead, you may be tempted for a second dekko just as I did. And yes, if you can get a DVD of the first film, it would not be a bad idea to see that as well.

The Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian

2008-05-25T02:06:00.000-07:00

I've already seen the film 2 times. I don't feel like writing today, so will put the review in a few days' time here.

Contemporary Indian Short Stories in English

2008-05-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

This book published by the Sahitya Academy and compiled by Shiv K. Kumar is a compilation of 24 short stories by eminent Indian writers (including some lesser known authors, as well). Each of the stories is rooted in Indianness and is unique in its own style. In brief, the book presents a collage of contemporary India, its values and culture, albeit in a language that some still feel is an alien in this land.

Though it is difficult to pick the best of the lot, I do have my favorites in this book. Some stories that I loved are (in their order of appearance) The Betrayal by Sujatha Balasubramaniam, The eyes are not here by Ruskin Bond, To nun with love (yes, the title reminded me of the much loved story To sir, with Love penned by E.R.Braithwaite) by Shiv K. Kumar, A Pinch of Snuff by Manohar Malgaonkar, Absolution by Dina Mehta and Green Sari by R.K.Narayan. Khuswant Singh is at his raunchiest best in The Bottom Pincher. The stories that I disliked and was quite bored to read are A Fable by Raja Rao, Martand by Nayantara Sehgal, Letters/4, 5 and 6 by Anita Mehta and Not to be loose shunted by Ashok Srinivasan (this last one totally went above my head).

All-in-all, getting to read so many different author's work under the same cover was an interesting thing to do in order to overcome my otherwise bored holidays.

Bloodstained Pink City

2008-05-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

The serial blasts, 8 in total, that killed almst 60 and injured more than 200 in Jaipur, has taken the government at the center by surpise. While the center was busy tightening the security at the metros, no-one perhaps thought that the Pink City could be targeted. Though no military outfit has yet claimed the act to be their own, the different newspapers reported their own versions of suspects. Till it's figured out who's respnsible, it's stock taking of how many innocent lives have been wasted and how many maimed by these killer attacks.

Phuchka: cutting across the gender divide

2008-05-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

For ages, men have sneered at Phuchka (also called golgappa and pani puri) as something that is only eaten by the fairer sex. However, it appears that men are slowly overcoming this self-imposed gender divide and enjoying this snack at the roadside stalls, sometimes with an enthusiasm that's ready to rival the old bastion so far held strong by us, the fairer sex. However, we aren't complaining!!!

The Forbidden Kingdom: Movie where Jet Li + Jackie Chan for the first time

2008-05-09T01:42:00.000-07:00

Director: Rob Minkoff

Cast: Jet Li (both as the Monkey King and the Monk), Jackie Chan (both as the Old Hop and Lu Yan), Michael Angarano (Jason), Liu Yifei (Golden Sparrow), Deshun Wang (the Jade Emperor).

The story based on: Journey to the West, a Chinese novel

Why to watch: The biggest attraction for me to watch this film was the coming together of two kung-fu experts for the first time on the screen, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Needless to say, I loved the action sequences and the occasional humorous dialogs.

Synopsis: In modern-day Boston, Jason who is a teenager comes across a golden staff while buying DVDs from the shop of Old Hop. Though an admirer of kung-fu moves, Jason doesn't boast of possessing the skills and moves himself. So, bullied by a local boy, he has no other way but to knock at Old Hop's door at night. Once the door opens, the local bully and his gang comes inside to rob the shop. In the scuffle that follows, Old Hop is shot and urges Jason to return the golden staff to its rightful owner. Jason grabs the staff, runs upstairs to the roof, his enemies close on his hills and then......he finds himself in ancient China. He is soon spotted by the soldiers of the Jade Warlord and though he runs, he is easily surrounded by the soldiers on the horseback. However, it's just the beginning of the magical journey as in comes the wine-loving wanderer Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), a kung-fu expert and saves him. Yan tells Jason the myth about the golden staff and its owner, the Monkey King (Li) who was deceived by the Jade Emperor and turned into stone. Yan tells Jason that he is the fabled Seeker who has come into this time to fulfil the prophecy and return the staff to the Monkey King so that the Jade Emperor can be stopped from spreading further evils. Later, Lu Yan and Jason are joined in by an orphan (Liu Yifei) and a kung-fu master, the Silent Monk (Li). What follows from here is a roller-coaster ride, ending in the triumph of the good over the evil.

My verdict: The Forbidden Kingdom is a fully paisa-vasool movie.

Tagore Sahaab

2008-05-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to SRK, Rabindranath Tagore has got yet another upaadhi in the 21st century: Tagore Sahaab. As for the bongs fuming over this name given to their beloved Gurudev, we would wait and watch what their next step would be, perhaps led by the big-mouthed self-proclaimed mohapurush minister, Mr. Subhash Chakraborty.

Governor's Gandhigiri

2008-05-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

In an act of solidarity with the people of Kolkata suffering from long hours of power-cut, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the Governor of West Bengal, has decided to undergo the same plight as the Kolkatans by suffering a two-hour voluntary power-cut at his official residence, the Raj Bhavan from Wednesday.

Mr. Chief Minister and others holding the seats of power: Are you listening???

Bhajji's slap & Rajput's clap

2008-05-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

It seems that the controversy surrounding Harbhajan's slap to Sreesanth is far from being over. The latest story about this seemingly never ending drama surfaced when video footage given to Sudhir Nanavati, the commissioner appointed by BCCI, revealed Lalchand Rajput, the Mumbai Indians' coach, clapping after Bhajji slapped the speedster.

Bhajji now might be wondering aloud: Mujhe itna gussa kyon aata hai???

Exhibition @ Gallery Kanishka

2008-05-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Gallery Kanishka on 2/1, Hindustan Road, Gariahat has put up an exhibition of Asit Poddar's photographs that showcase Satyajit Ray, the maestro, in different moods and settings. A total of 11 B&W images are put up for the show. The exhibition is open till May 30 (timings: 11a.m-8p.m).

I went to see the exhibition today and was somewhat disappointed. I thought that many images would be lined up for the show and it would take atleast an hour to view the same. However, it was all over in 5 minutes. Four frames were of the same category (Satyajit in various moods while filming Piku in 1981). Amongst the other images was the famous and often seen picture of Ray sitting in his study at Bishop Lefroy Road. So, though disappointed, it was worth the effort as I wanted to have a dekko at this exhibition. Lastly, the interesting news about this exhibition: visitors can buy 10 limited editions of each of these photographs and thereby lay claim to their own piece of art and fame.

The Adventures of Rusty: Book Review

2008-05-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely book written by Ruskin Bond, an author who is mostly famous as a writer of several books for young readers but has an equally big fan following amongst the grown-ups (take my example as a point). Published by NBT, this book is an interesting read and is sure to transport the readers to their own childhood memories. The book is divided into two sections namely Uncle Ken and Running Away. Both the sections give a vivid account of Rusty's adventures. The first part deals with Rusty's eccentric uncle Ken who struggles to find a job for himself and turns at Rusty's granny's home in Dehradun every now and then. The second part deals with Rusty's plans to run away from the school-boarding at Pahargunj to meet uncle Jim (who was a sailor and whose ship was expected to put anchor at Jamnagar). The only problem was that Rusty and his friend Daljit had to cover at least eight hundred miles to pull off this feat, that too without enough money for the trip and a vague notion about the exact road map. What happens finally is for the readers to find out as I dare not spill the beans here and rob you of an interesting and enjoyable read.

So, try to grab a copy of this pocket friendly book (Rs. 25 only) with nice illustrations and take a trip back to those days of entire bliss when you were a child of Rusty's age.

