Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Relationship between man, woman and donkey
He sent me the following equations- I am reproducing the same. I enjoyed it a lot.
Human = eat + sleep + work + enjoy
Donkey = eat + sleep
Therefore:
Human = Donkey + Work + enjoy
Therefore:
Human-enjoy = Donkey + Work
In other words,
A Human that doesn't know how to enjoy = Donkey that works.
++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ ++ ++
Equation 2
Man = eat + sleep + earn money
Donkey = eat + sleep
Therefore:
Man = Donkey + earn money
Therefore:
Man-earn money = Donkey
In other words
Man who doesn't earn money = Donkey
++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +
Equation 3
Woman= eat + sleep + spend
Donkey = eat + sleep
Therefore:
Woman = Donkey + spend
Woman - spend = Donkey
In other words,
Woman who doesn't spend = Donkey
++++++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ +
To Conclude:
From Equation 2 and Equation 3
Man who doesn't earn money = Woman who doesn't spend
So Man earns money not to let woman become a donkey!
And a woman spends not to let the man become a donkey!
So, We have:
Man + Woman = Donkey + earn money + Donkey + Spend money
Therefore from postulates 1 and 2, we can conclude
Man + Woman = 2 Donkeys that live happily together!
I know of at least one person who will enjoy this.
Monday, September 28, 2009
MRP in mutiplexes and malls
The products in restaurants, multiplexes and malls which are charged at a higher rate compared to the rate charged in normal shops are legal. However, it should be mentioned on the packet that the goods are to be sold through select outlet only. If this is not mentioned on the good then we are not suppose to pay a higher price.
Such products are separately packed and a separate MRP is printed on such products.
Please next time check whether the tag "to be sold through select places only" is mentioned on the product.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Excess price charged
The point is everybody thinks its only 1Re whats the big deal. I am putting forth a point I hope it makes sense. Correct me if I am wrong. Now in Mumbai itself 50 lakhs litre packed milk may be sold per day. So illegal(against the Consumer Protection Act,1986) money of at least 50lakhs is generated EVERYDAY. I presume that such charges will not be accounted by the shops and hence no taxes are paid on such amount. So on an annual basis nearly 150crores of revenue goes tax free. Which effectively means a loss of 50crores of tax to the government. Now this is some amount.
Who is responsible for the black money?YOU and ME(the king of the market). The so called educated class is responsible and we blame the government. I call the so called educated class as literate class.
Remember we pay the amount and it becomes a norm and for us annual amount of 300+ Rs may not be that important but for someone this amount makes a difference.
We all pay our taxes regularly but somewhere our 1Re is responsible for black money getting generated in the market. Who has to take the responsibility for this? The shopkeepers are much united compared to the consumers.
The reason given by the shopkeeper is that the commission which they receive is not affordable and hence they charge the extra 1Re. Its a matter to be dealt by the agent and the company how is the consumer involved. The shopkeepers know it is difficult to get the extra commission from the company and consumer will not bother about the extra Re.
FYI The extra Re collected is more than the commission which they receive per litre.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
An Interview with Kumar Sanu
Kumar Sanu has defied critics to prove his mettle.
So you won't work with new-generation
composers?
Thank God I don't have to sing techno songs. Today's songs don't go with my style. I've
never asked composers for songs. I'm happy with my achievements.
No regrets.
Do you plan to join politics?
No, there is no such plans. I respect Pranab Mukherjee and I share a very good relationship with him. Personally, I have great respect for Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and for Mamata Banerjee, who is a determined leader.
But the politics in the music industry?
As far as my industry is concerned, politics is about ego, money, good PR… A good rapport with producers and directors helps to bag songs, at times for big banners. I never compromised on my rate. I, in fact, never compromised on any aspect.
You started in the industry with Kishore Kumar as your idol. But with Aashiqi you sounded original.
I believe that copying another singer, doesn't pay off in the long run. It's also true that I followed Kishore da's style as he was my idol. Later, I decided to come up with my style of singing. I'm still singing. I started as Sanu Bhattacharya when Kalyanji-Anandji suggested a new name ~ Kumar Sanu ~ for the Big B film Jaadugar. The film also had my first solo effort.
How did you team up with RD Burman?
