Thru My Eyes...

Memory Lane of 2011 : A Quick Glimpse

2012-02-01T01:54:00.000-08:00

Days are gone when we used to really feel the presence of 12months in a year! Nowadays, before you finish saying ‘Happy new year’ you arealready getting ready to greet the next year… Today, when am publishing thisblog its already 1^st Feb 2012, one month past in the new year!!!

2011 has been different and happening in many ways: lots ofhappiness, learnings, and memories - all worth a quick walk down the memory lane:

Every year begins with birthday celebrations and continues throughout, giving us the much needed break and a time to get together and have some fun.

One of the major highlights of the year ofcourse was the launch of our second short film ‘The Ballad of the Waves’, which received rave reviews and many more fans to Lensmangops Pictures! Experiences galore during the shoot, arranging for preview, and the final launch… The most memorable ones being the recognition we received this year: One from the veteran actor/director Mr.Pratap Pothen,Two from Friends of Cinema (FOC) group in Mumbai recognized us and screened our short film in National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and in AVM Preview Theater, Chennai, Three an IMDB Entry with a 8.4 Rating!

The Second Quarter of the year was packed with some unforgettable trips to Bangalore, Theni/Meghamalai, Pondichery, Yercadu, and Delhi [@Delhi: the train travel after a long time and time spent shopping, with friends, @ Reena’s place, Pebble Street, the dog bite! Wow!] Each trip had its own fun and will be a blog in itself… will relive the moments with some snaps here.

Had a blast in the very first womens’ day out, and plans are intact to continue this in 2012 as well.

A year that saw my dear friend’s brand ‘Daffysdream’ getting established – congrats to Priya on her efforts and various exhibitions she participated in. Best wishes for more success in future.

Another new start @ Lensmangops Pictures. Yup, we began with building the assets including a Cannon 7D and others. Thanks to all friends who didn't hesitate a moment to bring things from abroad to us. We followed it with kick-starting our third short film which has been an exciting, roller-coaster ride and by far the most enriching experience in our film making. Special thanks to the cast and crew for making this happen! Love you all :)

Friends visiting us or the vice-versa is always fun... Some friends of ours visited us during their yearly vacation from various places armed with their gifts, especially the most precious time of theirs. Thanks all for the lovely time we had together. Looking forward to the same every year!

After a long gap, the year when I finally managed to spend some time with Vidya on her birthday, hopefully she enjoyed it, and also a day well spent with Nitya and kids, Swarna, Viji, and Hruti - the unforgettable 'Golu Shopping'!

2011 finally gave a break to my Santro :) Yup, I started driving alone... Can hear the sigh from many quarters ;) still better late than never, right?:) Also, started off trying hands in photography - that's a very hi-fi term for novices like me - so, I chose to call it as my 'amateur clicks'

Wading through the year with Ups & Downs, barely when the year had begun, it was already December 2011!!! End of the year had the most exhilarating and beautiful experience in store… Yup, the year ended with us welcoming a sweet little bee into our Lensman’s Family, the little lensman! He came with a bang (had to:), along with the ‘Thane’:) 2012 began with welcoming onboard our chotta packet, Mr.Anjan Swaroop:)

Passage of time is definitely not in anyone’s hand … and thereality is that ‘time just flies’ – so make the most of it…

“Life is short, Break the Rules.

Live your life, realize your dreams.

Forgive quickly, Kiss SLOWLY.

Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably

And never regret ANYTHING

That makes you smile.”

Live your life and Let OthersLive too!

Men: Hats off to those who make the difference!

2012-01-04T00:23:00.000-08:00

Current trend or should I say fashion is to talk about‘womens’ liberation’ mostly without a proper understanding of what it allmeans! Because to me it’s a necessity to look at both sides of the coin always!

While talks are on about womens’ liberations, womens’ day,womens’ troubles and so on, on every media and social forums, do we reallynotice those men who stand out! Men who see, treat, and ensure women are at parwith them in all means & ways. Probably fractions in number, but aren't they undermined? Don’t theydeserve recognition and applauds for being different?

Personally, I can vouch for few such men whom I had thepleasure to know, some as acquaintance, some in near & dear groups, andsome in close quarters…What makes them different? Easily, their sense of RESPECT to the women-folks in life be it their wife orfriends or family members or colleagues or acquaintances or anyone else! And itdoesn’t end there but their uniqueness comes in because they live by their understanding.To them, men & women are equal – both are eligible for theirlikes/dislikes, choices, freedom, thoughts, decisions, responsibilities, etc.

They stand out because of their efforts to ensure womenin their life are happy - by including them and giving them their due inevery aspect of life be it enjoyment, decision making, choices, discussions.Above all, they travel a mile ahead and don’t stop at merely recognizing the painsof women-hood but share the pains in their own way! The realtopping is their attempts to pull forward those women who still choose to stayblind of the pleasure in being an equal due to all these years of conditioning!

What more do we genuinely, as women, yearn for? Nothing butacceptance as individuals! Isn’t it? That’s what precisely these men provide uswith… Despite difference of opinions, thoughts, approaches, choices, they ensurewe are not their doormats but equals!

Here, I take a bow to all these men! Yup, I know that theyare supposed to do this but amongst a majority of non-conformers, these few mendeserve to be appreciated because they can make the differencefor which we are supposedly fighting for! Last but not the least, we all know none of us are perfect...so, these men too may lack a few things but I choose to see their positives :)

After a battle of whether or not to take names, I thoughtthey deserve to be mentioned :) Some who top my list are: Gopakumar, Biswas,Sandeep, Sajeen, Ragesh, PD Gopakumar, Berkin, Vivek, Prabu, Ramesh, Maheswaran,GRB, Guru, Sunil nair, Vasu, RR, Madhavan, Abi, Kaushik, Atul,Raj, Anand, KP, Anand, Sunil Pathak, Mathew Varghese…

Now that’s a list to reckon with! Am sure there are many more out there – known tome or unknown… though your names don’t figure here, you know you are part ofthis list too!

Hats off guys! You are the difference and You can make aworld of difference!

‘One of the Flowers’ of my Life that I admire…

2011-11-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Almost 25 years since this flower bloomed in my life, :)it’s as fresh as morning dew till date, touch wood! Yup, to me the mostprecious treasure of my life are my friends – each one a flower in my life!

Vidya, is one of the earliest blooms of my life!:)It did take a while for her to acclimatize and accept me but the hiccup wasjust for a while. Before we realized, she bloomed to be one of the mostbeautiful, ever-fragrant, pleasant, pleasing, colorful flowers of my life!

Through these years we have been through thick and thin oflife, ups and downs, joys and sorrows – at times together, times miles awaystill together in minds, at times agreeing, at times arguing – but we have been there for each other, thankfully, come what may! Justa week from now, is the D-day of hers when this earth was blessed by herbirth! I’ve never before shared my admiration with her :) Can I have timed thissmall token of love any better?

Today, she is a happy, contended, successful lady shiningbright both in her professional and personal life, and a proud mom. ‘Live lifeto the fullest’ is always her motto!

But all of this didn’t come through overnight. Ofcourse itdoesn’t for anyone, but each one treads their own path strewn with flowersand thorns. At a very young age, she had to double up as a mom for heryounger sister, having lost her mom to life’s struggles! She did an amazing jobof taking the complete onus and ensured a happy and decent life for both,despite many challenges! Amidst this, a blessing to her was ‘Vasu’ – her bestbuddy and hubby – But that too didn’t happen so easily… She had to face an uphill task of convincing everyone as it was an inter-cast marriage – andbelieve me it was in 2003! Slowly, as she was settling down, yet another blowhit her unaware – an abortion, her first kid – a beautiful baby boy! But asthey say life always balances out – yup, today she is the most delighted mom of2 boys :)

All along, she managed to sail through these hurdles and many more with a smile and such an ease / élan. A woman of a strong will, liveson her own terms, a great writer, and a creative person - In my eyes, she isone of the successful women of today; one who can inspire anyone readily!

I Truly Admire U for all of this! Hats off dear! Myheartfelt birthday wishes to you Vidu! May the best of life find its way toyour doors always! Keep smiling and blooming bright as always:)

Me thru Other's eyes

2011-11-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Would it be exaggerating to say that 'Technology' outruns itself within a wink of an eye... Start of the Social Network days, people were mesmerized by 'Orkut' - but now, in all probability, is a candidate for archival! There were a few good features of Orkut and one of them is 'Testimonials' - a platform for people of your life to share their view about yourself... Isn't that one of our life's treasure? So, not to risk loosing out on some of special people's words about me, I chose to share them here in my blog {as long as this remains active}.

I seem to have lost one of my cousin's testimonials already :( not sure how! Here are my other gems of my life's view :)

Gopakumar(Gops) Lensman - Apr 6, 2009

Usually i'm not good at writing testimonials about anybody but when it comes to this special person I'm left speechless coz i would have to travel to the heights of heaven and the depths of hell to find ways to express what her relationship to me as a friend truly means.. anyway let me try..

She a lovely lady,one of my dearest friends, nice at heart, and i'm glad to have her as my dearest frined. Sri is the only reason i came up with my music video. She is the most adorable, funloving, caring, cheerful, helpfull, sensible, compassionate and an invaluable asset. To those ppl who have never met her i wud only say..u r unlucky

Easily one of my most favorite people! She's close to what I call a woman of substance. Calm, collected, suave, intelligent, well read and well bred. She's a class apart. She has lofty ambitions and is fiercely independent. Way to go woman! She's cut out for glory. Rest assured.

Swarna Madhav - May 29, 2009

Ooh.. here Iam.. finally writing the testimonial for my beloved sis.. I dont look at her as my cousin she's more than a friend..philosopher and guide to me.. cant forget the days when I used to go to her home for summer vacations and the day she took me to her friend geetha's place to watch "Idhayathai thirudadhey" movie.. when we came back home we got good scoldings for coming home late.. remember that priya?? :) Time has just flew and we got close towards 2003 and thanks to so much of help, support and courage she gave me at tough times.. My marriage was totalllll fun .. one important reason being priya... we actually make a gang.. ya just the two of us.. and our fav pass time being ottufying Ananth.. my bro.. :)) Can't forget those innumerable shopping trips to Jayanagar.. !! I totally admire her for being so positive in life.. and wish I could be 1% optimistic as her.. An ardent book reader and music lover.. and should i say that she's addicted to tea and javvarisi vadaam :))

Swarna Madhav - May 29, 2009

hhaa... 1024chrs wasnt enough priya :)) so here I'm.. I'm very happy for the way she has turned around her life.. and achieving what she wanted in life... May you get the best you deserve always lady.. and be as you are... Eppo vandhu enga kai ezhuthu podanum nu sollu.. unaku dhaan theriyume... kai ezhuthu apparum matha preparations ellam namba romba nalla pannuvom nu :)) Just know that I'm always there for you.. and I'm sure that Hruthu will love her Priya "Periyamma" more than I do.. :))

Dal Makhani - A Punjab delicacy

2011-11-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

Been years since I've been thinking of cooking 'dal makhani' @ home. Its a simple yet rich dish & is a regular in any of the north-indian menu. Again, its taste varies with each cook's style & hand :) I followed recipes prescribed by popular chefs Sanjeev Kapoor & Tarla Dalal. At the cost of sounding little less humble :) I would say I was impressed by my preparation. Rest, will ask my QA team to report back (they have no option but to taste whatever I make :))

Here is what I used:

Black Lentil (uzhundu / urad dal) - 1/2 cup
Kidney beans (Rajma) - 2 tbsp (2 fistful)
Milk - 1 cup
Ginger - Chopped
Garlic - 5-10 flakes
Onion - 1/2 - 1 cup chopped (as per your taste)
Tomato - 1 cup chooped (as per your taste)
Cumin seeds (jeera) - 1/2 tsp
Green chilies - 2 chopped
Chilli powder - 1-1.5 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder (dhaniya) - 2 - 2.5 tsp
Saunf - 1/4 tsp
Butter
Oil - to fry
Salt - to taste
garam masala - if you like it
Coriander leaves - chopped (for garnishing)

Here is I how I prepared:

Clean, and soak the urad dal & rajma for 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Drain the soaked dals, add salt (1 slit chilli if you like it), 2 cups of water and pressure cook it.
Ensure the dal is cooked well -should be soft & you should be able to mash them easily.

To this cooked mix, add milk & little water and keep it on 'low fire' for say 7-10 mts (stir it now & then). Remove from fire.
In a kadai / pan, add some butter & oil. When hot, add cumin seeds (you can add a bay leaf if you want). After they crackle, add garlic flakes. When they are a little fried, add ginger, chilli, and onions. Fry till golden brown.
To this, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, and required salt (add less because you would have already added to the dal). Stir, and add tomato. Mash the tomato well. All masala should mix together & mashed - 5 mts.
After 5 mts, add the dal mixture, some saunf if you want and leave it on 'sim' for 10 mts. Add water to dilute the dal (don't dilute much)
After 10-12 mts, the dal will become thick and creamy. Remove from fire, add butter or cream
Garnish with Coriander leaves
Serve hot with chappatis, paranthas.

Try @ your end and share your feedback. Happy eating :)

Happy Birthday Saaral : 3 years old; 3 milestones met!

2011-09-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Morning today we were caught unaware in a splendid shower! The feel is so afresh and blissful... So, is 'Saaral' (tamil music album) still afresh and soulful while celebrating her 3rd anniversary! Nature's best gift to our milestone probably was this downpour today, at least I consider so :)

Time flies, or we are passing through time? Ruskin's thoughts; a point to ponder... As we move along the life's timeline, a realization that is time tested is 'what you are today, who you are today might be forgotten... but what you leave behind is what matters the most!' Isn't it true? Isn't that why today we remember great people more by their work that has left its evergreen impact on this world? Wouldn't it be a bonanza if the work is in the fields of writing, music, movies etc that impact an individual's daily life. I think so...

On that thought, here is my 'Three Cheers' & a Happy Anniversary' wish to the 'Saaral' album and its creators - Gopakumar, Sanjeev, Benny, Ravi Narendran, SAREGAMA, and each other individual involved. An album that brought 'Gopakumar's' talents to limelight... An outstanding start that only propelled Gopakumar's growth further. Today, on the third anniversary of Saaral, we have three milestones to share - Saaral Video, and 2 short films 11:30 PM Camp Road, and The Ballad of the Waves - all equally well-received. Hats Off!

We stay alive as long as we are alive in one's thoughts, is what I believe... This thought was reinforced yesterday and a few days in the past, when I had friends & fans pinging me saying 'I am listening to Saaral; it feels so good... want to listen to yet again'.

What else does one need Gops?:) Keep going...attain greater heights - a place in the memory of many individuals!

Like us @ Saaral on facebook, enjoy the songs, and share your feedback.

Do your bit!

2011-09-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

Gazing into the sky, painted with the little shiny stars, Istop to wonder how many of them are down on this planet! With minute on minutefacebook (:)feeds, it amazes me to see the shining talents all around… novices to expertsin varied areas, with unique talents and interesting approaches. Feels good tobe a part of such a talented world but at the same time it leaves you drainedto see the alarmingly increasing negative impact of human beings on theirpeers, children, kith & kin, and top it all to our beloved nature!

Why so, is the question that lingers…how andwhen will this realization hit every individual is a point to ponder. We nomore have the luxury of time to realize & rectify at our own pace becausethe Nature is catching up with us already. From what we see, she is fast &furious! By the way, it’s not only trespassing nature’s boundaries but also anindividual’s (known to unknown, related to acquaintance, infant to the oldest,poorest to the richest, abled to differently-abled, whoever) boundary.

So what do we do other than repenting, blaming, criticizing,being a cynic? Not that I’ve a magical wand to fix it all or get us a feasiblesolution; but what I do is my bit…and do note that I may not have perfected inthese but still the moment I realize something is amiss, I try to fix it… Startingfrom the simplest of things:

Not throwing any dirt anywhere else other than the dustbin (J there are many who would want to throttle my throat for the endless reminders I give them on this)
Not wasting water
Minimize the wastage of food (yet to reach the ‘Don’t waste a morsel’ stage)
Try to reuse / give any remains (food, dress, etc) to the wanted
Encourage recycling (Daffy, my friend, cheers to your idea of recycled bags)
Save electricity whenever possible – by merely switching off when not in use
Converting to paper bags / cloth bags etc from use of plastic bags (just started)
Not to tamper with trees / plants & teach kids not to tamper with plants
Plant small greens
Learning to Respect every human being for What they are
Learning to Accept every human being As they are {novice-> intermediate as of now}
Need an immediate STOP on my road rage – I mean my response to the never-ending atrocious traffic behavior in any place that I’ve visited so far…
Practicing not to hurt people by my reactions {mainly when am irritated}
Learning from kids all age (observe them and touch back on your deep-hidden kid-corner)
Constantly be aware of my slips, mistakes, boundary crossings & realize the need to change myself

Not a mere ‘wish list’ but seriously I am doing or trying to do them… There’s many more yards to travel personally… But for all of us, I would like to depart with a smallthought of mine “Let’s not see ourselvescatching our breath in this race against Nature…” Do your bit!

Another leaf to my life and my blog...

2011-09-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

As days go by, I am glad to see myself developing varied interests. Interests that enable me both to rejuvenate myself and to live life to the best of my abilities... And my 'precious' learning has been that 'Ability' knows no bounds... As you explore yourself, you get to know more about your abilities. Whether you are a novice or a pro doesn't matter. As they say 'awareness' is the first step!

One of my latest interests has been 'photography'... thanks to the other interests that I've developed and amazing photographers around me! Ya, still I dare to start sharing some of my amateurish photographs, as I capture them through my phone or the long-time unused Camera under my new blog page "Picturesque Views".

Your Attitude -> Your Choice -> Your Life

2011-09-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

Browsing through a Tamil magazine ‘Mangaiyyar Malar (June2011)’, I happened to read an interesting writeup. Short & Sweet but it hada meaningful, strong message for each one of us! I have tried to re-capture thesame here in English. Read on…

A daughter meets up her mom and is sharing her daily life…problem with kid, hard to make husband understand, hard to do this…etc. Momlistens and realizes that daughter shares only her woes and difficulty facingit… So, when her daughter asks for a cup of tea, she takes three bowls of waterto boil: one with carrot, second with eggs, and third with tea dust /leaf. Thisleaves her daughter wondering… After a few mts, mom places all three endproducts in front of her daughter and says:

Carrot– after boiling, becomes softer both inside & outside
Eggs– after boiling, the inside becomes soft and can be broken
Tea– after boiling, just mingles with the water and gives an aromatic drink…

If we treat ‘Water’ as the ‘Problems / challenges of life’,then our attitude towards these problems (how we want to face the same) canbe chosen from being a Carrot, Egg, or Tea.

