Kapil Dev Kaa Jawaab Nahin

India’s victory in 1983 World Cup, proved one thing and that is that Kapil Dev has always led by example, and this time too he has done the same by enrolling himself in army as Lieutenant Colonel. His new avatar will definitely be a big morale booster to other army men. I am also confident that his move will inspire many youngsters also to serve in the armed forces. He is the new brand ambassador for our Army.

Instead of promoting hair gels, shampoos and what not, instead of putting up a face on the hoardings and adverts to join the army; he is leading by example, by himself first enrolling into the army. You are a true follower of what our saints have said, “You be the Change, the change begins with you.” Hats off to you Sir.

Gandhi Jayanti And Ramzaan coincide on 02.10.2008

2nd October is observed as Meatless day by the Law of the Land, and this year 2nd October is said to be the date of the conclusion of the sacred Ramadan month and observation of Ramzaan Id, the day of celebration a part of which is the sharing of Mutton Biryani, by the Law of the Muslim religion. It is going to be a matter of national concern for all Indians as to what is more important; observing Meatless Day in honour of the father of the nation or upholding the sentiments of the minority religious community of Muslims by observing Ramzaan with Mutton Biryani. A quixotic and paradoxical situation, for which we hope and pray for divine intervention for an acceptable solution.

God, the Eternal Mater of the Universe, the creator and the protector of our lives, is himself paradoxically rendered helpless today and all his abodes, be it the churches, mosques, gurudwaras or the temples need Police Protection. All these abodes which are meant to be safe havens that give salvation to mankind are threatened by the very mankind He has created. I am sure, even god who is inside, answering prayers of His devotees, is not in full concentration because He is concerned if there is enough police protection outside to guard His own abode.

In this context, I have a message for God; Oh! God, I feel sorry for you, and Dear God, when we are in trouble our friends say, God be with you, here in your case, I don’t know how to console you God. Oh! God, please take care of yourself.

Pankaj Advani - Keep it up!

Dear Editor,

Sindhi Federation of Bangalore, the apex body of the Sindhis in Bangalore is indeed made proud by our worthy son Pankaj Advani for his brilliant double in World Billiards Championship, and achieving this feat second time, is indeed commendable. He is our community’s brand ambassador especially amongst the children of Gen X and Gen Y. We congratulate him for his success and wish him God speed for his future endeavours.

With best regards,

Prakash F Madhwani

Hon. Secretary, Sindhi Federation of Bangalore, #10/7, K K Road, Bangalore 560001.

U Me Aur Hum - A comparison with Bassera and Khilona

Movie buffs are constantly working on making comparisons and arriving at contrasts and similarities between movies and i have my two cents to contribute here for you, me aur hum. This ajay devgan directorial venture, reminiscent two classic movies; one is khilona, and the other is bassera. in khilona, mumtaz takes cares of a deranged sanjeev kumar post shock, with utmost love and understanding; and this besides a similar repeat shocking scene brings back sanjeev kumar to his original self.in shashi kapoor, rakhee, rekha starred bassera, rakhee feigns insanity after recovery, but is detected by poonam dhillon, a parallel to which is seen in you, me aur hum; wherein kajol feigns forgetfulness and is detected by ajay devgan.the contrast from bassera here is that, whilst rakhee is let to reside in the asylum, ajay gets his wife home and gives kajol his unconditional love, care and understanding to help her lead a normal life. To that extent the movie conveys a positive message to the society that needs to be appreciated.

Mumbai Meri Jaan - Review

Mumbai meri jaan is the latest flick to borrow its title from age old vintage classic songs, starting from the trend setter DDLJ about 15 years ago, to the other co - releases Bachna Ae Haseeno and Jaane tu ya jaane na. In fact, Nishinkant Kamat also delectably uses the classic old song in the final scene depicting that Mumbai is as much a “Meri Jaan” to a Mumbaikar, even today, as it was 4 to 5 decades ago.

The story line depicts irony in our day to day lives, especially in the news reporter who makes stories out of incidents, becomes a story herself; or a cop who sees his alter ego in his conscientious colleague and laments at having no true success story to narrate about his service, on retiring after 35 years of successful service; or how a split second decision of changing bogey from I Class to II Class can change your life. It also shows how our preconceived notions or prejudices can be belied by the reality of the situation; as a man biased against a community is destined for sun shine in life from that very community person.

I give 10/10 to the director on detailing and would like to quote one particular scene, which I wonder how many viewers have observed. When Suresh (Kay Kay Menon) and his friend go to Yusuf’s house, there is a picture of Shirdi Sai Baba on the cupboard in this Muslim’s house. Frankly, my friend and I were for a moment chuckling at this oddity, which we thought was the director’s oops moment, a blooper; only to realize later that it was his Oomph moment, when Yusuf shares Shirdi Sai Baba’s Prasad with Kay Kay, justifying Baba’s picture in his house. Full marks to you sir.

The other interesting act is of Irfan Khan, his angst against the society, his well rehearsed cycling style, his pompous walking style on his success of ruling the lives of people followed by his coming out into the crossroads of life, hands spread standing over a cross on the streets as though he is the Jesus whom he prays and whose photo adorns his house.

All these aspects make the movie an absolutely outstanding movie, leaving a sense of optimism and positivity at the end of the day, in otherwise our banal situations. Full marks also to Soha Ali Khan, Irfan Khan, Maurya for outstanding performances. A special mention of Paresh Rawal, for probably the most stupendous performance and by far his best performance in my opinion.