Panchamda knew me when he first heard my series of cassettes in memory of Kishore da on T-Series. One day I got a call from his camp and we had a nice discussion. Ultimately, I sang in Yeh Desh. Panchamda was a great composer, an amazing human being. Then we worked together in Jhuti Shaan, Purushottam, Tum Karo Vada and in the unforgettable 1942: A Love Story.
Your experience with the next generation of composers during the 1990s.
During the 1990s Nadeem-Shravan used my voice the best. They had male-oriented songs that suited my tonal quality. Then with Jatin-Lalit I had a good rapport ~ they are followers of Panchamda's gharana. We worked together on a number of hits ~ Khiladi, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na and so on. In Bazigaar, Sir, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayee, Anu Malik provided me with a platform.
What would you say about AR Rahman, the composer?
He was not a composer for the masses. He gradually changed his style and it's reflected in what he produces today. I worked with him only in Kabhi Na Kabhi. Then there was some misunderstanding and we stopped working
together.
Your assessment of Slumdog Millionaire.
I have an objection to using the word "slumdog". It's not our culture. We don't treat people from slums as dogs. They have shown only the negative aspect of our country. As far as the Oscar is concerned, I think Rahman gifted us more enchanting melodies before. This is not his best.
You have worked with both the legendary Mangeshkar sisters. Your experience.
It's like receiving a lifetime achievement award. Both of them were simply outstanding. I shared the microphone with Lataji in Naya Sawan for a Bappi Lahiri composition. For Khiladi I rendered a song with Ashaji for the first time under the baton of Jatin-Lalit.
Your thoughts on the present trends in Bollywood music?
It's pathetic! I can't recognise the singers. They are the singers for a month. Go through the inlay cards of their CDs and rarely would you identify the singer.
Your big achievements…
First, the love and respect I get from fans all over the world. I was recently conferred the Padma Shri, I have received five Filmfare awards in succession, Guinness Book Of World Record features me for recording 28 songs in a day and, the government of Denton in America observe Kumar Sanu Day on 31 March… I once did a charity show there.
It's rumoured that you had a tiff with Amit Kumar…
No, no, there were no such clashes with Amit Kumar. He is senior to me. He was already a well known singer when I started . I would rather say there was healthy competition. I've worked with him only once ~ a song in Yoddha. Later both of us rendered the same song Is Tarah Ashiqi Ka for Imtihaan, separately. We share the same gharana ~ Kishore Kumar.
Who do you consider the best singer to work with?
Udit Narayan.
Your future projects.
I'm working on songs for a number of Bangla films. After Utthan, my compositions can be heard in Yeh Sunday Kyun Aata Hai where Shaan, Sunidhi render my songs. I have sang in Udit Narayan's Bhojpuri film Kanoonwa Meri Mutthi Mein' I am working with Munna-Raj for my Puja album.
Do you believe in comebacks?
I'm an optimist. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping the trends in the music industry would change.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Today is 22/7
Today is 22nd july and is celebrated in the world by Maths geek as Phi approximation day as Phi is approximately equal to 22/7. 14 of March on the other hand is celebrated as Phi day as in American date format it is written as 3/14.
Phi is defined as the ratio of the circumference of the circle to its diameter.
The first Phi day was celebrated at San Fransisco Exploratorium in 1988 with staff and public marching around one of its circular spaces, and then consuming fruit pies. Now a days Pizza pies are added to its pi day menu. The founder of the Phi day was Larry Shaw, a retired physicist at the Exploratorium.
Mathematicians who approxmiated the value of phi include Archimedes (first to find the approximate value in 200 BC) but I had read in a book that it was Boudhadhanya (Indian mathematician to give the first approximation). 600 years later Chinese mathematician Zu Chongzhi improved on the approximation provided by Archimedes. This was the most accurate estimation for the next 900 years.
Later on in 1400 Indian mathematician Madhavacharya discovered a formula for Phi which was later rediscovered by James Gregory, Lebnitz in 17th century.
Two interesting trivia:
- 14th of March happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday. He was born in the year 1879.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology often mails out its acceptance letters to be delivered to its prospective students on the Pi Day.