Likea carrot, you can allow the problem to walk over you and weaken youcompletely. – OR –
Likean egg, you can end up being seemingly tougher at the outset but weaken internally. – OR –
Liketea, you can emerge to be a stronger person with renewed self, learning,courage to face life etc –without loosing yourself.

So, ‘your attitude’ towards life can make all the difference!

Happy birthday to a Pretty Lady!

2011-08-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Silent dame with a fragile frame;

Elegant girl with a lovely smile;

Subtle lass with a solid mind;

Conservative yet contemporary @ times;

Recluse yet livewire @ times;

She is a beauty with brains;

My Heartiest wishes to the Pretty Lady :‘Many More Happy Returns Of the Day’ Sangee:)

Time’s been flying! Its August 2011 Already!

2011-08-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Did I shut my eyes so long or is it that time is really flying?!? I can’t recollect a single week end since June till now without action. Phew, but I AM LOVING IT :)

Now trying to blog about these week ends is a challenge – a challenge that I throw to myself, given my ‘Strong memory’ - ahem;)

25^th & 26^th June was a ‘Special’ Week end – won’t it be if you get to spend some time @ a Home for the Deaf & Mentally Challenged. Each minute spent there was worth a lifetime! Had fun knowing the kids, having breakfast with them, seeing their reaction to sweeties they received, and finally some time developing a garden for them. My life’s second such experience that I would like to replicate across – friends, am sure each one of us can take out a few minutes of ours for such needy people – more than anything they need LOVE, which can be given without any Cost, if we want to – Isn’t it?

What followed was a beautiful week end! After ages, got to spend time with a lovely couple Rajju & Sandy – our very own Jaya & Amitabh - What fun it was to have the entire lot under one roof. Words can’t explain those moments of pleasure- its there etched in our hearts forever!

July was equally amazing and hectic in a good sense. Yup, it all started with an official trip to Yercadu – wonderful place to stay with a night of rain, song, and dance. For a change, I was away from the planning & managing trip:)

16^th July will stay as another evergreen day in our life – when our shortfilm ‘BOW’ was aired in AVM Preview Theater by our friend Limin’s ‘Friend of Cinemas’ group. It was a WOW experience with audience sharing rave feedback for the film – what else can equate to having audience enjoying all moods of your film and sharing the same – Hats off BOW team! We made it!!!

A sudden / surprise trip has its own charm:) Such was a trip to Ideal ECR Resort – what a welcome but obvious for what we paid ;) But the resort is worth it! Spacious rooms, lavish bathroom (oooo its there in my eyes till now!), balcony with recliners and view to the beach… does that give you the pic? Fun night except for the small stint @ the swimming pool – wish Indians treat peer Indians as equals first!

Another beautiful week end started on 22^nd July, Friday eve. Congrats Kumu & Berks for your beautiful abode! an evening with friends over songs and discussions on some interesting concepts… memorable wk end for sure! Was fun to have all upcoming generations together;

And ya, I ended up buying my HTC Wildfire;)

Month ended on a note of bidding adieu to my abode in Delhi – not on a sad note but on a happy note! Wish the couples who bought the house have a beautiful life there! A week in one of my favorite places – Delhi – but for the weather! Good thing is that I realized how much I can push myself even if unwell, provided I make up my mind. And all my efforts paid off when I see those happy / elated / satisfied smiles with the small tokenof love for them from me :) Thanks guys you all made my efforts worth it! Had some fun time with a few friends but couldn’t meet the rest in Delhi – for those whom I couldn’t meet up, for sure I will be visiting Delhi sometime soon!

August started off on a note of blast! A week end that started off with some lovely time with close knit & a night drenched in rains, followed by meeting up with the entire lot of office friends…Some chose to call a specific day as ‘Friendship day’ but for some all days are days of friendship:) A Sunday that was a hectic go-around between family & friends to share the Delhi-shopped items (some of you there – hold on, your things are with me still ;) but an apt ending – yup, I got a new look for myself; snaps will follow soon – a hair style mainly an effort to hide my not so hidable forehead – a mark of my intelligence;) [No comments allowed on this statement pls ;)]

More to follow… But for all this and for upcoming days / moments, a heartfelt thanks to nature / my life / friends for making this all a possibility! Let's enjoy our life & live to its fullest :)

Beetroot Halwa : For the sweet-toothed

2011-06-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

Hey sweet-toothed people, here is a recipe for a halwa from my kitchen. If I can do it, so can you all :) Try it & share feedback:

Ingredients: Quantity mentioned below are my measure... But you can choose based on your headcount & taste.

Beetroot - 1 cup grated
Milk - 2 cups
Dates - 4 soaked & make a watery paste of it.
Sugar - 1 cup (per your taste)
Ghee - 4-5 tsp (1/4 cup kinds)
Cardomom - 2-4 pounded
Dry fruits - Raisins, Cashew (as you need to season)

Method:

In a pan, heat some ghee. To it add the grated beetroot and saute it for a few minutes (till little bit of raw smell goes off and beetroot softens a bit).
To this, add milk; Keep stirring to avoid sticking to the pan. Cover the pan & allow the beetroot to cook.
When the above mix thickens, add sugar.
Cook till the sugar dissolves and starts to leave the sides - would like strings when you stir. The mixture will start to thicken further.
In parallel, fry cashew, raisins in ghee (alternatively, you can add them dry).
Cook till you get a semi thick consistency. The ghee will be absorbed and the sugar strings will start appearing. As it cools down later, it will thicken further; So, remember to remove it from fire when in a little loosen state - to avoid making 'beetroot bar' instead of 'beetroot halwa' ;)
Season the halwa with the fried dry fruits. Add cardamom powder at the end.

Tasty halwa is ready to be served. I included dates to make it a little bit more healthier & tastier :)

Note: You can follow the same procedure and make yummy Carrot halwa too... but preferably using the 'red carrots' rather the orange ones.

A Maiden Enriching Venture

2011-06-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Being Open to Life, as I have observed so far, has always paved new paths in my life! Doors are thrown open for variety of experiences, which otherwise I might have lost out on…Not to say I wander aimlessly through my life but I try not to confine myself within a few chosen paths.

As my life unwinds, I am treated to something new & interesting… Yes, each day is a new experience but bit monotonous! Devoid of it are certain days & experiences – like the ones that I had during the publicity & pre-post preview show of our short film ‘The Ballad of the Waves’.

The Making of the movie was an experience of a kind! Equally challenging and therefore most unique was the entire process of planning for the publicity & preview show of the film.

Role of a PRO is an enriching experience for sure! But my first attempt as a PRO was an eye opener! The lifeline of a ‘PRO’s job is ‘networking’! Most needed, else you reach all dead ends. My work so far was restricted to social network and blog promotion. First time ever, I ventured into the market trying to arrange a Preview Show – we wanted this event to be presided by a reasonably known artist from the Tamil Cine field; as it might open further doors for us. Not a child’s play for sure!

One would expect these artists to readily lend their time for encouraging budding talents! But the reality is bitter to digest! Reaching them is nothing less than reaching out for the Stars in the Sky… Are you one of those stars? Are you related to one of those stars or stars’ friends? Nope, there goes your chance! Are you financially sound to connect & build network with such stars? Nope! There your easy access windows are closed.

What next? As they say, where there is will there is always a way - the next is to try & connect with some of those existing PROs! And you know what they are more pricy than the starts themselves - What a pricy act! You pay them but they define your choice… can you beat that! What not they have to say ‘@ this price, I can only try / do this much – can’t promise stars coming/ can’t promise press release’ – now come on dude, if you can’t assure anything, why the hell I should spend on you?!?!? Else, they get into ‘this star has no market value; go for this one – one god-forsaken producer they suggest, who actually has no clue of good films!’ – Grr… was my feel when I finally chose to go my way! But I am thankful for this exposure because I got to learn some tricks / loopholes of the trade!

So, not to loose hope, I took my novice / amateurish step towards PRO. That’s when my search for 2 critical things started; One, for press coverage and Two, for Star to preside the preview.

Current social scenario ideally should make ‘publicity’ easier – isn’t it? Even I thought so till the time I faced the tune myself. Yup, with facebook / orkut / blog / twitter reaching people is much easier; still, to reach to your local audience who are not web-savvy the most powerful medium is our media coverage. So, all I wanted was a small write-up about the film & team in the most-read newspapers and magazines.

Believe me, this was the most daunting task! First & foremost, if you need to reach these papers / magazines, one of the following ways would provide you an easy start but doesn’t guarantee any coverage:

a) You should be part of this field

b) You are a top shot in your field

c) You have more than enough money to play around

d) You have managed to win some awards – even then our media would consider coverage [like ‘aranyakandam’ – that won award internationally but had to fight a long battle for local release!]

e) Have a real-high reach in the media field…

f) You or a good-hearted relative/friend heads the rqd media

If you can’t ensure any one of the above, then be assured of a struggle ahead! My battle, I would say, actually started on a little better grounds – because I didn’t dare to approach media as a ‘aam public’ but managed to take some references of known friends in the concerned media. N-number of email, phone calls to get leads, visit to offices, the wait time to get some response, reminder mails, follow ups… I am talking about response from top-most players in the field. After all the efforts, here is what we could manage:

a) Our preview news was printed in TOI’s Friday newspaper – ‘What’s HOT’ section

b) We got a small coverage in ‘vannathirai’ magazine

c) We managed to get a journalist from IE to attend the preview (through famous Sanjeev T contact) – but our joy was very short lived when we got to read her coverage. Less said the better; but the learning from this was most-valuable!

Looking back, I would still rate this as a mini-milestone / positive step ahead to be able to get some publicity amidst all challenges. Was it a value-add to the film promotion itself? That’s a question pondering in my mind! Nevertheless, a valuable learning for future – now, will work towards more meaningful results!

On the other hand, immense thanks to ‘Facebuk’ – it gave us a reach that we didn’t imagine!

Secondly, our efforts to get a reasonably sensible star to preside our preview… Well, rather than feeling low that some people of our choice was not reachable; I choose to feel happy & thank the ones who accepted our invitation and shared their time / joy with us:

Special thanks to Anupama!!!
Ofcourse, we are always indebted to Sanjeev T – who despite reaching great heights working with our very own A.R.Rehman, is still grounded – humility is the word! One, who always supports us with his beautiful musical sense;
And yes, equally proud we are to have Mr. Prabhu in our team – our hero, cinematographer – most talented guy who is stepping up ladders as Associate Director with SelvaRaghavan, a renowned talent in Tamil film industry.

Last but never the least; we share our special thanks with Jazz. One who was just a phone call away to help me arrange for the venue and facilities for the preview!

Doesn’t that sum up to an enriching, successful maiden venture as a PRO. I am happy & proud to be sharing this & why not? With such talent around, I am so glad I could do my bit! Am sure this has paved new ways in my life! I feel one should never hesitate to try your hands @ different opportunities that life throws @ you! After all, life is a journey. Let’s make it as interesting as possible :)

Baigan ka bharta

2011-05-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Good to be back sharing another recipe and this time from North Indian basket! Yes, one of the most cherished take away from my 17 years in Delhi are the recipes of some of their interesting dishes. Am surely not a master of it but can make some of those dishes decently. Here is the recipe for 'baigan ka bharta' - a very popular dry curry taken with rotis.

Ingredients:

Brinjal - 1 BIG Sized (either they are fat & longer or far & rounder)
Onion - 1 medium sized, finely chopped
Tomato - 4-5, finely chopped
Ginger - finely chopped
Green chillies - 4-5 finely chopped
Cumin (jeera)- 1 tspn
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Dhaniya powder - 1 tspn
Chilli powder - 1 tspn (based on ur taste)
Aamchoor - 1 or 2 pinches (based on how ripened / khatta tomatoes are)
Salt to taste
Oil to cook

Method

To the brinjal, apply oil on all sides including the stem. The specialty of this dish is the brinjal needs to be roasted and mashed. To do so, place the oiled brinjal on the burner and on low flame. Keep turning and cooking till all the skin on the eggplant is charred and the inner flesh looks really soft. A good sign to watch for is that the eggplant seems to 'cave in' on itself!
Place the roasted brinjal in a bowl of water to cool it down. Peel the skin.
Coarsely mash the flesh with the seeds (discard seeds if they are ripened & hard)
In a pan, add 2 tbspn of cooking oil. When hot, add cumin seeds and wait till they splutter.
To this, add chillies, ginger and fry for a few seconds
Next, add onions and fry till soft
Add tomatoes and ensure you break the tomatoes nicely
To this mix, add the spices mentioned along with salt and cook for 3-5 mts. Keep stirring the mix (Only if rqd, just sprinkle a little water - mostly won't be rqd)
When cooked, add the brinjal mash and mix well. Break & ensure they all mix together. Cook for 1-2 mts max.
Garnish with coriander leaves (avoid curry leaves because that usually tends to give a south-indian dish flavor)

Hot Bharta ready to serve with hot rotis. You can accompany this with a dhal variety, pickle, and curd.

Note: Bharta refers to dishes with ingredients that are coarsely mashed. You can make bhartas out of any kind of vegetables that taste good when mashed.

April 2011: An eventful month

2011-05-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

Realization dawned on me today that its been real long since I blogged; despite many stuff to write about. After my last blog on Women’s day, March went off with a visit to Cochin followed by birthday celebration of our ‘lensman’, which is half complete ;) April began on a similar note; treat for sunder’s onsite trip & devi’s birthday.

Overall, April by far has been the best month for us (just forget about the weather factor). Felt as if about half of the month we were on holidays; first was a long week end, especially for Chennai IBMers – one advantage of elections!

So, making the most of it, I planned the long-pending trip to Bangalore to visit my cousin. More eventful than the trip was the drive from my house to Koyambedu bus terminal for my onward journey. Wow, its still afresh in mind – just a night before the election, 12^th april, I started from my place 1.5 hr before the bus schedule. For a travel time of 0.75 hr max, it took me just 1.5 hr to reach the terminal! The fun was not driving inch by inch but 10 mts away from the terminal, with 2 laptops in my shoulder bag and another travel bag, I had to make my way walking / running along with minute-to-minute phone calls!

All including me had decided that mostly I will be making my way back home! Miraculously I caught my bus that was just about to make its way! Wow, was it a relief or a sigh of triumph? I can’t explain it in words! Compared to this thrill, my visit to Bangalore felt very mundane J but for my spendthrift ventures out there – nope, don’t even ask me how much!?! And time spent with a little darling ‘Hruthi’:)

Just a week’s time for me to get over this, I was already neck-deep into planning for our next office team trip to Theni/Kumuli/Meghamalai during the ‘Good Friday’ long wk end. More than the trip, the planning was a life-time experience! My cousin & aunt make fun of me till date for the same ‘the time you have spent discussing the travel plan, you could have visited Theni by Walk’ :) what more do I say about it?

Guess we were indebted to our train dept! We ended up spending for thatkal, open tickets, and a fine for open tickets –LOL! nevertheless ‘it was worth it’(need to feel good about it na :)

Thanks to Maheswaran for arranging the local travel & allowing us to stay @ his place. A very welcoming family who treated us to a great breakfast!

From there, our first place of visit was Kumuli – where we had pld to stay overnight. Being a ‘dry day’, it was a task to look out for making the day ‘wet’ ;) after much struggle we managed too - adding to the fun was the sudden rain! The night went off chatting & singing…

Next day, we had an uneventful trip to Thekady – because neither the boating nor trekking worked out with our timing! But we enjoyed walking down there and treating ourselves to ice creams.

No one cribbed much about it because of the promise of a visit to Meghamalai, which truly is a MUST-VISIT PLACE – truly raw & blissful – thankfully so because it is still not rapped by us humans! Driving to this place, we couldn’t see a thing as we were covered by MIST all over! Finding a place to stay (because this was a sudden plan) and food to eat was a challenge… because all you have there are a few Home Stays and no hotels/resorts! Tx to maheswaran we got a decent place to stay (free of cost, ahem) where we enjoyed with our usual singing & chatting session.

Next day drive up towards a famous spot called ‘thoovanam’ was nice. Its another place to watch but when the dam is filled with water – that’s when the water would fall with such a force that it sprinkles back water on us like a fountain (therefore the name ‘thoovanam’).

Driving back, on our way we visited ‘suruli falls’ and the famous ‘grapes garden’ – its fun to see hanging grapes all around… but probably June is the best season to visit Theni and places around!

After a relaxing bath @ the Falls, we had most fun changing our dress in a room made of bedspread within our bus!

All set for our return journey by Bus – worth mentioning was the comfortable seats of Joy Travels – on the way, we were treated to heavy rains & a Dud-film ‘Kavalan’! Chennai welcomed us with a hot day but believe me compared to Kerala, Theni etc, Chennai’s heat is bearable at least so far. There goes April and now looking forward to an eventful May next. May the FUN continue:)

A special day, 'March 8th': Is that what we want???

2011-03-08T23:23:00.000-08:00

Years ago, the only load on our memory was to store birthdays and anniversaries apart from any other special event / incident of life! Just when we were trying to a decent job with this, we have been bombarded with many more such days: Father’s day, Mother’s day, Friend’s day, Valentine’s Day, Doctor’s day, et al… Just went by another such day ‘Women’s day’ – March 8^th!

Coining each as a special day surely seems to be someone’s trick to have fun @ our cost! Doesn’t it? You end up forcefully celebrating, or being reproached for not remembering and so on. No, I have nothing against these celebrations! Why would I? But I do believe every coin has two sides to it…

Looking at the brighter side, intent could have been to see if humans would take efforts to make that special person feel special on the special day at least! Good thought, for sure & if the intent is met, hats off!

But isn’t it equally important to see the other side of this? Two questions that spring up:

a) Are women important only on a single day, the Women’s day?

b) When talking about an equal society why not a Men’s day too?

