No, my English is not poor,
I mean what I say.
Someone I thought long gone
Is back, but is he here to stay?
The last time we parted,
There was a lot of sorrow.
And that is something
Which, I don’t want on the morrow.
So what is the problem you say,
Just walk away,
I wish it were that easy,
For a person not to sway.
He was here again today,
Being very nice,
But in his eyes I saw,
All the old lies.
So there, I’ve done it,
I have sent him back,
And if he ever comes back again,
I’ll not be a jack(ass)!!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Gone with the wind... Not quite!
Just when you think someone’s out of your life for good, why do they surface again? Is there an explanation to this? Is this supposed to be an indication from above regarding that person? Especially if you’ve ended relations with that person on a bad note, what then? Do you go back to being “friends” because of the “signs”, or do you think, “To hell with the signs, I’m never going to speak with him/her again?” And what about your mental state? Don’t you feel as if your head will explode from the innumerable questions running through it? The ifs, whys and wherefores? Well, mine sure is!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
“We really cared about you”
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything in between can be dealt with.” These words were spoken by the king of pop who is now gone, but who will continue to live on as a legend. The man with a glove on one hand, the man who invented the concept of music videos, the man whose dance moves “thrilled” millions, Michael Jackson, is no more.
Michael Joseph Jackson, or MJ, as he came to be popularly known, was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, the seventh of nine children. At 1.14pm on Thursday, June 25, 2009, MJ was brought to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) medical centre in a state of coma after having said to suffer a cardiac arrest. The emergency physicians there kept up efforts to save him for about an hour, but to no avail.
MJ had a troubled childhood, but that didn’t perturb him, and by the time he was six years old, he, along with four of his brothers – Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, performed for the first time at a talent show, where they won the first prize. They formed a group called “The Jackson Five” (later known as “The Jackson 5”), of which MJ became the most popular.
MJ recorded his first solo album, Off The Wall, as an adult recording artist with Quincey Jones in 1979, but he became the man we know and love now in 1982, when he released “Thriller”, which was a smashing hit and topped the American Top 10 charts for 37 consecutive weeks. The next milestone in this man’s colourful life came in 1983, when he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance step while performing “Billie Jean” in a television special. The effect that move had, and continues to have on millions till date, is undoubted. Thereafter came the albums “Bad”, “Dangerous” and “HIStory”, though none of them received the kind of success that Thriller did.
MJ bought a 2,600 acre ranch worth $17 million in California in 1988, and named it “Neverland” after the name of the land of his fictitious idol, Peter Pan. MJ was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in Neverland in 1993. This, as well as other charges of child abuse, further tainted the man’s already tarnished image, although he was, at the end of the trial, acquitted on all charges.
It was also around this time that news of his increasingly bizarre behaviour started pouring in. However, according to an editorial by journalist and author Indrajit Hazra in the Hindustan Times (HT), “Wacko Jacko never really took shape” in India. So, when news came that he would be performing in Mumbai, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. Finally, on November 1, 1996, Jackson, glittering in a spacesuit, thrilled all audiences – old, young, celebrities, non-celebrities and politicians – with his dazzling performance. Such was the performance, that the atmosphere at the Andheri Sports complex, where the concert was held, was electric. Singer, producer and former VJ, Luke Kenny, said in an editorial in HT, “He did a bit in a crane where the crane passed over the audience… I would like to believe that for a split second he kind of looked at me!” This was also the time when one of the most oft-quoted phrases came about – “He even used my toilet,” said Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, whom Jackson paid a visit in order to use his loo.
Owing to the cost of maintaining Neverland and on account of a failing career, MJ’s financial condition was not too good. Post his death, it was heard that he was in fact being pressurised to undertake a 10-concert tour which was to be held in London starting later this July. That preparations for the concert were taking a toll on his health was one of the speculations that surrounded his sudden death. The concert, ironically, was named “This is it”.
As a child, MJ had had a troubled relationship with an abusive father, but he couldn’t find solace in relationships even as an adult. He married Lisa Marie, Elvis Presley’s only daughter in 1994, but they got divorced in 1996. He married Debbie Rowe in the same year and had two children by her, Prince Michael I and Paris Michael, before splitting with her in 1999. He is also survived by a third child, Prince Michael II, whose mother’s identity is unknown.
The negativity and controversies aside, the fact that the man was a sheer genius is evident in the fact that he won 13 Grammies throughout his career and over 750 million copies of his records were sold. His work and style have been an inspiration to countless, some of them being well-known faces in the Indian music and film industry. Shiamak Davar, choreographer and singer, said to HT, “Jacko will be remembered as a complete performer. Fans like me went crazy watching him perform.” Farah Khan, Bollywood choreographer and director, also told HT, “He is my guru. My dream was to choreograph a dance piece for him. It’ll never come true now.”
No sooner did the news of his demise start trickling in, than the cyber world became frenzied in its rush to know exactly what had happened to MJ. Search engines such as Google, social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and others like YouTube crashed due to the sheer number of people seeking information. However, while millions will miss the man’s music, some are also of the opinion that he was indeed a paedophile, as he was accused of being. Said Anand, aka Sandy, who studies at Hyderabad Central University, “He may be remembered as a great performer, but he will also be remembered as a paedophile.” Another person, Saurabh Mehta, said, “I have never been a great fan of his. In fact, I never understood his style of music.”
