Headlines today

I woke up today and reached for my newspaper. Never have I seen such bizarre combinations of headlines to greet me at first sight.

"MP woman claims to be Akram's wife."
A mother of four children declared herself wife of former Pakistani Cricketer Wasim Akram, since she saw his performance on television during an Indo-Pak cricket ODI. Shunning her marriage with a retired government servant, she quote, 'I am yet to meet him (Akram).Whether he accepts me or not, I will spend rest of my life as his wife.' She claimed that a godly figure, clad in white clothes showed her Akram's face in her dreams telling her that it was her husband's.

"I have undergone physical transfrormation"
Bhawani Das, alais Priyabhata Das, the 16yr old Orissa boy who claims himself to be Goddess Bhagawati and got married to Lord Shiva on thursday night, says he has undergone a total physical transformation by the will of God and hence should be called y his new female name 'Bhawani' or 'Parvati'. His father supports this and says, that he atained his first menstural periods a month ago and would not allow any medical examination as this would incur the wrath of God.

"Godse dies at 86"
(Nothing bizarre about this). Was just fascinated about this man. Will provide a link to his interview with times soon.

"I am son of Queen's Uncle"
The Duke of Clarence, eldest son of Future Edward VII and great uncle of Queen Elizabeth II fathered an illegitimate son during his visit to India in 1886. When MNargery Haddon landed up in London to claim, she was sent back and all her proofs were purchased by lawyers of the Duke. Only now the story came to light, after 70 years. Seems she descended into alcoholism and seemes dreanged. In 1914, she was arrested outside the gates of Buckhingham Palace after shouting she was mother of Duke's illegitimate son.

*sigh* what has the world come to.

*

Strange things happen
Stranger people pass by
Strangest is when
I feel at home.

You-know-what ?

Saw HP again ! Second Innings. Sathyam had cut down one shot-Top angle that trails when the rock band is performing and people are jumping, the camera then shows these four (Harry, Ron and Patil sisters) just sitting numb. I'm so glad I saw it the first day. Harry Potter title music is missing throughout the movie. When we saw it the first time, we did not notice and thought it would come with the title. It doesn't. If you notice, the bg when mad-eye drinks the poly-juice potion during ball room scene- very aptly placed. The boat turning to ship and underwater sets will never cease to amaze me. The fight with the mermen is technically brilliant, though the transfiguration by Krum was not that real. I somehow still feel the climax could have been more concentrated on. The Lord is rising. The excitement/ that prevoked when even the 1st ring-bearer in 'Lord Of the Rings' rises was missing here. But hey, :) I still love it.

JFK 'n' me

What Famous Leader Are You?
Incidentally, both of us are geminians !

On a par with Harrison Ford !

What classic movie are you ?

I am a butterfly

I formed wings today. Struggling to come out of my cocoon.
I am scared to go out. But I cant stay here.
Voila! I've made a hole. Such a tiny one.Nudge.
I can see something bright. Its becoming brighter.
Here I come. Is that a bright flower on the sky?
So beautiful, full of light.
I want to reach it. I will fly towards it.
The air is so fresh outside.
Reaching towards the sun. Nearing it.
A tingling burning sensation.
Why is it getting hotter?
Am I almost there. I am burning.
I cant breathe. My wings are in flames.
I am falling. Down. I am going to die.
I closed my eyes.