Sach ka saamna
Every contestant will give the true(to his belief) answer for all the questions. This is because there is no incentive to lie. First you lose the money and second people still know what is the truth as the ploygraph test reveals that the answer is a lie. I dont know how true is the polygraph test but assuming it is true I think we ourselves dont know what is the true answer for some questions in our life. There are certain answers which are structured as we are brought up and we dont realise that the answer is not what our mind thinks. We repeated say the structured answers that it gets registered with us and we end up giving that answer rather than the true answer.
I agree with the politicians that the show might lead to some problems in the contestant's life and is against our culture. Isnt it the truth at the end of the day?Does it mean we should hide the truth and boast about our culture. All the contestants are very courageous and I hope a politician comes to the show one day. Would I participate in the show?Very less probability that I will. Anyways who is giving me an option. Finally I think the society is not matured enough to accept the show.Given an option would you participate in Sach ka saamna?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bacchae mann ke sache
How Does a person Decide Who to Marry?
“You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like if you like
sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep
the chips and dip coming.”
Allan, age 10
“No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to
marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later
who you’re stuck with.”(Hmm.. Philosophical kid)
Kirsten, age 10
Concerning the Proper Age to Get Married
“Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by
then!”
Cam, age 10
“No age is good to get married at…. You got to be a fool to get
married!”(Very matured for his age)
Freddie, age 6
How Can a Stranger Tell if Two people are Married?
“Married people usually look happy to talk to other people.”
Eddie, age 6
“You might have to guess based on whether they seem to be yelling at
the same kids.”(nice logic)
Derrick, age 8
What Do You Think Your Mom and Dad Have in Common?
“Both don’t want no more kids.”(Haha)
Lori, age 8
What Do Most People Do on a Date?
“Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know
each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.”(girls are you listening)
Lynnette, age 8
“On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually
gets them interested enough to go for a second date.”(really)
Martin, age 10
What the Children Would Do on a First Date That Was Turning Sour
“I’d run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the
newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.”
Craig, age 9
When is It Okay to Kiss Someone?
“When they’re rich!”(very smart)
Pam, age 7
“The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with
that.”(knows the law at this age... sahi hain)
Curt, age 7
“The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry
them and have kids with them…. It’s the right thing to do.”(his grandpa must have told him)
Howard, age 8
The Great Debate: Is It Better to Be Single or Married?
“It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need
somebody to clean up after them!”(She must be watching at home)
Anita, age 9
What Promises Do a Man and a Woman Make When They Get Married?
“A man and a woman promise to go through sickness and illness and
diseases together.”(Saat janam ka saath)
Marlon, age 10
This is by far my favorite.
How to Make a Marriage Work
“Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck!”(Is he really 7?)
Ricky, age 7
Getting Married for a Second time
“Most men are brainless, so you might have to try more than one to
find a live one.”(this will make the girls happy)
Angie L., age 10
How Would the World Be Different if People Didn’t Get Married?
“There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there?”
Kelvin, age 8
Source http://chainletters.net/chainletters/kids-take-on-marriage/
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Apathy
Do we really care on the global warming front?Do we really care about the electricity shortage, water shortage, etc. Do we care how people are dying of hunger and we waste a lot of food?
We only care about some things which affect us directly. We don't understand or realize the impact of the things that impact us indirectly.I think many of us do care but then think what can I do alone. The amazing thing is most of us think this way. There is an uniformity in thinking. I admit I am also among the majority but do my bit (may be 1%). I have come across especially young people of my age who don't care about all these issues. We are becoming more and more self centered. We exploit the environment and then crib about low rainfall. We litter and use polythene bags and complain about water logging. I know this is not going to change anything. Because majority knows whatever is written.
As Helen Keller said we have found out the cure for virtually all diseases but still the most dangerous disease seems to have no cure- Apathy. (not the exact verbatim of what Keller said)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Music Industry's take on Amit kumar
Fans speak up
PRITAM
I still remember attending one of his para shows in Kolkata. Those were the days when all-night concerts were popular. He arrived at 3 am and sang till 5 am! When I recorded my first song with him I was extremely moved. He is an amazing singer, gifted with a very powerful voice. Unfortunately he hasn’t got his due. He is a living legend.