But while some will miss the man’s dance moves and others his eccentricities, the fact remains that be missed he will. So, in the end, all I “wanna” say is that we (a lot of us, in any case) really cared about you, MJ!
Michael Joseph Jackson, or MJ, as he came to be popularly known, was born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29, 1958, the seventh of nine children. At 1.14pm on Thursday, June 25, 2009, MJ was brought to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) medical centre in a state of coma after having said to suffer a cardiac arrest. The emergency physicians there kept up efforts to save him for about an hour, but to no avail.
MJ had a troubled childhood, but that didn’t perturb him, and by the time he was six years old, he, along with four of his brothers – Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, performed for the first time at a talent show, where they won the first prize. They formed a group called “The Jackson Five” (later known as “The Jackson 5”), of which MJ became the most popular.
MJ recorded his first solo album, Off The Wall, as an adult recording artist with Quincey Jones in 1979, but he became the man we know and love now in 1982, when he released “Thriller”, which was a smashing hit and topped the American Top 10 charts for 37 consecutive weeks. The next milestone in this man’s colourful life came in 1983, when he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance step while performing “Billie Jean” in a television special. The effect that move had, and continues to have on millions till date, is undoubted. Thereafter came the albums “Bad”, “Dangerous” and “HIStory”, though none of them received the kind of success that Thriller did.
MJ bought a 2,600 acre ranch worth $17 million in California in 1988, and named it “Neverland” after the name of the land of his fictitious idol, Peter Pan. MJ was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in Neverland in 1993. This, as well as other charges of child abuse, further tainted the man’s already tarnished image, although he was, at the end of the trial, acquitted on all charges.
It was also around this time that news of his increasingly bizarre behaviour started pouring in. However, according to an editorial by journalist and author Indrajit Hazra in the Hindustan Times (HT), “Wacko Jacko never really took shape” in India. So, when news came that he would be performing in Mumbai, the excitement in the air was almost tangible. Finally, on November 1, 1996, Jackson, glittering in a spacesuit, thrilled all audiences – old, young, celebrities, non-celebrities and politicians – with his dazzling performance. Such was the performance, that the atmosphere at the Andheri Sports complex, where the concert was held, was electric. Singer, producer and former VJ, Luke Kenny, said in an editorial in HT, “He did a bit in a crane where the crane passed over the audience… I would like to believe that for a split second he kind of looked at me!” This was also the time when one of the most oft-quoted phrases came about – “He even used my toilet,” said Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, whom Jackson paid a visit in order to use his loo.
Owing to the cost of maintaining Neverland and on account of a failing career, MJ’s financial condition was not too good. Post his death, it was heard that he was in fact being pressurised to undertake a 10-concert tour which was to be held in London starting later this July. That preparations for the concert were taking a toll on his health was one of the speculations that surrounded his sudden death. The concert, ironically, was named “This is it”.
As a child, MJ had had a troubled relationship with an abusive father, but he couldn’t find solace in relationships even as an adult. He married Lisa Marie, Elvis Presley’s only daughter in 1994, but they got divorced in 1996. He married Debbie Rowe in the same year and had two children by her, Prince Michael I and Paris Michael, before splitting with her in 1999. He is also survived by a third child, Prince Michael II, whose mother’s identity is unknown.
The negativity and controversies aside, the fact that the man was a sheer genius is evident in the fact that he won 13 Grammies throughout his career and over 750 million copies of his records were sold. His work and style have been an inspiration to countless, some of them being well-known faces in the Indian music and film industry. Shiamak Davar, choreographer and singer, said to HT, “Jacko will be remembered as a complete performer. Fans like me went crazy watching him perform.” Farah Khan, Bollywood choreographer and director, also told HT, “He is my guru. My dream was to choreograph a dance piece for him. It’ll never come true now.”
No sooner did the news of his demise start trickling in, than the cyber world became frenzied in its rush to know exactly what had happened to MJ. Search engines such as Google, social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and others like YouTube crashed due to the sheer number of people seeking information. However, while millions will miss the man’s music, some are also of the opinion that he was indeed a paedophile, as he was accused of being. Said Anand, aka Sandy, who studies at Hyderabad Central University, “He may be remembered as a great performer, but he will also be remembered as a paedophile.” Another person, Saurabh Mehta, said, “I have never been a great fan of his. In fact, I never understood his style of music.”
But while some will miss the man’s dance moves and others his eccentricities, the fact remains that be missed he will. So, in the end, all I “wanna” say is that we (a lot of us, in any case) really cared about you, MJ!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Timeless jewel
Disclaimer: With inputs from older brother!
From the richest to the poorest, oldest to youngest, everyone identifies with this miracle of Mumbai – the Queen’s Necklace. The Queen’s Necklace is nothing but Marine Drive, and is so called, because when looked at from a high altitude, especially at night, owing to all the sparkling lights of the city that never sleeps, the area around the sea, right from Nariman Point to Chowpatty, is lit up, thus giving the effect of a dazzling jewel.
