Lets Sing Along :)

Music has always been close to my heart! If writing is my first love, music surely is a close second. And so when office organized an 'Antakshari' competition, it was but natural, I would participate :p.

Antakshari has been special, right since childhood. Whether in school, college, ex-offices, neighborhood, parties, gatherings, picnics-- I rarely miss a chance of being part of this game. Celebrations become livelier with this game. Like me, several others enjoy playing Antakshari and so it is natural to make new friends and bond over Antakshari.

Coming back to office, this is the first time ever in our Mumbai office that we had a celebration like this. There have been different other kinds of games and fun events organized, but one where people meet in an 'Employee Club' like atmosphere--this was a first of its kind. My colleague and new joiner in our team Sanhita coaxed me to participate and she was also instrumental in building the team that represented us on this event on Feb 23, 2012. Sanhita was the main lead for our team, motivating everyone to perform and sing :).

So, we had to form a five member team. On D day, our fifth participant backed out, just like someone retires hurt in cricket :(. We were looking for someone so that we weren't disqualified from the game. Akshay came to our rescue and happily accepted the offer to join our team aptly named 'Besurey Rockstars'. Shamim and Deepa made our team complete. Special mention for Shamim who came to office especially to attend the event despite being on leave! And also for Deepa, who stays near Dockyard and works at our BKC office, but came to Goregaon only for the event. Shows we have real rockstars in our team :)

Well, well... we had tough competition at the event. 18 teams participated in the Antakshari and after multiple 'knock-out' rounds, we finally made it to the FINALS :)). Of course there were teams who were well prepared and had great singers. To be fair on us, we didn't even get a minute to discuss as a team before the event. After all, we needed to ensure that our work assignments were delivered to our clients on time. And that happened to end just as final annoucements for 'Antakshari' registrations were being made by the HR team.

Overall, it was a fun-filled event. Sudhanshu was the perfect Master of Ceremony for the evening and he entertained the audience with his classy voice. Rajesh on the synthesiser played melodious 'dhuns' for us--every tune rightly identified got the teams 10 points and if we missed, the bonus point would go the next team guessing it right. The full HR team was also present cheering everyone continuously and clicking pictures.

After 10 rounds of the game in the FINALS, we were crowned 'Second Runners Up'. The winning team had excellent singers who had great knowledge in music. They truly deserved to win.

On our team, it was a combined effort...all of us took turns in singing and I was lucky a few times to be able to identify some unknown numbers :). Of all the interesting rounds in the Finals, there was one round where we had to sing a superimposed song...meaning.. sing the lyrics of one song in the tune of another. Our team was asked to sing "Urvashi Urvashi, take it easy policy" in the tune of "Ka karu sajni, aye na balam". Imagine the plight!!! Poor but happy me, went on stage for the final rendition. (Holding the mike to sing actually feels great!).  After singing, I got a new name during this Antatshari. The host kept referring to me as the 'Urvashi girl'. I finally had to announce my name before the audience started referring to me as Urvashi :p.

We got yummy chocolates as prizes and the event ended on a happy note with people promising to set up a committee and volunterring to be part of more such gala evenings. More than anything, this was a great opportunity to bond, to get to know colleagues with whom we have been working for over 3 years but didn't have a name to put on the familiar face.

I look forward to more such fun events this year.

Familial Bliss and Woes

Film Review: The Descendants
Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller

I never thought I would be writing a film review of an English movie, and that too of one which has earned high acclaim from all quarters--awards,  accolades et al. I haven't watched too many Hollywood flicks, so anyone reading this blog please note this disclaimer sentence :). After watching Descendants, I wanted to write about it, talk about it and go for a second viewing. I guess thats what great movies do to us. They leave an impact on our minds with their sheer simplicity. And like going back to a crazy, uncanny lover who is irritable and loving at the same time, these movies and their magic grow on us. We never get enough of them. Some of my all time favorites are Serendipity, As Good As It Gets, The Sound of Music, A Walk to Remember, and Before Sunrise.
The Descendants hit the theatres in India around the same time that Agneepath did. I was sure of writing a review on Agneepath as it was a Hrithik movie. That was before I watched the movie. In the last couple of years, I've enjoyed watching Hrithik Roshan movies and writing about them. But Agneepath didn't allow me a hattrick on Hritthik reviews :(. It was a royal let down. After Guzaarish and ZNMD, Hrithik looked such a misfit in Agneepath as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan that I wanted to leave the theatre before the interval! The only good reason...rather evil reason why one can sit through Agneepath is Sanjay Dutt alias Kancha. His dreadful guise and deadly acting will freak you out for sure!

