Feb 05

Sapne suhaane ladak pan ke-1!

I always feel that telephone calls during the night times must be banned! Why?! Well for starters, isn’t the night itself intoxicating? I mean for non-drinkers like me, it is this time that really brings out the hidden secrets of us! And what is the trigger for this? Well.. the phone! And that is how our story begins today!
It was just any other wasted weekend we guyz were having in our apartment! Each of us acting like born fools – teasing the monkey out of each of us! Therein comes a call from a friend and eventually the talk that started with the rigmaroles of work, winds through the policies of Bush administration, and before long, we are talking about our childhood crushes! Now wait a minute! You are asking me what the relation was to all these talks? Heck! Have you ever asked the same question to Karan Johar?! Better still, if Vikram Bhatt could get off with passing Mauritius to be Bombay in Kasoor! I can too! So well, pipe down, and listen to the story; which has thankfully neared its end! So before long, we had both recollected all our crushes, fantasies, and tomfoolery of our erstwhile days! The night is young still, and I thought that I’d rehash with you people too, about my (and your) childhood memories!
Ok! Tape rewind to circa 1984-85. Whatz that? You are watching it in Black n White? Duh! Anyways, it was the class of 1st standard. And I was playing the game of “Mummy-Daddy” with the girl sittin’ next to me. And before I knew, ******* (two flowers touchin’ eachother, two birds – typically doves/parrots coochie cooin’), camera tilt – the girl is blushing, and the guy is shocked! Why? Well, the teacher saw it! And I had to change my place! *deep sighs*.
Lesson learnt:-One doesn’t get babies by kissing girls! (That gave me a good sleep that night!)
Tape fast forwards to circa 1989-90. Ok! Now this one, we will show in eastman color! A group of guyz playing cricket and lagori on the streets in Rajajinagar! All emulating our favorite heroes of Kannada film industry. Yours truly, remembering the style with which Dr. Raj had teased Arathi by hitting her with a stone; promptly threw the ball at a girl walking down our street! Well before long, one could watch a cute little boy, running like his balls were set on fire, down the street – being chased by the girl! *more deep sighs*.
Lesson learnt:-It’s tough to run while managing to hold the falling chaddi in one hand!
Now, now, you can all stop sniggering. Well, atleast am being honest in admitting my crushes. Now is it just a co-incidence that there is just a letter difference between crush and crash? But aren’t they among the best memories of our lives? I still remember the dress that my crush wore in the group dance competition! Me dressed in a pink shirt (EEEEEks!!!) and black pant – with a cute black bow! She in a pink frill frock! Both of us twisting our bodies to “Baar Baar dekho hazaar baar dekho“! I can still vividly remember the first birthday present that I had hand-made for her! Those innocent romantic days filled with promises of never forgetting eachother! Whatz that again? How many similar promises I did? Heck! who remembers! I always thought it was the first time with each one. *cutely batting the eyelashes*
Well, what can one say! Its just beautiful! Is it the age? Is it the sheer innocence of the feelings? (Oh! stop sniggerin! I was indeed innocent). Who cares! What mattered was that each time the heart felt it was in love! Maturity for one, does strip the heart of this innocence! yes! now we know what love is all about! But sometimes.. when the night is intoxicating, and you are just so wasted on the weekends… it is the memories of those puppy loves that bring a smile to the face and a brightness to the dreariness of the dark! Amen to that!

Feb 02

I’m comin’ up .. so u better get this party started!!!!!