The places which make up this fabulous jewel, are favourite hangouts for people of all ages and from all walks of life. All of them can be found here, enjoying themselves. Says Nasir Engineer, a student of Jai Hind college (students frequent Marine Drive due to its proximity to the college), “Every time lectures get cancelled, or we don’t feel like sitting for a particularly boring lecture, we come here. It’s so much fun!” There are many others who share his sentiment. Nupur Sariya, who works near Chowpatty, says, “During lunch breaks at work, I come here sometimes. I know it’s sunny, especially in the summers, but then I sit under the shade of a tree on the bench, and just sit back and relax. Alternately, I also go to Cafe Coffee Day on the opposite side of the road in the evenings at times with friends. Just being near the sea gives a sense of serenity and calmness.”
The people who love being close to the sea would anyway have enjoyed going to the sea face, but ever since the beautification project was undertaken – and completed – near Marine Drive, the area has become even more beautiful and inviting. An entire promenade has been created, complete with trees along the way. Another positive step taken towards making this jewel even more appealing, was the clearance of all the hawkers from the main beach at Chowpatty. While it’s true that Chowpatty would be incomplete without its pani puri and bhel puriwalas, they sure were a nuisance when they used to spread right across the beach. Also, the Chowpatty beach is now much cleaner than it used to be before, which is a definite plus.
And who can forget the ghoda gadiwalas! Magnificent chariot seats atop resplendent (or not so resplendent) horses, the breeze in your face while the horse’s hoofs go clippety clop; what more could you ask for? Lower rates for the rides, that’s one thing for sure! A ride from Nariman Point to Chowpatty would cost you anywhere between Rs. 250 – 350! Ask them why they charge so much, and the owners of the carriages – such as Masoud bhai tangewale – say that feeding the horse alone costs so much; like you alone are supposed to be paying for that!
Marine Drive was the very place which saw the man whom we all know as King Khan now, say to his friend, “I will be the king of this city one day.” And, well, the sea bears witness to the coming true of this declaration, and probably many more such beliefs, hopes and dreams, that we may know nothing of. The Queen’s Necklace has become immortal in Indian cinema; right from Ashok Kumar to Akshay Kumar, Sunil Dutt to Sanjay Dutt, and Chalti ka Naam Gadi to Lagey Raho Munnabhai!
However, apart from all the good things connected with the Queen’s Necklace, if one looks closer than the twinkling lights, the water of the Arabian Sea is not exactly crystal clear, but for that, nobody but the public is to blame. Mrs. Shirin Mehta, who lives in NCPA Apartments facing the sea at Nariman Point, says, “It’s great to be living here, but, sometimes, when I’m standing at the window, and see people throwing plastic bottles and whole bags of litter into the sea, I get very upset. Once or twice when I was out and saw this happening, I reprimanded the lady who was tossing things in the water, but she just gave me a nasty look and walked away.”
Mrs. Mehta’s complaints, however, are not the lawmakers’ only worries. Apart from this problem, the law also has to make sure to secure the coastal areas, so that another 26/11 does not take place in Mumbai. After the carnage at the Taj, the Oberoi and the Trident, among other places in South Mumbai, securing the coastal areas has become the need of the hour.
Apart from the pressing and serious matter of coastal security, there is also the matter of the area being a lovers’ point. In this day and age, where everyone has a fundamental right to freedom, this freedom is taken very literally by some. While the stand of certain political parties or the ‘moral brigade’ tends to be extreme on this issue, wherein couples indulge in PDA (Public Display of Affection), some people just carry it too far. Sunita, a young girl, who was enjoying some blissful moments with her boyfriend at Chowpatty, said, “As long as couples do not indulge in behaviour that is over the top and can be embarrassing to others around them, I don’t see any harm in couples sitting together. But this concept of the ‘moral police’ is ridiculous. How can you threaten people for holding hands?” asked a bewildered Sunita, and her partner couldn’t agree more.
Thus, the Queen’s Necklace epitomises the essence of Mumbai – where, irrespective of joys and sorrows, ups and downs, the poor man can enjoy himself while looking out at the sea, or the rich man while relaxing in a horse carriage; for after all, what is this, if not the Mumbai that draws people from around the world, the Mumbai that everyone loves, the Mumbai of our dreams.
From the richest to the poorest, oldest to youngest, everyone identifies with this miracle of Mumbai – the Queen’s Necklace. The Queen’s Necklace is nothing but Marine Drive, and is so called, because when looked at from a high altitude, especially at night, owing to all the sparkling lights of the city that never sleeps, the area around the sea, right from Nariman Point to Chowpatty, is lit up, thus giving the effect of a dazzling jewel.
The places which make up this fabulous jewel, are favourite hangouts for people of all ages and from all walks of life. All of them can be found here, enjoying themselves. Says Nasir Engineer, a student of Jai Hind college (students frequent Marine Drive due to its proximity to the college), “Every time lectures get cancelled, or we don’t feel like sitting for a particularly boring lecture, we come here. It’s so much fun!” There are many others who share his sentiment. Nupur Sariya, who works near Chowpatty, says, “During lunch breaks at work, I come here sometimes. I know it’s sunny, especially in the summers, but then I sit under the shade of a tree on the bench, and just sit back and relax. Alternately, I also go to Cafe Coffee Day on the opposite side of the road in the evenings at times with friends. Just being near the sea gives a sense of serenity and calmness.”