(Smile) Well, I tried.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Mike Newell has outdone his predecessors. Stuart Craig has outdone himself. Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire is extremely entertaining even to those who have not read the books. The director has brought out ample situations that we found hilarious. Though he had cut down on a lot (for eg:the international quidditch cup is almost reduced to a span of ten minutes), he has maintained an uniform energy by not waiving away from story-line, where especially the third part (Prisoner of Azkaban) lacked.
First day first show at Sathyam. It started the minute we sat down. And screams! My goodness, it was something like seeing thalaivar on-screen. The first part(before interval) was very amusing. Especially the part even Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape) joins in the festive mood. The twins (Fred and George) are adorable. All of us knew, Harry wins the first competition at the tri-wizard championshi (efeating the dragon and getting the golden egg). But the director has brought out a pace, such that, we started doubting whether what we read might not happen. Ralph Fiennes emerges as Voldemort. Few details were lost like when they hold their wand against each other, Voldemort and Harry are supposed to be floating in the air. Preethi also reminded that the death-eaters were supposed to be in a circle when the fight happens.
And sets. Whew! Will take a life time to forget. Both of us (Preethi and myself) have been wanting to go primarily for the sets. Our eyes were in for a huge treat. The Riddle house was just how I expected it to be. The first thing that took our breath away, was the International Match Set-up. What an arrangement, also the tents. The Second time when I was gasping was when I saw the boat, which just lifted itself to reveal a beautiful ship! That was a brilliant technique. And then came the Hall decorated for the ball. Stuart Craig has designed a set on water(right in the middle - goes upto four floors!) Continued to the underwater sets. All those were made in a huge tank. The mer-men were quite not what I expected. And the maze was impressive. He has maintained the dim-light everywhere. Both of us were waiting for the Sphinx to make an entry and were quite disappointed. The grave-yard was also good. But was completely different from how I percieved from Rowlings description. To sum up, we became extremely deperessed as we wondered whether we might ever get to work in such sets at all. I've missed out quite a few things. Will be seeing the movie a few more times and updating. Till then,

Imprints

My mind has been churning nothing. It's becoming a chaotic orange-coloured- messed up web. Even the spider has forgotten the path it once weaved. But, I want to be a part of this entanglement that looks like a design that I want to explore more? Why am I getting more attracted to this elusive delusion that's getting thicker and thicker as it pulls me to it's epicentre? So much such that, even when there comes a tiny speck of light, I take a step back not to enter the limelight for fear of being seen. The light becomes a strange phenomenon, endangering my living. The familiarity of darkness is more than natural.Its a habitat. An oasis. Survival of the fittest or the other way? I can do everything. And I can do nothing.

A butterfly flew by.As I see their wings, I am caught by the patterns. What freedom the wings would have enjoyed when it released itself from the cocoon. Will I ever experience such Xtreme Xstasy? Is it wrong to think about jumping from the top of the mountain to experience that one moment ? I want to. The birds will be within my proximity. I will hear their wings flap by. I will land on the clouds. Experience bliss. I will float on the hymns sung by the angels of deep blue sky.

God emphasises the colours of his palette on butterflies. I think he was doped when he created them. When they pass in front of the sun, you see their silhouettes. They look like little devils.

I am lsitening to Deep Blue Sea - Deep Forest

Brain-dead

"

."

Lost

Searching through the darkness
for that lost thought
looking for the answer
and the fact that i fought

That i could never be
what i was before
All that came and went
led me to a close door

Afraid of being found
by the seeking daylight
confusion becomes a black dot
blocking my sight

Fear, was an odd word
as it was meant to be
now, crounching in the corner
all was new to me

What happened before
were fond memories now
and what lay in the future
looks like a one man show

no one seems to hear me
screaming on top of my voice
I was there all alone
shut out of noise

I tossed the coin
heads or tails
as i lay awaiting
hearing my own wails

Oh!Why did you leave me
to be tortured so
Would have i done the same thing
if i were you

Silence caught me
Stillness followed it
With the strength that you gave
i stood by your grave

Suddenly my voice dropped down
to a petty whisper
reaching new heights
with an unseen shiver

Wanted to return
back to innocence
back to bliss
back to ignorance

Knowledge hurts,
pains more.

Media for Dummies

Ways to penetrate your target audience for Dummies
(Excerpts from a yellowing newspaper clip)

• You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and say, "I'm fantastic in bed". That's Direct Marketing.

• You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and pointing at you says, "He's fantastic in bed". That's Advertising

• You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her and get her telephone number. The next day you call and say, "Hi, I'm fantastic in bed". That's Telemarketing.

• You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get up and straighten your tie ; you walk up to her and pour her a drink. You open the door for her, pick up her bag after she drops it, offer her a ride, and then say, "By the way, I'm fantastic in bed". That's Public Relations.

• You're at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She walks up to you and says, "I hear you're fantastic in bed". That's Brand Recognition.

Odi villayaadu paapa, Ok. Naan, nee ?

Finished school. College also katham. Try to live my life, try to fill it to the brim. Can't say I have done that. I've tried, yes. Not succeeded, yet.