Just Shut up Mr. Bush

2008-05-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

The idiot president of the US has again given fodder to the world to laugh at him and irked Indians by saying that the increasing affluence of the Indian middle class has given rise to more food consumption which in turn has triggered the escalating food prices all over the world. Need I say that the crackbrained idioit has done it all over again. Thanks a lot Mr. President for giving us a few moments of laughter amidst the fast paced life (Of course not before fuming over your comment and cursing you a lot, though!!!)

Artist Ray, the forgotten genius.

2008-05-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Come May the 2nd, and all the Bengalis are reminded of the cine-genius Satyajit Ray, the ray of hope for the Bengali cinema in the international arena.
In fact, any genius generally becomes famous for his most prominent trait like Rabindranath Tagore for his poems, Arthur Conan Doyle for Sherlock Holmes, etc. Likewise, Satyajit Ray also became famous for his film making and Feluda, the Bengali Sherlock Holmes.
Generally, normal people do not bear more than a single characteristic trait. So, it is quite normal for them to handle a single trait of the genius, the most famous one. How many of us know that Arthur Conan Doyle was a professional Rugby player or Rabindranath Tagore was an excellent administrator? And similarly how many of us are aware of the other geniuses of Satyajit Ray?
Did you know (before reading this post, of course) that the great film maker, whose birthday we are celebrating today, was a great ad-designer, and that he designed advertisements for immensely popular brands such as Paludrine?He worked in an Ad agency for 65/- a month in the year 1943 and designed ads for brands like Jabakusum, CK Sen, etc.
Well, the charms do not end here. Satyajit Ray was obsessed with arts, and when he stopped working in the ad-agency, the obsession did not leave him. He designed each and every poster for his films. Along with it, he drew for Sandesh, his favorite magazine. He created headpieces and tailpieces with inline graphics for all important stories in the magazine. And he drew it with great care and perfection. All the pictures were different in moods and aptly complemented the storyline.

Ray did not limit himself with this either!
He developed fonts, his own prototype fonts. Not one, not two- four of it in total!!! Ray Roman, Ray Bizzare, Daphnis and Holiday Script, each unique in its own style.

What more could you ask from a person? Does watching a few films on the DVD do proper justice to the genius? Or reading a few Feluda novels? I think it's time to reinvent the character of Ray and do a proper on the multifaceted personality. Or else, overbanging on the film making and literary side will make the artist Ray sink without a trace.

Celebration of books

2008-04-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

This evening I went to the Nandan premises where a boi-bajar is in full swing these days (Celebration of World Book Week, would be on till 4th May, timings: 2pm-8pm). I didn’t expect so many publications though. All the big names like ABP, Mitra and Ghosh, Dey’s, Tuli-Kolom, NBT and Oxford have their stalls here. Sadly, I didn’t have enough time to visit all the stalls. Though I bought my share of books from the fair, I would love to revisit the site once again, to complete my systematic carpet-bombing (a friend has nicknamed my combing of book-stalls by this name).

NCERT books and nostalgia

2008-04-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

I came across a news some days back that students of many classes, especially those in classes X and XII of CBSE schools were experiencing difficulties as many textbooks were not available in Kolkata markets though the new session has already begun from the first week of April in most of the schools. This news made me realize that nothing has changed from the time when I was a student. I became somewhat nostalgic while flipping through the pages of memory. I still vividly remember how excited I used to be on the day when results were scheduled to be declared as that meant to be in the possession of the book-list and pestering my parents to get me my new books at the earliest. The bookstall that sold books of NCERT and CBSE, close to my home, was Boipotro. It had a famous (and more notorious) cousin those days (perhaps even today, too) called Eureka. However, we preferred Boipotro, not only because the kakus (yes, that’s how we called those manning the store) were very well behaved, but also because they charged fair prices. Eureka, on the other hand, often pasted stickers over the printed prices, forcing people to pay more (people had to buy the books as this was mostly done for books that were scarce in the market). A few other things that I hated about this book stall was that it forced us to buy some guide books along with the text, not to mention some binded books (original copies were like paperbacks) for which we had to shell an extra amount. It so happened that when I was in class X, some books were not available in the market. However, thanks to my father’s contacts in Delhi, I was able to get the books right from the capital and my studies didn’t get hampered. This act of getting capital-copies of my textbooks was a feature even when I was in class XI. I thought that all those plights of students were over but the news made me realize that history repeats itself, only to the agony of students this time……

Some interesting sites that I stumbled upon

2008-04-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Some useful insight about a few in-things of the blogosphere: http://www.website-design-network.com/video.php

A map showing some old Empires (period-wise) finally ending in the formation of independent nations: http://www.mapsofwar.com/images/EMPIRE17.swf

Some historical audio files: http://www.freeinfosociety.com/site.php?postnum=460&phpMyAdmin=af0f6b4465fe3f904426eaeb3dc0e3fa

Feel free to post your comments about the aforesaid, irrespective of whether they are brickbats or garlands.

Bengal braces for another Bandh

2008-04-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (21 April), Kolkata would again come to a standstill owing to the 12 hour Bandh called by Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Supremo against rising prices of the daily commodities. I saw a poster yesterday saying "Feley rekhe bhater haanri, chortey chaina motor gaari" (loosely translated as:I don't want to ride a car when I can't have enough to eat). The agenda is a burning issue today as the past few months have seen a steep rise in day-to-day commodities so much that it's an uphill task to manage your budgets, what with the government's inefficiency to do anything meaningful to curb the rising prices. However, how crippling the state for 12 hours would be a solution to this problem is beyond my understanding. Sadly, the political leaders don't consider our plight when they mask their dubious intentions behind a politically correct subject like the present rising price index. So, the common man has nothing to do but to suffer.

Another night of the Knights

2008-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

In Match-4 of the DLF Indian Premier League, V.V.S Laxman, captain of the Hyderabad Deccan Chargers, won the toss and elected to bat. On the Eden track, the team set a rather low total by the standards of T20, a mere 110 in18.4 overs. However, the experts of the game were almost unanimous that this was going to be an uphill task for the Kolkata Knight Riders and that the formidable score of 110 was indeed a competitive total on this track. When the Kolkata Knight Riders took the field to chase the total, a lot depended on the last match's hero, McCullum, but he departed quickly followed by Ponting and Wriddhiman Saha. The stands of spectators went quiet and the opponents were tightening the noose. Sourav did try to stay there but he too was dismissed for 14 after being hit twice by the ball, once on the chest and later on his fingers. Hafeez brought some relief with his big hits (a six and a four) when even singles seemed like a welcome thing. Nevertheless, it was the efforts of David Hussey (38 runs in 43 balls, which included one 4 and three 6s) that finally saw the hosts home. All this happened not before a slight drama when the lights went out with 3.2 overs to go (the Kolkata Knight Riders needed 22 runs from 20 balls at this stage). Had the lights not come back, application of the Duckworth Lewis method would mean a tie that would have been followed then by a bowlout. Thankfully, nothing like that happened and the home team won, not before giving us, the supporters, a few big scares, though.

I sat glued to the television throughout this game as I'm going to miss the next few ones, as they would be played on weekdays. Hope that the Knights would continue with their winning streak until the next holiday (18th May) when I can again make good use of the time watching them bat.

Few words that are so profound

2008-04-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

I came across these lines which are so meaningful that I just can't help but share it with my blog readers. So, here it goes:

"Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you. Then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love". - Neil Gaiman

Ticket info for IPL

2008-04-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

I would love to go to the Eden Gardens on 18th or 25th May (both being holidays) to watch at least one match of the IPL (Indian Premier League) and to cheer the Kolkata Knight Riders but am too lazy to run around for the tickets (yeah, online booking is available too, I know, but I never had any faith on online transactions, you see). So, let's see if some angelic intervention happens or not. :)

Well Done Kolkata Knight Riders

2008-04-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Though I missed most of the action of the first match of IPL (Indian Premier League), I returned from office just in time to savor the magnificent batting of McCullum en route to his not out 158 (in 73 balls, with ten 4s and thirteen 6s). In the second half, the bowlers of the Kolkata Knight Riders team tightened their grip on the match and gave Bangalore Royal Challengers absolutely no chance. So, it was a thumping win for Dada's team by a massive 140 runs in the first match of IPL.