If am questioning the need to celebrate women hood, it’s mainly because what we see / hear / read happening around us on the remaining 364 days! What more proof do we need than today’s headlines ‘Delhi Univ girl shot dead on Women’s Day’??? Do note the fact that this happened @ a busy junction in our Capital & in the day light, 10 am!

Is that just one of the news we hear about mishandling of women? If I start citing examples even from the latest past, my blog would run into pages… how about Aruna Shanbaug who has been lying in a vegetative state for 37 years; since being beaten and sexually assaulted by a co-worker at a Mumbai hospital?!? Today she is fighting a case of euthanasia!

A minute would be worth to think ‘If we want to put up a bright face just for this one day, while in parallel, in the same time-space another woman is going through a torture?’

Rather than being put on a gold platter for a single day, while on the rest the treatment would vary based on moods/expectations met etc, how about being treated as an equal through the year? Just giving us the basic respect that’s due for any living being on the earth! Leave aside, the next step of going beyond and recognizing our efforts!

While at this, another thought that springs up is ‘why not men’s day?’ – After all, we are fighting tooth and nail for women to be at par with men! Aren’t we? So, why this exclusive treatment for women and not men? We all know that neither all men are trouble makers nor all women are peace lovers!

In a nutshell, what we yearn for is for each one of us to accept & face the simple truth that each ‘living being’ is special and deserves same respect throughout their span, irrespective of the gender!

We can continue to coin each of the 365 days as a special day but all in vain if we don’t understand & implement ‘live & let live’ for the same special people in the remainder of the days.

My books, find a page on my blog:)

2011-03-03T23:09:00.000-08:00

Am I on a 'Page adding' spree, was my first thought when I created this page! But as I am writing this, I realize the need to share about those good books that have been my 24x7 companion through all these years. How can they not be on my blog when they have an important place in my life?

Yup, Books, my all time friend, has been part of my life through thick and thin! In fact, what I'm today is thanks to some of the real good, thought-provoking books that make you an optimist / a positive thinker for lifetime!

Welcome to read through 'My Reads' where I will either mention the book or provide an abstract or my thoughts of the books.

A fresh page...

2011-02-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

Its been my habit to look for a constant change in my life...While I might be happy doing monotonous things but in a while I will want to add / modify / delete constantly from my life... could be as minor as reordering my home or like starting with a new hobby etc. So, each day when I visit my blog, there has been a constant nagging within me to bring some variation to this routine of mine... I can't tolerate myself when I am bored - haha -

My need for a variation began with reading others blogs for sometime now... going beyond my known network to expand to unknown ones. In one such visit yesterday, I read 'Swaram's blog' (friend of my friend, so probably a 'pen friend' for me for now:); I liked her idea of sharing her learning/observation to enforce positive thoughts based on what she had heard / read... On those lines, I today added a fresh page to my blog 'Thru Others Eyes' : Here, I wish to share my good reads, learnings, observations, etc etc - as I see it through other's eyes -

I believe 'Sharing & Learning helps us grow as a better human by the day'!

A night and day etched out in my heart forever!

2011-02-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

A long pending post... Life surely is fair to all in its own ways not necessarily the way we want it to be ;) Life’s best gift for me is the bouquet of friends; thankfully it’s ever-blooming :)

Friends, in their own way, made this birthday (6th feb) a memorable one! Each year wishes make my day but a few years now has had some celebrations too - my cousin’s surprise way back in 2005; and ever since I moved back to Chennai in 2008…

This year onwards we decided to stick on to the best place on earth – our home – for celebrations; Thanks to each one of them for taking out time and traveling the ‘long distance’ to be there with me:) 5^th Feb, a night to recall; began soberly and went on to great heights till about 3 am, 6^th Feb, before we called it a day! Not to forget the 12 am – facials, followed by an alarm of ‘No Water’, and running around to arrange for some treats to late joinees ;) Am sure it must have been a great time for Jayan and Sandhya too whose birthday we celebrated the same day.

After a few hours of rest, the D-day began with us trying to regain some energy :) highlight of the day being wishes from all friends, me taking my car out on my own (tx to sandhya’s help), and the dinner @ Shansi – one of our favorite hangouts! Missed u Prissi swtheart!

Heartfelt thanks to each one of you for the gifts & most precious wishes in person, over phone, and facebook (the gift to mankind!) & making it a memorable day forever :)

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-31T00:40:00.000-08:00

Each dawn is a new year and a new day! Truly so but to realize that we are already through Jan 2011 is a wakening realization. Isn’t it? Feels just a few minutes ago, we were busy getting ready to welcome 2011! Time surely FLIES BIG TIME!

Before we most formally step ahead in this new year, here I welcome 2011 and wishing it would bring in lot more happiness, peace, and safety for our planet! Lets make it a point to enjoy, live, and let live!

A quick walk down the memory lane of 2010; Join me to relive the journey :)

Year began with a rocking welcome @ Cochin; yup the gathering, the music (kodaana kodi and chigi wigi top chart busters), and a visit to one of the most beautiful place – Adhirapali!
Continued with a grueling house hunt schedule! It was worth the effort for I love this house of mine – airy and lighted as I like my house always topped with a very lovely house owner!
Our year is never complete without visit to our favorite hangout – TTDC; besides my mood swing, it was fun.
Memorable birthday celebration with a grand get together in Mainland China!
Cherished trip to Ottapalam – a heaven on earth – even sunny days seem better with those trees around! More than anything it’s the family who make you feel easily @ home, as one of theirs!
A month of surprises – nope not for me but it was hell an experience planning for surprises for Gops – life time experience for me and guess so would be for him:)
A Wow Trip to Munnar! The place, the journey, the team, the dance – ‘varan varan poochandi rayilu vandiyila’ etched in our heart forever!
Unforgettable, most ‘tight’ trip to Pondi;) also, how can I forget the most severe food poisoning I’ve ever had!
Thanks to dad, we spent his first death anniversary @ an orphanage – nothing more satisfying that the moments you spend with those kids there
A trip to Trivandrum was a delightful time spent with Sandy and Rajju – sandy, pls drive slowly, my stomach is still churning upside down :(
No wonder our cine folks are churning out movies based on Theni – one of the place in TN blessed with nature; what a place, climate, and ofcourse Maheshwaran & family. Guy with a golden heart but ofcourse because he allows us to make any much fun of him ;)
Our first religious visit, if I may say so, was to Thiruvanamalai – wanted to visit that temple and village. Thanks to Kala, we had a memorable trip and the best Drive! Highlight ofcourse is the ‘bang’ when our car collided with a stone :)
Tired of a religious trip ;) we planned for a resort visit & had a galla trip to Cochin and Kovalam – how can we forget the wonderful time spent with Bubbly & Bunty:)
Another office padai suzha trip to OTP – man, hats off to Sangee’s grandparents! They entertained and tolerated the entire group with atmost ease!!!
Diwali was fun, mainly it was a sight to see the kids enjoying!
Family trips followed, one to Suloor to celebrate the birth of junior sajeen (wish she becomes a pranksterJ) taste buds still remember the spicy food cooked out there! And then to Salem – a cool drive, a nice place, and equally cool family –
Talai coming back to be amidst us was an event on its own - to cherish and celebrate - welcome home once again talai :) its a sight to c pupa's 1000 watts going brighter:)
A day, rather a few hours, with my school friends – vidu and geetu – all 3 of us together after a long time!
Year’s ending note was by far most happening – with Lensmangops Pictures going on floor for our second short film ‘The Ballad of the Waves’!:)
Grand finale was our 31^st Dec trip to Golden Sun Resort in ECR - it was a different experience to ring in the New Year with as many friends together!

Ofcourse, these were only some major happenings! Through the year, we had fun with small get togethers & birthday celebrations…

Here’s wishing you, one & all, a very happy 2011! May it bring much more such beautiful memories along with peace, happiness, and strength. Would like to signoff with a small thought: As a fun-group, how about making some effort to share some happiness with the children/people who yearn for company and love more than anything else? Are we like-minded enough to take this further?

2010-12-13T01:42:00.000-08:00

Mein aur meri santro,
Aksar ye bataien kartein hai,
Tum chalati tho kaisa hota...
Tum mujhe thokti;
Mammaji mujhe rokhte;
Par tu mujhe chalati, aur...
Main chalti tho sahi ;)

Phew, 2 years since I got my car! Am sure this has been my Santro’s monologue with me standing in my parking area! Poor but a brave and ever-dependant soul! Rightly so, because it has always stood by me in those few attempts to drive it; it has never failed me! And whoever else drives it, has a consistent remark ‘a great car for a third hand!’

When someone is so sweet to you, isn’t it important to return its kindness! So, getting past my initial inhibitions and hiccups, I’ve taken the courage to drive it on my own – thanks to my two sweet fellas: talai and pris! A group of three who finally managed to give its life back to Santro! Mainly, talai brings along oodles of confidence for us & here we are driving on our roads – ahem, roads?!?! on so-called roads & so far it has been so…. Good! Thankfully nothing much eventful but has been successful!

Not long before we go on a real long drive in our sweet old Santro! luv u dear & thanks for holding on to me so patiently :)

A Blissful week end…

2010-12-05T23:00:00.000-08:00

Many happening and memorable weekends have gone by... guess, then, I was busier enjoying them than blogging such experiences! This week end was equally memorable but for a change, wanted to cherish by jotting a few lines about my experience: truly a blissful one :)

Started off on a beautiful note: Friday eve, with my all-time favorite music albums of Saaral and Illaiyaraja’s collection! Topped it up with a sharp knife slicing through my finger – hehe, it was a sight to see my blood flowing thru;) but I did manage it to safety with nanny’s tip (try this: place some haldi / turmeric powder to stop the blood flow) and a band-aid!

I woke up to a cloudy & cool-breezy Saturday… A day that with my ‘loved’ ones, beautiful moments with a romantic weather, illaiyaraja’s songs, and scrumptious food!

Sunday had a flying start with showers and avadi is the place to be in @ these times! Drive back to our place, followed by work on our short film and tasty food. Evening was the topper with dark clouds and rains – Drive to a beautiful place in Chennai – Puzhal, a lake, near Redhills: a place to be in such weather! Ending note to the week end was equally memorable: solace @ home with friends, Tom & Jerry show, discussion on movies, & some hot soup – hmm yummy:)

Wasn’t that beautiful:) - a week end with some wonderful moments etched in my heart!

Nandalala: A treat to ‘good cinema’ lovers

2010-12-02T02:06:00.000-08:00

I begin with a heart-felt thanks to Mysskin for directing and presenting to us a world-class movie in Tamil. I am glad to see many others joining me in saying ‘Nandalala’, is more than a ‘movie’ – it’s an ‘Experience’.

It’s a journey of two, a school kid and a mentally challenged adult from an asylum, in search of their moms. A journey that we choose to travel along right from the titling of the movie! That’s the sheer power of the Director – Hats off Mysskin!

The ‘WOW' factors:

Strong Screenplay – director’s confidence in his story well translated as a smooth and strong screenplay – nearly flawless!
Equally strong BGM – director’s wise choice of maestro for the movie… Illaiyaraja once again has excelled in his forte, BGM – a special thanks to Mysskin for bringing us back our mottai!
Another pillar of strength is Mahesh’s camera – great cinematography – soft and subtle as required for the feel of the movie!
Apt and smart use of silence, sharp & humor interwoven dialogs, twists to anticipated events – the factors that hold ‘us’ through the slow pace of the movie (not many can appreciate such pace, especially Indian audience!)
Excellent Editing – pat on the back for the editor and the director for ensuring a smooth flow through the movie (similar to the river flowing title shot). Not a single scene seems a misfit or unwanted!
Strong Characterizations – Every role / character in the movie convey a feeling/message, and strengthen the flow of the movie. All are intertwined by one emotion for one person in their life – ‘mom’!
Flawless Acting – Each and every artist performed their best - mainly - Mysskin - the ‘surprise package’ – he lived the role; Snighda – for a first movie, she has excelled in a short but powerful role; the man with the disabled legs, nasir, rohini…

Obviously the strengths of the movie won over a few weaknesses- the casting for the kid’s role & for a girl in a village who helps them drive by – surprisingly, I can only list these two! (** I did expect mottai to go a little beyond but that’s my expectation from him given his work so far!)

It's a journey for your eyes, ears, and soul : a journey you would continue to travel & admire, even after the protagonists reach their destination!

Some of the movies seen offlate that I would rate as equally classy: Anbesivam, kanathil muthamital, Taare Zammen Par, Three Idiots – while all of these are commercially-inclined movies, Nandalala took my heart with no commercial elements in it!

Please Watch 'Nandalala' & in Theaters – its worth the money!

Festival of lights or deepam or diyas

2010-11-22T03:22:00.000-08:00

India is a land of various festivals that lighten up the country almost through the year, thanks to its’ truly cosmo culture!
Each festival has its meaning and charm! Of these, in the month of Nov/December, down south Tamilians celebrate a festival called ‘karthigai deepam’ – a festival of lights. Traditionally, though a tamilian festival, it is celebrated by other South Indians as well, mainly if they live in any parts of Tamil Nadu.

During this festival, we light up rows of oil lamps – different shapes, make, and sizes – but most used is the ‘agal’, made of mud like pots. The entire house (inside and outside) is lighted by these rows of oil lamps. Outside the house, we make rangolis (kolam) and arrange the lamps/diyas/agals. Any balcony, open space, and internals of the house are also decorated by these agals/diyas. It’s a sight to watch. More than the visual beauty, a lighted lamp/diya is an unparallel source of positive energy… I love this festival for its aura! In fact, in south, it’s a norm to light an oil lamp every evening just after sunset. Try it @ ur end and feel the power / aura!

I couldn’t capture much but here is a bit of what I could after decorating my house:)

Interested? Wikipedia, our best source of knowledge, says ‘This festival occurs on the day when the moon is in conjunction with the constellation Karthigai (Pleiades) and purnima. This constellation appears as a group of six stars in the firmament in the shape of a pendant from the ear.’ Read up - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karthikai_Deepam.

10 Years Passes By!

2010-11-03T02:46:00.000-07:00

For a few days now, I’ve been coining around the idea of celebrating my 10th birthday; ya, 10 years old I am is how I like to see it! Hold on folks, am sane and have not lost it yet!
In many ways, I see 2000 September as my ‘rebirth’ year. Not to take away credits from my parents for their efforts, but this is the time when I chose a road not-much chosen / liked / appreciated / accepted…

Life leads you through cross roads most often. It is a matter of realization and our decision that takes us through these paths and therefore the consequences…

2000 saw me in one such major cross-roads; I had to make a choice of either to pose a happy living in my marriage or prefer for real living for both of us involved. I treat this as my first-ever critical independent decision of life – a decision to part ways and let in real happiness for both of us – Then, it was a very lonely path with no one supporting my decision; but one that I wanted to risk with only my inner strength guiding me! I wanted to make my choices and take the onus; rather than accept others choices for me and take onus.

As I relive these 10 years, I see myself as a ‘river’ flown / flowing through unknown terrains. A calm and turbulent journey that has taken / taking me through moments of joy, sorrow, fun, elation, desolation, and so on…but made me stronger @ the end! Experiences Galore – that have shaped me as a ‘better human’ in many ways; that have taught me to ‘embrace life’ in its entirety and as it flows.

Having completed 10 years alone now feels like a milestone well achieved! Who said I was alone? How could I be with my books, music, friends, movies, in short my own world? I’ve also been able to live a pie of my larger dreamz:) being part of musical & movie ventures, business ventures, most of all in a position to help others when needed the most : lesser financially but more mentally & physically – what else do I need? A feeling of completeness!

Today, I wanna take this moment to share my heartfelt thanks to all my FRIENDS who are my backbone – each one knows that they mean to me!

My thanks to family; for whatever nature of family I’ve! I did learn – many Don’ts & a few Do’s - from them! Probably they did / do what best they can! In fact, my biggest achievement in these 10 years has been to make them realize that I am an individual with my own mind!

I feel every relationship has an invisible line which when crossed results in chaos! There goes my biggest learning from these 10 years:)

Btw, don't misread me to say you need to be alone to do all this! Nope; I support any life : alone, with a partner...- but make your choice and be responsible for it; that makes the difference- It did to me!

Cheers to my 10 years! Years, when I’ve ‘Lived MY Life’, ‘My Way’; Years when I’ve paved my path, shaped my life, embraced happiness and sorrow equally, taken life as it came (comes) by, as much as possible, and with nothing much to Repent about! For me that’s living Life Queen’s size ;)

Onion-Garlic-Pepper Kuzhambu

2010-10-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

With a climate to die for in Chennai (;), I have been fighting hard the 'common cold / flu' whatever! Actually, I thank the flu as I read a novel after a long time, my only savior from this irritation and 'so-very-interesting work'! What next is when I thought of treating myself to something spicy but healthy - the age old, pepper-based gravy / kuzhambu. Pepper, garlic are powerful fighters against flu - try it out!

Onion-Garlic-Pepper Kuzhambu Prep Time: ~ 15 mts Cook Time: 15 mts

Ingredient                           Measure                               Remarks

Small onions                       1 cup                                    Peeled and sliced
Garlic                                 5-8 cloves                             Peeled and mashed
Tamarind                            Medium Lemon size              Soak it for 30 mts before you start preparing
Red Chilies                         3-4
Black Pepper                     1 -1.5 tablespoon                 As spicy as rqd
Thuvaram parupu               1 tablespoon                         Thuar dhal; yellow lentil
Uzhutam parupu                 1 tablespoon                         Udadh dhal
Salt                                    To taste
Mustard Seeds                   ¼ tsp                                    For seasoning
Curry Leaves                      Few                                     to grind and season
Oil                                      1-2 tblspn                            For frying

Preparation

• For Grinding:

1. Fry together black pepper, red chillies, thuar dhal, udadh dhal till they are golden (in very little oil).
2. Grind the above roasted ingredients with a few curry leaves and make a smooth paste.

• Main Preperation:

1. Extract thick tamarind juice (ensure tamarind is soaked 30 mts prior).
2. Peel onion and slice them.
3. Peel garlic and mash them.
4. In a pan, pour enough oil (1-2 tblspn). When it’s a little hot, add mustard seeds; Follow it up with a few curry leaves, onions, and garlic. Fry them till golden.
5. To the above, add the ground paste (pepper paste) and fry for a few minutes (2 mts or so till the pepper smell goes off).
6. To the above mix, add the tamarind juice extract, SALT, and a little water to dilute and get required consistency.
7. Boil till the oil separates and floats at the top.
8. Serve with hot rice & ghee, idlis, dosas.