Tu ne comprends pas ?
To quote, Matchbox 20 (busted) "Dont try to understand me"

Was parking my bike in my flat, when I saw two girls(actually children) playing shuttle. I paused and was just looking at them with such longings (they probably thought, we'd better give this akka a chance). They did just that. I played a round. Only then I realised how much I missed that. Last time I probably played, I'd have given myself wholly to the game, only this time, I was trying to not to jump too much, adjusting my salwar/dupatta several times, check at men when they walked about.

I want to run. As fast as my legs can carry. Without pausing. And want to feel the wind while I run. Then stop when I cannot take even one more step. I want to gasp for breath. Want to feel the way air rushes to my lungs.
Side effects : You sweat. Feel thirsty.
Solution : Drink Water
The feel : As if quenching your thirst with fresh water from himalayas

Have you seen the way Phoebe runs in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. ? Have you ever felt that way? I want to play again. Hide and Seek. Running and Catching. Treasure Hunt. Bamabaram. Or just look up the sky and go round and round standing in the same place (looks as if the world is going around you). Everybody claim that they live their life without regrets. I am not challenging them. But when you feel this way (or if ever you do), what will you do ?

I am sitting here in front of my comp. wishing I could just let myself free.

Rajinikanth

This post is exclusively dedicated to Rajini Uncle.

Just last week I saw Baasha on Sunday with my family. The best thing that could ever happen on a Sunday, according to my Dad is urlakazhangu (potato) curry, Vengaya(onion) sambhar, and a rajinikanth movie(One thing all of us agree on) . We love to have a late lunch enjoying thalaivar 's films. Its a perfect Combo.

Diwali was no exception. Padayappa was on the top notch prioprity. We noted the timings, calculated and packed sweets for relatives and kept a maximum of 5 minutes per house.. We had to visit around 8 houses including a visit to my father's boss's house. So started early. Our target was to reach home by 11.30. We were on time everywhere stating imaginable reasons and getting out of our relatives place, except for the boss's house. We reached there at 11.15 and got stuck there as the boss had gone out. So waited. You should have seen us, all of us looking at each other, counting minutes, when the boss arrived ten minutes late. After formal greetings, we had to get over with the usual snack offerings, which took another ten minutes. By that time, my father already aware, that we would miss the 'S-U-P-E-R S-T-A-R' with bgm, was scheming on starting the act ( We had already discussed what we should say, on our way to their house!)
Appa : Sir, We'd better leave. We have to visit few more houses to visit.
Boss : But you just came Vichu, Stay for some more time. My brother will also be joining us..
Appa : (Ayayo, intro song arambikkapodhe (Intro song is going to start) No Sir. We wouldn't want to disturb you..
Boss : Nothing doing. Have some more sweets.
Appa : (En paeru padayappa..(humming) think of something!) No Sir, we're having a get-together in Annanagar. So they will be waiting for us.
We all look at appa(huh?!)
My mom follows the suit.
Mom : Oh yes.
Myself and Meenu look at each other and nod.
Boss : Oh ok then.
Appa : (Whew!) Happy Diwali Sir!

My father drove the car at an admirable speed. We reached home finally and switced on tv franticaly to find we had missed quite a lot. Still settled down to enjoy the rest of the movie.

I dont remember the first movie I saw of Rajini's but I do remember seeing 'Anbulla Rajinikanth' in my 3rd standard. I was in Bangalore spending my vacation. We got the VCR tape and saw it one evening. I remember crying so much to my aunt after seeing the movie, cos I also wanted to see or atleast talk to Rajinikanth immediately. I brawled and fought with them with just one question in my mind 'If that girl in the movie(Meena), met Rajini Uncle, I can also meet him.' For two hours I cried. Did not sleep. My aunt could still recalls that incident. Only after they gave me a post card to write (which was addressed to Rajinikanth, Madras- for my satisfaction!), did I shut up. Then I wrote and slept off. I remember waiting for a reply, but it never came. I am guessing, I got distracted on to other things and completely forgot about it.

My father marks quite a resemblance towards Rajinikanth. Not that distinct. Let's say, that a few gestures that he does at home, then when he dances, :) , he looks like Rajinikanth. I have posted a photo, will get an older pic of my dad, that looks more striking.

Years later, I saw 'Aarilurundhu Arubhadhu varai'. I swore that I will not see that movie again cos Rajini 'Uncle' suffered too much. Till date, I catch glimpses of the film when it is played cos I cant stop myself from not watching, but try to change channels when he suffers. Till date, I cry whenever his brothers turn him down, when he loses his wife and everything. 'Thalapathi' sollave vendam. when he says 'Amma vittutu poyita', I break down.