The people who love being close to the sea would anyway have enjoyed going to the sea face, but ever since the beautification project was undertaken – and completed – near Marine Drive, the area has become even more beautiful and inviting. An entire promenade has been created, complete with trees along the way. Another positive step taken towards making this jewel even more appealing, was the clearance of all the hawkers from the main beach at Chowpatty. While it’s true that Chowpatty would be incomplete without its pani puri and bhel puriwalas, they sure were a nuisance when they used to spread right across the beach. Also, the Chowpatty beach is now much cleaner than it used to be before, which is a definite plus.
And who can forget the ghoda gadiwalas! Magnificent chariot seats atop resplendent (or not so resplendent) horses, the breeze in your face while the horse’s hoofs go clippety clop; what more could you ask for? Lower rates for the rides, that’s one thing for sure! A ride from Nariman Point to Chowpatty would cost you anywhere between Rs. 250 – 350! Ask them why they charge so much, and the owners of the carriages – such as Masoud bhai tangewale – say that feeding the horse alone costs so much; like you alone are supposed to be paying for that!
Marine Drive was the very place which saw the man whom we all know as King Khan now, say to his friend, “I will be the king of this city one day.” And, well, the sea bears witness to the coming true of this declaration, and probably many more such beliefs, hopes and dreams, that we may know nothing of. The Queen’s Necklace has become immortal in Indian cinema; right from Ashok Kumar to Akshay Kumar, Sunil Dutt to Sanjay Dutt, and Chalti ka Naam Gadi to Lagey Raho Munnabhai!
However, apart from all the good things connected with the Queen’s Necklace, if one looks closer than the twinkling lights, the water of the Arabian Sea is not exactly crystal clear, but for that, nobody but the public is to blame. Mrs. Shirin Mehta, who lives in NCPA Apartments facing the sea at Nariman Point, says, “It’s great to be living here, but, sometimes, when I’m standing at the window, and see people throwing plastic bottles and whole bags of litter into the sea, I get very upset. Once or twice when I was out and saw this happening, I reprimanded the lady who was tossing things in the water, but she just gave me a nasty look and walked away.”
Mrs. Mehta’s complaints, however, are not the lawmakers’ only worries. Apart from this problem, the law also has to make sure to secure the coastal areas, so that another 26/11 does not take place in Mumbai. After the carnage at the Taj, the Oberoi and the Trident, among other places in South Mumbai, securing the coastal areas has become the need of the hour.
Apart from the pressing and serious matter of coastal security, there is also the matter of the area being a lovers’ point. In this day and age, where everyone has a fundamental right to freedom, this freedom is taken very literally by some. While the stand of certain political parties or the ‘moral brigade’ tends to be extreme on this issue, wherein couples indulge in PDA (Public Display of Affection), some people just carry it too far. Sunita, a young girl, who was enjoying some blissful moments with her boyfriend at Chowpatty, said, “As long as couples do not indulge in behaviour that is over the top and can be embarrassing to others around them, I don’t see any harm in couples sitting together. But this concept of the ‘moral police’ is ridiculous. How can you threaten people for holding hands?” asked a bewildered Sunita, and her partner couldn’t agree more.
Thus, the Queen’s Necklace epitomises the essence of Mumbai – where, irrespective of joys and sorrows, ups and downs, the poor man can enjoy himself while looking out at the sea, or the rich man while relaxing in a horse carriage; for after all, what is this, if not the Mumbai that draws people from around the world, the Mumbai that everyone loves, the Mumbai of our dreams.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Mirror
You have so many hopes, so many aspirations. Yet, you live for those around you; for those you love. Not that you’re complaining, because you truly love them, and want to do something in return for all that they’ve done for you. But sometimes you just want to do something for yourself. Problem is, you don’t know what.
When it comes to others, you know what you can – or should – do for them; it’s simple. They want something – you give it to them. But that’s because they know what they want, you don’t. Even if it’s not possible for you to give them something, you try your darnedest, and when you still can’t, then you continue to feel bad about it.
As each day passes, you want something else, you covet something new. Yet, you don’t try to get it, because you’re too scared to try; you’ve already assumed you are going to fail. With others, you don’t feel like that; you don’t feel their failure. Therefore it is easier for you to give them what they want.
You like to see people that you love happy, but what makes you happy? This, what you’re doing now, or something else? Do you like to listen to music, or are you happier when you dance, or perhaps when you read? Or maybe when you write?
Why am I talking about you? Probably for the same reason as I’m afraid to admit that you are a mirror.
When it comes to others, you know what you can – or should – do for them; it’s simple. They want something – you give it to them. But that’s because they know what they want, you don’t. Even if it’s not possible for you to give them something, you try your darnedest, and when you still can’t, then you continue to feel bad about it.
As each day passes, you want something else, you covet something new. Yet, you don’t try to get it, because you’re too scared to try; you’ve already assumed you are going to fail. With others, you don’t feel like that; you don’t feel their failure. Therefore it is easier for you to give them what they want.
You like to see people that you love happy, but what makes you happy? This, what you’re doing now, or something else? Do you like to listen to music, or are you happier when you dance, or perhaps when you read? Or maybe when you write?