Coming back to The Descendants, the story is about George Clooney. And it is such a treat watching him on the big screen. Killer looks, subtle expressions, incompatible acting, undomitable screen presence, sparkling chemistry with co-stars--- Clooney made the movie what it is. The storyline is simple and flows smoothly through well-knit incidents and exotic locales while finely depicting the family life of Matt King (Clooney). The movie revolves round the Matt family and their ancestral land in the Kaua'i island. Matt and his cousins control the family trust that owns these huge acres of land. Matt, the sole trustee of this property decides to sell it off after discussion with his family--all of whom want to sell it off too. Just when the family is ready to seal the deal, the news of Elizabeth's (Matt's wife) accident reaches and the whole family rushes to the hospital. Doctors foresee no chances of recovery and Elizabeth sinks into coma.

Matt suddenly sees his whole world drifting apart. He realizes he had a loving wife he never paid attention to as he was busy building his career in law, his teenage daughter Alex (Shailine Woodley) who is in college and stays in another island in a hostel doesnt want to return home. The younger daughter Scottie (Amara Miller) who is barely 10 is outspoken, brash and every second day teachers in school complain about her. Matt tries to be a good father and gets Alex home. In the meantime, doctors advise Elizabeth cannot recover and life-support should be removed.

There is a twist in the tale when Matt realizes that Elizabeth had an extra-marital affair that he was not aware of. After this, the story takes on a whole new dimension. Natural and spontaneous acting by Alex and Scottie make the story lively and even more interesting. With the entry of Alex's friend Sid (Nick Krause), there are some lighter moments in the story. The characterisation and the ability of each actor to emote the depth of their feelings on screen is fascinating. Whether it is Cloony trying to stalk Elizabeth's lover Brian Speer (Matthew Lillard) or Scottie freely abusing at the top of her voice, or Alex showing her natural authority and suppressed anger on her parents for their ignorance in upbringing--each portrayal is unique and beautiful. Cloony's expressions, whether he is expressing happiness, anger, guilt, disappointment or authority is commendable.

The glimpses of father-daughter relationship is captured very well too. Cloony, Woodley and Miller bond very well onscreen and their chemistry is memorable. Whether strolling on a the beach, sharing an icecream together, or discussing on teaching a lesson to Elizabeth's lover, the father daughter trio create some memorable moments for the audience to take back home. On the other hand, the moments when Elizabeth's old parents go to the hospital to say a final goodbye to their daughter is also very touching.

Another sweet scene to remember is when Elizabeth's friend applies make-up on the coma patient in the hospital to uplift her mood.. mood of the friend who has been sleeping for weeks with no hope of recovery. Only despair and sorrow for her loved ones. 

Hat's off to Alexander Payne for a movie of this stature. 

Family values, bonding, the true worth of ancestral heritage and the significance of the family tree---hold key to The Descendants. Family is not just about loving and caring, it is also about owning responsibillities and making life worthwhile. The Descendants demonstrate all of this and portray them very delicately, so that we, as the audience can savour each moment and let it grow on us.

I would recommend this movie to one and all.

Fits of Friendship!

I have this sudden urge to go back to Class V in school. Each one of us had a best friend (or multiple best friends) with whom we would quarrel every week and promise never to talk again…only to happily giggle n share an ice-cream the very next day! The twinkle in our eyes and that beaming innocent smile (stretching all the way to the ears) stuck on our face--implied 'truce'. Fun-filled happy school days!