Before this, I saw 'Padikkadhavan' was my favourite. I used to curse that stupid brother of his who made fun of Rajini when he turns up with red coloured Coat. 'Dharmathin Thalaivan'. Cursed Prabhu too for getting drunk. I still like the way it goes 'Kanna!', 'Anna!'. 'Adhisiya piravi was another fvourite one. 'Bada bejaaara pochu pa!'.'Billa', 'Johny'(that sexy song-aasaya kaathula thoodhu vittu), 'Raja chinna roja', 'Guru Sishya', 'Morattu kalai', 'Nallavannuku Nallavan', 'Velaikkaran', 'Uzhaipaali' and I could go on.

Most of them feel 'Baba' was a waste. I saw it 15 times. Once in theatre. We still get the CD and watch it sometimes.

Thalaivar is best when he is doing comedy. I just love it when he just simply stares at Senthil or Goundamani when they fool around. I also love when he does father roles. I personally think it suits him so much when he gives advice to his daughters ( Baasha/Padayappa/Nallavanukku Nallavan).

I absolutely fall head over heels when he does these kutti kutti gimmicks like for eg :
Right after he says 'Vatta' in Arunachalam in Soundharya's house.
In Baba, when the media covers him and the minister, he walks out of the crowd and does this cute thing. Even in Padayappa, after seeing Soundharya. Absoultely Original.

I can watch any of his film, any number of time at any given time. And still enjoy it the way I did the first time. When I see his movies, I forget about all these technical aspects. He is muthu/padayyapa/baasha/johny or whoever and I am watching their lives go by in those three hours. Nobody can ever replace him. We 've got a gem with us, but still, have we mislead him into believing we are satisfied seeing him in similar roles? There is so much more he is capable of. Because he does not act, he just becomes that character. He could still do other kinds of roles and still attract many more.

I am so glad, that I am here enjoying his films rather being anywhere in this world.

Is my Honda Activa, actually a reincarnation of my Scooty?

It stopped. In between mainroads, just when I was about to go for an urgent work, just when I had filled petrol,just after the signal turned green, just when there was no place to park, just in the middle of the road, just like my scooty. The signs were inevitable to miss. More like a deja'vu. And more indications when it did not start after several times of kicking. Another famous characteristic of my scooty(which incidentally helped me develop my calf muscles).

For those of you, who did not know my Scooty, it deserves more respect. The scooty was bought in 1997. My sister was one of the lucky few to have got it then, that too immediately after its launch. It served her -a 12th, three years of her college and three more years in bangalore. Then it came to me. Now, I think my scooty was more attached to me than my sister, cos it chose to be my well-wisher in making me think twice about dieting, exercises that I was not into. It helped me keep me trim and healthy. Unlike titoo, it used to make me, take it for long walks, do calf-muscle aerobics and even took share in my pocket money for having drinks for every 13 kms. It did not have head lights or breaks . Its indicators were loud and one could , if you were one of the lucky chosen-ones - like enlightened ones or something, could see a tiny speck of light. And horns, what do I say about them. Though it had invisible red ones, the sound that came out of this horn was barely audible even to me, spare the other drivers on the road. It had a blue body and a black front. Such was its beauty. It contributed generously to air pollution. And had the capability of riding without a single squeak coming out of it - For one, it never worked, so parked itself in a corner silently. For another - when it worked, you could hear a pin-drop, if it is a 50 kg iron pin, that is.

It commanded respect from those who sat on it and those who questioned its performance, well, it stopped. Mind you, it had served for 8 solid years now, hence it was quite proud of itself. But one day when a black shiny Honda Activa was placed next to it, it felt deprived quite of its attention. "How can they place flowers and offer bright yellow elumichum pazhum(lemon)for not even performing one day, when I, TVS Scooty have faithfully, taken her for a ride(pun intended) all these years?" . Needless to say, it made quite a fuss to be taken back to the workshop to get chopped. During its last days, it did show some affiliations towards Activa, but I dont think our Activa responded.

Now, back to square one, everything else is working fine, but when my Activa gave me a jolt, it brought back fond memories of my Scooty. Is it that faithful to come back to haunt me? Or is it turning from 'My First love' to 'An Obsessive lover' ?