Three cheers for Dada (aka Sourav Ganguly)....Hip Hip Hurray!!!

A peep into the Station Master's room at Central Metro Station

2008-04-17T10:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday on my way to office, my 40 ride metro ticket got rejected at the electronic gate though the last day of valid tenure was another week away. So, I approached a metro official posted at the gates for help. However, after a look at my ticket, the gentleman advised me to use the side gate to go ahead (lest I get late for my office) and visit the station master on my return journey. I was just too happy to oblige. So, in the evening, I went to see the station master, rehearsing the dialogs in my mind in case he was in a bad mood (I have this notion that a majority of government officials are always in a bad mood whenever they have to do something not in their itinerary and are often far placed from the word "etiquette"). But this time, I was quite happy to be proved wrong. The station master not only gave me a patient hearing but also offered me a seat. He examined my ticket first for the balance amount and then twice at a machine kept in the room before declaring that I can continue with the ticket and that no further problem would be there). Meanwhile, I also managed to have a look at the big screen (divided into four quadrants) which was showing areas of the station being monitored by the close circuit cameras. But this peep also gave me an insight about why suicides are still common at metro stations. In fact, limited vigilance at some particular points would never be enough to stop the deaths. So, unless the government goes ahead to install railings at the sides of the platform that would open up only after a train stops, people would continue with their suicide bids on the tracks of the metro railway.

Coming back to the story, thankfully, my ticket gave me no more problems and the ride back home was eventless.

Image courtesy: Website of Metro Railway, Kolkata

Fantastic Rupankar: a musical evening

2008-04-14T08:45:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I went to the University Hall at College Street to listen to a program of singer Rupankar (titled: Tumi Shunbey ki). Before this program, I had listened to just a few songs of this singer that were played on fm channels, especially, 91.9 FM (popularly known as Friend's FM). Though I liked the songs of Rupankar quite a lot, I never had any idea about the versatility of this singer. Rupankar gave a hint of his talent in yesterday's program. I'm really thankful to a friend of mine for arranging the tickets, without which I would never have been able to witness this event.

True to the hall's tradition of not being punctual, the program tested the patience of the audience a lot before finally beginning at 7 p.m (instead of the scheduled 6 p.m as printed on the tickets). However, Rupankar apologized somewhat at the very beginning and from there onwards, it was a smooth sailing. In the first half, the singer presented some of his not-so-common songs. He began with a song dedicated to his recently born daughter, Mohul. Two were medleys, marvellously blending the original English versions with the Bengali ones. Some songs had interesting phonetical sounds. Rupankar did full justice in singing these, moving with ease between fast numbers and not-so-fast ones. Little conversations in-between the songs gave an insight into the sensitive side of this versatile singer.

During the short tea-break, I came downstairs to have a cuppa but the huge crowd deterred me. Outside, it was raining heavily. The second half fittingly began with Rupankar's popular number Aaj Srabone (perhaps a tribute to the welcome showers outside). This half was dedicated to the audience and Rupankar belted one hit number after the other as requests from the crowd came pouring in, often in dozens. Finally, at 9.10 p.m, the program came to an end though many like me in the audience perhaps would have liked it to continue for sometime more (provided that vehicle back home was arranged or else, it would have been a problem to return). All-in-all, the whole event was simply brilliant. Hats off to you Rupankar. I hope that you would continue to enthrall your audience for years to come. I am already looking forward to your next stage show.

Chaitra Sale e life ta hell

2008-04-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

As the month of Chaitra (the last month of the Bengali calendar) draws to a close, all the shops and shopping malls are offering discounts and special offers by the dozens to woo people. Poor souls like me are often caught in traffic jams, thanks to people who spill out on the roads from the already jam-packed shops, busy buying things with such a mad enthusiasm as if there's no tomorrow. So, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Chaitra Sale e life ta hell.

On a positive note, as the Bengali new year (Poila Baisakh is on 14th April) is about to begin, I hope that it would bring in new joy, hope and opportunity in everyone's life. So, here's wishing everyone Subho Nababarsho (in advance though).

South City Mall

2008-04-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I went to the South City Mall with a friend. Situated on Prince Anwar Shah Road, this shopping mall is believed to be the largest in India, spread on a sprawling area of 6,00,000 square feet. What I liked the most about the place was its well-planned layout. The wide corridors of South City Mall has seats, some wooden and some cushioned sofas, where people can rest their tired feet before getting up again to explore the area. This mall has something or the other for almost everyone. So, grocery store (Spencer's), several clothing stores, bookstores, a full floor serving delicious dishes (different counters are there to serve delicacies belonging to different regions) and a cinema hall (Fame), all can be found under the same roof. We even managed to sneak into the parking lot from the top storey to get a nice view of the surroundings and the spiralling parking zone. The only bane appeared to be the absence of an elevator that could directly take you to the topmost floor. So, we had to take the escalator, hop down at each floor and then get on the other one going to the next higher level. This small problem notwithstanding, I simply loved the place and think it's worth a dekkho.

Lastly, a caution to all those willing to visit the mall in the evening. Plan your road-map cleverly as the place in front of South City Mall suffers tremendously from traffic jams in the evening. I myself faced a big problem while returning from there and had to break my journey into three shorter versions, not before walking a distance equivalent to three bus-stops as I couldn't get any vehicle (no buses, autos or taxis).

Image: Inside the South City Mall (Courtesy: Avrajyoti Mitra)

Charlton Heston:One of my favorite heroes

2008-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

For the last two days, I couldn't get time to watch the news and so missed the fact that one of my best-loved heroes had died on April 5. Though I watch Hollywood movies much more than the Bollywood ones, my list of favorite actors is a small one, the top two names being Tom Hanks and Charlton Heston.

I still remember how I was in love with Judah Ben-hur the first time I saw Ben-hur on HBO. I later came to know that for this role, Charlton Heston won the Academy Award (Best Actor). Almost everything about the film Ben-hur still remains etched in my mind....the time when Ben-hur comes to see Messala and they drink together, crossing their hands in a peculiar manner (symbolic of their friendship), the tender kiss between Judah and Esther, how Messala condemns Judah falsely to the galleys (because Judah's political views were different from him), his hardships as a slave, how his fortunes return when Arrius adopts him as a son and he is a free man again, his longing to return to his home, the famous chariot race.......the list is endless. I have lost count how many times I have watched this film after the first viewing. Each time I loved Judah Ben-hur more than before and salulated his undying spirit to fight back, his enormous zeal to be alive. Though Charlton Heston had played many roles and won acclaim (especially for playing Moses in The Ten Commandments), my favorite has always been Ben-hur.

Though I know that death is inevitable, the news that Charlton Heston is no more made me sad. May his soul rest in peace and his family be given strength to go through this phase.

Welcome showers in Kolkata

2008-04-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

As the summer season arrived, I was dreading to get fried in the scorching heat but all thanks to the showers (what a great timing!!!), the mercury hasn't risen to unbearable limits till date. Every now and then when it threatened to, the rain came and made matters all thanda-thanda cool cool. The only sad part are the muddy roads, not to speak of the water-clogged lanes and by-lanes. But it's the price to be paid for giving the heat a miss, I guess.

Story of the past life

2008-04-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

A few days back, I read a story (The Accountant in the book of short story collection titled The Japanese Wife by Kunal Basu) about a man who could clearly remember his past life when he was Chota Mimar. It made a fascinating read when he had glimpses of the details related to the construction of the Taj Mahal. I simply loved the story.

