July 2007

My African Movie Trilogy

From pre-historic times to now, Africa has always remained a mysterious continent. The weather, the regime and the social customs have intrigued generations and helped shape the myriad realities of life in this vast expanse of land; besides crafting stories of survival and fight in the face of oppression and tyranny. Such factual accounts of the African life have been presented marvelously in 3 good movies which I would like to write about today. I prefer to call them my African Movie Trilogy. These movies were abundantly successful in capturing the essence of the African way of life both technically and in story-telling, the strife that plagues the region and the ideology behind the true struggle. The best part is that these movies educate the people in the facts behind the dissent in the corners of the dark continent. These are award winning and critically acclaimed movies which I hope you will see in the future.

Continue reading…

7/11 – An Year After

Last year on this day, 7 blasts ripped through passenger trains in Mumbai causing the gruesome deaths of 187 individuals and injuring countless. It was a shocking incident for every Mumbaikar and revived the memories of the serial blasts of March 1992. No city in the world has been a frequent target of terrorist attacks then Mumbai and yet on the streets, life goes on as usual and people move on with the scars left behind.

On that evening of 7/11, I was homeward bound on the 6:14 Borivli fast local which got stranded between Lower Parel and Elphinstone Road railway stations for unknown reasons. Just then I received a cell call from my colleague in office, informing me about the serial blasts which I could barely believe. The only option left was to get home somehow, so I walked up to Elphinstone Road station on the tracks and then onto the road when it started raining heavily. There were no buses or other conveyance which could afford to take me to my destination and then I found 2 guys in a cab who lended a helping hand on that fateful night. We then picked up 2 more persons on our way; one of them an elderly woman and started off to our landing-place. It was only after 6 gruelling hours that I reached home — I was the last person to get off the cab after paying him a handsome fare. Unfortunately my entire account for that day was wiped out in the database crash that occured last year. I would like to thank Sameer and his friend, who helped me out with the taxi service on 7/11 last year.

I see little practical changes on the ground in terms of securing our city from another attack. Somehow one gets a feeling that internal security is not on the priority list of this government. The action items after the blast — A few CCTVs hang above our heads, a few constables relaxing on stations and most foolishly; luggage racks being removed from train compartments for some reason, causing utter discomfort to the waiting passengers. There are families of the departed who are still grieving the loss. It feels sad to see the sorry state of affairs in our city but Mumbai lives on with us, scarred and scared.

At the KK Concert

This was truly the most happening event of yesterday. I had got passes to the ‘KK Sensational Nite’ concert organized by TCS along with it’s social service foundation called Maitree. The event was held at the Shanmukhananda Hall at King’s Circle in Mumbai, attended by young TCSers who rocked the house completely.

KK sang a few of his hits from his album Pal including Yaaron, Aap Ki Dua and (of course) Pal. Then he moved onto sing his film songs. Just a small list in random order –
Bardhasht Nahi Kar Sakta (Humraaz),
• Tadap Tadap (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam),
• Dus Bahane (Dus),
• Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai (Woh Lamhe),
• Tu Aashiqui Hai (Jhankar Beats),
• O Humdum Suniyo Re (Saathiya),
• It’s the Time to Disco (Kal Ho Naa Ho),
• Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (Dil Chahta Hai),
• Sach Keh Raha Hai Deewana (Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein),
• Awarapan Banjarapan (Jism)
• Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai (Gangster)
etc. etc.

Continue reading…