Why am I talking about you? Probably for the same reason as I’m afraid to admit that you are a mirror.
She was scared
She was scared to try out new things,
For she thought she would fail,
She never would have imagined,
That her ship, too, could set sail.
She had lived like a loner,
All her life,
Most of which had been,
Laden with personal strife.
She used to lie to people,
And say she was fine,
When, in reality,
She was always out of line.
She had friends whom she loved,
But she couldn’t tell them that,
And one fine day she found
Herself, alone on the field to bat.
She loved a man, too,
But she didn’t know it,
She thought he wasn’t worth it,
And so she didn’t show it.
Then he was gone,
And she knew it was for best,
But her cruel soul,
Wouldn’t let her rest.
She knows that he now has a life,
Which doesn’t include her,
And the thought hurts so much my friend,
That it makes me shudder.
“Today”, she thought to herself,
“I’ll let it all out,”
“I’ll make myself free somehow,”
As her heart thudded loud.
And she knew she wouldn’t sleep that night,
Not with her heart brimming,
But the ways of the heart are strange for sure,
And soon, she was dreaming!
For she thought she would fail,
She never would have imagined,
That her ship, too, could set sail.
She had lived like a loner,
All her life,
Most of which had been,
Laden with personal strife.
She used to lie to people,
And say she was fine,
When, in reality,
She was always out of line.
She had friends whom she loved,
But she couldn’t tell them that,
And one fine day she found
Herself, alone on the field to bat.
She loved a man, too,
But she didn’t know it,
She thought he wasn’t worth it,
And so she didn’t show it.
Then he was gone,
And she knew it was for best,
But her cruel soul,
Wouldn’t let her rest.
She knows that he now has a life,
Which doesn’t include her,
And the thought hurts so much my friend,
That it makes me shudder.
“Today”, she thought to herself,
“I’ll let it all out,”
“I’ll make myself free somehow,”
As her heart thudded loud.
And she knew she wouldn’t sleep that night,
Not with her heart brimming,
But the ways of the heart are strange for sure,
And soon, she was dreaming!
Dear Diary
Dear Diary,
Today, I spoke to one of my closest friends over the phone after a long, long time. Ours is a story very common, yet unique. We started out the way many people who later become the best of friends do – as enemies. Well, not enemies exactly, but we never got along well. For some reason, he had decided to dislike me and make it known to me that he disliked me! That very often led to bickering amongst us.
We met in junior college, a time when everyone is looking for fresh starts, new friends, boyfriends / girlfriends… we were no different. But this is where the similarity of our relationship with that of many others ends. Because that was one time when we didn’t like the sight of one another, and now is another, when we are very close friends. How it happened, well, neither of us knows, to be very honest (maybe he does, but I certainly don’t). Maybe he realised that I was not the person he really thought I was, which happens when one assumes things about people one doesn’t even know, what you may call prejudice.
So anyway, getting back to the present, after all the good times that we’ve shared, there really haven’t been any bad times – except maybe the times when I thought he was being too insensitive, which I still feel at times, or he thought I was too slow in getting across what I wanted to say, which he still does even today – we’ve reached a point where we don’t need to be in constant touch to know that we’re there for each other, always. Speaking to him today felt really good, as it always does. It brought a smile to my face, like it always does. Sure, he said a lot of things which were absolute rubbish, (which I will fight with him over if he objects, which he will if he ever reads this) but even that felt good to hear, because it’s so him. We chatted for over an hour, and we fought over why I never call him up, which we always do, (lot of ‘always’, I notice) and we flirted, like we always do, both knowing that it was nothing but just a bit of harmless flirting, if there is any such thing. Sure, along the way, we went through a phase where one developed a liking for the other, (I won’t mention who liked who) as is to be expected in any close relationship, and we got over that, because the other person wasn’t ready for it. But now, it seems maybe, just maybe, the other person is ready…
We’ve gone through all of that, and as I’m writing this, for the first time I don’t know how to end this note, which is usually never a problem for me. But again, as I’m writing, a thought strikes me – I don’t know how to end because there is no end. The telephone conversation has ended, but this friendship, not just yet, and as far as I can see, won’t for quite sometime! Amen to that!! So long then, dear diary, take care, get back to you later!!
Today, I spoke to one of my closest friends over the phone after a long, long time. Ours is a story very common, yet unique. We started out the way many people who later become the best of friends do – as enemies. Well, not enemies exactly, but we never got along well. For some reason, he had decided to dislike me and make it known to me that he disliked me! That very often led to bickering amongst us.
We met in junior college, a time when everyone is looking for fresh starts, new friends, boyfriends / girlfriends… we were no different. But this is where the similarity of our relationship with that of many others ends. Because that was one time when we didn’t like the sight of one another, and now is another, when we are very close friends. How it happened, well, neither of us knows, to be very honest (maybe he does, but I certainly don’t). Maybe he realised that I was not the person he really thought I was, which happens when one assumes things about people one doesn’t even know, what you may call prejudice.