In the words of Bernard Meltzer, "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

As grown-ups, we rarely make up with friends the ‘Class V way’. These days, friends often drift apart due to trivial misunderstandings. We stretch a quarrel till it turns bitter and irreparable. Perhaps we are too complicated to let go of our ‘mighty ego’! Also, some people have the ability to drive you mad with their bouts of eccentricity. I belong to that club! I have alienated friends by being either insensitive or oversensitive.

If a friend I have annoyed is reading this note, I would say, let’s end the fight ‘the Class V way’!

Note: I wrote this as a Facebook note sometime last year.

Beautiful stories knit by music

There is no dearth of talent in our country-- especially in the fields of arts and culture. And my belief was strengthened by this brilliant play I watched at Prithvi theatre, Mumbai on Jan 8, 2012 called Stories In a Song.

Conceptualised by ace singer Shubha Mudgal, the play featured seven short stories- each unique in its characterization. The actors not just acted brilliantly, I was amazed at the way they sang! They were all professional Hindustani Classical vocal artists. Through this innovative play, the team portayed the evolution of different genres of music through the ages.

While there was one play celebrating the liberation of nuns through Buddhism (Songs of the Nuns), the portrayal on tawaiifs demostrated the spirit of patriotism among courtesan's in 20th century pre-independent India. The main protagonist in this play titled 'Mahatma Gandhi and the Tawaif Sabha' was a lady in Benaras who was charmed by Mahatma Gandhi's compassion towards courtesans and in his faith in their contribution to the freedom struggle. A special mention here for Ketki Thatte, who played the key role. Her voice is mellifluous and she rendered some classical thumris with perfection. The audience was overawed by her performance and the voice lingered in our minds long after the play was over. Such is the beauty of Indian Classical Music, especilly when performed by an artist who has mastered the art through dedication and a god-gifted voice. 

Chandni Begum and Bahadur Ladki narrated the story of Lucknowi music and the contours of Nautanki. While the former gave us an acocunt of folk singers and their plight while trying to adapt to a changing society, the latter expressed the emotions of a brave girl who fought with corrupt officials of the British rule to safeguard her honour.  

Whose Music Is It on the other hand described the concepts of 'gurukul' in music, copyright issues and presented an excellent example of how 'original' music is 'rechristened' and 'remixed' for instant money-making in this age of cut-throat ocmpetition.

Hindustani Airs showcased a brilliant account of the ladies from the colonial rule and their inquisitiveness to learn the basic tenets of Hindustani music. This was a beautiful and amusing encounter between Mansi Multani and Pia Sukanya which consisted of melody, wit, and a brilliant combination of cross-culture music. 

And finally, 'Kajri Akhada' aesthetically showcased the many nuances of the 'kajri' form of music, popular in North India since time immemorial. The team of actors/singers enchanted the audience with their impromptu acting and brilliant singing. Namit Das stood out due to his clear, robust voice and effortless singing. All the singers in the group were amazing and they left us bedazzled with this final act of theatrical extravaganza.

I hated to leave when the play got over and wished they presented some other forms of music too-- some amount of ghazals, tarana, and a touch of sufism would add to the richness of the theme. Nevertheless, I truly appreciate the effort and research that went behind this innovative portrayal. Hat's off to the singers and musicians for performing with perfect 'sur' and 'taal' and emoting the content of the songs beautifully while also acting on stage.

I look forward to attending more such unique musical plays in the city this year. 

2012 | New Beginnings

I have been having this eerie feeling that 2012 is going to be a very positive year with opportunities galore and dreams fulfilled. I call this 'eerie' because I haven't had this feeling for quite some time.

2012 looks to be full of optimisim and sunshine. There are a few 'low-lying high priority' dreams that I have been trying to realize since long. But they were delayed due to my procrastination. This year, I aim to complete my pending (dream) tasks. After all, what's in a dream if it is not taken to fruition?