Oh yeah! baby!! Now.. all you guyz n galz line up! On the count of three… three.. two.. two1/2.. two 1/4… one!! TaDaaaaan!! *Tralalalalalalala* *jhing chak jigi jigi chak* *girls shrieking their lungs out* and now.. a solemn voice comes about reverberating in the DTX style – “mic check… mic check..1 2 3…”yappy burrday to you… yappy burrrday to you.. yappy burrday to you bloggy dearie… yappy birthday tooo you. Mayyy gaaawdddd bleeesss youuu. youuu’re written by a maaankeeeyyyyyy… and he writes about them too”. [vehement protests heard in the background by the fans of Meghana Naidu, Himanshu Malik, Kishan kumar, et al]
“Ladies, gentlemen and Kishan kumar! Exactly one year and one day ago, there was a historical event of least significance dat happened in the vaarld of blaagging (read more aptly as braggin’). On this day, an entry was made in the hiding. With much predicament, apprehension, and circumspection, an entity of the biological world of homo sapiens who had been aptly addressed to by other worthy specimens of the same species.. as “the all knower”, “the intelligent”, and “the expert”!! (I’ll pause till this sentence sinks to the itsy bitsy brains of Meghana Naidu and Himanshu Malik.) made his first entry (well it wasn’t really the first.. or was it.. heck who cares! Let’s party!!!) in the blogger space! *sniff* *sniff* [This is a typical Karan-barjatya moment of sentiments over flowing]. Awwwww!! I always like such happy moments.. *sniff* *sniff*.. *brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrm* (blowing my nose). Anyways.. so continuing.. all you worthy readers out there.. started getting your fill of absolute crap from me! What more! Shit happened, I always forgot to flush it 😉
Anyways, the past is past… and now we are setting forth on a new year! To bring forth even more outcry on the acting prowess of lots of people! Bollywood is still churning out disasters in the disguises of actors/actresses and as long as it is going on at it, you are assured of this column’s survival!! *heavin’ a sigh of relief*
So with the great responsibility having been vested on my slender and delicate shoulders of supporting the cause of all these people, I here by humbly accept your wishes and you can mail me all your presents at my residential address (please email me personally the details of the presents that you want to send me, so I can decide on whether or not I can give u my address. So all you sweety-pies out there, better come up with a good list ok?)
what’z that? you want a party? Hmm.. lemme think… ok! You will get one! and guess whoz comin’ to the party!! It’s my dear ol’ Garfy!!!!!! *more girls cat-calling (sic)* And now… let the party begin!!!
“I like to move it move it.. I like to move it move it.. ya like to…?
MOVE IT!!” [in chorus]

Well dudaas and dudees let’s get wasted! And the persona divine now exits.. amidst much fanfare and pompous farewell!!

Feb 01

She Walks in Beauty…

Found this written on someone’s door while walking in my office. It instantly caught my attention with its beauty of expression. It was only the first paragraph that they had on there, and hence, as soon as I came home, I went online to figure out who wrote this! Well! bingo! found the culprit who had so wonderfully worded the magic of Love! Lord Byron is his name, and here is the poem, that stole my heart! Wish I cud tell this to the love of my life.. someday.. somewhere! 😉
She Walks in Beauty, like the night
Of Cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair’d the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress
Or softly lightens o’er her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek and o’er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,—
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent.

-George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron. 1788–1824

Jan 29

And the secret is out….!!!


With much apprehension, hesitation, and circumspection, have I finally decided to show what I had been upto.. a prelude to which you guyz had already gotten in the post below this one! *cheeks turning RED* * heart beating faster n faster*….
So guyz… what do u think? eh? *eyes winkin’*

Jan 27

Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamaara!