So anyway, getting back to the present, after all the good times that we’ve shared, there really haven’t been any bad times – except maybe the times when I thought he was being too insensitive, which I still feel at times, or he thought I was too slow in getting across what I wanted to say, which he still does even today – we’ve reached a point where we don’t need to be in constant touch to know that we’re there for each other, always. Speaking to him today felt really good, as it always does. It brought a smile to my face, like it always does. Sure, he said a lot of things which were absolute rubbish, (which I will fight with him over if he objects, which he will if he ever reads this) but even that felt good to hear, because it’s so him. We chatted for over an hour, and we fought over why I never call him up, which we always do, (lot of ‘always’, I notice) and we flirted, like we always do, both knowing that it was nothing but just a bit of harmless flirting, if there is any such thing. Sure, along the way, we went through a phase where one developed a liking for the other, (I won’t mention who liked who) as is to be expected in any close relationship, and we got over that, because the other person wasn’t ready for it. But now, it seems maybe, just maybe, the other person is ready…
We’ve gone through all of that, and as I’m writing this, for the first time I don’t know how to end this note, which is usually never a problem for me. But again, as I’m writing, a thought strikes me – I don’t know how to end because there is no end. The telephone conversation has ended, but this friendship, not just yet, and as far as I can see, won’t for quite sometime! Amen to that!! So long then, dear diary, take care, get back to you later!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
It rained fours and sixes
This sure was the case in the 17th match of the IPL – Mumbai Indians (MI) v/s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After a not-so-good performance in the previous matches by both teams, expectations were high among the supporters on both sides.
Sachin Tendulkar, captain of the MI, won the toss and elected to bat first. Right from the start, the two opening batsmen – Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasurya – came down strong on the bowlers of the KKR.
The match saw quite a few landmarks, namely, one of the best totals put up by a team in the first innings, (187 runs), a fantastic partnership between the two openers of the MI, and, the most important of all, Sachin Tendulkar’s highest ever IPL total (68 runs).
Right from the beginning of the match, the KKR looked under pressure (evident from the mis-fielding in the very first ball, and also from the fact that Anureet Singh had to retire while trying to save a four hit by Tendulkar early in the match). The match was especially memorable because not even one wicket had fallen till the end of the first 10 overs. When Tendulkar finally did get out on an LBW appeal, (superb bowling by Lakshmi Shukla), it was not before he had made an amazing 68 runs off only 45 balls.
A surprising development was Harbhajan Singh coming in at 1-down. However, he did his job, and before he fell prey to Mendis, (caught out), he had hit two sixes, and made a total of 18 runs off just eight balls.
Then came Abhishek Nayar and J. P. Duminy, who failed to make any significant contributions. All this while, Jayasurya had stayed put, but finally got out on a ball by Shukla once again. However, he had, by then, made a fantastic 52 runs off only 32 balls. Thereafter, the wickets started falling in quick succession, but by the time the 20 overs were completed, the damage had been done, with the MI ending with a fabulous 187 – 6.
Like they say, ‘the game of cricket is never over until it’s over’, expectations were once again riding high on the openers of the KKR, Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle. However, due to immense pressure on the two, only four runs were made in the first over. Soon, the wickets started falling as first McCullum (who got out on a ball by Lasith Malinga; one run off six balls) and then Gayle (ball – Bravo, catch – Tendulkar; 12 runs off 11 balls) got out. Former captain of the KKR, Saurav Ganguly, and Brad Hodge managed to get a 50 run partnership off 39 balls, but just when things were beginning to look up, they got out, too. From then on, it was a downward fall for the KKR, and before they knew it, they were all out after having made only 95 runs, thus losing by more that 90 runs, one of the worst scores ever by any team in an IPL match.
From the get-go, the MI looked determined to win the match. The ‘DLF Maximum’ award for hitting the maximum number of sixes was shared by the two openers of the MI, Tendulkar and Jayasurya, and the Man of the Match prize was also given to Tendulkar, while Lasith Malinga claimed the purple cap for taking the maximum number of wickets in the series till now.
By far one of the most entertaining matches in the season so far, this victory scooted the MI to the third position (where they must be very happy to be) and looking to make it to the top spot.
Sachin Tendulkar, captain of the MI, won the toss and elected to bat first. Right from the start, the two opening batsmen – Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasurya – came down strong on the bowlers of the KKR.
The match saw quite a few landmarks, namely, one of the best totals put up by a team in the first innings, (187 runs), a fantastic partnership between the two openers of the MI, and, the most important of all, Sachin Tendulkar’s highest ever IPL total (68 runs).
Right from the beginning of the match, the KKR looked under pressure (evident from the mis-fielding in the very first ball, and also from the fact that Anureet Singh had to retire while trying to save a four hit by Tendulkar early in the match). The match was especially memorable because not even one wicket had fallen till the end of the first 10 overs. When Tendulkar finally did get out on an LBW appeal, (superb bowling by Lakshmi Shukla), it was not before he had made an amazing 68 runs off only 45 balls.
A surprising development was Harbhajan Singh coming in at 1-down. However, he did his job, and before he fell prey to Mendis, (caught out), he had hit two sixes, and made a total of 18 runs off just eight balls.
Then came Abhishek Nayar and J. P. Duminy, who failed to make any significant contributions. All this while, Jayasurya had stayed put, but finally got out on a ball by Shukla once again. However, he had, by then, made a fantastic 52 runs off only 32 balls. Thereafter, the wickets started falling in quick succession, but by the time the 20 overs were completed, the damage had been done, with the MI ending with a fabulous 187 – 6.