Setting the pace

This year began on a wonderful note with family and close friends. I was happy that my mother and adorable niece were in Mumbai with me on new year's eve. To add to that, we had a whole bunch of friends visiting us with their families from Thane, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurgaon. Could one get luckier? :). We had a whale of a time! 13 people in a 2-BHK flat in Mumbai partying till the wee hours of night-- it was awesome! The guys managing the kitchen made some awesome drinks and served delectable starters ;). Music was full-on and I 'finally' got to play my hero Salman Khan for a brief 10 seconds while the Dabaang soundtrack was playing :). My niece looked pretty in a lovely evening dress and she ball-danced with me along with her other little friends.

Earllier that afternoon, the whole gang had been to Bandra Band Stand. Nothing like the sea welcoming you with open arms on New Year's. There was so much of freshness and energy that I had this strong gut feel that 2012 is going to be a year to make dreams come true :). Newness is always attractive and 2012 exuberates that charm of newness.

So far, January has been awesome fun! It was my brother's birthday in the first week and another round of madness and enjoyment followed. I had so much fun on that day that I wished it went on forever.

Pleasant Surprises! 
I still cannot believe Raju drives!! While I was in Kolkata, she drove me around and even dropped me to the airport. It was incredible to see Raju behind the wheels perfectly parking the car or accelerating on the bypass. And we lived our own little dreams too while driving around together ;). The simple things in life always are the most memorable and make us the happiest.

Priyanka came to visit me at the airport with her adorable little daughter. That was another pleasant surprise and the smile just didn't want to leave my face :)

Positive Vibes- New Places, New People

Actually, not just 2012. August 2011 onwards, life has been very kind to me. I travelled considerably within Maharashtra and to North and East India. Mahabaleswar in August, Kolkata during Durga Puja, Himachal (Manali, Rohtang, Solang etc) in October, Pune in December, Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule in December -- we made the most of every little holiday/long vacation we got.

Take One| Mahabaleswar: The weather was pleasant and the hills overlooking the valley made the ambience perfect for a holiday. There was a mild drizzzle and I enjoyed a lot of 'strawberry crush' in the autumn embracing this hill station. I met new people, saw new places and overall returned very satisfied and pepped-up after the mini-vacation during the Independence Day weekend.

Take Two | Kolkata: I had a gala time in Kolkata during the puja vacations in October-- people, places, food-- what a combo! Legend has it the the Goddess visits her parents home each year around this time and showers blessings and happiness on us mortals. Revelries and merry-making characterize this festival. Each year, visiting home during the puja brings solace and mental harmony.

Take Three | Manali: In October 2011 again, we were off to Manali--heaven on earth. Manali is picturesque. Bright flowers, puerile Beas river, spectacular sunrise, breathtaking landscape, infinite greenery amid woods, and more. A real treat for nature lovers, writers, and photographers. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life somewhere in the Himalayas near Manali. We also travelled in and around Himachal and returned via Chandigarh- Delhi.. again awesome places to visit during a holiday.

Take Four | Pune: In December, we made a short weekend trip to Pune- just like that. To visit friends and relax. The city always feels like home to me :)

Take Five | Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule: In December 2011, we discovered another beautiful place--this time in the outskirts of Maharashtra. Ganpatipule's scenic beauty will leave you stunned. Beautiful flowers, unique leaves, magnificent coconut trees and of course-- the sea. The white-sand beach there and the sea again made me philosophical :). Paulo Coeho's books always leave a deep impression in my mind and every time I am close to nature- his writing makes even more sense to me.

The sea-side love story was followed by a quick visit to Ratnagiri-- the terracotta red earth reminded me of Bishnupur in Bankura (West bengal). Outskirts and rural areas always manage to look naturally beautiful and there is an unfathomable magic in the fragrance of the wet earth. One feels like lazing round amid nature doing nothing. After lots of clicks and gorging hungrily on my favorite 'Surmai' (fish) fry at Ratnagiri, we were back in Mumbai. And I almost forgot to mention-- the Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule. I did not know till I went there that it is among the most revered places of worship in Maharashtra. So, we went there for a quick 'darshan' too. And came across the huge 'mouse' statues (also found at Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai). People say, if you whisper your wish to the mouse, it gets fulfilled :).