It wouldn't be out of context to mention a small hillarious thing here. It so happened that during my school days, we had a chapter on food fads. Some common misconceptions and beliefs were listed there like eating ladies finger makes you brainy etc. The thing which I remember till date is how embarrassed I felt when I read that liking brinjals meant that you were a donkey in the past life. I was very ashamed to even admit loving brinjals from that day onwards in public (I still can't figure out why I believed that eating brinjals would strengthen the fact that I was indeed a donkey in my previous birth!!!) and it took quite some time to get back to my normal food habits.

Transportation problem in Kolkata-Cholchey cholbey?

2008-04-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

It seems to be ages since the roads of Kolkata breathed free off traffic jams. The situation worsens during the peak office hours. Though I'm lucky to avail of the metro services to reach my workplace thereby beating a good part of the traffic chaos on the roads, on days when I had to board the buses, autos etc, it's like a test of my patience coz you have to forget about time and destination. Rather, in this unbearable heat, you can only pray to reach you destination as soon as possible while the scorching heat boils you up.....flesh, bones, clothes..et al.

I don't know what good so many flyovers and widened roads have done as the problem still persists. Above this, count the mindless pollution caused by these baba-adam-ke-zamaney-ka-traffic. Jaywalking, idle traffic policemen and faulty traffic signals are other culprits adding to the traffic woes. As Kolkatans, is it too much if we ask for proper and chaos-free traffic. If the other metros can have it, why can't we???

Snippets

2008-04-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

Survival of the fittest: Getting into a Garia bound auto from Jadavpur 8-B bus stand in the evening, defeating all those who are aiming for the same lone seat.

A signboard at a Golf Green crossing asking autos and other vehicles to go slower as school children pass by the route: Baccha hoitey sabdhan (Beware of Children)

On the walls of a suburban area: Honumaan chaap biri (jara khay tara honumaan na kheye lokey honumaan marka kirtikolaap kore, taha bola chilo na)

Behind an auto:
Satjug me doodh mila,
Aur jug me ghee,
Kaljug me daroo mila,
soch samajh ke pee.

Lastly, again Behind an auto: Hingshey korona, tomaro hobe (Don't be envious, you'll have it too).

Weekend activities

2008-03-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a hectic day, taking care of dozens of pending work but enjoying an old friend's company at the same time. In fact, this friend was a colleague of mine but both of us have moved from where we met at first. I went to her house yesterday, ate lunch and had a hearty and long adda session with her. Needless to say that listening to some words of wisdom from her made me feel at ease and I could feel a heavy burden off my shoulders and breathe easy after a long long time. Really, my friends mean a world to me....each different and special in their own ways.

Anyway, that was how yesterday breezed past. Today, got up early to participate in a Probhaat Feri organized by Ramakrishna Asram, opposite my house where a 3-day festival is going on, called Ramakrishna Dev er Abirbhab Utsob. However, the procession started quite late (@7 a.m instead of 6 a.m) and was going at a slow pace. I didn't complete the rounds and came back mid-way (was getting a boring affair for me). However, I intend to visit the asram in the evening to hear some words of wisdom from Swamijis (from Belur Math) who would be coming to grace the occasion on the last day.

Some Sunderban Photos

2008-03-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Legend of Netidhopani

2008-03-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

During my recent Sunderban visit, I heard this interesting legend about Netidhopani which I thought would be good to share with all of you. So, here goes the story:

The waterways of Sunderban (which are presently in India and Bangladesh) were once popular trade-routes. It was through these routes that the ships of Chand-saudagar (a famous trader) passed, bringing him great fortune. Chand-saudagar was an avid worshipper of Lord Shiva. Goddess Manasa tried to get him worship her but in vain!!! Annoyed at his stubbornness, the goddess finally cursed him. As a result, Chand-saudagar lost his wealth, his ships sank, six of his children died after birth and his hardships continued. While he was going from one place to another, his seventh son, Lakhinder, was born. Luckily, this child survived and went on to marry Behula.

Chand saudagar was alerted by Lord Shiva about the imminent death of his son. So, he ordered a room made of iron where no one could enter for the newly married couple of Behula-Lakhinder. Lord Viswakarma was asked to build this iron-castle. However, goddess Manasa was able to convince Viswakarma to keep a small hole in the otherwise solid structure, almost impossible for anyone to enter. The newly married couple entered this castle to spend their first night, quite oblivious of the fact of what lay ahead. As the couple was tired, they went to sleep. The bride, Behula, slept with her hair open (she had long and beautiful hair) that touched the floor. While Behula-Lakhinder slept, a snake slipped into the room and was trying to reach Lakhinder, who was sleeping on a specially-made bed that was inaccessible by a snake from the floor. Suddenly, the loose ends of Behula’s hair offered an easy route. Thus, the snake made its way to the bed and bit Lakhinder, thereby draining his life from the body. (People say that this is one reason why women are asked not to sleep with their hairs open at night).

Next morning, when Behula woke up, she found her husband dead from the snake’s poison. As the news was passed on, the merry scenario changed to a gloomy one in a few seconds. Chand saudagar was at a loss, thinking where he went wrong in his construction of the iron-castle. At the same time, the inability to save his last heir was breaking his heart. Goddess Manasa appeared at this moment and asked Chand saudagar to offer his prayers to her. She promised that if he did so, his son would be blessed to live again. But Chand saudagar was adamant. He had been a devout devotee of Shiva and couldn’t change sides, even if it meant losing his son forever.

So, on a boat, the body of Lakhinder was placed and made to float on the river. Behula accompanied her husband on this last journey. When the boat was passing the bank of what is now called Netidhopani, Behula saw an interesting thing. A woman was washing clothes and a child was continually disturbing her. Annoyed, she sprinkled some water on the boy. The boy became lifeless. The woman finished her laundry and then again sprinkled some water on the boy, chanting some mantras, to bring him back to life.

Behula decided in a flash that this was the person who could bring her husband back to life. She rowed the boat to the bank and asked the lady (Netidhopani) to teach her the verses. The lady asked Behula to be her maid and serve her with diligence. Only then would she grant her wish. Many months passed-by as Behula served her unquestionably. Finally, one day she put her foot down and asked Netidhopani to tell her the secret verses by which she could bring Lakhinder back to life. At this, Netidhopani told that her verses don’t have the capability to do so as Lakhinder died due to the curse of a goddess. However, she offered to take Behula to heaven instead. Behula agreed and came to heaven. There, she prayed to Lord Shiva for Lakhinder’s life. Shiva said, “Manasa is my daughter. I can’t do such a thing to insult her. It’s better for you to return and find your father-in-law. Ask him to offer his prayers to the goddess. Only then will your husband be alive again.”

Behula came back, found her father-in-law after much difficulty and finally persuaded him to worship Manasa. However, Chand saudagar agreed only on the condition that he would offer his prayers by left hand (to show his displeasure and as a mark of protest). Thus, Lakhinder defeated death and lived happily ever after with Behula. This whole story is mentioned in Manasa-Mangal.

In this way, Netidhopani has a connection with the famous legend of Behula-Lakhinder.

My self appointed guardians

2008-03-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Kolkata has no dearth of self appointed guardians, especially if the guardianship is that of a girl (I'm purposely not using the word lady coz I can't figure out why people still think me to be a kid and give me all sorts of lectures).

A few weeks earlier, while returning home, I was seated on the front seat of an auto. As the driver was trying desperately to position his auto in a small gap between a taxi at the front and a mini-bus at its heel, I stretched out my hand to signal the bus behind not to proceed and let the auto slide into the gap. The driver seeing my enthusiastic gesture promptly scolded me (it took a few seconds to sink down what wrong I had done to deserve such a scolding). After finally placing his auto comfortably, he went on to explain lovingly, like an elder brother, why it was risky to put out the hand suddenly and what could be some dire consequences, wrapping the brief lecture with words of confidence that he would have managed it anyhow without my signal to that mini-bus.

