Weekly review (1-7 Dec) 2008

Well, this week has been the most hectic week for me. I have worked and worked for more than 14 hrs a day to close one of the outstanding business of mine. So here i am again with weekly review:

1. For whom the bell tolls (1943)
This movie is a colored movie made in 1943, based on the book of the same name by Ernest Hemingway. I really admired the acting of Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman. Ingrid Bergman has made a huge impact on me courtesy Casablanca. This movie is based on the Spanish civil war of late 1930's. Worth watching. 8 points out of 10.

2. When trumpets fade (1998)
This movie is yet another 2nd world war based movie and its not based on Battle of bulge but on the battle of Hurtgen forest fought in 1944. Story of the evolution of two soldiers Manning and Sanderson. The starting and ending scenes render quite a lot. 7 points out of 10.

3. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson has a knack of playing legendary role like Oscar schindler, Michael Collins and now Robert Roy Macgregor, a Scottish chieftain. Worth watching movie for many reasons and in many words Rob is a shadow of Sir William Wallace. 9 points out of 10.

Weekly review (23-30 Nov) 2008

1. The Foreign correspondent (1940)
This is a masterpiece from Hitchcok. Its a story of a reporter (Jones aka Havestock) sent from New york to cover from London the pre-war events in 1939-1940. Jones discovered a German conspiracy of hijacking the peace process initiated by some umbrella organization.quite a thriller. 8 points out of 10.

2. Blue Max (1966)
A first world war movie showing the class diference between the German Army. The story of a fighter pilot who burning from an extreme desire of proving his superiority over his co-pilots. Ursula (Bond girl Dr. No) also features in this flick. 8 points out of 10.

3. In the valley of Elah (2007)
This movie is an offshoot from the American Imperial war against Iraq. Charlize Theron looks as pretty as she can. Tommy Lee Jones was as superb as ever. He along with Theron investigates the mysterious death of his soldier son. 7 points out of 10.

4. Quantum Of Solace (2008)
Quite a sighter. The story takes another step after Casino Royale. Bond makes mockery of an International conspiracy yet again. 6 points out of 10.

5. Aaj Tak news channel(26-29 Nov 2008)
I want to condemn this channel in strongest possible words. At around 9:30 AM on 27th Nov, the news reader ridiculed the sacrifice of Mumbai police officials by saying something like "Yeh kal tak terrorists ka encounter karte the, aj inka encounter ho gaya". I and Saugata were literally shocked by hearing these words from a popular news channel. Aaj Tak what a pathetic waste. Anyways This is the way India treats her heroes without any exception whatsoever.

And how can a man die better than facing fearful odds for the ashes of his fathers, for the temples of his Gods and for the people of his country

India is yet again attacked by the terrorists and many precious lives belonging to many classes and many nationalities have been lost. This terror attack has killed people from almost every section of society from petty dweller to rich millionaire and this is quite a proof that this is not a attack on one section or mere one city but on the very concept of India. Mumbai is saved by the only remaining hope of India i.e. Indian defence forces (NSG, Navy, Army and Police) but not without giving supreme sacrifices of her great soldiers. Freedom does not come free, freedom comes with a price.

Today, when i saw the cremation of ATS chief Mr. Karkare an NSG Major Sandeep, i was overwhelmed the ironical mixture of Patriotism and Shame. One can not dare to define Patriotism, one can only experience it and attacks like these only unite people instead of dividing them. I dont see any "Marathi Manoos" or Tamil or Bihari in this action, i have seen only Indians, fighting hard to save their fellow countrymen. This is called patriotism and now who can dare to say Mumbai belongs to Marathi Manoos only. Every inch of India belongs to her citizens and no petty politician can deny it. Lets all Indians come together in this time of test in form of a peace rally throughout the India filling each street, each house with nothing but glorious Tricolor and Indians. This is a time to show all Indians that we were one nationality before, we are one nationality now and we will remain one nationality forever, Insha Allah.