New Beginnings
2012 seems to be welcoming me with new friends and friendships. I messed up one friendship in 2011. Due to whatever reasons, I lost a friend. And it became worse as I tried to revive the friendship after it was no more. That was a mistake-- big, HUGE! By the time I realized, moments had already become memories. I got a bit disillusioned for sometime. Then, instead of grumbling over a lost friendship, I started treasuring the memories :). And now when I look back, I know there is no going back...only moving on with positivity towards new horizons. New beginnings, new friends, and new adventures. Indeed, life is a journey, never a destination.

Wish-a-holic!

And yes, I must get a doggie. I have lived without dogs and their warm licks, friendly bites, damp noses, fake cries, crazy snuggles, lazy snores, and lively roars for 5 years now! Every time I see a dog at someone's home, I want to bring one home myself. Animals always make us smile. There is so much warmth in their body language, it is amazing.


The two top things on my agenda are to complete my book (long pending!) and to shed a few kilos. Tough but possible :p.

On that wishful note, I wish a very Happy New Year to eveyone reading this post!

'Once we have overcome the defeats - and we always do - we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight.' - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Billions of blue blistering barnacles...

Phew.... that's my state of mind today. 

There has been just too much work off late. Though I completely love my work and my responsibilities, today is one 'billions of blue blistering barnacles' day! Have been working like a zombie non-stop for some 10 hours at a stretch :p. Break, break... need a break!

This definitely does not qualify as a blog post... but still felt like scribbling :)

Friend today.. gone tomorrow?

In our day-to-day life, we meet so many people! Some perfect strangers, who stay that way all our lives and that doesn't affect us a wee bit. Some come into our lives and welcome us into theirs and a new bond is born. Simple friendships, naughty friendships, twisted friendships, dramatic friendships, formal friendships, soul-mate friendships, sibling friendships.. the list is endless.

I had read somewhere few years back that some people come into your life for a season, some for a reason, and some.. to stay with you forever. It is those 'never-ending' bonds that are effortless, bring you the most happiness and cause you endless pain at the same time. You have the best of times and the worst of fights with this lot.

But sometimes, the fights grow serious and the friendship is over before you know. Perhaps the friend came into your life for a reason. They left, without a goodbye.

Often we think, this happens only in love relationships. But what is in love, if their is no friendship there? Even if friends fall apart, they don't stop loving each other even after the worst of 'unfriendly exchanges'.

I believe that we take time to make friends. There can be many acquaintances, but it takes time before you call someone a friend. And so, if a 'frienship' gets dissolved all of a sudden, you would need time to 'let it go'.

It may seem strange, but at times, even years after you think you have forgotten a friend/buried a friendship-- your thoughts keep floating to that person every now and then. And most amazingly, while doing the most mundane of things in life-- taking a walk, sipping coffee, working on the computer, eating your favorite dish, visiting a particular place, listening to a song, reading a book, laughing over a joke.... I can go on and on.

You feel a smile extendig on your lips unawares.. and at times you may end up laughing too, all by yourself, reminiscing a moment. At other times, the smile is interrupted by a careless tear that manages to duck the oblivious you and speedily trickles down your cheek right down to kiss your extended smile. You close your eyes and smile again :).

Only a friend you have loved deeply and a friendship you savour long after it is no more can give you this feeling.

Similarly, when you lose someone dear to you unexpectedly to God, you have this whole range of emotions.. bottled. They build up.. and suddenly one fine day when, may be, you are munching a chocolate at lesisure, it hits you! No connection, no association-- but you suddenly want to share the chocolate with your dad, who could probably nibble only a small piece because of his diabetes. But you still want him to take a bite at that time and there is an unprecedented arrival of complex emotions, resulting in --well, tears. That is perhaps the worst kind of feeling. You can only seek solace thinking of the fact they your loved one is resting in peace with God.


Losing a friend over a fight, ego clash or misunderstandings often leaves us 'blank'. No matter how much you cry, it doesn't come back to you. That doesn't mean, it was never yours. It always belonged to you-- the friendship was always yours.

Just that the friend was not for keeps.