This small incident made me realize once again how I have my guardians even outside my home, amongst complete strangers. Keu ki boltey pare, ami kobey boro hobo (at least lokjon er chokhe)???

Day-3

2008-03-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

The previous day was very disappointing as we moved without a guide and the long journey was very boring, at least for me. So, our group decided to start early (@6.30 a.m) to make the most on this last day. Our itinerary included a visit to Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower and passing through some creeks en route.

Fortunately, we got lucky to have a guide with us on our journey. Though from the first day, I had seen varieties of mangroves in the region with their roots sticking out (often called breathing roots as these roots take oxygen from the air and not from the soil as is the case with other plants), our guide explained the things more clearly, thereby making the tour all the more enjoyable.

It is believed that "Mangrove" is a combination of "Mangue" (a Portuguese word) and "grove" (an English word). Mangroves are plants found in salty waters of tropical and subtropical intertidal areas of the world. The specific areas where these plants are found are called “mangrove ecosystem”. Sunderban is one such area. Our guide also told that the existence of mangrove ecosystems on coastline has saved lives and property during natural hazards like cyclones, erosion and storms. This could explain why some cyclones in the recent years passed without causing much damage to Sunderban while causing havoc in Bangladesh. (The Sunderban region, our guide told, was initially spread over 46,000sq. km. Out of this, India got 4262 sq. km while Bangladesh got the rest. However, what now remains in Bangladesh has decreased to even lower than India’s share).

Though I am very poor in Botany, the presence of our guide helped in the identification of various varieties of mangroves out of the 84 species that the place has. The ones that we saw were Sundari (Sunderban is believed to have got its name from these trees), Baen (Avicennia marina), Dhani grass (Oryza coarctata), Garjan (Rhizophora species), Goran (Ceriops species), Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum) and Kankra (Bruguiera species).

While our boat was exploring the creeks, we were busy viewing the flora on the edges, enjoying an exciting ride at the same time. The few creeks that we visited were quite broad. So, our boat was choosing to be nearer to one edge at every turn so that we can have a clear view of the trees on that side.

We finally reached Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower at 9.30 a.m (Last tiger was sighted here on 15th March'08 @ 5.20 p.m) . We were told that this was the place where most of the tigers have been sighted. There is a pond of sweet water here where the animals come to drink water. We saw seven axis deers merrily eating grass on the edges of this pond. Another visitor who took a dip in the pond was a snake (goshaap, in local parlance) though some of the visitors mistook it to be a crocodile (sigh!!!). We stayed at the tower for half an hour but the tiger decided not to appear. So, we left. Though most of the tourists were very disappointed for not having seen the tiger, I wasn’t so sad coz my primary agenda had never been seeing the tiger (though I would have been happy to see at least one). Rather, I was interested to visit this World Heritage Site (the core area namely the Sunderban National Park has been given the status of a World Heritage site) and enjoy whatever the place has to offer. So, I was returning in a happy mood as I finally made this trip (there was a lot of uncertainty in the initial stages about this visit). My balance sheet reads viewing some monkeys, deers, snakes, honey-bees and varieties of mangroves.

However, if I get a second chance to visit the place, I would surely design my own itinerary, hire a boat and guide and explore the region sans the constraints of a package tour.

Postscript: I erroneously marked gosaap as a snake but thanks to Avra, I would correct it now. The "Water monitor" (gosaap in local parlance) isn't a snake. Rather, it's a member of the monitor lizard family.

Day-2

2008-03-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

We visited the farthest point on our itinerary, Dobanki, on the second day. Before reaching the Dobanki Watch Tower (last tiger was seen here on 5th March'08), we passed the Panchamohana (where five rivers meet, namely Vidya, Vidyadhari, Dobanki, Gajikhali and Herobhanga). This place, we were told, is about 6 kms from the Bay of Bengal. The vastness of the river (I’m using the singular form as the five rivers couldn’t be identified separately) enthralled me.

The Dobanki Watch Tower could be reached after walking a stretch of pathway, fenced on both sides, offering an uninterrupted view of the forest. However, the tower doesn’t has any shade (unlike the other two namely at Sajnekhali and Sudhanyakhali). As the sun shone at its best, it was scorching and we quickly came back to the boat.

The evening was kept for a village visit. We visited a village of Dayapur, Block No.3, seeing the lifestyle of the locals from close quarters. The village has a school where classes till Madhyamik are conducted at present. However, it has already got the permission of extending the classes till 12 and the same would be made effective very soon. The village, its houses, ponds…all were very neat. The market place was selling everything of daily need and we even spotted CDs being sold in a shop. On our return, the sun was setting and the lush green field in the foreground presented a view that would stay etched in my mind for a long time to come.

Day-1

2008-03-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

After reaching the resort at the end of a 5.5 hr journey (from Kolkata), we freshened up, had our lunch and retired to the room for a short siesta (we were to leave for the first day sightseeing at 4 p.m).

Our first stop was the Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve. This place has a Watch Tower (not more than 20 persons can climb it at a time, though no one was there to maintain the rule strictly), Bonobibi Temple, Museum and Sea Turtle Pond.

Bonobibi is a famous goddess in Sunderban who is regarded as the savior of the villagers who had to go deep into the forest to earn their livelihood. Local people believe that if “Dakshin Roy” (tiger) attacks them, the goddess would save them. Originally, the Muslims offered prayers to the goddess (the word “bibi” in Bonobibi suggests a Muslim influence). Slowly, the Hindus and Christians also developed their faith in the savior-goddess and thus Bonobibi became synonymous with Sunderban. For many Hindus, she is also known as Bonodebi.

My climb at the Watch Tower wasn’t too fruitful as apart from seeing the vast stretch of the forest, I didn’t see anything (I mean no wild-life sighting. The notice board at this place had a writing scribbled: Last tiger sighted on 15/3/08). Even the Sea Turtle Pond disappointed me as I got to see nothing. It would have been any other pond if not for the signboard.

The Museum was an interesting place. But before this, I should tell about another interesting thing: the map of India and Bangladesh with islands marked in yellow, green and white fitted with small replicas of the watch towers. I got a good view of the map from the stairs leading to the museum and if the picture comes out as I had visualized it, I would surely post it later.

Now, a few words about the museum: it had a variety of interesting specimen of fauna on display. A few amongst the noteworthy specimen were the tongue, lung, kidney and spleen of Tiger, foetus of Deer, eggs of Olive Ridley, foetus of Leopard Cat, Indian Dog Shark and a huge Irawaddy Dolphin. Many species of snakes, prawns, ducks, crabs and fishes were also on display at this museum. Apart from these exhibits, there were many informative laminated charts about the flora and fauna of the place that were hanging on the walls. A few laminated placards also told about the statistics of Sunderban. I would share a few interesting things with you:

1) 85% people of Sunderban are dependent on agriculture on reclaimed land, which bears mostly single crop of paddy. Some other occupations of these people consist of fishing, pisciculture, honey collection and firewood collection.
2) 50% of the agricultural laborers are landless. 44% of the total population belongs to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
3) Sundarban Tiger Reserve was created in 1973 to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger and conserve faunal and floral associates in mangrove forests. The statistics of the region is as follows:
Area: 2585 sq. km
Core Area: 1330 sq. km
Buffer Zone: 1255 sq. km

4) According to the 2004 census, there are 274 Bengal tigers in the region, 249 in STR (133 female, 83 male and 33 cubs) and 25 in 24 Parganas South Forest Division.

Our next stop was the Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary. Once famous for its rich avian population, the sanctuary now doesn’t have much to boast about. Our guide told that after the cyclone of ’88, the natural habitat of the birds was destroyed so badly that most changed their course to go to the Buffer Zone of Bangladesh. So, we had no luck at this place either.