Hmmm all done, this is how it looked like :)

Weekend Getaway to Ottapalam

2010-10-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

When I started to blog, I used to write mostly about our trips... Between my last travel blog and this, we have been to Ottapalam, Mudumalai, Munnar, Theni, Trivandrum, and ofcourse TTDC... All were equally joyous trip but I was just enjoying it on my own rather than writing about it. Our recent trip to Ottapalam (OTP) was so exhilarating that it has pulled me back from my short hiatus from writing about travel.
Fun accompanying a bunch of ‘so-called human beings’, this is me, Chitta version 2.0 reporting…

With my maker/fixer 'Ms. Vaseegari' ;)

Muthacha & Muthachi, the soft, subtle, elegant, humility-personified grandparents were our Hosts. At their age, will we be willing to open our doors for such a crowd?! & their pillars of strength are their two daughters, real gems: valliamma and aunty; Patience- & Love-personified beautiful ladies!
Armed for an onslaught by 15 of us, they welcomed us with open arms into the beautiful abode of theirs! With the right climate, the house is a paradise – surrounded by gardens & silence!

I LOVE that place, anyone sane would! Two days & One night, 15 adults (were all adults!?) & 5 kids (ya some fall under both category)…well one can imagine! Humans...chaos is their second nature ;)

Agenda was very clear: Eat, Drink, Sleep, Enjoy!
Day 1 began bang on with a grand breakfast, purest kallu & bacardy, memorable long walk to Taravadu (pat on ur back sangee;), lunch-fiesta – not only were we overwhelmed but so were the clouds that it broke into a heavy downpour! Grand finale to Day 1 was the cake-cutting by kuchu & sandy, followed by our song-chat-drink session! And a special mention about the 2 great ladies who added flavor to the evening ;)

Ms. Mokkai & Ms. Prisy – girls u smiling and gulping ur way to glory is a sight and so is the aftermath :)

Ms. Sardhis :))

Day 2 was planned to be a day to relax… Visit to the Puzhal (a small river), followed by a tasty vegy meal – the special preparation for Sandy – palladai payasam – still on our taste buds! Hats off valliamma and aunty :) special thanks to the old lady who was out there helping!

But the Day 2 highlight was… Till about 6 pm, with a plan to leave for the train by 7:45 pm, human race was operating @ a snail-pace. Suddenly, an alarm ‘hey the train is at 7:55pm, we need to leave by 7 pm’ – all hell broke loose! Especially me, devi, and uncle were out shopping! My heart was racing and the chips-vendor chose that exact moment to act in Slow-motion! Thankfully, we managed to reach the station in time :) else this would have had a different ending! When the last pair of legs stepped out, did I hear a sigh of relief ;) even if they didn’t they are entitled for the same:)

Chitta 2.0 bidding adieus with A BIG HUG to you lovely souls, who risked hosting these humans! Gops & Sangee – Hats off man to you & family!!! 3 Cheers!!! Here I go, to dismantle myself and bid adieu to this human world (believe me guys my dismantling has taken more than 2 weeks!)
Yeeks, what an impact a movie can have! Hmmm, probably that one mosquito scene had its impact on my nerves & I ended up with a jammed back, grrrrrrr!!!

Saboodhana Vada : A quick snack

2010-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Motivation comes within they say and it is completely true! I coined my idea of a Cookery blog just yesterday and that was motivating enough for me to try a new dish today - Saboodana / Javvarasi Vada! Bingo, I would say I got through with decent grades :)

Saboodana / Javvarasi Vada

SABUDANA VADA            Prep Time: ~ 2 hours              Cooking Time:15 mts

Ingredients                                        Measure                           Remarks
Saboodana/Javvarasi                           1- 1.5 cups
Potatoes                                            3 medium                            Boiled and mashed
Roasted peanuts                                1 cup                                  Coarsely ground
Green Chillies                                    3-4                                     Finely chopped
Onion                                                1-2 small                            Finely Chopped
Lemon Juice                                      1tablespoon                        U can try Vinegar instead
Oil                                                     Enough for deep-frying
Salt                                                    To taste
Curry Leaves, Coriander Leaves        To taste                              Finely chopped

Preparation

Starting Steps, including for the filling:

1. Soak sabudana / javvarasi in enough water for about 2 hours
2. Boil the potatoes and mash them
3. Coarsely grind the peanuts (roast them if it is raw)
4. Finely chop onions, coriander & curry leaves

Steps to prepare vada:

1. Mix together sabudana/javvarasi, mashed potatoes, onion, green chillies, coriander&curry leaves, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Make fine dough of it.
2. In parallel, heat oil in a pan.
3. Take small portions of the dough and flatten it in a round shape (palms of your hands should do. Alternatively you can use Milk cover or banana leaf – just grease some oil before using the dough)
4. Deep fry the vadas; take care not to burn them because sabudana may not become real reddish like the other vadas.
5. Strain the oil by placing the vadas on tissues.
6. Serve hot with any chutney of your choice, preferably little spicy, or any sauces.

Good bye Angsh : may your soul rest in peace!

2010-10-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

Never in my wild dreamz did I think that I would be writing a blog like this!!! But such is life and its tweaks & turns - getting you always unaware!

Angsh, you were one big source of energy for me when I had to take a tough decision of my life with no support whatsoever! You were a source of fresh energy, knowledge, excitement to all of us. Remember the endless conversations, overnight talks in our office building scaring team about ghosts, cricket sessions on the chath, trip with joe to kalandikunj.... the list doesn't seem to end but you have put a forceful period to your life!

Am @ a loss of words Angsh... Its a real blow to us; can't imagine the plight of your little daughter & wife!

Closing doors with NIIT didn't mean to close doors on all of us Angsh! Wish either we or you could have tried to get you back in touch! Probably I would have been writing a blog on how we reunited rather!

But ya the reality is very different from what we wish and want! Biggest lesson for all of us : Don't ever find yourself in my position, regretting! Just do whatever and get in touch with all those people in your life whom you lost track of and whose loss you will regret!

Rest in peace my friend! Miss you!!!

Toast to 'Saaral'

2010-09-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Today, we raise a toast to ‘Saaral’ - drizzles that still lovingly caresses your face! the ever-soothing musical album, which found its way into our hearts two years ago on 29^th September 2008. Since its launch to today, I have only seen a constant growth of its fan club! Now, that's what Good Music is all about!

Three Cheers to ‘Gopakumar, Sanjeev, Benny, Ravi, and the entire Saaral team’!!!

Time to spread our wings team... Lets get started for another sweet musical journey soon! Best wishes :)

A day with a ‘Crow’!

2010-09-28T04:11:00.000-07:00

Just another week day after a beautiful week end…I begin the usual routine with a slight change : no breakfast of dust / noise / tension today, thankfully! it’s a day to work from home.

Sitting with my laptop a thought comes by ‘hey those college days; when we devised the best innovate ways to bunk classes’ hmm… what fun, wasn’t it?! How about trying hands now?:) A minute down, I had decided to wind up early and visit a new mall with a friend.

There was an adrenalin rush now to finish off the task on hand. Few hours later, as I pressed the ‘Send’ button of the email… zoom……flew by a crow from my open balcony to the closed balcony (its wired & no windows) at the back! Before I realized, I had a small crow crowing her/his way, completely lost!

It found itself clueless as it couldn’t find a way to fly out to reach his/her family… Yup, outside our building stand 2 big trees, the ‘adda’ for crows! Soon, I felt I was standing amidst a land of crows… The entire lot crowing with anger & helplessness, and possibly ready to attack me!! While the little one was peeing all over due to fear: of being caught up; held back from family & friends…

‘What was this?! Ya, I wanted an interesting day but not such an interesting one! I try shooing & showing its way back but ofcourse, it was only shuttling within the balcony with fear! My efforts to give her a landing using a broom / stick also didn’t work!

Gosh so much for my plans to leave early! I find myself racking my brains to shoo away a crow! Amidst this, my neighbor aunt walks by (the crows ensured to wake up all in the street)…. Together, we managed to help the crow find its way back. While I tried to help the crow step on a stick, it fell down behind a shoe rack… Aunt very bravely & quickly picked it by its feathers and let it free it in the other balcony! A victorious task indeed...

Wow! What an experience sirjee – I asked for a change to the mundane day & I got the most unique experience of my life – Life, is for sure, the natural prank-player I guess! Yo, did manage to go to the mall and gift myself for the ‘masti’ task accomplished :)

Life! How much does it cost?!?

2010-09-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

'Shocking' may not be the word because its become a 'way of life'! 'Saddening' probably!

Day 1: 9:00 AM, Kathipara junction: Peek traffic, busy flyover, and there goes 'zooom' & a 'bang'... a bike with 2 guys sped into a car! lucky day as they all managed to get out with not much damage (hopefully!) Insurance zindabad! Work complete, who is bothered that lives were saved miraculously!

Day 2: 9:00 AM, Ashok Pillar: 'screeeeeeeech'!!! A glance at that direction & my eyes closed voluntarily : out of pain or should I say 'helplessness'! A guy speeds up in his bike with ONLY 3 more 'LIFE' riding along with him! Ya, big deal! this is a usual scene? Isn't that our instant reaction?!? Just that he was around a steep bend of road with peek traffic flowing from all directions, and obviously so his bike had to Skid! O yeah, tell us something new! can you? there goes our next reaction?!? But what took me by shock & pain was seeing the bike skidding with a small kid falling down!'O! common give us a break! we see it every other day'...

O, those templatized responses; so tuned to such incidents aren't we? What I'm talking about isn't new!?! So, what the f*** will make us realize the value of "LIFE" - ours, our kith & kin, peers -??!?!?!?

Where were these guys heading to @ such a speed?!? thankfully all were alive, probably wounded but imagine the worse! But who is bothered nowadays about anything, leave aside the worst! No feel / value / responsibility amongst us out on the roads! why not? what do we achieve by racing at all times?

What are we here for??? We are supposed to be "Living Life" but walk out of your home and all you get to see is people challenging each other to "End Life" ! So unruly, impatient, irresponsible human race!!!!

No matter how many videos we share on facebook, how many steps we take to create awareness : nothing will change till the day each one of us is awakened from within! At least so much "To be Selfish enough to bother about oneself & those riding with you!"

Jaya & Amitabh :))

2010-09-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

An 'apt title' that just flashed across my mind!:) for us who have met them, we can immediately relate to - not only their appearance but to a certain extent their nature too (on screen): the 'soft/silent/subtle jaya' : rajju; the 'angry tall / young (?!) man amitabh' : Sandy ;)

Where do I start and what do I say for this ever-smiling lady?... in loss of words. If you can visualize Jaya bachan on screen & draw a parallel - that will be our rajju :) the ease, elegance, maturity, subtlety, with which she carries herself - a real WOW! A synonym for "Patience", she stands untouched by ANYTHING be it a flower shower or a thunder shower on her! Come what may, she faces it with a "SMILE" - ever-soothing 'Smile' - an asset of hers that helps her face LIFE in all its form! Can I ever get to that level? I doubt it! Another such asset of hers is her Voice, so sweet/melodious, but used very rarely :( rajju lets be treated more with that sweet voice of yours :) Multi-talented (mostly hidden to the world), down-to-earth, caring : she can easily wear the cap of a mother, sister, wife, friend, whatever u ask for from her - all she has to give to any of this is her 'love & smile' - I ADMIRE you & definitely would love to imbibe some bit of it in me :))

As they say, life tries to balance out for each :) so, for a silent rajju, an 'angry, versatile, aggressive, loving, funny, mischievous, TALL man' was in the order- and that's our Sandy, our version of the on-screen Amitabh! As tall as he is, equally tall is his love for life/rajju/kids, and equally taller is his 'anger' :). A man who loves to ENJOY life & have FUN, in his own way! A guy who can pave his way by his talks (suitable field, Sales) through any phase of life / people! A complete opposite he may be to rajju but they do share things in common : a warm smile, big arms to accommodate all with love:) 'Hats off' Sandy for who you are!!!

Signing off wishing the very best & happiness in life for you two lovely people :)) and most importantly tx for introducing new world of friends to us : very own bubbly & bunty :) Luv u guys for what you are!

Bubbly aur Bunty!

2010-09-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

Traveling the life path, we meet up with different personalities. Each leave their imprint on you/your life in their own way... Just a couple of weeks ago, I happen to meet a pair, whom I choose to call "bubbly aur bunty". Yup, she is the most 'bubbling' person I have met in the recent past :))) With her around, smile is a 'given'; laughter follows :))

Her multi-talent personality drives her bubbliness...She can imitate, sing, dance, talk silly-serious stuff, play pranks, & list can go on... Her favorite is to plan 'punishments' irrespective of you win / loose games :)) She loves to put you on a tight spot & make you perform something :)) Simple, straight forward personality who loves to live her life the easy-way, the 'fulltush way'. Not the one to be bogged down by life's difficulties and her life so far can vouch for it. A wife, a friend, a mother, an entertainer... any role guess she can fit in with ease! She is "Bubbly Prabhi".

Equally admirable is her better/bitter half ;) "Bunty Bisi" - a guy who balances Bubbly's madness with his silent mannerism, & with equal zeal for life; one who enjoys Bubbly's madness to the core! A balancing factor in bubbly's life, he is a gentleman whom you would respect willingly.

People are always a mix of personalities, mannerisms, positives/negatives but some make a good mix & you admire them for what they are... Bubbly & Bunty is one such! May the smile & zeal for life remain intact in both of you always!

Phew! Feels like ages...

2010-09-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yup feels like an era has passed by since I blogged :) While its been there @ the back of mind, thanks to the bloggers whom I follow, mainly : 'Daffy's dream', 'Summary of lifetime' - My learning from these 2 were to blog about everything : ur feelings, day-to-day observation, some key activities, anything that would stay on ur mind! sweet & short to read as well... So, soon will be back with my next phase of blogging :)

A day in Paradise!

2010-05-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, most definitely it is fit to be called a Paradise while the so-called developed world of ours is a MESS!

An hour @ a home in Thiruvanmayur and the above was my realization! With 70 human beings: age, sex, ability, disability NO BAR – all had one thing in common ‘zeal for life’ - that was visible in the way they accept what nature gave them, that they were orphaned by the ‘so called parents / family’, the living conditions they got, and all other things that they never had / don’t have / may not have… what do I say about them?

Kids less than 5 yrs old, completely unaware of what life had thrown on them, were giggling around with happiness for that one dress and ice cream they got! Leave aside what they got, the moment they saw us all we got was an instantaneous smile :)

My cousin who introduced us to this home had first met a girl who was grown up by age but other than face she has a baby’s body – my cousin ended up having tears in her eyes when she saw her first while the girl consoled her and said ‘the day my parent knew about this disability they left me! I have accepted that and am happy here! Why are you crying?’ – all this with a smile! You can’t imagine their sense of life, humor, maturity! She says to me, when I offered to carry her to room, ‘but you are so thin, you can’t carry me!’ and was laughing her way to glory:)

Am still to get back from that world – yes, it’s a different world and I want to call it a Paradise - it treats all as equals; it teaches you how to accept life and live life; Much more… I just can’t manage to express what I saw or felt!

Not a feeling of heaviness but each moment in our world I see, I realize ‘what a waste! Why don’t we, the so called hi-fi / matured human beings, learn to live life! We have so much………yet are always on a search for something more! Why do we always mess it up in ways of our own! We don’t respect other humans; we don’t accept them as equals! Constantly complaining, expecting, blaming… Leave aside the selected few (exceptions is way of life) majority of us fall in the above rut! Why so? Lets ponder...

Its ‘one’ life, Its ‘now’, Its for ‘all’ : so, lets ‘live happily’ and let ‘others live happily’…

Before I signoff from this blog, to each one who visits or reads this : thanks for stopping by! If possible, do take a few mts for such homes, people : more than money, our love would make a lot of difference – more to us than to them!

April 26 : A year since my dad bid adieu!

2010-04-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Truly no one can compete with time! A year just flew by since I saw my dad breathing his last… The last few days still afresh in my memory; the pain, the agony that man went through but all that I retain today is his strength in accepting and facing the ferocious Cancer! He did what we keep saying we should “Don’t give up!" What if its cancer, as long as the last cell is breathing we should live & live happily / spread happiness” – Ya, that man who couldn’t eat a morsel of food, in his last few days before loosing his speech, arranged for a family lunch! All he did was to ensure each one of us had the best of the food that he loved! He saw us eating and felt the joy of it! Now, isn’t that strength because he was a foodie! Dad, hats off to you… Somewhere I felt / still feel my strength is from my mom and now it has doubled and that’s thanks to you Dad; I take that as a departing gift from you. I would always live happily and do my best to spread happiness – to one and all – I have never said this to you dad but am saying now “I Love You Dad’ - Be happy wherever you are!

And the Fun continues…Part II

2010-04-27T23:04:00.001-07:00

While planning for the first surprise party, which was 2 days ahead of his bday, was wondering how to make 30th equally surprising… Plan was to spring a series of surprises starting 27th March. Succeeded we did:) Here’s how…

Given the people in Gop’s life, I can easily plan for multiple parties through the month!:) So, next lot to spring a surprise was our office gang. Initially, while brainstorming Devi had suggested that for 3 of us (Devi, GRB, and I) would ring the door bell if not at 12 a little earlier. While we were pondering over this idea, it stuck me that having all other friends as part would make it even more surprising for him and also to have Sangee involved… So, the next planning began – all of us gather at my place on 29th eve and go visiting him later! Our first challenge was to evade Gops calling us out for lunch or dinner on the 29th eve; more than this, the challenge was to have Ramesh’s mouth shut and not to give away our secret! That’s quiet a big mouth to keep shut and he did try opening it up a few times! :)

We were 10 of us from office on that eve and 5 of us to stay back till 12! With this final, our next plan was to plan for food. Kudos to Sangee, I must say! She volunteered to cook food for all on her own… Next, I find myself in my favorite hangout ‘rest room’ discussing menu :) More than the cooking experience what we both enjoyed was the ideas to hide it from Gops! How does she do it without him realizing anything when he reaches home, and till the time we don’t reach! First thought was for us to reach a little early and help her – but rather not because we might get stuck anywhere! So, next idea was how to hide the prepared food :) Next door neighbor? Fridge? Underneath shelves? Ha ha! Sangee chose the last 2 options and had most of the things ready by the time we reached. And, thankfully her plan worked out fine! He didn’t manage to guess anything! Though, as he said later, he was expecting something to happen probably a couple of us would drop in kinds...