VISHAL (of Vishal-Shekhar)
He has a God-gifted voice. We worked with him in Jhankar Beats and that was a learning experience. The remake of Humein Tumse Pyar Kitna turned out to be superb! He often comes up with suggestions and the influence of Pancham comes through in Boss Kaun Hai. He doesn’t believe in competition. But he doesn’t fail to swing even after 40 years!
VIJU SHAH
He puts in his best to make any song stand out. We worked together in Janaam, just after Tridev. He has a strong voice. We spent a lot of memorable moments working together.
SADHANA SARGAM
Amit Kumar is a very energetic and lively singer, besides being a decent soul. His voice is close to that of his father’s but along the way he has developed a style of his own.
UDIT NARAYAN
He has an extraordinary vocal range ~ a bass voice. He can feel the pulse of any song. Amit Kumar lives the lyrics of any song when he renders it. I have great memories of recording with him.
JAVED AKHTAR
I’ve always been a Kishore Kumar fan. Being his son, Amit has a gifted timbre. There was a time he was highly accepted by listeners but I don’t know why he shifted focus from singing for soundtracks. He sang my songs in Tezaab (Ek Do Teen, Kah Do ke Tum Ho Meri Barna), Sailaab (Mujhko Yeh zindegi, Palko Ke Taale) and also in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Drohi… He hasn’t got his due.
MILIND (of Anand-Milind)
Singing is not just facing a microphone. Songs need be acted out. Kishoreda was a master at this. Amit does the same. Recording with him has always been a good experience ~ since our first film, Ab Ayega Maza. He has even sung for our father Chitraguptji.
VISHWAS NERURKAR
He has a God-gifted voice, close to Kishoreda’s… Being an actor, he can put a lot into his recording sessions!
Amit Kumar turns 58
He turned 58 yesterday. Excerpts from an interview with Amit Kumar on his 58th birthday.
Still walking tall
Some people call him an eccentric ~ he doesn’t fly in aeroplanes during the monsoon ~ and some like to believe he doesn’t record songs often. The truth, as Sudipta Chanda finds out, is that the singer has been delivering hit after hit for the past 40 years. An exclusive interview with Amit Kumar
Looking back at the four decades behind you…
There is a popular English song Time Passes On. It feels like that; it feels great and I don’t have words to express my journey so far.
The moment you first walked into a recording studio…
It was for Door Ka Raahi ~ my father was the composer ~ and it was recorded at Bombay Film Lab in 1965. I had just reached Mumbai from Kolkata and rehearsed the song Main Ek Paanchhi Matwala Re ~ that was a tension-free session. An interesting point to note here ~ the video for the song was picturised on me and was filmed at Gourikunj. Unfortunately, the video was excluded from the film. The record released in 1969 with the song and I was credited as Amit Ganguly.
Your father was indeed your friend, philosopher and guide.
He was my mentor ~ he graduated me from studio to stage. My first Bangla song ~ Jinisher Daam Berechhe ~ was under Baba’s baton. He was my real critic. When I met Panchamda and sang Jhumroo real bad, Baba criticised me while returning home. I couldn’t sleep that night; time went by weeping. Later, when I started singing, he said that I would be sitting in a chair like the one he had at every studio.
Learning music…
The year was 1970, perhaps 1971. I suddenly decided that that I should get trained in Indian classical music. Baba laughed. But I was determined enough that he had ask Manna De to give me an appointment. And thus I met Mannada, who also laughed before recommending me to Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who used to visit Gourikunj twice a week. Suddenly, I felt the exercise was difficult and gave up learning. After Baba’s death, I once again learnt classical music from Satya Narayan Mishra and that definitely helped me to win back my confidence, add clarity to my vocal treatment. My singing style matured.
You have achieved a lot…
On my debut show in Mumbai, SD Burman was the chief guest. He was moved by my performance and threw a garland at me. Now, that’s a moment to cherish. I also remember receiving my first Filmfare award from Baba for Love Story in 1981. After Baba’s death Laxmiji said something really heart-warming, “Don’t think you are getting to sing my songs because you’re Kishoreda’s son. You have potential.” OP Nayyarsaab also heaped compliments on me, “Beta, your voice has gamaak which used to be in Rafisaab’s voice.”