We viewed the sunset from the boat, enjoyed the scenic beauty and came back to the resort. In the evening, some local artists performed before us giving us a taste of the culture of Sunderban’s people. We enjoyed the performances while munching the snacks. It got over at 8 p.m. After having dinner at 9 p.m, we retired to bed after a hectic first day.

Sunderban Visit (Fact File)

2008-03-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

1) From Kolkata, it takes about 5-6 hrs to reach Sundarban.

2) How to reach: Sundarban can be reached only by waterways. From Kolkata, suburban trains can take you to Canning (64 kms) from where launch services are available for Sundarban. Otherwise, you can avail of buses to reach Raidighi (76 kms), Najat (92 kms), Sonakhali (100 kms) and Namkhana (105 kms) from where motorboats will take you to Sunderban.

3) Where to stay: Best to stay at Sajnekhali Tourist Lodge (run by WBTDC, Booking at 3/2, B.B.D Bag (East), Ph: 2248-5917/5168/8271, 2210-3201/3199). However, if you don’t like restrictions (you’ve to be back at the lodge by 6 p.m and can’t leave your room and roam in the area as it’s not allowed), try staying at the private resorts (would definitely be a costlier option, with tariffs varying between Rs. 3000 to 5000 per head for 3D/2N), the Tiger Camp and Tiger View Point being two of the renowned ones.

4) When to visit: Winter Season (from December to February); our guide told that the best time for tiger sighting is the month of February.

5) Permits & Access: For conservation reasons, there are some restrictions for the visitors. Joining WBTDC group tours or package tours of private operators would save you a lot of trouble though the best option is to go on your own, hire a guide and boat and then enjoy the flora and fauna at morning and afternoon (when it’s low-tide time) and spend the rest at watch towers (the best being Sudhanyakhali, where most of the tigers are sighted).
For permits, foreigners can contact:
The Joint Secretary (Forest),
Govt. of West Bengal, 4th Floor, G-Block,
Writers' Building,
Calcutta- 700 001.
Tel: 225-5601 Ext: 411/754.

For visiting the tiger reserve, permission is given by:
Field Director,
Sunderban Tiger Reserve,
Port Canning.

Entry Permits can be obtained from Bagna, Canning and Sonakhali for STR (Sundarban Tiger Reserve) and at Namkhana, Canning and Raidighi for Western region of Sunderban Forest.

6) Places to visit: The Sajnekhali Tiger Reserve, Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Sudhanyakhali, Dobanki, Netidhopani (a temple that’s 400 yeas old), Bhagabatpur (crocodiles), Kanak (Olive Ridley Turtles), Holiday Island (Barking Deer). [We could visit just the first four in this list]

(We booked ourselves for the 3D/2N package of Tiger View Point, with pick-up and drop facility from Science City. The total cost: Rs. 3400 per head. Our tour began on 21 March.)

A rare phenomenon

2008-03-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the 21st March, we will witness a rare phenomenon when three different religions will have their festivals...all on the same day. So, while the Hindus will be celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, the Muslims will be busy with the rituals of Fateha Doaz Daham and the Christians would be observing Good Friday.

It would truly be a reason to say loud cheers to the secularism that our country holds aloft. So, here's wishing everyone a very happy festival and an extended weekend that begins tomorrow.

Suicide @ Central Metro Station

2008-03-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the metro rail services had gone haywire in the morning as a man jumped in front of a Dumdum bound train in his suicide bid. When I reached the station @9.20 a.m, I heard the announcement that trains were plying till Maidan. After some deliberation, I decided to get down @ Park Street and to take a bus from there till B. B.D. However, the only train standing at the station was already jam-packed and when it was announced finally that it would go till Dumdum, some more jostled into the already packed boggies. That train finally left @9.40 a.m.

I took the next train, getting into position right after the previous train had left or otherwise, I would have to stand all the way. Finally, I reached office @ 10.20 a.m, a good 30 minutes late from what would have been my original time.

The sad part of the story was that not a single word of solace was uttered for the man who died on the tracks. Instead, everyone was cursing saying "Morar r somoy pelona ei office time chara?" (Couldn't he find some other time than the rush hours of morning?)

Problem of 50 paisa

2008-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been forced to cultivate a hobby of collecting 50 paisa coins....all because of the shrewd autowallahs (especially those whose vehicles ply between Jadavpur 8B bus stand and Baghajatin) who always demand the exact fare of Rs. 2.50 and never give back the change if it's Rs. 3.00. If Rs. 5.00 is given, they would make you hear some sweet nothings (though these dialogs are quite somethings, at least to me) and then reluctantly give back the change. However, if your stars don't favor you, you may encounter someone who would drive the auto forward without giving anything back saying "Khuchro nei to othen keno?" (If you don't have change, why do you board the auto?)

25 paisa is already an extinct species and I feel awkward whenever I get a single coin of this denomination (coz if it comes in pair, my 50 paisa problem is solved). So, until the 50 paisa follows suit, my turmoil would continue.

A hillarious forward that I got in my mailbox

2008-03-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

God created the donkey and said to him. "You will be a donkey. You will work un-tiringly from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on your back. You will eat grass, you will have no intelligence and you will live 50 years." The donkey answered:"I will be a donkey, but to live 50years is much. Give me only 20years" God granted his wish.

God created the dog and said to him: "You will guard the house of man. You will be his best Friend. You will eat the scraps that he gives you andyou will live 30years. You will be a dog. " The dog answered: "Sir, to live 30years is too much,give me only15 years. " God granted his wish.

God created the monkey and said to him: "You will be a monkey. You will swing from branch to branch doing tricks. You will be amusing and you will live 20 years. " The monkeyanswered:"To live 20years is too much, give me only 10years."God granted his wish.

Finally God created man...and said to him: "You will be man, the only rational creature on the face of the earth. You will use your intelligence to become master over all the animals. You will dominate the world and you will live 20years."

Man responded:"Sir, I will be a man but to live only20 years is very little, give me the 30years that the donkey refused, the 15years that the dog did not want and the 10years the monkey refused. " God granted man's wish.

And since then, man lives 20 years as a man, marries and spends30 years like a donkey, working and carrying all the burdens on his back.Then when his children are grown, he lives years like a dog taking care of the house and eating whatever is given to him, so that when he is old, he can retire and live 10years like a monkey, going from house to house and from one son or daughter to another doing tricks to amuse his grandchildren. That's Life..... MY FRIENDS............

(Courtesy: Bhaskar Bhattacharjee)

Tollygunj Local

2008-03-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

A colleague of mine has nicknamed the Kolkata Metro Railway as Tollygunj Local. The reasons are a plenty….all of which make the “pride of Kolkata once upon a time” a mere local train now.

Firstly, with the rush during the office hours, a gap of 7/8 minutes isn’t ideal to run the trains. Unless you board the train from the terminal stations (Tollygunj or Dumdum), you will be squeezed in the bogies. You may even have to leave one or two trains just to gain a foothold and an entry inside the bogies. The situation seems especially problematic for the Tollygunj bound trains from Dumdum in the morning and the vice-versa in the evening. Though I’m lucky to be traveling on the opposite route both the times, I have witnessed the pathetic condition in which people travel. Also, the rush with which the passengers jostle to get in and out….it is just a matter of time before some accidents happen. Now-a-days, even the metro-culture that was once the pride of the city has vanished (people often used to say that Kolkatans have poor manners on the road but once in the paatal, they are an epitome of courtesy). Many stations have their murals removed from the walls and the skeletons of these empty walls stare at your face. The clocks and the gates often refuse to function, causing unnecessary delay. As I use the Central Station, I can vouch for the fact that almost everyday after 7 / 7.15 p.m, the clocks of this station work according to their own whims and fancies…the digits not showing now, dancing then, a blink-&-you-miss show of the digits, and then…..all goes blank. As a regular traveler, I know the timings of the train and so can increase or decrease my pace accordingly to board the trains but I really feel sorry for the first-timers who often miss the train by whiskers due to these good-for-nothing clocks.