So, with the food plans in place, next was to get the group arrive on time and with the other key essentials – cake, snacks, gifts, etc etc – In parallel, me & Prassi (another close friend from Germany) had some gifts planned for him and the one to be given that special night was a crazy gift “toilet paper wrapped as a gift” – ha ha something crazy for an equally crazy person! So, armed with everything, we decided to invade his abode! We had to rush because we had two warning signals from Sangee that he might anytime ask for dinner :) Bang we go…. And ofcourse you should have seen him then! Yet to recover from 27th March, this one came on him early :) but as usual he did recover soon and then on we went to party till early 30th March:)

When we said ‘bye, gud nite’, did we hear a sigh of relief?:) Hey wait man, that was not all – ‘you have the day yet to come’ was our thought ;) Yup, next day 7 am, he heard the door bell and found a beautiful bouquet awaiting him:) I had asked for Roses and few Lilies and the florist did an awesome work!

What next? Definitely he would have thought that at that moment! True to that, next I had the ‘saner’ gifts lined up for him from me & Prassi.

Then, we thought it was time for us to go to office and do some work! No running away from reality you see! And we had to go because had our impending Lunch treat from him @ Barbeque Nation. A nice place worth the penny! Don’t miss it!

Reaching BN, we ordered food and like well-behaved people were eating our way to glory! Bang came in Karthick, another nutty friend:) For sure, he took us all by surprise when he walked in with one big Rose Garland!ha ha! So, the bday boy was garlanded and given the last gift : team’s gift! Probably then his thought was ‘now, enough guys! Cant take anymore’ ;)

That was it! Each moment is gone when the next moment is born but the good thing is we all are gifted to hold on to such beautiful / memorable moments; This blog is just an attempt to give these memories a longer lifetime or probably a chance to relive while reading it:)Have a rocking year ahead Gops! All our wishes for you for a joyous life!

Thanks guys : Pree, Prasannah, Vigsy, Kala, Ramesh, Sandhya, Maheshwaran, Devi, GRB, Prassi; We did it:)

Fun, Fun, and more fun… Memorable Bday Surprise : Part 1!

2010-04-23T02:53:00.000-07:00

It feels real good to be writing after a long gap… yup experiences galore! Little lengthy, pls. bare :)

Sitting in a park, a day in Feb, sharing a moment with my little angel and Sangee there was a flash of a thought… how about springing a surprise for the man who goes all his way out for family, friends, known, unknown; one, who has and continues to make a world of his own : a world of equals, a world of fun - D-man Mr.Gops – Yup, this package was presented to the world on the 30th March …. (keep guessing the year!)

It was a small thought that later shaped up into a beautiful, amazing day / moment on 27th March ( 3 days prior as a wk end is always better!) – for him yes but most importantly for us who planed this surprise – yes, this is all about our experience…

With Sangee by my side, I first began with making a friends list – most challenging task ofcourse! whom all to invite because his is a large world :) After rounds of drafting, we came up with Invitees list of just about 22! Next step was to get a nod from each of these 22… yup most were a little surprised to receive a call / email a month ahead of the birthday but we had to because the invitation included some outstation close family & friends, who, thanks to the famous financial year ending couldn’t join:(Next time guys! Following this, all I got to hear from the rest was ‘Yes – just tell us the date & time’ – gops, you are really blessed man!

Ya, I can hear you asking “what’s amazing, interesting in this?” – this is the usual… Hold on folks, I have not yet shared the fun part!

As the day was nearing, to plan & prepare and maintain this a secret was a task; it was most challenging for Sangee as she feared spitting it out during any talks:)Pat on your back Sangee for holding on till the very end:)

Most of the planning discussion was done over phone calls taken in the super cool ‘resting room’ of IBM! Comedy of errors was many, to quote one: During lunch, Kumar calls “do Jazz & I plan to buy something; Let us buy a cake? What do you say” – and next to me was D-man; what am I supposed to say?!? But wait the major fun was awaiting us… just 2 days before the party, @ office we had to get involved in an audition for a major inter-corporate music competition… while he was the judge, I had to be there to organize and manage the event exactly on 27th March! Wow, wasn’t this required to add to fun:)So, bang I go calling all involved because each had a task to do! All I got to hear was “What, its at your place lady; how do we do it if you arrive late? How do we manage the surprise?” – only answer I had was ‘lets just go with the flow’:)So, tasks defined, I go to Gop’s place on 27th and hand over my keys to Sangee – yo, all happened very much under his nose –

Best part was the audition program was to end not before 7 pm!!! Haha, all the while me & Sangee were crossing fingers that the turnaround should be less – selfish yes, but you know ;) – actually the turnaround was pathetic! (another time on this) – In between, I kept visiting my then favorite place the rest room – to check on progress, to place order for food (hehe! Don’t mind I only placed order;)) and to my dismay the ‘talapakatu’ guy wasn’t taking my call; grrrr… but had to wait till I would reach home and had time because it was for the main course.

So, set free around 6 pm, we get on to the car and there comes Sangee’s phone “sree, no one has come yet? What if you guys reach early?” – sitting nxt to me was him – so, I start messaging… had to bring a major change to the plans:)so, asked her to reach her place fast… then, I created a on-the-spot script – ‘gops, let’s have dinner together! & he goes – check with sangee da, she might have prepared...then I get into an animated dialog with sangee where she goes ‘nothing much sri; we can go out :)’ so, its finally decided we go out; he will pick me up in about 45 mts – heef! Relief. I run to my place and find cuty friends working around – Prisi shopped for the decoration stuff and prepared the house, Sree and Sukanya decorating, aunty cooking for uncle (home made curd rice – yummy), vivek, berks, and kumar shopping… then on till 1 hour I was on phone – placing order, checking others who were missing – cake, starters, drinks was missing along with them:)- as the time was nearing, I receive the first call from Gops ‘are you ready, can I start?’ – ha? How can he start because most of them were on their way; how do I save the surprise??? ‘gops, I just came down to shop for curd / milk (hehe! Pld for outside dinner and shopping for curd! Weird) give me few mts, I will be home' my first escape. Then, I make calls to all and give them 15 mts to reach wherever they are! Am sure they must have been cursing me because plans went ulat-pulat! Just when I hung up after following up with the last person, did I hear my phone saying ‘gops calling’!?! yeeks… wondering what wld be my next escape I pick the call and he says “are you ok?” I say “ya ya; just 5 more minutes; I will be back, was stuck in a phone call” – ha ha, as I got to know later, he started wondering what’s wrong with this girl! then it was Sangee’s turn – “sri, he is getting restless; its better we leave”:)So, in the next 5 mts when my phone rang I said “you start gops, come over” crossing fingers that all should reach!

Guess nature was with us as in the next few mts everyone reached and we had the lights switched off (Earth hour too!) and candles lit all over the front hall! Blare goes my doorbell and thankfully I peeped to notice only Sangee standing at the door step (else, she would have received all decorations:) – there she says “he is down parking the car…”; the next few seconds were the most anxious period of that day, I should say… Man rings and bang we go “Surprise………” – see the video below to notice his reaction – but hidden beneath was a surprise for us – entering the hall, he says ‘actually I guessed it!’ – we were all dumb-stuck for a second – then he says ‘not till I reached the staircase; when I reached here a talapakatu guy askd me for 11/6 with 16 biryanis’- man! That guy had left by then, else I would have specially thanked him for this help !:(! But ya, still he never expected the group that was present – not a single person from there; he expected office group… from then till 2 am we had the best possible moments! Fun, Fun, and more Fun… Still. he didn’t know what else was in store for him next – because the D-day was 2 days later ;)

Once again, talai you are worth all the wishes / surprises / luv you got this birthday! Happy birthday once again:)

Heartfelt thanks to you all who made this a joyful surprise and memorable celebration:

Sangee, Amoos, Achoos (as he calls:), Vivek, Sree, Berks, Kumudh, Sunil, Sukanya, Kishore, Anu, Jazz, Kumar, Sajith, Prisi kutty, Pupa, Aunty, Preeti, Jeyaprakash;

Rajani, Sandeep, Sajeen, Prisha, Ragesh – Guys, definitely next time:)

More to follow...For now, enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rudt737O4c

Unse... (My first attempt in hindi! All comments welcome :))

2010-04-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Unse baatein karne ko jee chaahta hai!
Par khambaqat waqt ke paas waqt hi kahan hai hame dhene ko...

Unse nazar milaane ki bhi ek choti si chahat hai!
Par unki aankhen itni vyast hai ki kya kahe...

Unki baatein sunne ko jee bekarar hai!
Par unki kanon tak hamari goonj pahunchi hee nahi, ki kya kahen...

Dil Se Dil ki dhoori to hoti hee nahi ye suna to hai humne
To is dil ki khwaishein bhi us dil tak bas pahunchne ki deri hai…ab hum isse zyada aur kya kahen!

Rocking Welcome for 2010!

2010-01-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! Yup, though delayed by just 20 days, it’s never too late to relive some beautiful memories and moments! (Embrace yourself for a little lengthy journey:))

We were all set to rock Hyderabad with our New Year celebrations but guess Cochin was destined to receive us :) To begin at the beginning… it was a group of 8 adults and 3 kids visiting Prisha and Sajeen to make their new year!(am sure both would have taken not less than a week to recover from the aftermath of our visit ;))

Thinking we should give the couple a breather, we joined them in batches; first parent joined, followed by Rajani / Sandeep and 2 cute little kids Adi and Shreya (devadai – fairy!), and last but never the least Gops, Sangee, the little princess Kuchs, and myself. After a long time, it was absolute fun to travel by the train!

Landing in Cochin on 31st December, the first realization that hit us hard:‘Chennai was less hot and ofcourse less chaotic; better infra!’ – but with such a fun-loving bunch, these factors can never be of hindrance! So, after a quick refresher, we ventured to visit local shops for some essentials (;) for 31st December night out!!! After all it’s a once in a year night! One thing that stood out and need a mention here is the LOOOOOOOOOOONG Q for the ‘special drinks’… ha ha! You need to c it to believe it; yup so long that am sure most of them would have not reached before dawn of 1st Jan!

All set, our celebrations started with liquid and solid food, music, stories, and dance…. The songs of the night were ‘kodaana kodi’ and ‘chigi wigi’ amongst others! Songs that make you swing without your knowledge! And ofcourse with Gops and Rajani around, how can we not have ‘singing’ sessions – We were treated to beautiful numbers by Rajani, one other friend, and ofcourse Gops – and my observation says Sandeep is also a singer! Just that he underplays probably (What say Rajani and Gops?) – session went on with a final blast within Sandeep’s car – what a sterio man!!!! Can still hear it banging!!! And at 2 am, we finally decided to give the neighbors a break and retired.

1st Jan, a new year, a new start, and ofcourse we had to begin it with visiting a new place – Adhirapali – a beautiful waterfalls and a popular shooting location as well: yup saw 2 buddies ready to jump – as always the famous Suicide Attempt, a regular in our movies – but hold your breath, we weren’t standing there to see any real fellas jumping!! they were dummies:)

While this is a nice picnic spot, the most enthralling part is the journey through the beautiful greenery!!! WoW still in my eyes; we were so mesmerized that we didn’t click any! If you are in Cochin, DON’T MISS IT!

You could ofcourse enjoy the waters there but if Crowd is of concern, then travel down a few kilometers (on your way back probably) and ask for a private place to enjoy the waters with not much of a public view! But my experience says ‘forget public, forget private, but don’t forget enjoying the waters’ – It’s chill and refreshing (nope! Hold on Gops / Sajeen – no enlightening thoughts on what makes this water special pls ;))

After a happening 1st day of the year, we had more fun in store… Second day was ‘thanks to Sajeen’s Boss’ for inviting the family for a Marine Drive! Yup, Cochin is famous for this and again ‘Not to be Missed’… Ya, how could I forget the boat house and my ‘bang start’ of the evening and probably the new year! Yo, as Sajeen says, I tried moving the boat by banging my head on it! Ha ha! What a bang it was; I hear it and feel it till now! But its worth that pain and the all-time available mosquito bites! You can plan for a decent evening with friends / family in this place… Refreshments and Food made our evening with some games with little princess!

As is evident, we managed the most possible fun in 2 days and after all that is what life is for - right? Have fun, spread fun, be happy, spread happiness; rest life goes on!

We had written off our 3rd day for the Railways  yes, we had to spend the entire day from 7 am till just 9 pm!!! Boarding the train at Ernakulam, thankfully we had planned to take some books and games… (wish people there would start respecting others as equals!) Day time went off well with books, catching up on sleep, and playing Ludo (but for upset stomach of Gops, followed by me after landing in Chennai)! After 6 pm, we felt as if we could have rather pushed the train physically but still would have reached earlier!!! Finally glad to see Chennai, we had the final & usual ice-toppings of our fights for autos / cabbies to reach our destination… and thanks to Karthik Tiffin Center at Adyar, we could have a decent / nice / hot dosas at about 11:00 PM!!! Back home all we wanted was to freshen up and hit the sack, and so we did!!!

WOW what an experience… For me personally, I have never had a new year like this! Full Funtoosh New Year Eve!!! You guys rock man and am glad to be part of this bandwagon :)) let’s hope to have more such fun in future! Can’t wait!

Angel in my life...

2009-12-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

A sweetie little pie

An angel in my life

A look of hers pierces through

A smile of hers rejuvenates

A hug of hers energizes

A kiss of hers makes you ‘you’!

A moment with her is fun

A moment with her is a journey

A moment with her is blessed

A moment with her is LIFE...

Pen kandru pasu thedi parkindra velai…

2009-11-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Life, they say, has its plan for each one of us! If we sit back and retrospect aren’t we in awe in with our life, which is nothing but a continuous journey that kickstarts (remember you kicking mom’s womb!) from the moment your parent sow the seed – ya, irrespective of how and when and why the seed was sown, if there is one person who makes it see the light it is your ‘mom’ : one creation on earth, one role that can’t be explained @ all!!! Dads ofcourse are also equally important but probably the one factor that gives moms the edge is that they carry us within them for 9 months – is there any other protective place for u in this world?!!? Probably had nature done a role-reversal, our dads’ would have gotten the edge, but for now this is nature and so shall we accept!

And what happens, when life chooses to play its tricks and take away this important thread of your life? Ya, could be the nature life and death cycle but that’s understandable and acceptable… but what if it’s otherwise – to live without a clue of whether or not she is around – that’s a different ball game altogether! Not to dissect the whys and why nots for this scenario! But all these years, while learning to live and living life, countless moments have passed by yearning for her, her presence, her luv, her guidance, her hug, her kiss, her anger, just her! And after all these years, the moment has finally come for me not to just sit out and miss her, but to let her know that ‘I am there for her’ – might be its high time I give her my luv, my hugs, my kisses, and just be there for her… So, mom, here I come with nothing but hope, belief, trust, and best of all – my friend – without whom probably taking this step would have been still a distant dream or might have been too tough to take...Also thanks to my other friends who didn’t think for a minute to join us in our first step! Take care mom and be there, we r coming :)

A week that just went by…

2009-10-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

What’s it to be back at a place where you have spent half your life time? A sheer feel of joy what else could it be! Such was the case in my recent 1 wk vacation to Delhi.

It was a memorable trip but for the only ruining factor – the Hot weather! O guess this is global warming!!! Its there for all of us to experience… hopefully we will realize and start doing our bit to avoid further impact! That was no gyan but heartfelt yaar ‘cause can still feel the heat:)

This trip was eventful right from the word ‘go’ and different from my usual trips as I had the joyous company of Gops family with many first time fliers. Journey began with a jittery take-off but overall a nice flight! Kuchu, the 4 yr old, was the most energetic of the lot…despite being an early morning flight she was most awake and ensured all of us were:)Landing in Delhi, it took us ‘only 30 mts’ to check out our baggage!?! But the most memorable part was my meeting with Sumesh–the way he packed me off in a jiffy – am yet to recover from that speedy action!:)

Day 1 began with a quick trip to my place, lunch, and then off to Vasanth Kunj – Sumesh and Suju’s abode–Amazing and Awesome people I must say! Sumesh, Suju, Ponnu, and Kanna–a cute little family, along with Sangee’s and Suju’s parents – both aunts, most caring and equally to be fun with:)I most definitely went with a small apprehension but was amazed the way I was accepted with open arms – end of the trip I felt family, hope so at their end too (Sumesh, if u r gonna read this pls reserve ur comments:))

What’s worth a Delhi’s trip if not for shopping and eating–So, we rightly began with a visit to my favorite shopping part of Delhi–Lajpat Nagar–nothing much but just 2+ hrs shopping:)a gud decision guys to stay put @ home! Day 1 ending was equally memorable with fulltush beer-session and Sumesh’s storytelling, an interesting one but unfortunately half-told:)

Day 2 was our escapade to Agra– the worst maintained place in North, UP –How I wish someone would take notice and save Taj! One Innova and we were just 9 adults and 3 kids!!:)Only saving grace from the pathetic weather was the breakfast of hot omlets and paranthas! Braving the sun and the long Q, we entered Taj…ofcourse moments spent there relieves you of every worse experience! but only within… End of it, all we wanted was some refreshing water or better some chilled beer; so we landed at a forsaken place that greeted us with no electricity and therefore hot/warm beer:(Man, how we wanted to run away and reach Delhi – ask each one of us! Most happening was the final few hours of journey when my entire system was going topsy-turvy! Phew, if not for those distractions with songs and talks! Sumesh u shd thank Gops else you would have had the best bath of ur life - he he

(my most fav. snap:)

Back to pavilion all we did was to hit the sack! Day 3 was pld for visits to local office which entitled traveling 3 states!-welcome to Delhi, city of distance! we could meet a few ‘cause of the holiday season! But the return was a nice, enjoyful, memorable drive - some beautiful old hindi melodies, an awesome treat of Mexican food with beer in a beautiful ambience (ppl visiting Delhi & luv Mexican food – do visit Sanchos, South Ex-2). Evening too turned out to be great with a visit to the best part of delhi – Central Delhi - visit to India Gate, the drive towards Rashtrapati Bhawan, and ofcourse finally the Metro ride – Metro, the greatest boon to Delhi! Back home we were off to pick up yet another happening couple Sajeen and Prishi – cutesome pair:) Sorry kuchs:( couldn’t arrange for ur bday but guess u probably had the best birthday wishes – a hug and kiss from each:) followed by a fun-filled,night– ha ha – what can I say abt the fun we had!