Like they say, ‘the game of cricket is never over until it’s over’, expectations were once again riding high on the openers of the KKR, Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle. However, due to immense pressure on the two, only four runs were made in the first over. Soon, the wickets started falling as first McCullum (who got out on a ball by Lasith Malinga; one run off six balls) and then Gayle (ball – Bravo, catch – Tendulkar; 12 runs off 11 balls) got out. Former captain of the KKR, Saurav Ganguly, and Brad Hodge managed to get a 50 run partnership off 39 balls, but just when things were beginning to look up, they got out, too. From then on, it was a downward fall for the KKR, and before they knew it, they were all out after having made only 95 runs, thus losing by more that 90 runs, one of the worst scores ever by any team in an IPL match.
From the get-go, the MI looked determined to win the match. The ‘DLF Maximum’ award for hitting the maximum number of sixes was shared by the two openers of the MI, Tendulkar and Jayasurya, and the Man of the Match prize was also given to Tendulkar, while Lasith Malinga claimed the purple cap for taking the maximum number of wickets in the series till now.
By far one of the most entertaining matches in the season so far, this victory scooted the MI to the third position (where they must be very happy to be) and looking to make it to the top spot.
Match made in heaven
One can surely say that about the 15th match of the IPL, held on April 26, 2009, between King’s XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals.
What started out as a fantastic game for the Rajasthan Royals, (what with the first wicket falling on the very first ball of the innings) soon became anybody’s match. After the fall of four wickets, all in quick succession of one another, the King’s XI looked under mighty pressure.
None of the players from the team of Punjab managed to stay on the field for very long under the expert bowling of Kamran Khan, and excellent fielding by Asnodkar (responsible for the fall of Karan Goel’s wicket on the very first ball due to stumping) and the rest of the team.
After the fall of the wickets of Yuvraj Singh – who looked very upset about it – and Irfan Pathan – who made sure that the team made a respectable total – it looked like all was lost. But the saving grace (and eventual Man of the Match) for the King’s XI, was Kumara Sangakarra, with his commendable 60 runs off only 51 balls. At the end of 20 overs, King’s XI Punjab were 6 wickets down and had managed to make a decent, if not great, 139 runs, while in the beginning, a total of even 120 looked difficult for them.
Then, it was the turn of the defending champions to bat. It looked like an easy total which they should have gotten without difficulty, but Irfan Pathan, still going strong and carrying on in the bowling from where he left off in the batting, took two important top order wickets. Soon, the wickets started falling, and after the fall of Ravinder Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan’s wickets – the last hopes of the Rajasthan Royals – the team’s fate was pretty-much decided.
Although the Rajasthan Royals lost the match by a big margin, (making this the second win for the King’s XI team on the trot) what is worth mentioning is Shane Warne’s amazing captaincy. He may not have shown his true worth as a bowler, (and indeed, his bowling did contribute to the opposition scoring many runs) his spirit on the field was very encouraging. Although he couldn’t run between the wickets very often, he did make it a point to stay right till the end, and, even while his team was fielding, whenever the opposite team’s player played well, he acknowledged it by applauding. Also, whenever his own team members mis-fielded – unlike other captains – he did not reprimand them; instead, he spoke to them about where they were going wrong; just like a true captain would.
All in all, it was a great game, and while it must have acted as a morale booster for the King’s XI, the Rajasthan Royals can be expected to come back stronger and better the next time!
What started out as a fantastic game for the Rajasthan Royals, (what with the first wicket falling on the very first ball of the innings) soon became anybody’s match. After the fall of four wickets, all in quick succession of one another, the King’s XI looked under mighty pressure.
None of the players from the team of Punjab managed to stay on the field for very long under the expert bowling of Kamran Khan, and excellent fielding by Asnodkar (responsible for the fall of Karan Goel’s wicket on the very first ball due to stumping) and the rest of the team.
After the fall of the wickets of Yuvraj Singh – who looked very upset about it – and Irfan Pathan – who made sure that the team made a respectable total – it looked like all was lost. But the saving grace (and eventual Man of the Match) for the King’s XI, was Kumara Sangakarra, with his commendable 60 runs off only 51 balls. At the end of 20 overs, King’s XI Punjab were 6 wickets down and had managed to make a decent, if not great, 139 runs, while in the beginning, a total of even 120 looked difficult for them.
Then, it was the turn of the defending champions to bat. It looked like an easy total which they should have gotten without difficulty, but Irfan Pathan, still going strong and carrying on in the bowling from where he left off in the batting, took two important top order wickets. Soon, the wickets started falling, and after the fall of Ravinder Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan’s wickets – the last hopes of the Rajasthan Royals – the team’s fate was pretty-much decided.
Although the Rajasthan Royals lost the match by a big margin, (making this the second win for the King’s XI team on the trot) what is worth mentioning is Shane Warne’s amazing captaincy. He may not have shown his true worth as a bowler, (and indeed, his bowling did contribute to the opposition scoring many runs) his spirit on the field was very encouraging. Although he couldn’t run between the wickets very often, he did make it a point to stay right till the end, and, even while his team was fielding, whenever the opposite team’s player played well, he acknowledged it by applauding. Also, whenever his own team members mis-fielded – unlike other captains – he did not reprimand them; instead, he spoke to them about where they were going wrong; just like a true captain would.