So, unless the authorities do something to improve the overall situation and run the trains at quicker frequency (at least during the office hours), it would not be long before our pride becomes a pale shade of its earlier days of glory. As a Kolkatan, I won’t love that for sure!!!

Chatterboxes

2008-03-15T08:58:00.001-07:00

Women are always blamed to be the one who speak and have no time to listen. I wonder how far is this true? I don’t want to cite my example in this regard coz I am a self-professed chatterbox myself. However, I have seen men too speak a lot (with a lower decibel limit, though) at a stretch, laughing, bitching and doing all that for which a women is often pulled-up.

Isn’t the time ripe to do away with this gender-bias? At least when it comes to the matter of chatterboxes, I feel that you just need the right kind of catalyst (in the form of a listener) to get going coz unless you have an attentive audience, talking isn’t fun. What’s your take, friend???

Role Reversal

2008-03-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Finally, Kolkata has got its lady mischief-monger, a crank caller (who tells that she’s a student of Panskura college), who calls men (all unmarried between 25-32 years) from public booths, blurts out the details about their private lives, talks sleaze and then when the men begin to go weak between the knees and plead a meeting, she disconnects the line. Though most of the victims have shied away from launching a police diary, the police are on the lookout for this lady, who if caught, would have to pay dearly for her mischief.
(News courtesy: The Telegraph)

A visit to the Citizen's Park

2008-03-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Citizen's Park has been recently renamed as "Mohor Kunjo" after the legendary Rabindrasangeet singer Kanika Bandhopadhyay, whose nick-name was Mohor.

Last Sunday, I visited the park with some of my friends at evening. Though I had passed the road in front of this place several times, I never knew what was inside the gates. That was the first day when I came to know that there is a musical fountain inside this well-maintained garden. This garden doesn't charge the visitors an entry fee and is maintained beautifully.

When we entered the garden at around 7.10 p.m, a musical show was going on. The stands were "house-full" with people sitting all over them. Some like us were even standing at the back, taking the support of the railings. The fountain rose and fell, changed colors with the sound beats. Rabindrasangeet (both vocal and instrumental) and famous Bollywood-movie songs (instrumental) were played. My friends later told me that anytime after 6 p.m is good to catch a show or the other of this musical-fountain.

The show was simply superb and I was spell-bound. The only regret: I didn't have a camera to click the scene and post it for my readers. Nevertheless, for those who still haven't seen this, do go to the park, take a stroll amidst the greenery and enjoy the musical-fountain.

The Overcoat: author- Nicholai Gogol

2008-03-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

I still haven't been able to visit the Book Fair @ Salt Lake Stadium and today my schedule being choc-a-block, it's likely that this year too, I'll be giving it a miss. However, it doesn't mean that I'm not reading books. Yesterday, I purchased a few books again from Starmark, making good use of the 10% discount being given there.

One book, a compilation of Russian short stories, had The Overcoat by Nicholai Gogol as the first story. (In fact, seeing this story's name prompted me to buy the book coz ever since I read Namesake and saw the film based on this book, I was eager to read The Overcoat, based on which the central character got his name, Gogol.)

The story is about the life of a person (Akaky Akakiyevich) who works as a copier (who copies documents day-after-day) in a department. How the poor soul endures hardships of life to finally get a new overcoat (his old one was worn beyond repair), how his life takes a new turn with the new found happiness, how he loses it and how he dies...all this and more is nicely depicted in this story. This story made me realize, once again, how the small things in life bring happiness and how they should be cherished. Only, you need to have an eye for detail, noting these small incidents and savoring them, or else, they'll be lost amongst the crests and troughs of life.

The Kite Runner: a marvellous book

2008-03-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

I first heard praises of this book from a colleague about 7 months back. Last Sunday when I finally purchased the book, I couldn't hold myself back from reading it that very night. Once I started reading, I was always wandering with Amir and Hassan in Kabul, wondering what would happen next. The next two days were spent with the book, in the metro, in office during lunch hours and at home in night....whenever I could steal sometime for myself. How an incident on that fateful day of the tournament changed everything, how relationships were broken, how some bitter truths were revealed, how someone would suffer (at times, it seems to be till eternity) and how he would go to any lenght for the atonement of his sins....all these and more are so beautifully captured by Khaled Hosseini in this book in fluid language that you can't but help feel a pain and start praying that the sufferings come to an end and that a new dawn full of hope and positive things finally happen.
In short, you just can't have words express how you would feel after reading this novel. I'm no exception. I still feel the pain and a peculiar kinship with the characters, especially with Amir (not to mention Hassan and his son, Sohrab). It would be another few days, I believe, that I wish to be rewinding again and again the special incidents (and believe me, there are a lot of them) of this book before I finally move forward to another story by yet another master storyteller.

The Japanese Wife

2008-03-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

After a long gap, I finally invested in some good books. The Japanese Wife by Kunal Basu is a collection of 12 short stories where the unexpected is the expected thing. The first story (The Japanese Wife) was the tale of Snehamoy and Miyage, his Japanese wife, the two being married via letters. The relationship that started as pen-friends proceeded to Miyage proposing to Sneha (as he was fondly called by his aunt) and his acceptance to an alliance which seemed improbable. Yet, the couple continued their marital life without getting physically close to each other. After some twists and turns, it was Snehamoy's death that finally brings his Japanese wife to his village on the banks of Matla. This story is soon to be made into a film by Aparna Sen, starring Rahul Bose as Snehamoy and Raima Sen as the widow whom once the school master (Snehamoy) declined to marry.
The second story titled Grateful Ganga tells the story of a widow, Evelyn, who had come to India to fulfil the last wish of her dead husband, Andy....to flow his ashes in the Ganga. However, I didn't like this story, especially after the beautiful and poignant introductory tale The Japanese Wife.
The rest of the stories are put on hold as I am running through the pages of The Kite Runner finally, after about 7/8months when the book was first recommended by a friend. Needless to say, I am loving every moment of it. Would shortly let my views on it be known to all of you. Till then, it's me and the world of printed words!!!

Jodha Akbar: Film Review

2008-03-01T21:30:00.000-08:00

Finally, India has its own magnum-opus that can match the splendor and magic of Hollywood biggies of the same genre like Troy and the likes. Though a few people discouraged me from seeing the movie giving a negative feedback, I just couldn’t resist the urge to have a look at the film which was being talked about so much. The positive and rave reviews that the film was getting everywhere strengthened my desire further. So, yesterday, I went and watched Jodha Akbar.

The opening scene of the battle of Panipat, shot beautifully, was like a trailer that set the tone for the following events. As the top shot of the armies of the two sides with the magnificent hills in the backdrop unfolded, I knew that there would be more such magical moments of photography in the film. How the soldiers of the two warring sides rushed forward and clashed was shot beautifully by forward and backward movements of the cameras, making the viewers a part of the whole proceeding from close quarters.

Apart from the breathtaking scenarios of the landscape of Rajasthan dotted by grand forts, this film is also worth a watch for the elaborate costumes and jewelry of the cast. The songs were soothing to the ears as well, merging the Islamic and Hindu elements with élan.

Lastly, the cast of this film: superb. Hrithik as Akbar was a sheer delight to watch. Aishwarya looked ethereal as the Rajput Princess Jodha though at times, her mannerisms were more modern, not befitting the times that she was portraying on-screen. Among the supporting cast, Ila Arun was at her nastiest-best as dai-maa of Akbar while Sonu Sood as Sujamal was another person I admired on-screen.