(swt heart:)

3 days spent with them & the only thing I could say ‘had most fun & carried with me memorable moments’ – shouldn’t thank so here is my:)

Days 4-6 when Gops & family escaped from me to Musoorie:)I went around catching up with my shopping and friends. Despite this, there were some whom I couldn’t catch up with–next time pucca guys!

Day 7 back to bug everyone, there I was master-minding with the ladies to lighten up guys’ wallets further:)nothing much just 4 hours in Sarojini Nagar, another shopping adda of Delhi! That was not all as the grand finale was awaiting – Delhi Hatt – a compact setup that showcases various traditional crafts from different states of India along with their rich food – A MUST vist if u happen to be in Delhi,a place you can be in any climate.Shopping ofcourse, but don’t miss out on the momos and fruit beer! Another 2 hours before we decided to call it a day!

Day 8, time to bid adieu and return to our pavilion…a couple of goof ups by me but the key being me identifying baggage–nothing much but just allowed my bag to go around twice before realizing it was mine, when just about everyone of us were starving for breakfast! he he, thx to me we had to rush home to end up with Maggie:)

A memorable and pleasant trip that left us wanting for more – plans already on to visit delhi, agra in winters – and ofcourse many more such trips, many diff places… India is most definitely Incredible!!!

11:30 PM, Camp Road : The Movie

2009-09-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

After talking so much about the making of the movie "11:30 PM, Camp Road" how can I not share the final movie itself! So, here you go - the very first baby of Lensmangops Pictures :)

Part 1 & 2 on Youtube:

- OR - from any of the links below:

Enjoy and share feedback at our blog : http://lensmangops.wordpress.com/

I'd like to Thank....

2009-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

The rules of the award:
Link the person who tagged you.
Copy the image above, the rules and the questionnaire in this post.
Post this in one or all of your blogs.
Answer the four questions following these Rules.
Recruit at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll by sharing this with them.
Come back to BLoGGiSTa iNFo CoRNeR (PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK) athttp://bloggistame.blogspot.com/ and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.

The questions:
The person(s) who tagged you: Prassi
His/her site’s title and url: Myriadhues - http://myriadcogitations.blogspot.com/
Date(s) when you were tagged: 22/07/09

Persons you tagged:
I've just entered the bloggers world, so not many to pass this award to! I do hope my network grows further! I enjoy the writing / photography of the people I've listed (below) and would like to award them for the same: (In random order)

Preethi Iyer: http://prettyiyer.blogspot.com/ (writing)

Priyanka: http://www.fluidverve.com/ (writing + arts)

Gops: http://lensmangops.blogspot.com/ (photography for now)

Sudeshna: http://mesfrangipanis.blogspot.com/ (writing)

Keep blogging guys!
Sri

A Lifetime experience… : An unplanned day!

2009-07-22T02:28:00.000-07:00

With no clue on how to while away the Sunday till 4 pm, we checked-out from the boat house. Our adventure began with a bus ride to the city followed by auto drive (found both rides reasonable) to the only destination we figured – my alltime favorite :) BEACH!!!

Getting off the auto near the beach, a thought stuck… quickly we checked into a hotel in a single room – idea was to dump the luggage and continue with our maazza on beach… little did the hoteller know what was in store for him when he gave us the room!

Here presenting the hotel for ur eyes!

A sunny day and the obvious refreshment was beer… we luckily ended up in one of the best restaurant (Rahims) – a cute little cosy setup that served only beer and wine, with food –

And there was awaiting the life-time experience… a beach that was so chill at NOON! No words to explain what happened there… just catch a few glimpse of it!

OOO! What an experience!!! Back @ the hotel, we behaved as the best brats in the world… little wonder if they had cursed us after we left to c the bath ‘bathed’ with beach mud!

Back to the same restaurant for some more beer and food, and for some quickies;) packing, off we started to board our train… were we heavy-hearted then?

No, not really as we were still lost in our ‘fun, wonder world’.

We boarded the train @ 4, with no clue of our seat allocation; had fun with more rains on the way & the cool scenery around.. A treat to eyes! After spoiling one birth with rain water, we heartily gave it to the rightful occupants, and moved to ours. Followed by more gup-shups, Bluff game, and as an icing for the entire trip had the worst dinner; nevertheless took it in our stride and landed in Chennai… which welcomed us with its ever-faithful sunny arms! Back to the grind mill, we are already missing Allepy but more rejuvenated to plan for our next fun frolic trip:)

A Lifetime experience… : An evening @ Backwaters

2009-07-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

It didn’t much time to walk down my memories of the evening:) Some beautiful snaps for ur eyes!

Settling on the terrace with some refreshments and songs, time just kept moving… then came the most memorable part of the trip (at least mine!:) slowly the clouds were gathering & suddenly we were blessed with a heavy downpour! Standing there with open arms was an out-of-the-earth experience!!!

Terrace was flooded in those few mts, so all of us rushed downstairs… More songs, refreshments, followed by dinner! Time for us to enjoy the aftermath of the outpour. It was an amazing feel to be sprawled on the wet floor, looking up the sky, bathing in the white beautiful moon (visible thru coconut tree leaves), along with maestro’s songs, and chit-chat with a friend remembering some good days, missing some other closest friends!!! WOW!!! An experience that will go with me to my deathbed!

Amidst all this, if there was one hindrance it was nothing but the favorite fly, ‘mosquitoes’! Wouldn’t allow us to sit beyond midnight, so had to rush for the confined doors and catch up with some sleep.

Waking up with a rejuvenated feel, we were so pleased to find ourselves still in the boathouse...

but it was time for us to leave this world:( isn’t that a leeway for more new experiences:) a bunch of optimists! What next was the only question in each of our's mind!?!?! Lets c...

A Lifetime experience… : A day @ Backwaters

2009-07-22T01:44:00.000-07:00

It won’t be exaggerating to say Kerala is nature’s one of the many gifts to mankind! A paradise with its rich greenery, water, and untouched air : atleast some parts of Kerala which nature has tried to preserve against human’s mess ups! Allepy backwaters, one such preserved place; a place you wanna run away to escape this madness of city-life!

All excited, after a months wait, we set forth for our trip on 10th July. As they say, more than the destination the journey is always a most rewarding experience; so it was… as a group in a train is always a classic experience.

Our journey began with the usual ‘kalaichal’ and some energy tonic (tx prabhu!) trying to get full share of the tonic before our TT came checking on us… After much of talking, with backwaters awaiting us, all we wanted was to gear up with some good rest… So, off to our birth and sweet old dream world!

Just when our eyes were trying to relax, there came a bang on the door – ya it was Maheswaran on our doors announcing that it was 6am in the mrg!!! Can anyone be so crazzzzzzzzzy to wake us so early on a holiday!!! But he escaped, thanks to the beauty that caught us all but with a little heavy heart because it was shining bright! After a quick breakfast, we made ourselves busy with Cards…

Alighted, first comment from us was ‘did we bring Chennai along’? so hot it was at least in the station… later on our way to the boathouse, we realized the difference due to greenery – atleast we cld feel the breeze! Breeze or sun, who was bothered because awaiting us, was the cool boathouse!

And here presenting our boathouse

– 3 bedrooms/a dining area, first floor sitting area with a terrace.

After a quick tour of the boat house, it was time to refresh ourselves with the most famous drink of kerala ‘kallu’ – no questions on who had & who didn’t;)

accompanied with kappa, most spicy & tasty fishes & chicken… c for urself licking our fingers:)

Following a quick prawn / fish shopping, we moved down further.... it was time for us to explore the first floor of the boathouse. Relaxing there for sometime, we could hear hunger bells going around! So, down we went for some keralite specialty…

After such a sumptuous lunch, needless to say it was time for us to stretch and relax… So, off we went to the terrace… It didn’t take much to become one with nature out there: relaxing, kidding each other, and watching very few lives there in their monotonous work, along with admiring nature! Silence & water, an overwhelming experience…

With such tempting water we couldn’t resist the temptation of getting into it… Off we went & had some great fun. Slowly sun was bidding its adieu and there we were eagerly crossing our fingers for some rain!

Time for some quick portfolio for each, where else will u get such a natural setup:)

What fun na :) it was just the beginning… more fun was awaiting us in the evening, which unfortunately we cldn’t capture thru the lens… no fret, I will turn over my memory pages for you all…

A rainy night!

2009-07-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy moony night…

A night to remember forever

A night to live in

A night to die for

A night to relive for

It was a rainy windy night…

Blessed by the sky

Drowned by the nature’s shower

Caressed by the pleasant winds

It was a rainy mesmerizing night…

Sprawled on a wet terrace

Under the cool blue sky

Bathing in the moon light

It was a rainy moony night…

A state of trance

A state of bliss

A moment to live in

A moment to die for...

11:30 PM, Camp Road - Day 4: Winner of all Schedules during this Shoot

2009-07-14T23:41:00.000-07:00

If Day 3 was the ‘most happening’, Day 4 most out rightly, hands down won over! It was many ‘first times’ for most of us. Here begins the anecdote of Day 4…

Entire cast & crew eagerly awaited Day 4 because it had ‘new experiences’ lined up: Re-recording, Interviews, & night shoot. Much before the actual shoot, our experience began with search for a proper venue and night shoot police permission – law abiding we were or was it to save our skin ;) While the venue was fixed a week before, the police permission finally worked out with Gops parting with Rs. 100/- (we were worth so much :) All set, the ‘D’ day began with a frantic search for the hero of the movie, Maheshwaran. With a plan to get started by 2pm for the day’s work, I thought might he will require a search warrant, but for small mercies; I got hold of him at 1 pm precisely and managed to get started @ 2:30 pm.

Wasn’t I glad to find all the cast & crew together after running behind them for some answers to questions for our movie’s blog. They couldn’t escape me so easily as I adorned the cap of a journalist! While they were warming up for the shoot with a briefing from Gops, I went behind each one with my laptop & questions, and finally managed to get the tit-bits from all. An exciting experience for me, but how good or shoddy my job was only they can say…

After the warm up, it was time for storyboard discussion: visual and written – a very good documentation of the complete thinking through of the director and cameraman; an easy tool to wind up the shoot quickly & without much of missing shots. Then it was turn for re-recording; great experience to see the actors go live with their emotions and dialogs; Some funny incidents ofcourse during the re-recording but that can be viewed in our blog’s ‘behind the screen section’.

With some bit of recording done, we set off to energize ourselves with some food. Dinner was an experience in itself as the hotel staff ensured we had the most pathetic service! So much that they were least bothered even when we canceled the order when it was ready! Less said the better!

By then, the sky was too glad for us… wldn’t say well-timed because camera is not yet compatible with water! It took about 1-2 hrs of us requesting the sky to slow down, and help us proceed with the night’s event… The only entertainment for us then was one guy who was completely bowled down and was loitering around talking to his friend, which was a ‘mirror’ :) unfortunately, we couldn’t capture that scene!

Wanting to see some action for itself, sky chose to let go & allow us get started. Cutting the story short, a quick recap of some of our top experiences:

• Vivek had to go down on the muddy / wet ground followed by a cute display of a kick by Gops & there was a splash of all that mud & whatever (:) on his face;

• had a new character, portrayed efficiently by Dhanasekar;

• Prabhu falling down on the muddy road;

• Gops canning shot from the roof of the car;

• Maheshwaran’s final dialog delivery:)

Might be u can catch a glimpse of these shots in the “behind the screens’ section of the movie’s blog.

After a good night’s work, it was ‘pack up’ at around 3:30 am. Quickly scanning through the shots, we finally reached director’s abode by 4 am… Sangeetha was kind enough to treat us to a hot cup of tea at that unearthly hour! A quick round of sharing of experience, some laughter, and unwinding; all we could think of then was only one thing “SLEEP”:)

‘HATS OFF’ Gops for having pulled it through despite all odds! And to the cast & crew for being there with Gops always! Though each of us would miss these shoots, we are glad nearing the post production stage and soon to display our work to the world…Behold, we are coming!

But off all this, my most memorable moments were with little princess Aman! Gal, what an energy – she made me revisit my childhood and got me to play all games : running/catching, ringa-ringa roses, swinging her in air, football, throw and catch, running race, some toy-games, and finally teacher-student!!! Just a few hours with her and c the amount of experiences she gave me:) Bless u always!

11:30 pm, Camp Road - Day 3: By far the most happening!

2009-07-03T02:29:00.000-07:00

Starring at a blank document, with no idea of passage of time, still wondering where to start from… such was the experience of Day 3! Might be I should just begin at the beginning (and u b ready for a little long read)

After two outdoor schedules, it was time for some indoor and night shoot experience. Day 3 had 8 of us gathering at my abode by 6pm eagerly awaiting a preview. Won’t be exaggerating to say Gops had a first hand critic review experience:) surely a path paved towards acclamation from public? What say you gops?

Over a hot cup of tea with the ‘much needed (?!?)’ nicotine break, Gops debriefed Day 3 to all with a detailed storyboard. Off we started, and believe me I never knew a shoot involved so much work!?! Btw, did I ever say not to choose a Duplex house as a venue ever!:) Felt as if I managed to cover up for all those days of non-exercise, but guys the Joy and Satisfaction at the end is worth each droplet of sweat…

Imagine the fun to turn around a decently maintained room to a bachelors abode?; to follow the directions of ever meticulous director – “Light isn’t sufficient here, nay – workaround? Might be we should have a mirror, might be we should replace all low-volt or white light with yellow-light… so on and so forth”. Running around for infra (realized I had a mini electrical shop:), arranging hero’s costume, going through the script to familiarize the dialogues, spending time with the two ladies to make them feel at home (I better take care ha - director’s and one of the actor’s wives guys:), o yeah arranging for dinner, and the list goes on…. Hectic yes but fulltush fun!

If that was the start, do I even need to explain how the proceedings would have been… Kicked off with a shot of Mahesh seated at the most creative place possible (guesses!) with cameraman and director literally down on their knees, and a public gathering (;) despite this and a running sweat, this was one of the best shots from all three, canned in about 2 hours. Best work should always be rewarded isn’t it? So we treated each other with yummy garlic breads and Chicken pizzas (mouth-watering ha?) and washed it down with chilled coke!

After a feast, off we moved on with the next sequence… by far, the one with “most dialogues”. Little did we realize the challenge awaiting us! Time just flew by between setting positions, camera angles, and getting the heroes to enact the first part… Must have been around 11:00 PM when Mahesh started yawning his way to glory while Gops was explaining the scene!:) 15 mts later it was pack up time as every one’s battery was down; there ended Part I of Day 3 with a promise for more happening Part II.

Now you realize what I meant by “most happening”! Day 3 : Part II witnessed Mahesh reporting on time followed by Gops and Prabhu and a three hours rehearsal session before going in for the actual shoot and Purush joining us. I had a new experience with giving cues to the actors helping them with their dialogue delivery. Any day, rehearsals ensure great results and this was proven yet again! Yup we canned the complete sequence in a matter of few hours, and with a completely satisfied director and crew.

Wound up with quick rushes of the shots and planning for edits, followed by an interesting discussion on different styles of film making… A great end to a great Day 3!

Phew, what an experience! Most definitely, one needs to be ‘prepared to the T’ for a shoot. But as the law of nature is, all this serious effort had equally enjoyable light-hearted moments:) A quick preview of “behind the screens’ shots (coming shortly) will give you all a fair idea of the same.

Can you see the cast and crew learning from experience, them enjoying their work amidst all challenges – Any heart-felt work sure is bound to get its due, so will we!!! Just a few more days and you can see it for yourself. We are off to Day 4, our last shoot schedule along with re-recording… More fun lined up… till then, c you all!

11:30 PM, Camp Road : Journey Continues… Day 2

2009-06-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here I come with Day 2 events of our journey. Am gonna try to keep it short & sweet and call our ‘D’ as Gops, else won’t be here to blog next:) And I’ll have to disclose my suspense with the cast - (M) Maheshwaran, (Pr) Prabhu, and (V) Vivek are 3 heroes set to rock us under the able guidance of Gops!

Our day begins with a sneak-peek into Day 1 @ Gop’s place. It won’t be exaggerating to say we were amazed at the first look; ‘the’ moment when you realize the power of the Visual Media & the effort that goes to make a movie a ‘visual treat and an experience for the audience.’ Kuddos Gops, you have started off with a bang! Seeing themselves on screen was definitely a booster for the actors too!

After the visual treat, we embarked on our journey of Day 2. The day was set to begin with some rehearsals.Before delving into details, let me welcome “Rajesh”, our fourth character, an equally interesting and skilled guy. Back to our day’s events, it was easily a three hour grueling schedule for the team but most fruitful; slowly they got into the skin of their characters… 3 pm is when we realized something amiss!?! rats running around in our stomach:) time for some food & a siesta for the team!

After cooling & reenergizing ourselves, we quickly moved into action… Started off with Gops recording some required sounds & trying to silence birds which were busy cooing!!! All set, Gops says ‘let’s start’ & there blared some music at the background!:)with no other alternative, we continued to can our shots. The highlight of the evening was Mahesh’s performance in stunts; one fall and he started giving all shots right:) poor he, else would have seen some real blood in place of reel blood:) Racing against natural light, we canned our last shot…

But that wasn’t the end of our fun experience; suddenly we had “fans”, a group of kids wondering if they have landed on any famous film shoot venue; with no one heeding to them, they choose to title the film as ““mottai maadiyil oru bayangram”:)(translates to ‘Terror on the terrace’)

With that comic relief, we finally settled under a tree to review the shots & Gops/Purush already had a correction list. Nevertheless, it was most definitely a rewarding experience; also the day when our heart went out for those people who are part of this ‘make-believe’ world. “Hats Off, all you guys there!!!” and to our team as well – braving the bright sun, they did a marvelous Job – Kuddos to Gops, Purush, Vivek, Maheshwarana, and Rajesh – Keep going guys!!!