How do you assess Amit Kumar, the singer?
I don’t consider myself to be a great singer. I sounded raw when I started my career. Now I sing much better.
People who helped you to succeed.
First, my listeners, fans… they made it possible. Then my Baba and Ma. All my composers who believed in me ~ Shankar-Jaikishan, Madan Mohan, Salilda, Nayyarsaab, Rajesh Roshan, Bappi Lahiri and, of course, Shaktida, Tarun Mazumdar and RD Burman.
RD Burman was your mentor…
Of course… after Baba, Panchamda was my mentor. I spent some lovely days with the maestro. I became his fan when Chhote Nawab released. Outsiders were not allowed in his sitting room but I was an exception. Thanks to him, I found my first hit in Balika Badhu, the only Filmfare Award for Love Story and, after Baba’s death, he helped me with Rama O Rama… I never had to look back. His recording sessions were very creative, enjoyable, extremely comfortable. I still feel he is around.
You’re a master of stage shows…
I started performing in Kolkata, the first being in Uttam Kumar’s locality ~ Bhowanipur. Later I joined Calcutta Youth Choir as a percussionist. Suddenly Baba was informed that I was doing shows and he called on me. Ma was very much confused about my future as I started losing interest in studies. This was the time when Baba introduced me at a gala show ~ “Papa Kishore and Sunny Amit Together” ~ in Mumbai, where SD Burman was the chief guest. I had my first big stage show at Rabindra Sadan ~ it was arranged by Gautam Mukherjee. And in 1972 Suprakash Gargari presented “Amit Kumar Presents Kishore Kumar”, a memorable musical extravaganza. Besides, I did shows with Laxmi-Pyare, Kalyanji-Anandji, Ashaji, Bhupinder Singh, RD Burman and many others.
Your idols.
My parents introduced me to a wide range of music. I love South American music and singers like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Jose Feliciano, the orchestra of Ray Conniff and so on. I still love jazz ~ Benny Goodman, Harry James are worth a mention. I would like to believe that music has no boundaries.
It’s a mad, mad world.
Baba was known for his eccentric activities but the saying goes ~ baap ka beta, sipahi ka ghoda. Kuchh nehin to thoda thoda (chip off the old block)! A few years back a few journalists asked me a cliched question: how I assessed remakes and remixes. I wanted to run away from them and answered, “Oh great! I love remakes and remixes. It sounds better than the originals. I don’t listen to Kishore Kumar’s songs.” They were confused and stopped asking me questions. I can recall another incident that took place in Benaras one year ago where a reporter asked me why I was not performing often. I said, “This donkey’s braying has been well accepted for 40 years. Khuda maherban to gadha bhi pahalwan (God willing, even a donkey feels strong)!” Then I rattled off a list of songs from my forthcoming films. There was a long silence.
Future projects.
Dulha Mil Gaya, Aladin, Mukti, Rama The Yoddha, Leela, Harano Sur, Osama, First Forward, Hang To Death, Ekbaar Take Chaichhi and so on. There is a special stage show ~ “Do Kishore” ~ in memory of Baba. Hopefully it will start in October. And I plan to record an album ~ Baakwas.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
IPL and World Cup
Was the timing of IPL perfect or the timing of the Indian team's performance?
When the inaugural World cup was held already countries were having domestic T20 tournaments. Its an open secret that India is the biggest market for cricket.So a domestic T20 tournament was round the corner in India taking into consideration the popularity it gained in countries like West Indies & Pakistan. If you remember the match against South Africa where they were chasing 150 odd runs and struggled to even reach the par score to reach the semis.The point which I am trying to make is that BCCI needed to announce the IPL at a point when it will be a sure shot hit. Indians performed well or may be were forced to perform well in the inaugural T20 Worldcup and made life easy for BCCI. The finals with Pakistan was an icing on the cake.
You never know India did well (or were made to do well) in the last world cup to make IPL a hit.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Go short with India
Stuart Broad and Sidebottom bowled excellent overs in the end. Broad has a big heart to come back in such a manner especially after having bowled the last over against Netherland for a lost cause and in his last match against India Yuvraj singh hit him for 6sixes in an over.