26th of Jan, was the Republic Day in India. Me and my room mates, sat for a while, and recollected the beautiful parade at Delhi – Red Fort, not to mention the ones that we did in our schools! The chocolates that we used to get were always the highlight of the day! And then ofcourse, the innumerable patriotic songs that flooded through all media! It was a day when we forgot all our shortcomings as a nation, and rejoiced in its freedom and democracy! Now without turning this to yet another mushy monologue on Patriotism, let us quickly recap some of the touching patriotic songs featured in movies and otherwise!
  1. Jahan Daal Daal par sone ki from the movie Sikandar-e-Azam :- A few decades since Independence, most of the movie aimed at igniting the patriotism dying down in the hearts of the Indians (in the wake of Partition and the initial problems faced during Independence). Some of the best patriotic songs were composed during this time! And most of the movies had such patriotic songs whether required or not!! This song from the movie Sikandar-e-Azam, is one of my most favorite songs of all time. Not just for the fact that we had one a prize by singing this song in a group singing competition, but also that it had left a deep impression on my young heart! It wonderfully sang the glory of India during the yester years, at the time of advent of Alexander. Beautifully picturized, with Prithviraj kapoor majestically adorned on the elephant as Raja Pourava, the song had the most idealistic picture of India!
  2. Chodo kal ki baatein kal ki baat puraani from the movie Hum Hindustani :- Righto.. lets leave the past to the past, and set forth towards modernization and development! Yeah! thatz what the whole song was about! Soulful and inspiring voice of Mukesh adorns the lyrics written by Prem dhawan. Every line of the lyrics breathes of freshness, a fresh start and new goals!
  3. Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle from the movie Upkaar :- Manoj Kumar, probably the one actor who made sure that his movies had patriotic songs, is featured in this song! He is a farmer, who later turns into a soldier, and finally returns to his farm in the end! The movie had many hit numbers, and none equal to the one mentioned!
  4. Dil diya hai jaan bhi denge from the movie Karma :- A big banner production, a plethora of stalwarts, lilting songs were the hallmark of the movie – Karma. This particular song and most of the ones mentioned herein were a regular on the Rangoli program (featured every Sunday morning) during national festivals. The song was sung by Aunradha Paudwal and Mohd. Aziz, written by Anand Bakshi.
  5. E mere watan ke logon sung by Lata Mangeshkar :- I would not dispute the choice of the singer here! Not just Jawaharlal Nehru, every common man would break down listening to this song. The lyrics that tug at the strings of your heart have been rendered equally mesmerizingly by Lata Mangeshkar. This song would feature in my testimonials for her singing prowess – not that she needs one! 😉
  6. E mere pyaare watan from the movie Kabulliwalah :- Those of the people who have read Kabulliwalah by Rabindranath Tagore, would certainly agree with me, that this song has wonderfully captured the mood and tone of the prime character of the movie! The yearning that he has for his motherland is extremely moving. Manna dey excels in this song that is beyond any words to describe and extol. What more can one expect when it is Gulzar who writes the lyrics!
  7. Ek tu hi bharosa Ek tu hi sahaara from Pukar :- Okay! Lata is simply divine! I give it to her! If she can’t make the heart go out for a song, not many can revive that song! Lataji’s voice, ARR’s music, the voices of the children have been so deftly used in this song, almost as if its the future of the country calling out for the grace of the Lord above! Thumbs up for this song.
  8. Mere desh mein pawan chale purvaayi from the movie Jigari Dost :- Yeddanoder Mohd. Rafi number, full of life and vigor describing the beauty of India with all fervor that his voice could muster for a song like this! (Not to mention that it had to suit the “Jumpin’ Jack’s” excitement!!). The picturization in lush green fields, and the picturesque backdrop of the high mountains, this song is also a visual treat!
  9. Aa ab laut chalen from the movie jis desh mein ganga behti hai :- A bunch of reformed outlaws returning to the mainstream life with Mukesh crooning for Raj Kapoor! The distant voice… “aajaa re… aajaa re.. aajaa aajaa” seemingly portraying the way the land is calling out for them! Of the many patriotic numbers that were featured in Raj Kapoor’s movies time and again, I would rate this on the top! Followed right next by the song from the same very movie “Hoton pe sacchai rehti hai”. So why did I choose the former to be better than the latter? Hmm.. I’d say for the message that the song had provided subtly for the ones who had left their mother land for good! (laakh lubhaaye mahal paraaye apna ghar phir apna ghar hai). If one were to see deeply most of the songs in the movies were portraying the trends during each era! Holding a mirror to the ongoing events on the national front!
  10. Ekla chalo from the movie Bose – The forgotten hero :- The opening lines are taken from a poem written by Rabindranath Tagore, one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorites! The original poem is ofcourse extremely inspiring in not just a patriotic sense, but even otherwise for an everyday life! ARR’s music and Sonu Nigam’s voice have given the necessary boost required for Javed’s lyrics. As for the song, it speaks at length about the determination in the heart of the main protagonist! Much as Bose had to stand alone, after the Congress he so much believed in had deserted him!
  11. Desh ki mitti also from the movie Bose – The forgotten hero :- Also in the voice of Sonu Nigam, is a song that reminisences the various aspects of motherland. I guess this song is used when Subhash Chandra Bose had to leave the nation to muster the army! The song is well sung, and portrays the various climates, and geographical beauty of India. Javed saab’s lyrics has as usual worked wonders, and this song shall certainly be a hit amidst the non-resident Indians.