I am ashamed too and because of only one reason, what the fuck i am doing for my country except paying taxes. Will this remain the product of my existence? Some will say that i am excited because this is different time. But i will quote "It is the best of times and it is the worst of the times". best of times because its a rare opportunity to show our unity to our fellow countrymen and worst of times because we have lost many precious lives.

Indian politicians, the rare breed of "humans" only care about their respective vote banks. Our Honourable home minister Mr. Shivraaj Patil can only change his dress while our "Prime Minister in waiting" Mr. L. K. Adwani can only curse the government. Its a great tragedy that India is in her lowest ebb of weakness when her Prime Minister belongs to the greatest class of her sons, the great Sikhs. Mr. Prime Minister, you are what a shame!

May the soul of every victim should find some peace now. We are highly successful in converting our "Promised land" from the cradle of civilization to the "dying civilization". Congratulations fellow Indians for this great achievement.

Book Review [9] : The Discovery of India

My hands are shivering and i am running high on temperature so this post may lack some thing in it. Apologies for that.

'The Discovery of India' was written by Pundit Nehru in Ahmednagar fort jail in 1942-1945. This book is simply superb and it talks about the history of the common man during the entire age of our civilization. This book is not a story of kings but of philosophers, saints and prophets of India. I have read innumerable books on history, this book is in different league altogether. A must read for any person wants to know about India. In his own words "India is a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision and yet very real and present and pervasive". I have been reading this book for quite some time and i am feeling really very solemn after finishing it. I got yet another book from Aviral. This is " Sanskrit ke chaar Adhyay" by Ramdhaari Singh Dinkar, the legendary writer of Rashmirathi. The foreword is written by Pundit Nehru ;). Over to you Sir.

Highly Recommended (9/10)

Weekly Review 15-22 November

Well, this week i say many movies as always and i just finished day's movie no. 4. These are as follows:

1. Michael Collins (1995)
This movie is the biography of great Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins. This guy led the Irishmen to virtually their independence from England. The glorious days of Irish Revolution (1916-1922) started with Easter Rising in 1916 (from the Martyrdom of great James Connolly) and culminated into the free Ireland state in 1922. Michael Collins suffered a lot from the then President of Irish party Eamon de Valera. Valera betrayed Michael Collins and instigate the civil war against the Collin's treaty with England. This ultimate results in the assassination of Michael Collins. Ireland and India share a lot in terms of history. Both were mutilated by Britishers before giving independence (Northern Ireland and Pakistan), both fathers of the nation Michael Collins and Bapu were assassinated by their own people and both the flags i.e. Irish and Indian contain the same colors (Green , Saffron and White). The role of Collins is played by Liam Neesaon (the same guy has played the famous role of Oscar schindler in Schindler's list). I like this movie as well as the other one "The wind that shakes the barley" on Irish war theme equally. 9 points out of 10.

2. Dance with wolves (1990)
A great movie depicting almost a true picture of native Indians of North America. The film contains beautiful scenes. Kevin Costner and Mary Mcdonnel (she is also playing President Roslin in Battle Star Galactica ;) have done a tremendous job. Its a story of the clash between the so called civilised society (the whites) and so called barbaric society (the Indians). A must watch in any case. This film has won 7 Oscars. 9 points out of 10.

3. The Charge of the light Brigade (1968)
Its actually an anti-war movie and it describes the pitiful condition of the officers serving under the arrogant and shirking Generals. Well this movie contains a lot of abuses for Indians like us. It covers the Crimean war fought in Balkan against the Russians aggression in Balkan region. 7 points out of 10.

4. Arn Templeriddaren (2007)
Its the most expensive Scanvandian movie ever made. Its a story about a Swedish noble who was accused of a forbidden love and was forced to serve as a Knight Templar in the Holy Land during the era of the Crusade (12th century). Indian model cum actor Milind Soman is playing Sallahaddin in this movie. This movie is quite inferior of the Orlando Bloom's Kingdom of heaven. 6 points out of 10.