I was watching the match with my friends and when 60 runs were needed of 30 balls i told them the Yuvraj's crucial miss field in the last over of Harbhajan could make the difference. In the end we lost by 3 runs. Some of the players looked relaxed (rather happy) even during the stages when India were down.Dont know if it means something.
Dhoni made a terrible mis calculation I guess when 9 runs were needed of 2 balls Yusuf hit the ball although there was only 1 in it they should have gone for the second run atleast we sould have had the chance of leveling the scores of the last ball. Also it was strange to see England booed at their home ground. As Collingwood said that incident meant no pre match motivational talk was required.
It was thrilling to watch the match nonetheless.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hayden's retirement
Infact he was docked his pay for not fulfilling his international commitments. Cricketers in Australia dont earn to the extent what Indian cricketers do.
CA spokesman Peter Young believes that the risks of releasing players to the IPL are the same as the once-traditional pilgrimage to England every winter.
The one difference, though, is that Hayden had no interest in a stint of county cricket.
This is from an article extracted from last year's Thaindian News.
Mind you this year CA was more careful and didnt allow Shane Watson, Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait to play in the IPL.I may be completely wrong. Looking forward to your comments.
Arctic and Antarctic
The question is why are the regions named so.
Arctic region is a region where we find Polar Bears. However in Antarctic region we dont come across Bears even though the conditions are more or less similar(The temperature at Antarctic is 2 degrees lesser than the temperature at Arctic). The reason is Arctic region is mostly covered by land so we find polar bears in huge numbers. However Antarctic is also an island and hence no bears are found.
Arctic is derived from the Greek word ARKTOS meaning Bear. The region opposite to Arctic is Anti-Arktos and hence called Antarctic.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Spiritual healing sessions for Sri Lankan Cricket team
The article appeared in Economic Times Colombo
Sri Lanka Cricket Team Counselled by Guru after Lahore attack!
Fri Mar 20, 5:42 am ET COLOMBO (AFP) – Sri Lanka's cricketers on
Friday wrapped up a post-trauma course of deep breathing and yoga
taught by an Indian spiritual guru to overcome the shock of the Lahore
attack.
Swami Sadyojathah, from the Bangalore-based Art of Living Foundation,
taught the 23-member squad special breathing techniques and meditation
to "unlock the stress" after the deadly assault.
"Proper breathing techniques sort out the imbalances in the mind and
the body," Sadyojathah, sporting a long white beard and flowing robes,
told AFP. "We showed the Sri Lankan team how they can move beyond
Lahore and get back into their game," he said.
Seven Sri Lankan players and their British assistant coach Paul
Farbrace were wounded when unknown gunmen ambushed their convoy in
Lahore, Pakistan on March 3, killing eight Pakistanis. The squad
immediately flew home and the last wounded player, star batsman Thilan
Samaraweera, was discharged from hospital this week. The wives of
Samaraweera and captain Kumar Sangakkara also joined the four-session
course.
"There was so much written about their experience in the media, that I
think they mentally blocked themselves out of talking about it. Which
was OK by me," Sadyojathah said.
"Few players have resumed training. Some began playing in a domestic
tournament this week. So I think, mentally, the players are getting
stronger. The team is on the mend."
Geethanjana Mendis, head of the sports ministry's medical unit, said a
group of doctors had also conducted counselling sessions with the
cricketers and their families. "The cricketers seemed to prefer the
spiritual counselling, going by the 100 percent attendance for the
entire session," said Mendis. "In fact, Sangakkara wants the sessions
to continue."
Samaraweera said the counselling and meditation greatly helped his
wife, who was still traumatised by her husband's bullet wound.
"The sessions have helped her a lot," he said. "She is yet to fully
recover from the shock, but she is improving."
"Any time a thought, a sentence, or paragraph inspires you or opens up
your thinking, you need to capture it, like a butterfly in a net, and
later release it into your own field of consciousness."
> When you become very peaceful and quiet, you perceive the Existence. You say, "Oh, this is my nature, this is my true Self. What was I doing --- being agitated, yelling, shouting, doing all that stuff?" ..... Sri Sri !