I still very vividly remember the way we all celebrated the National Festivals more importantly – Independence and Republic Days. The programs always started with a beautiful song “atha swAgataM shubha swAgataM aanaMda maMgaLa maMgaLaM ita niyam bhArata bhAratam“. I still hum this song, but alas! have long forgotten the lyrics of it! I have looked for this song in several places, but to no avail! There are so many meaningful songs that have passed out into the oblivion! It’s a tragedy that we have missed out on so many things amidst the growing rat race!

Jan 27

Tongue-in-cheek!!

I was not so sure of myself! Can I do it? Must I do it? I was not so sure! You know.. it isn’t the same thing as Himanshu acting! He just doesn’t care if its acting or not! He just does it! On the other hand if only I was as deft as Mallika or Meghana in strippin’! But I am not a pro in what I am about to do!
You know.. it had been quite a while, since I had done it! I still remember the first time that I did it.. I was young! I was confused! It was an instinct, and it just happened! I did not intend to do so! I was surprised at what came out!! I looked at it in awe and wonder! It felt good! Initially I had to look at something when doing it! But later on, with seasonin’, I had started to imagine and do it! And I did a pretty good job on it too! It felt good even more! I had started to improve!
But before long, the increasing work, studies, and stress had reduced the frequency of it. I still used to take sometime off and do it. It was very relaxing, and refreshing! But all this was in the past! Yeah! It has been a long time since I did it! And now, I wanted to do it again! Self-doubt plagued me. I resolved to do it no matter what! Maybe I will fail, maybe the result would not be what I wanted it to be! But one had to take the chance! I had abstained from it for a long time. It was now time to break the circle.
I looked at it – long, and lying limp! I said to it – You have got a job dude! And you better get up and get it done! I held it in my hand! I could feel the coldness. I shuddered. Must I do it still? My mind was racing…. there was no turning back now! The question was, must I imagine or must I see something? I did not want to take any chances… I decided on the latter. I did not want to strain my brain a lot, it already had a lot of work to do, in co-ordinating my hands!! But the travails did not end there! I had to choose what to see! Something that is stimulating to the eyes and pleasant! I searched! I went online looking for it! Wonder of Wonders, I found it in an email attachment! It was with me all the while?!!!! The time had finally come! I was all set to do it!
I started slowly, my hands quivering, even as I held it! Like a swimmer testing the water before getting into it, I slowly moved my hands. There were light strokes coming up! I continued for sometime. Things started shaping up, and it started to make sense. I could not stop it now. I had to do it. I was at it, and I did not have any more doubts in my mind! I could do it! yes! I can! I am doing it! I was exhilarated! I could not believe my eyes! I had not lost the touch!! Yes!!!!! It was complete!!! I heaved a huge sigh of relief, and wiped the sweat off my brow! I looked at it, and felt immense satisfaction rushing into my being! It is done! I got up, and cracked my fingers! They were relieved too! yes! It had been a long time. I resolved that I will do it more regularly! I went to sleep. It was a peaceful sleep that I slept last nite!
P.S :- Sooooooooooooooooooo…. all those of you, who are wonderin’ what it is all about! Keep reading this column, for an update! Till then, happy guessing!!!