It’s a pleasure to relive the experience… hang on till we meet next! Have fun & Live Life!

I can’t end the day without a mention of a cute little princess, my youngest friend – none other than Gop’s doll “Aman”. Just be with her for a minute if you want to rejuvenate yourself! Bless u kid!

Mood Swings

2009-06-11T02:33:00.000-07:00

Swinging left and right
Wavering up and down
Rising and falling
Thru peaks and downs…

No rhyme, no reason
Like a lightning, like a wink
They come, they go
Momentarily though!

Thoughts probably the trigger
Or is it the famous hormones?
Origins unknown
Totally on its own

Do I have a hold?
Do I have a say?
Do I know a way?
Or is it there to stay?
The famous mood swings they say…

11:30 PM, Camp Road : A Short Film Journey begins

2009-06-10T03:27:00.000-07:00

“The best things of life are unexpected”, so they say & now I can vouch for it! How else can I explain me being part of this journey? Just lucky might be because I’ve nothing to qualify me otherwise! Thnks Gops, the Director!

My very next thought was ‘how r u going to treasure this experience lady?’ So here I am & lets c how far I succeed in mirroring my experience... And the JOURNEY BEGINS…

Day 1

With a good ground work in place, the ‘muhurat shot’ was set for 6th June 3:30 PM {don’t ask me abt the original muhurat plan, it better be censored :)}; for a change we started off with a toast over a cup of Ice-Tea! Much needed as a sparkling Sun was awaiting us outside…

Before a glimpse of our Day 1 adventures, here presenting the Crew of 'D Campies' :
R– Ramesh, S–Sri : for want of name for our role in the team, we choose to call us ‘production executives‘
Gops alias 'D' : Director / Cameraman
P : Purush, the Camera expert /advisor
V, Pr, M : have been askd not to disclose anything abt them!

Let me begin with our ‘D’s’ new avatar, a new hairstyle - the talk of the day probably ;) 'Perpfect' fit for donning the CAP, yo! U can c it for urself when u get to c the picture gallery.

Our journey began with picking up P & V… following their fun on Don’s new style, there was a quick introduction. Amazed I was because all it took was ‘a minute’ & we were already pulling each others leg! What a wavelength man! WOW! With a complete brief of the day’s plan, the stage was set...

Off to our first venue, an awesome place – bridge near Muthukadu – ‘D’ says “common guys lets get started” – just hearing this ‘M’ was completely shaken! so much that the bike was left switched on!?! Ha ha! It was a rocking & shacking spot literally; yes with each passing vehicle the bridge shook & we took a deep breath 2 find ourselves alive and kicking, and the camera still clicking :)

Parking back ourselves in the car, and Pr & M in their bike (slowly they were gtg closer ;) hey I meant getting 2 know each other!) we embarked on our journey to next venue… 'D' soon started canning shots of the moving bike… Bikes anyday r handsome, isn’t it? hey ofcourse ppl on bike were also smart ;)

Running shots followed by us looking for lonely roads – ahem… control ur thoughts pls – only to avoid disturbances! By this time ‘Pr’ & ‘M’ were so cosy ;) all they wanted was to dash off for a ride… even without hearing to D’s instructions : shot required them to slow down but what the hell ‘we are enjoying our drive guys ;)!’ After great efforts we canned those shots and proceeded for the last schedule of the day.

We moved along the ECR Roads and ‘D’ chose to park us on sideways adjacent to the thick row of trees :) there we stood waiting for ‘D’ when timing themselves there came a patrolling car! ‘Hey y r u guys parked here?’ Wasn’t that enugh for us to just rush off without a glance back…

By now, all we wanted was a cup of tea & ‘D’ wtd to make use of that situation too… Back to a road-side tea stall, with lights getting brighter, it was time for some unpld shots as well! Poses, poses, and more poses – ha ha want 2 know the best of them – all looking for a crow atop a tall street lamp post !?:)

Finally there came a big Clap, a Sigh of Relief, and a grand laughter from ‘D’ ‘Am happy guys! Has come out well” – so happy that we had to celebrate all ‘firsts’: First venture, First day, First shots : Mayajaal was the place to toast & get to know each other …

What a day, 6-7 hrs of togetherness that went off in a giffy! Overall an excellent, energetic, fun-frolic day! Only ‘D’ knows what came thru finally but his only comment was ‘am satisfied for a starter’ :) that’s an achievement in itself for the crew because its not easy to satisfy ‘D’…

All d best ‘Campies’… More in upcoming days; Keep watching!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one & only SPB : my all time favorite :)

2009-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Waking up, next to brushing (yo, relax guys, I do it regularly!) my routine includes playing some music… Yup nothing like starting the day with some pleasing music:) while I would prefer my collections @ times I risk tuning into FMs… Am I not glad I did that today, only to realize its “D-Man of GOLDEN Voice” SPB’s birthday :)

SPB, integral part of music world and so my life – won’t be exaggerating to say ‘my meager music knowledge/interest is all thanks to the trio: mottai, SPB, and SJanaki’. Our “Gen” (all time young we are @ heart ;)) is a blessed one to have enjoyed the Golden Era of Music Industry – 70s / 80s with this trio ruling. I (we) literally grew up with their music… Of course there are others in my list but they top it!

Now back to the person of the moment, SPB / Balu / Padum Nila – what do I say about him? a singer, music director, actor, producer, what not?!? A bundle of talent and energy personified, humility his second name, has excelled in all the arenas; but if you want me to choose, hands down it will be “SPB, the singer & music director”!!

One par comparison, who excels in his domain purely on his strengths of a soulful voice, style, emoting, and what not…Over 35 yrs of singing, across 4 decades, 36000 songs in tamil, telugu, kanada, malyalam, & hindi, a Guiness Record holder… HATS OFF!!!

You don’t need to see his songs to feel it just listen to him -a voice that ‘emotes, acts’. Simply put “he lives music”! I am no one to rate but as a TRUE FAN who admires / dwells on gud music, I can proudly declare him as one amongst the “musician boons” we can boast off in the playback arena; he is most definitely in the lines of Rafi, Kishore da to mention a few STARs!

Am happy, cranky, crappy, romantic, funny, mischievous, sad, stupid, angry, upset, depressed, dejected: any day, any mood, give me SPB’s songs, I will accept it blindfolded! Just can’t explain in words what music & SPB’s songs mean to me...

A Very Happy Birthday! This is just a small tribute to all these years of music treat to us, a treat that still is continuing and should continue FOREVER…

Kidding are you, just one blog on music and SPB – common! Definitely TBC…:)

By the sea

2009-06-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Standing by the sea
Waves passing by my feet
Breeze seeping through my body
Thoughts running through my heart
Tears running down my cheeks…

There came a ray of light
Along came a ray of hope
Seeping through the soul
Sweeping off the pain…

Came along a soothing voice
Rekindling my hardened soul
Making me feel a feather
Wanting to fly farther…

Standing by the sea
Waves passing by my feet
Peace filling my body
Smile lighting my face…

There stood me
Feeling the cool breeze
Rejuvenated and energized
Ready to face the life…

Death : In Closer Quarters (Or Is it Life?)

2009-04-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

While I’ve been busy understanding and talking about life, life has been busier in its own way! Yeah, it has been busy demonstrating the very fact that no one can choose when and how to put “The End” for their Life Story.

One fine day I found myself sitting next to my dad, his hand in mine, and saying “dad, forgive yourself; forgive others; you have done your best to all; you had your life…now, relax and let your soul breath fresh air: air of freedom; peace;” Did he hear me, I don’t know, because he is counting his last few days / hours, not in a state to converse – but I believe that souls can communicate & hope he did hear me out…

Can you believe if I say this was the same man who, despite the fact he went under the knife to get rid of a man-eating cancerous growth 5 years back, still was energized, alive and kicking – kicking hell out of others for sure :) he was the Hitler for many :) - not for a moment did he assume the possibility of a relapse!

Alas, life did fling a shock at him; suddenly he found himself hospitalized and there his journey of his last 8 months started… My dad did recognize life’s warning bell but guess it was late – still he did try to live up to the saying ‘better late than never’ & started living his life to a certain extent in these months: doing what he wanted & especially the way he wanted – Am happy dad you made that effort though things could have been very different had you prioritized yourself & your health much earlier!

Does this ring a bell for any of us? If it does, then do heed to this Alarm!!! Wake up!!! because you never know what’s going to hit u when… Ofcourse its never late, if we are still breathing…take that step, decision to ‘live your life to its fullest’ so that when death comes knocking your door you are ready to face it – because you would have lived in every waking moment – Yeah as humans there are always those ‘if onlys’ but at least the list could be shorter!

I am happy I did take one such step of being there when my dad needed the most, be of some help & console (rather than a pain, right dad:))Thanks friend! that chat with you definitely gave a different perspective, hence these last few days with dad made a great difference; most definitely I feel am a better person now!

Its good to learn from someone’s experience at least sometimes:)A closer stint with my dad’s battle with the killer disease has been an eye opener for me in various sense; might be this will also make some difference / impact on those few who read this…

Am I of any worth?

2009-04-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

A question that keeps nagging me once in a while! Not addressing this can create a ruckus; but how am I to address it?!?

Many say this is a result of being alone… and the only solution they have is ‘get married’!! Their viewpoint, but does it work for me? Common yaar its like sacrificing a goat for our belief that it might bring the missing rains or resolve all problems on earth!!! Bichara! I can’t do that to a guy – Nay! Unless someone’s time is real bad & he gets stuck with me in the flow of life :)

So my search continues…. What am I here for? Am I required at all? Does anyone ever miss me in their life? What if I bid adieu this moment? Is there anyone who is going to feel the emptiness? Am I adding any value to anyone’s life at all?!? Questions abundant but answers?!!!? It’s like revisiting those days when I used to go blank in front of Question Papers – What fun!

Continuing to find some light amidst this blankness... Can only marriage & kid make me feel loved & therefore missed & therefore worthy? Won’t the others in my life love me enough to miss me? Or do they have better things to think about… Or is it they are busy to tell me they really do love me & will miss me if am not there.

Reminds me of the book “Who will cry when you die” – who will for me? Am I not able to see / read people in my life? Going crazy with my bizarre thoughts… But amidst all this chaos & uncertainty I try to find peace… Is someone being missed after him/her is no more, defines one’s worthiness? Isn’t it too much of uncertainty!

Who knows what happens after you are gone! People are busy & despite anyone might luv u dearly may not have the time to miss you; everyone is busy living u c; and what are u going to achieve if anyone misses you after you are gone! U can’t even experience that – can you?

This triggers a new thought process & debating within myself I hear myself saying – ‘find your worthiness within yourself and during your lifetime’– this leads me to a realization whereby I realize my worthiness lies in ‘Myself’ who:

Has survived all odds of life and still emerged positive & learned to live the life in real terms
Has learned to take life as it comes; live in that moment & not ponder on past or future
Has made & continues to make best of friends (who make my world)
Finds happiness in being of help to all in her life : one whom she loves, friends, family, and anyone in need
Finds happiness in being a friend to her beautiful, smart little niece, nephews, kids of her friends! (they all are blessing in disguise for me!)
Finds happiness in being available always, trustable, & dependable - all in closer circuit know they can reach out to me whenever, for whatever they want!
Makes an attempt to love unconditionally (as they say ‘love with all ur heart; if it is returned good; if not be happy that I cld luv someone’) & doesn’t hesitate to show the love irrespective…

An exhaustive list of realization, right? Not bad at all! Finally, I realize that I’m living my life to the fullest, and I’ve touched & am touching many lives in a positive way – isn’t that what being worthy is all about?

What triggered this I don’t know but yeah my day was made with receiving first ever testimonial of my life! Words that were priceless & made me float around! Am I not a blessed soul? C I am worthy enough ;)

What’s it to be @ “Top of the World”? Ask me NOW!

2009-02-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

"Saaral does it again! As pleasant, as fresh, and as soothing as ever! - this time for our eyes :)"

Just a few months back I was living a very usual, monotonous life – wondering what could I do differently to make it interesting, happening, and worth living. Might be after all these years someone, somewhere heard me and slowly opened up a door for me… that was precisely what “saaral” is for me.

What started off accidentally, shaped up as my “dream venture”! Yes, it was always my dream to be associated with music; more precisely to be a ‘play back’ singer – what else it could be because all my life music has been my life savior! but for whatever reasons, I got into IT and life just went on… ofcourse, this field has given me stronger grounds to lead a decent / independent life & most importantly my gems of FRIENDS.

But somewhere I was missing something… might be I never gave serious thoughts to it or I would like to think that it required “Saaral” to waken up me and start paving paths for my dreamz…. What if I couldn’t sing; there was another door awaiting – and I was sensible enough or should I say blessed to open the door and be a part of the Saaral Video Venture ! ofcourse I should thanks Gops – if not for you, I don’t think I would be here and writing this – thanks for accepting my suggestion & making me part of this:)

A Venture that I am extremely proud of – thanks to you Mahesh & Gops along with Sanjeev, Benny, and crew for making such a beautiful, neat, stylish, cool, and enjoyable video highlighting the beauty of the song:)

Hope this is just a beginning for a different journey, a journey that will make my life more meaningful, interesting, and enjoyable… Irrespective of how it shapes, @ this point in time, I am the happiest & contented soul and am glad I took this path in my life:)

Enjoy my happiness by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8r9JDNxBbY

Life “what is it after all” ??**!!??

2009-02-17T01:51:00.000-08:00

I somewhere read this “Don’t take life too seriously; anyways you can’t come out of it alive”! Isn’t that so true? Life is nothing but a short journey of few moments that we undertake starting from our mom’s womb to earth and then treading different paths to reach the final destination – where were we before the onset and where do we go at the end of the journey - Do we really know?

Whoever invented “Life” would have never imagined that it could be made so complicated! Was it ever conceptualized to be so complicated? Are we here to prove anything to anyone? If yes, to whom are we proving things and what is it that we want to prove? If not, then why can’t we live those few moments without these complications and just go about discovering what life is?

Imagine what fun it will be to just compose life like music: feel, listen to your heart / soul, capture, and live the music. Look @ the way we live – rather thrive – even before a kid is born all that we think about is “the kid should study this, should become this, I should save this, I should buy that” – man! the kid takes its first steps with so much of a burden on it indirectly… Slowly, the burden gets transferred – as a kid -> child -> teenager -> man/woman -> oldager : all of this for what? Are we born to pass thru some examination? Pass thru people’s eyes? While I have been on this bit, I read a friend’s gtalk tag “You think you know who you are. You have no idea” How true! My response to this was “True, precisely aren’t we here to figure this out?” We all ‘think’ we know who we are and why we are here but how do we know it already?? Do we come with a tag defining our goal / objective / purpose or who we are or what role we should play…

We embark on this journey with no knowledge of where the path would lead us… that gives us a gr8t opportunity to unravel many paths, write our own stories, and in the process discover & know ourselves. It’s like a freehand drawing; the more positive & free your thoughts are the more creative / interesting is your life diagram – atleast that’s how I see life as -

While we should have a freehand, fortunately / unfortunately we also need to face certain realities of today as well! Reality bites, it does, but it’s also not sensible to run away from the same… after all we as humans drafted these realities – didn’t we? so, the need to balance out between the two. This is a very thin balancing line and the pull towards one side is always greater… end of the day, what matters is whether we manage that pull and maintain our balance. One, who can handle this art, is sure any day more contended & happier than others who choose one of the sides…

As they say “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go!” Not all risks have fruitful results but unless we take them how do we know if it’s going to be fruitful or sour? Look around for those people who tread this line & figure out their real feeling – they might be bogged down at times for sure – responsibilities vs own likings/dreamz is always a big fight – but still most of them would be happy treading that path and fighting that big fight. After all isn’t that life all about? At least I am convinced because I have been blessed to have such friends in my life besides a few others who I see around…

So personally, for me life is to: Take risks, tread the path unknown / not or less -traveled, discover yourself, and continue to travel that path – treading which you hear yourself saying “after all this gives sense for me being here in this world”- Let society, family, relatives, & such others not choose my path but let me be the choice maker… I know I can maintain my balance between certain realities and my chosen path because I believe that ‘life’ itself is a guiding force – it talks to you as your intuitions & enables you to realize why you are here & what is life all about – Its just an Experience :)

A Month Flew By...

2009-01-08T00:30:00.000-08:00

Its 8^th Jan 2009 already - marking 1 month in Chennai since I moved from Delhi! Time, I guess, is the only one that flies by with no thoughts/tension/worries/expectations, nothing at all… It just moves by! But yeah if am saying this, it definitely means positive about my stay in Chennai – isn’t it? Else might be my blog would have been different!

I just reached home from office when this thought came to me… that am completing a month of stay in Chennai and I didn’t even realize it till now! That’s when I started pondering on “how did this happen”???

It goes without saying that when you move to a new place there are many things to keep you busy… but guess that’s only for the initial few days (atleast in my case). What next? Hmm yeah there are those family things that keep you occupied – but nay this month didn’t fly by because of that - I know myself better! So on further contemplation, I realized that my biggest thanks should go to my friends @ IBM Chennai - am sure this will invite more “ragging of me” by them :) Still…

They did know me, thanks to some of my earlier visits, but to having accepted me as one of them and thankfully not seeing me as a PM and making me a “Outstanding person” :) - “Now that’s what I want to thank for!” – for accepting me as “me” and not distancing because of my role! Even initially during the “warming up” period, more for friends than me, they always made me feel “welcomed” – in their own way ;)

Right from slowly accepting me into their chats – ofcourse thanks to Gops / Anand for initiating all ragging sessions of mine :) – to their lunch group, lunch outings, ragging sessions of others etc – yeah just not to forget there are times we do a bit of serious discussions too - it doesn’t last for long though!