Monday, March 2, 2009
An Interview with Lalit Pandit
His fifth solo film Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye released last week, Lalit Pandit is now upbeat about the musical scene in general and his career in particular
The ’90s, say careful music observers, belonged to Jatin-Lalit more than to anyone else. From Yaara Dildaara in 1990 to Sarfarosh and Sungharsh in 1999, the duo touched peaks as momentous as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Khamoshi and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In the millennium, the hits turned few and far-between (Mohabbatein, K3G, Hum Tum, Fanaa) and after the last film Jatin and Lalit Pandit parted ways professionally, even if they still appeared together on reality television.
After the split, Lalit Pandit soon went on to release Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie, Showbiz, Rafoo Chakkar and the audio of Horn OK Pleasss. His Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye has just released. But in this same period music underwent a paradigm change.
As we lounge in his cool music room, Lalit exhibits a calm that seems at variance with the turbulent change in musical trends. “I agree that music has changed a lot since Jatin and I parted ways. And it’s not all for the better, because they are too much into finding tunes from the ‘Net. We know of a top-name filmmaker who had to pay a huge sum to the original rights’ owners because his music director had not informed him that a song had recorded was copied from a foreign source!”
But Lalit is quick to add that there are new music makers who have impressed him too. “Shankar-Ehsaan- Loy are very strong in composition and orchestration. Vishal-Shekhar’ s songs have a lot of freshness. And A.R.Rahman has set a goal for all of us to aspire with his awards and Oscar nomination for Slumdog Millionaire. It may not be his best work but his mehnat has paid off and that an Indian has reached there is a very prestigious moment for the country.”
The composer is also confident that melody is going to come back in a big way. “Good songs always register,” he points out. “Jatin-Lalit’s strength was always melody and now I am enjoying the process of changing my music to blend with modern orchestration and today’s phrasing. Frankly, our ’90s music was easier to make. Today’s music, if one has to integrate melody, is tougher, more challenging.”
A guitarist and pianist besides being a composer, Lalit says that he is not out-of-sync with such change. “We were the youngest from the ’90s lot of Anu Malik, Nadeem-Shravan and Anand-Milind, all of whom technically belonged to the ’80s. We came in during the transit phase and got the best of both worlds, down from working with R.D.Burman as child singers to composing songs written by Anand Bakshiji and Majrooh Sultanpurisaab.”
Lalit admits that his solo work to date has been lacklustre, but stresses that more than ever before the director’s vision has become important in inspiring a composer today. “Every word has to be interpreted. When the director has done his homework on a film good work becomes easy. It becomes still easier when a big film is there and also big stars. In that sense, my real break will be Muddassar Aziz’s Dulha Mil Gaya, my ninth film with Khansaab (as I refer to Shah Rukh Khan). I have experimented with Amit Kumar’s voice on him in both songs, for the first time after Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.”
But two trends that Lalit would not care to follow are the current fads for using non-singers and also pitching male voices high. “I cannot think along such lines,” smiles the composer. “I come from a gharana of musicians and singers and singing for films is no joke. A good singer can even lift a kamzor song. But I have always believed in introducing fresh, deserving talent and today I am glad that new voices are being accepted better than before.”
Finally, we have been hearing that the estranged duo are coming back together. Is that true? “I am afraid not,” says the composer.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Goodwill - simple way to Value
Pepsi did a survey where it went to people and asked will they buy a Rs 10 Pepsi cold drink bottle. When the reply was 'Yes'. They asked the same person by showing another bottle will he buy it for Rs 10 (This bottle was the same cold drink bottle as one shown before with a difference that it didn't have a Pepsi tag on the bottle).He said NO. Then they reduced the price and asked if he will buy at Rs 9. Again the answer was NO. They reduced the price and finally the person said he will buy the cola bottle at Rs 5. So Pepsi said Goodwill of the company is Rs 5 per bottle. By putting a tag of Pepsi people are ready to pay an extra ampunt of Rs 5 every bottle.
What an innovative way to value Goodwill!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Prayers
Many times we pray to god for certain things but get upset when we don't get what we had demanded for. God always does the right thing for us in that particular situation. We need to have faith in God and continue with our prayers and let him give us in a way which may trouble us in the short run but will always be beneficial in the long run.