All in all, it was a great game, and while it must have acted as a morale booster for the King’s XI, the Rajasthan Royals can be expected to come back stronger and better the next time!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Exercise your right to not vote
On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, post-graduate students pursuing their Masters in Communication and Journalism (MCJ) from Mumbai University’s Department of Communication and Journalism held a guest lecture at Sophia College, Mumbai, which was attended by the students of Bachelor of Mass Media (B.M.M.). They spoke about their initiative, ‘Democracy Works’, which makes people aware of Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Indian Election Commission Rules, 1961. Also covering the event was news channel ____.
According to Rule 49-O, a registered voter can exercise his/her right not to vote for any candidate during elections. With the elections around the corner, this session was made all the more important. One of the speakers, Rahul Dubey, a post-graduate student of Journalism at the University of Mumbai, said, “If a voter thinks that the contesting candidates are not worthy of the vote, a ‘No Vote’ can be cast by signing form 17-A on the day of polling.”
Mr. Dubey, along with Mr. _______, who is a ________, explained to the students that this movement to make people aware of their right to cast a no vote was mainly for those individuals who are registered voters, but who do not vote during elections because they believe that none of the candidates deserve to win. This step, then, is a way to ensure ‘one less excuse not to cast a vote’.
The procedure to cast a No Vote is simple. On the day of the elections, voters must go to their respective voting centres, confirm their identity, and sign the register. They must then ask the presiding officer to give them form 17-A, where they must sign, as must the presiding officer. They must not press any buttons on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). This will be considered as a No Vote.
While speaking of the empowerment provided to citizens through Rule 49-O, Mr. _____ also pointed out the loopholes which may be a hindrance to the implementation of the rule. He explained by giving a hypothetical situation in which ‘X’ candidate and ‘Y’ candidate contest the elections. If, in such a situation, 70,000 votes are No Votes, followed by 65,000 and 60,000 votes for ‘X’ and ‘Y’ respectively, and ‘X’ were to be declared the winner, ‘Y’ could file a case stating that since 70,000 people voted against ‘X’, the latter can not be elected. In such a case scenario, there would have to be re-polls. To counter this, a student asked what would happen if there were re-polls; would the same people contest, thus leading to re-polls, resulting in an endless cycle? To this, Mr. _____replied that these were hypothetical assumptions which might not take place.
Another point brought to light was that in smaller constituencies, the people who cast a no vote might be known, which could endanger their safety. This, too, needs to be kept in mind and addressed.
In order to inform as many people as possible about ‘Democracy Works’, the students of MCJ, besides speaking with college students, are also trying to spread the message through the mass media, e-mails, SMSes, and word of mouth. After all, as Rahul Dubey said, “We have forgotten our fundamental right to vote, which is exercised even when we cast a No Vote.” And the time to begin exercising it is now.
According to Rule 49-O, a registered voter can exercise his/her right not to vote for any candidate during elections. With the elections around the corner, this session was made all the more important. One of the speakers, Rahul Dubey, a post-graduate student of Journalism at the University of Mumbai, said, “If a voter thinks that the contesting candidates are not worthy of the vote, a ‘No Vote’ can be cast by signing form 17-A on the day of polling.”
Mr. Dubey, along with Mr. _______, who is a ________, explained to the students that this movement to make people aware of their right to cast a no vote was mainly for those individuals who are registered voters, but who do not vote during elections because they believe that none of the candidates deserve to win. This step, then, is a way to ensure ‘one less excuse not to cast a vote’.
The procedure to cast a No Vote is simple. On the day of the elections, voters must go to their respective voting centres, confirm their identity, and sign the register. They must then ask the presiding officer to give them form 17-A, where they must sign, as must the presiding officer. They must not press any buttons on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). This will be considered as a No Vote.
While speaking of the empowerment provided to citizens through Rule 49-O, Mr. _____ also pointed out the loopholes which may be a hindrance to the implementation of the rule. He explained by giving a hypothetical situation in which ‘X’ candidate and ‘Y’ candidate contest the elections. If, in such a situation, 70,000 votes are No Votes, followed by 65,000 and 60,000 votes for ‘X’ and ‘Y’ respectively, and ‘X’ were to be declared the winner, ‘Y’ could file a case stating that since 70,000 people voted against ‘X’, the latter can not be elected. In such a case scenario, there would have to be re-polls. To counter this, a student asked what would happen if there were re-polls; would the same people contest, thus leading to re-polls, resulting in an endless cycle? To this, Mr. _____replied that these were hypothetical assumptions which might not take place.
Another point brought to light was that in smaller constituencies, the people who cast a no vote might be known, which could endanger their safety. This, too, needs to be kept in mind and addressed.
In order to inform as many people as possible about ‘Democracy Works’, the students of MCJ, besides speaking with college students, are also trying to spread the message through the mass media, e-mails, SMSes, and word of mouth. After all, as Rahul Dubey said, “We have forgotten our fundamental right to vote, which is exercised even when we cast a No Vote.” And the time to begin exercising it is now.
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