All-in-all, I would suggest that go and watch this film coz it’s not worth giving a miss to such a nice film made with a lot of care for the minutest of details. Whatever the cynics say about the historical authenticity of Jodha being the wife of Akbar, the film in its credits at the beginning tells clearly that it doesn’t claim to be a historically authentic record, rather a work of fiction based on certain historical events. So, I salute Ashutosh Gowariker for his labor of love and for giving the audience such a wonderful film to watch.

Bicchoo-nonsense

2008-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

I think that people in the Health Ministry now-a-days have no pressing matter on their hands coz that's why they have come up with the idea of replacing the skull-and-bone symbol on the packets of cigarettes by a scorpion. If these people are to be believed, the bicchoo would frighten people far more than the skull-&-bone combo. The scorpion would be there for 6-12 months after which it may be replaced by a more dangerous image (wonder, what would come next....The Mummy???)

Kolkata cops on hi-tech road

2008-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

Read yesterday in newspaper that all important road crossings and busy areas of Kolkata would soon be monitored by close circuit cameras to ensure proper safety of people on the roads as well as to deal strictly with cases of abduction, murder, robbery etc. However, only time will tell if the whole process yields its intended objective or remains a sheer fruitless effort wasting precious money of the taxpayers.

Men are more humorous

2008-02-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

A recent study showed that contrary to their serious image, men have a better sense of humour than women and love to laugh a lot than their women counterparts. I just wonder where these men live? Can anyone give some insight regarding this matter?

Eggs back on the platter

2008-02-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

No one is more happier than me now-a-days and the reason for this happiness? Well.....coz eggs are back on my platter with a bang...

Though the government of Kolkata withdrew the ban on eggs and chicken sometimes back, my family was still apprehensive of bringing it back to our menu (sigh!!!). So, last Sunday I became somewhat desperate and treated everyone at home to egg-rolls. And then......it was back to square one once again......

To say in McDonald style....I'm loving it!!!

Your Comments

2008-02-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

For the posts that miss the place to put your comments, place it here till I figure out what has gone wrong.

Happy reading!!!

A big problem

2008-02-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

I don't understand why my blog posts are not showing the place to make comments. If anyone can help me out, I would be highly obliged.

Singleton

2008-02-14T05:15:00.000-08:00

Though I have crossed the threshold of 30 long ago, I thought: why not list a few blessings standing on the verge of growing older by an year soon.....

So, here's my list:
1. I don't have to utter: Single and ready to mingle (thank God for that...but I never did say these words all these years either!!!)
2. Loving my economic independance and using it according to my own sweet will...be it purchase things, seeing a movie, taking short breaks to go on a trip.....yes, I no longer need permission (my parents, though, won't agree)
3. Seeing a movie even if the world dislikes it.
4. Being courageous enough to go for a wardrobe overhaul (happened a few years back when I tried my first jeans, loved it and now I just prefer the pants than the pyjamas.....though convention still rules @ social do's and formal occasions)
5. Eating whatever I wish to, calories be damned

Well, that's all I can think of now. Would post some other if someting new comes to my mind. Till then, I'm in the ranks of those people who sing merrily: Life begins @ 40

Adda

2008-02-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

This word in the local parlance means a world to us, the Bengalis. Though to make it simpler for other non-speakers of the language understand it, it's translated into gupshup or relaxed conversation about anything under the sun, nothing can truly bear the essence of the original word:Adda, one of the favorite pastimes of the young and the old.

Though there are no documented evidences of how adda originated, many believe that it came into existence during the period when zamindari system was present in Bengal. It were these rich zamindars (landlords) who loved to kill time in idle gossip, surrounded by their moshabes or sycophants. Later, the intellectuals patronized adda sessions. In fact, several literary magazines and works were the results of brainstorming sessions at these addas.

Coming to the present age, though spacious malls, multiplexes and restaurants have replaced the roadside tea stall, courtyard or the verandah as the adda-spot, one place in Kolkata still holds its fort and its nostalgic aura: the Coffee House on the College Street.

Before winding up, a small thing or two: For the fairer sex, adda is a no-holds barred session where every moment is lapped up (provided it's a girls only adda coz with boys around, some rules like topics that can and can't be discussed come into play....getting into murkier waters is a strict no-no then). For the males, it's usually 4 things (that's my belief): Cricket, Politics, Work and Women.

So, what's your take on adda? Remember to share it with me.

Live healthy, say no to smoking

2008-02-14T04:27:00.000-08:00

Smoking is dangerous: that's such a known fact, repeated the umpteenth time that perhaps the seriousness has also died.....considering these words no longer hold any weight or dread amongst those who just can't resist their puff. So, I thought it wise to mention today's one of the front page story of The Telegraph (Kolkata edition) that tells: Smoke and lose 10 years, referring to the fact that adult smokers live 6 to 10 years less than their non-smoking counterparts. I just hope that my friends who can't still give up on their love of tobacco will become wise after reading this and give a serious thought to quit.

Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

Today, I witnessed the festivity of the local Chinese people (from my office balcony) who took out a colorful procession to usher in the new year, the year of the rat. I saw the dragon dance from close quarters for the first time. I regret not having a camera with me at that that point of time or else I could have captured some beautiful moments of the celebration. Overall, it was a nice experience, albeit of a hatke type.

Shopping-a magnificent therapy

2008-02-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Cynics often call shopping a useless thing and look down upon those, especially women, who love to go on a shopping spree. But I wonder if anyone has ever given a thought to how useful a therpay this could turn out to be!!!

In fact, I love embarking on a shopping spree (window shopping for most of the time) whenever I feel low and it gives me a tremendous boost. I think that it's time to do away with the stigma attached to shopping and give shopping the credit, which it rightly deserves to get.

Love @ Office

2008-02-05T09:15:00.001-08:00

Actor Joy Mukherjee sang in the 1970's: Love in Tokyo...... netizens now have rephrased the dialog as: Love @ Office

A recent survey has found that gone are those days when love blossomed in a park, cinema hall etc. Cupid now has a new place to strike: that's the new-age office where employees spend 12-14 hours everyday, if not more. So, no wonder that these people don't have the time to socialize or find a date. It's quite natural, then, to exercise the most viable option, of finding love in the office premises.....keeping your fingers crossed to find atleast someone (if not more) who are not yet in a steady relationship. In fact, the term office-spouse or office-husband has become a common word in the present scenario.

Quarrel more, live longer

2008-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is true. According to a recent survey, it was found that couples who had high pitched quarrels (noise decimal limit be damned!!!) lived longer than their counterparts who sulked silently without airing their grievances loud and clear.

So, all those who love to shout their lungs out to prove a point, continue to do so with gutso and should anyone criticise you, remember to tell them this scientific funda of a long life!!!

V-Day @ the doorsteps

2008-02-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you want to feel miserable for not having found that special someone in your life, February is the month that would go all the length to ensure that you do feel so. Newspapers, shopping malls, FM channels....everything buzzes with romance. Only if all these people and things spared poor souls like us!!!

But hey, I don't mean that I'm jealous for those who do have valentines in their lives. Instead, I'm counting my chickens (that are yet to hatch) for not having to undergo the love-pangs. And the blessings of not having a string attached to another person, well....that needs another post..sometime in the future (with all the detailed explanations), perhaps...

So, for all the love-birds out there, tighten your purse/wallet strings coz love is where money is...

Roz khao Andey??

2008-02-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao Andey

Sadly, I can't follow this. I am really missing eggs on my platter, all due to the menace of bird flu. It seems ages when I had last tasted my favorite dish (I am not very keen on chicken but eggs for me are just irresistible). Also, as it's just for human nature to crave for something that it can't have or shouldn't have, my cravings for eggs are on an ascent day by day...how long I would be able to hold my fort and not give in to this lure of eggs...only time will tell.

Until then, adieu eggs!!!