What we think is the correct solution for the problem very often is not the right solution. Many of us get upset if we don't get the desired results. What we desire may not be the correct solution for the problem.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Answers to the Bollywood quiz
1.Abodh - a movie by Rajashri productions
2. Sridevi
3. Ram Laxman in maine pyar kiya. The song is Aate Jaate Hanste Gaate sung by Lata Mangeshkar ji and SP Balasubramanian sir.
4. Bobby
5. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
6. Amitabh Bachchan
7. Baadshah
8. Shahrukh and Juhi Chawla
9. Ramgopal Varma
10. Kamal hasan
11. Yaadon Ki Baaraat
12. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum
13. Tera Mujhse hain pehle ka naata koi from the film "Aa Gale Lag jaa" one version sung by Kishore Kumar and the other version sung by Kishore kumar and Sushma Sreshta(popularly known as poornima). The somposer is R D Burman.
14. False. Director of kasoor is Vikram Bhatt with wonderful music by Nadeem Shravan.
15. Salman Khan
16. Amitabh Bachchan
17. Lagaan
18. Seeta Aur Geeta
19. Kumar sanu. He won 5 in a row from 1991 to 1995. Aashiqui(1990) -Ab tere bin, Saajan(1991)- Mera Dil bhi kitna pagal, Deewana(1992)- Sochenge tumhe pyar, Baazigar(1993)- Yeh kali kali aankhen, 1942 a love story(1994)- Ek ladki ko dekha toh aisa laga.
Earlier Kishore Kumar had won 4 consecutive Filmfare awards from 1983 to 1986. Namakhalal(1982)Pag ghungroo, Agar tum na hote(1983) Humein aur jeene ki, Sharabi(1984) Manzelien apni jagah hain, Saagar(1985) saagar kinare.Infact Kishore da also won the Best singer award in 1981 for Thodisi Bewafai- Hazaar raahein mudke dekheen. 1982 best singer went to Amit kumar(Kishore kumar's son) for Love story- Dekho maine dekha hain.20. Amitabh Bachchan & Shah Rukh khan
Bollywood quiz
This are the questions which I had prepared for a bollywood quiz so just thought of posting it here. Hope you will enjoy it. Happy quizzing.
1. What was Madhuri Dixit's debut movie?
2. In "Chaalbaaz" which actress played the double role of separated twin sisters?
3. I just called to say I love you a song by Stevie Wonder is copied in a Hindi movie? Name the music director of the movie in which the Hindi song is played? Name of the Hindi movie?
4. In the Priyadarshan directed movie "Hulchul" about two warring families, which movie are Anjali (Kareena Kapoor) and her family watching when Jai (Akshaye Khanna) enters the house from the window?
5. Which Bollywood star was selected as jury member for the Cannes Film Festival in 2003?
6. Which great Bollywood star received the award of "The Star of the Millennium" from BBC?
7. In the film 'Baadshah' what was Shahrukh's name in the film?
8. Who produced the film 'Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani'?
9. Name the director of the film 'Satya'
10. Which South Indian actor starred in a double role in "Appu Raja"?
11. In the movie "Swades", which Salim-Javed written movie are the people of Charanpur watching before the power cut happens and Mohan Bhargav (Shah Rukh Khan) breaks into the song 'Yeh Tara Woh Tara"?
12. Name Karan Johar's 2nd directorial film comprising of a cast of- Amitabh Bachhan, Jaya, Shahrukh, Hritik, Kareena, Kajol and Rani
13. 'The Yellow Rose of Texas' is a song sung by Elvis Presley from the movie Viva Las Vegas (1963). Which Hindi song is inspired from this song?
14. True or False: Ramgopal Verma is the director of 'Kasoor'.
15. This superstar was imprisoned after a man was killed by his rash and careless driving in Mumbai. Who is he?
16. Which actor is popularly known as 'the angry young man'?
17. Which Bollywood movie got a nomination in the Oscars for the Best Foreign Language Film in 2002?
18. In the film "Akayla", which movie is the police officer Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) watching when he realizes that Braganza (Keith Stevenson) has a twin brother?
19. Name the only Bollywood male singer who has won five consecutive Filmfare awards for the Best singer.
20. "Don" had one of the leading stars of Hindi cinema in a double role. What was his name?