Guess the “ice breaker” was the “get together @ my place”– which finally (yeah finally!) happened after a lot of coaxing, self-ragging sessions :) as a bid to 2008 and welcome to 2009 - I had fun and hopefully as they have been saying they all enjoyed it too! Now it doesn’t end there… Today we ‘literally talked” Yams to treat us all for her engagement :) poor she! (edhuva irundalum pesi theethukalam yams...) – we had nice fun that ended up in a much nicer way – with some saaral and beautiful songs on our way back

U need to c it to believe it – at least we try to bring some fun to this otherwise "monotonous life" :)

Just a month and c the amount of fun in my life – but obvious that the month would fly by! So, here & now I take this moment to thank you : Gops (what do I say :) first to meet...who helped me rejuvenate; dont ever loose your "cool attitude", "drive for ur dreamz", & smile :)), Anand (am going to miss our cat & rat sessions :() KP (am going to miss you for joining me & Anand equally :)), Preethi (started as a team member but now I know we are friends more – right?), Yamini (with some you momentarily feel to be friends – u r one yams – have a happy life :), Sudha (how do u manage to be so silent unlike the real u ;)), Mahesh (Silent but yeah he has those subtle comments too) , Maheshwaran (ha ha – man of the hour for all our ragging sessions! how can I forget the Virgo memento;)), Ramesh (man, I shd look up to you to give clues :) & your ‘liking’ for Veg food)

Am glad I came here and could manage to be with you all & add so many beautiful moments to my life :) romba paduthinena sollitu adingappa – gumbaloda potu thalidadeenga :) till then shall continue to “keduthufy” all of you with such get togethers, outings etc

As they say “Life is what partly we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose”

Expectations: Mother of All Troubles in one’s life

2008-12-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Opening a Pandora Box, Am I? Seems like but isn’t it a widely known, acknowledged fact? It feels as if every human being is designed to ‘expect’ – exceptions excluded ofcourse - Its as if we are designed as business bodies – “Give and Take” is the deal always! As long as these two are balanced it’s a profitable venture but the moment one takes precedence or overtakes the other, there brews trouble!

The one thing that rules a human is ‘expectation’ – this forms the base of any two human being’s interaction. Be it parent:child, teachers:children, neighbour:neighbour, individual:society, individual:relatives, individual:organization, husband:wife, lover:lover, friend:friend (yeah!)…

Right from the word ‘go’ there is expectation. Does an infant have expectation too? Guess ‘yes’ or might be they begin their journey learning “how to expect”?!? Like within a few days they know “Crying is the key to get parents to meet all their expectations”!

Elders’ expectation “follow us blindly, we know everything”; Childrens’ say “just allow us to live on our own terms, no questions and constraints pls!”;

Politicians’ (leaders after all) from public “don’t dare question us, we do what we feel is right! (for who?!?); Public’s from Govt “Ensure everything is perfect – nay don’t expect us to change much –rather u find innovative ways!”;

Organization from employees “Karm kare jao, phal ki ichha math rakho : Just keep doing things, don’t expect any fruits!” – isn’t that simple?; Employee from Organization “When is the next hike and how much!-my performance… let it be”;

Relationship that’s supposedly to be based on “pure love”: marriage – ofcourse is the biggest gamble but also one that’s not devoid of expectations! Expectations, which in most cases lead to compromises, therefore a very superficial life not really knowing if one is happy doing what they are doing…

So it continues through every relationship that human kind has established… Giving nothing but Trouble / Heartburn to a human – Orphanages, Old Age Home, Divorce, Murder, Theft and this list is long… Aren’t these a direct/indirect outcome of ‘a kind of expectation”?

Am I being cynical? Might be… So, why not take a minute and think of ‘one relationship’ that is void of any expectations? One thing that I haven’t discussed – “Friendship” – Is it really the case??? Don’t we have expectations from friends? Might be I should leave this as a Question, which am sure will ring bells!

So, why is it we “expect”? Why do we seek pain through our expectations? Is it like “oxygen” & “water” for life? Can we take a minute and introspect if it’s really required? what purpose is it serving? Are we happy with expectations? Is it giving us & the other person involved a contended life?? Or are we not bothered about the other person’s happiness – who cares ha? – Questions which needs some pondering… might be here is the key to happiness!

Let’s just follow our heart and “do what we want to”; “what gives us happiness” – Doing things for other’s sake is not worth it! Happiness is contagious; so we really needn’t try hard! At the same time let’s try and work on our “Expectations” – Why not? Isn’t a small price to pay for our happiness???

As Fritz Perls says “I am not in this world to live up to other people’s expectations, nor do I feel that the world must live up to mine”

My Adieu to Delhi “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”

2008-12-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

It’s a long... half my life time relationship to talk about. Started off, half heartedly in 91 when I had to move to Delhi leaving behind my friends and Tamil music/movies – these are the only things that I missed then! But guess I must have been a gypsy in one of my lifetimes :)because I am flexible and get tuned to new places quickly, despite any initial inhibitions. I’ve lost count of places that I’ve shifted to in all these years… that’s another story!

The first good thing that happened to me @ Delhi, like always, was ‘friends’ –both within and outside college– Not to forget their role in making me talk a reasonable “Hindi”! Would easily call it Golden Days of my lifetime… Fun, Fun, and more Fun was the order of those days to the extent that I am still wondering how I managed to graduate & that too in a single attempt :) The best comment was by my lecturer on my last day of college 'Sripriya don’t even think about further studies, that’s not your cup of tea! Just apply for a job' – guess that’s the most diplomatic way of saying 'at least now start doing something useful' :) With that statement, I walked out of my college not really knowing what was in store for me… Ended up moving cities again but guess my ties with Delhi were to be stronger; so I was back in Delhi once again in a years’ time.

From then till now this city has witnessed my life and my evolution as a new / better person – might be it had its hands too in molding me… at least I choose to believe so! From what I was as a teenager to what I am today – I would say that life kinda carved me slowly over these 17 yrs, mainly the last 8 yrs…Today, I can proudly say that am an independent, strong, courageous, positive and cheerful person who knows or at least is constantly learning how to live her life! I still feel if I would have been able to take that critical decision of stepping out of the marriage despite every individual opposing my decision –I still wonder where the strength came from? How did I manage to take that decision to walk out with no support! I still look at awe at this action of mine! But guess it was a starter… I was very sure that the decision of mine will bring happiness to both, despite initial bitterness & hardships, and I do know it did!

Somewhere I do give credit to “Delhi” for giving me this strength, this courage, this room to take my decisions which was against norms might be! might be Delhi’s open culture gave me the required confidence and room to take a decision to “Stay Alone”! I don’t really know… But yeah I definitely need to take this minute to say “Thanks Delhi! You helped me in shaping my future all by myself” – might be it’s a city where one can lead one’s life with not much of an intervention – No “why, what, how” – that was a breather man! From then on, I never looked back in my life. It has only been a forward journey to recognize & live life to its fullest– enjoying its beauty, its message, its uniqueness, its challenges – what fun to pave my own path & design my life alone against all odds!!! It wasn’t ofcourse easy but neither was it not-doable!

But what’s life without a Change? Can there be one! So, 3 yrs back I did take the step to move out of Delhi...So doubtful and depressed that I was about to miss my flight the day I had to leave! I did have tears in my eyes when I boarded the flight and realized that after all am leaving! Don’t think I can ever express those feelings in words! I tried my best but as I said my ties with Delhi were stronger : It called me back & this time I thought it was a call for me to settle down, might be! Yeah city welcomed me with open arms :) & here I am sitting in my “own house” – that has seen me thru all my emotions, seen some dreams of mine break, seen some dreams of mine come true…

As I thought that Delhi is “the place” for me, life said “hold on– remember you are a gypsy! Pack up and move…” This time round am moving to my “original roots : Chennai” (yeah Delhi is like my “adopted roots” that very soon became like my “original”) am I happy or sad??? Like Sexy says in “Cheeni Kam” – I choose to be “Happy Sad Sri” – that’s my mood.

As a city, my lifetime takeaway from Delhi: Courage, Confidence, Being Independent, Willpower, Broader frame of mind & outlook; On the lighter side, my dressing sense / choice, my reading habit / choices, and this list can go on…. Some of these are sheer contribution of the city’s cosmo-culture; some because of the ‘n’ number of friends I made - @ college, NIIT (ya, this is a Special Place Always), other offices, and some outside – Am sure this blog will be followed by many more – just to talk about my different experiences, friends & much more. Till then, “all there whom I met in Delhi and were, are, will be part of my life: A Special Thanks for Being There At That Moment”

Yeah can hear some saying – Is this all because of Delhi??? Won’t this be the case even if I had been in Mumbai or Chennai or elsewhere? Hmm ya might be – but the crux is “Delhi” happened to be the place!

I am gonna Miss You DELHI : the winters, the hangouts, the food, the shopping outlets, the metro, the ‘killer blue line’, the FMs (Ananth, Saurav, Nitin, Saima), the autos, the bhaiyas (ya everyone here, ofcourse other than a few :), are brothers!), “Hindi” – hopefully it will stay with me forever, the and all my friends (especially the discussion/debate/ragging because of me being an ardent “Sharukh fan”)… But as they say “Change is the only permanent thing in life and Whatever happens is for Good”… A simple way to face these changes and life is to “Accept Life the way it is & Live to its fullest” – you never know “Kal Ho Na Ho”!

As Sun & Moon never bid adieu to Earth, As a mother never bids adieu to her kids, As Big B would never bid adieu to Bolywood (!!:)), I never would bid adieu to you ‘Delhi’ – So, I take leave from you saying “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” – C Ya Delhi :) Be SAFE & SAVE YOURSELF From The “TERROR” around you!

Walking Down the Lane, in Search of My House….

2008-11-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

It was a hot sultry day, when I and my friend decide to take a glimpse of my newly rented house… “It’s just a walk across the road da”, is what I said and on that note we both choose to walk down after a good lunch!

As we were walking down, my memory was giving up!! I wasn’t confident if I was on the right street – what a start a? A few steps further, hurray! I spotted & recognized the flats!!!

My poor friend, not knowing what’s in store, is glad by now. Enter, we do & walk in very confidently too… and guess what happened next??? Ha ha u can’t even imagine this, am dead sure! I, of all things, forgot the house I rented :) both its location & its number - but should say my friend was a brave-strong hearted one, didn’t choose to run away u c! There we stand thinking of ways to make this trip a success without being beaten up! Imagine 2 IBMers, yup we had the tag on, walking in and generally wandering/looking around – not less than a burglar ha? Top it all, a call to my brother and there comes his reply, ‘sis neither do I remember the house number’! What fun man!!! But do we give up? Nay! Courageously we talk to the lady around to figure out if she can help us… ‘do u know the house that was vacated recently?” I ask & sure she does point out to a house – guess what my friend’s response was, because by then he had given up on my memory, “lets just try the keys and if it opens, its ur house” :) that’s exactly what we did and bravo it worked!!! “A Kodak moment” :) Will we both ever forget that house!!! Fun @ my own cost ha, as they say its good to laugh at yourself :)

Fleeting moments...

2008-11-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

Haven’t we all experienced such moments in life – moments that are like a bout of fresh air, a cool-chill breeze just passing through and you experiencing goose-bumps or skip a heartbeat or feel a racing heart! Its like the whole body is trying to tell you something, someone has really pleased you at that moment :) can words ever explain such moments, I wonder and doubt! It always leaves you with the urge for more ‘cant this moment stay for long pls…’ is what your heart says! A moment in which u feel u have lived ur life time or had a life time experience – fleeting moments that sweeps u off ur feet…

Its so much more divine when such moments just happen! U don’t plan for it but u find yourself experiencing one such divine feel! U are traveling and suddenly a kid in the passing by vehicle gives you a sweet smile – how abt that? Now that’s one type…

how abt this… u are in a lift with someone special and people just fitting in as if its their last resort to wherever they are going! That’s not fun but what abt when the special person steels the moment to just touch ur hands – a minute that’s all u got – wont u treasure that moment for lifetime :) and what if it’s the first time u’re experiencing this :)

U are starting just another day… but there comes an unexpected compliment at the unexpected moment – from anyone it will make our day but what if from someone whom u wld want to hear these from!!!

U are sitting across each other talking… sharing feelings… suddenly one chooses to hold the others hand – a sudden move – beautiful moment isn’t it! That moment when u realize finally (yeah finally) ur feelings for someone is being reciprocated equally…:)

What about a long bike ride on a lonely road accompanied by gentle chill breeze or better, sky speaking its heart out for us – rain, rain, and rain! Wow what a moment! How abt a calm evening spent along the sea shore – can there been anything else fleeting or calming or soothing?

The last thing u expected was a few mts with someone whom u have been wanting to spend time with but… hmm life gives u that moment! The moment leading to a few more fleeting moments of a lovely breath taking hug and kiss – have u ever heard ur heart beat then or felt the pulse! It speaks loud for the other person to hear :)

How about a face lighting up for you…a face that brightens up with a simple, lovely, beautiful smile whenever glances meet… :)

Treasure such small, significant moments, the fleeting moments and c ur life blooming like a flower :) After all your life is just a “moment” – Live in it and Enjoy it – A moment lost can never come again!

My First Steps... with some SAARAL

2008-11-20T00:43:00.000-08:00

Have been pondering long to be a blogger…In fact I did start with one for an Instructional Design topic but guess it required a beautiful piece of music to get me off my foot… Saaral it is, a Tamil music album that any genuine music lover shouldn’t miss! My initial inhibition to blog, wondering if I can really pen my thoughts, was gone in this Saaral J and thanks to Gops for being instrumental in making me take my first step as a blogger… So, here comes my first ever blog…

Sillunu Oru Saaral!!

Can I call this an accident? perhaps the quickest journey in my life and a swt/memorable one that’s going 2 stay as long as I would… It was a double bonanza for me – yup meeting Gops, alias Gopakumar, along with the one thing that has/is/will be a livewire for me MUSIC – hmm sit back and I think, think, think, thinking…. Can’t really figure out how and when, so aptly said it was an accident :) One moment I was chatting with him and the next I get to know he is working to launch his own music album!

Even before I heard this album I fell in love with it for its beautiful / soothing title “saaral” - it’s the effect of air joining hands with raindrops and together coming along to pat us! That’s saaral - just the name always brings a smile and pleasant feeling within me, as if am already standing out there in “mazhai saaral”!

Before I could get over this sweet shocking surprise (not because I doubted his talent but because where did he get the time man! a million dollar question!) another one was awaiting – Gops invite to the launch of the album and top of all coincidences/ miracles, me being in Chennai during that time! Should say I was never-ever more excited in my life but the mere thought of being invited to a music launch was a dream come true for me!!! Taking a minute here, thanks Gops – alongside your dream launch my one tini-mini dream of attending a launch came true :)and believe me I did experience some “saaral” that day standing outside the hall, that was nature’s way of welcoming this album – might be :)

About the event itself I could write but to retain focus… I was waiting for the minute to lay hands on the CD and when the moment did arrive I knew it was very aptly titled “saaral” – from that day till now these songs have been soothing me to sleep – wherever I am, songs go with me – what’s it in the album that’s grabbing my attention so much? The moment this question raises I have answer(s)… Lovely melodies with some evergreen music, most importantly very audible/understandable lyrics (simple yet beautiful), great choice of words, followed by rendering by the singers – no one killing Tamil!!!

Album begins with none other than Unni’s rendering of “Pavaiye Nee”– do you need a better starter for your first album? I don’t even stand a chance to describe his voice or singing – no wonder Gops floats when remembering his experience of Unni singing for his music! That’s a dream come true on its own! But not to mention the lyrics and music would be an understatement – “nenjukul un parvaiyudan por nadathum porkalathil, oru pakkam neeyadi oru pakkam nanadi…” move on “sottum neer koondhal danai yeti nindru kai pidithen; netriyil pottu vaithu en netridanai adil pudaithen… poo votha idhazgalil vandaagi then edupen” – WOW!!! Let me add another WOW to the music here : it just flows…and u float with unni’s voice in the bkgrnd.

It doesn’t end there go on to the next song of the album… simple masterpiece and my pick of the album: it’s a right mix of music and lyrics which can cater to all ages! Sung beautifully by Sanjeev and of course “man of the moment” Gops – rightly chosen song for your voice and dictum; ask for rhyming lyrics “…o paavaiye en paavaiye un paarvaiyin vizhiyoram imaiyagave inai sareve….” then comes “kannoram vandha kaadal mella nenjoram vizhundu; nenjoram vanda kaadal mella uyirodu kalandu…”; “podum un paarvai, podum mouna baashai; ore morai kooradi nenjil ulla aasaiyai; saaral pola vandu endhan vazhvil eeram theitu chendrai…” WOW WOW!! For sure your foot will sing along with your throat!

Keep going… the third song “vizhiyoram” by Benny is again a melody with some interesting music “vizhiyoram thangum imai neeyadi….sila neram sila nimidam silai agiren; silai unnai dinam kaana manam vadinen, oyamale endan nenjil nindrayadi….vedantham sollum vedangal ellam vendam vendam penne!” TELL ME a better way to show your love/feelings – listen to the start music - Easily a WOW!!! Benny has done full justice to the song! Another one that will make ur body swing!

How can I not talk about this song – listen to the music! Its so soothing man! “azahagai kollai azhagai” a beautiful mix of instruments – especially the tabla at the start (am I right Gops – was it the tabla or any other?) benny has done his bit here to maintain the feel of the song! I would rate this as the topper for music in this album! c the explanation for a fleeting moment “vizhiyodu vizhi serum oru pulliyil vilagada mounangal namai soozhume”

Album ends with a beautiful blended music “paarvai azhkadalil” by Sanjeev – nice rendering. “paarvai azhkadalil ennai veezhtinai, imaiyai pidithe nan neendhinen!... un kaadal padagil eri karaiyai adainden kadali!” – what an ovamai!!!

Such pure & lovely music, great lyrics and hear it out for the use of appropriate and beautiful Tamil words : Overall a ‘floating experience’ and in public words “Fultush paisa vasool album” :) what comes thru is the genuine love for music – Hats Off Gops!!! This in itself is a feather in ur cap!

Am not sure will I be able to end my “talking” about the album… every time I start off, I have something to say – might be I am still awed by the will power of Gops to make his dream come true and in such a beautiful manner & by the fact that I could associate myself as a FAN – just the autograph part is pending! :) Let this only be a start for a great journey ahead…. You are hearing me right Gops? :)

Friends, if you are music lovers, do visit your nearest music gallery now and share your comments @: http://saaralmusicalbum.blogspot.com/