5. To end all wars (2001)
Its a story of the allied POWs captured by Japan after the fall of Singapore in 1942. These prisoners were forced to build the railway track in Thailand so that Japan could attack India. To be honest this movie is no way comparable to "The bridge on river Kwai". 5 points out of 10.

6. Dasvidaniya (2008)
I was expecting a better show from Rajat kapoor and Vinay Pathak. This movie is a let down. Its a hotchpotch of comedy and tragedy. No idea where to laugh and where to frack. 4 points out of 10.

Well guys, i have to leave as i have a book to read. Dasvidaniya ;)

Sink the Bismarck and Prisoners of the mountains

Hope you enjoy the mid week reviews ;)

1. Sink the Bismarck (1960)
This movie is a black and white movie based on successful attempts of Royal Navy's to seek and destroy the famous German battleship Bismarck( based on the name of "The Man of blood and iron" Otto Von Bismarck aka father of the first German Reich) in 2nd world war. Quite a good flick and it possess rare naval fight. 7 points out of 10.

2. Prisoner of the mountains (1996)
Its a Russian movie and it depicts the escapades of two Russian soldiers captured in an ambush by the Chechnya rebels. in Caucasus region. Its based on much older story by Leo Tolstoy. 3 points out of 10.

FYI i am reading Discovery of India. A must read anyways. Adieu till i write again.

Movie reviews this week

Well, here i am again with this week films. I am quite developing an addiction for war movies. so here we go:
1. Victory aka Escape to victory (1981)
This is quite an amazing movie inspired by the true story of soccer matches played between Nazi Germany and occupied eastern Europe basically Ukraine in 2nd Great war. Quite an amazing match between the German National Football Team and Allied prisoners of war lead by cool "Michael Caine" and supported by great Pele and Stallone. This movie is simply superb. Worth watching. 9 points out of 10.

2. Crimson Tide (1995)
Very impressive film by Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. Its quite a way to prevent a nuclear Holocaust. I like the one liner from Hackman "We preserve democracy, we don't practice it". Denzel Washington stages a mutiny against his commanding officer (Hackman) in order to make sure that the order to strike Russia are same or changed. 8 out of 10 points.

3. 12' O Clock High (1949)
I became a fan of Gregory Peck after watching "The guns of Navarone" almost a month back. This movie is about inspiring a depleted US Air force division fighting in Europe in mid of second World War. This movie is about developing leadership qualities and finding the maximum effort of a person. 6 points out of 10.

4. Battleground (1949)
Another movie inspired from the great battle of Bulge in DEC 1944. I am not quite impressed by this movie to be very honest. 4 out of 10 points.

5. Fashion (2008)
I love Priyanka in the movie. She looked absolute stunning in the movie. Movie is full of trash and without any substance. I will give 4 points (for Piggy Chops) out of 10.

6. Thirteen Days (2000)
This movie is about Cuban missile crisis in October 1962 and depicts the thirteen days of utter crisis and also shows the chasm between the democratic leaders and the Military of USA. JFK, his bro and Kenny looked phenomenal. Quite a good movie to educate oneself about the ugly days of Cold war. 8 out of 10 points.

7. Lion of the Desert (1981)
Its story about the Libyan freedom movement against the Fascist regime of Italy 1920's. Movie renders the story of a teacher turned freedom movement leader Omar Mukhtar (played by Anthony Quin). I have also seen another movie "The message" directed by the same director Moustapha Akkad and acted in lead role by Anthony Quin and was quite impressed. This movie although quite realistic but some how misses the magic. Overall i will give 6 points out of 10.
8. Saints and Soldiers (2004)
Another movie inspired by the Malmedy massacre in the Battle of the Bulge (1944). Although the plot was very good the movie is not magical. 4 out of 10 points.

Tour de India (My Education tour diary Dec 2003): From Madurai to Trivendrum via Kanyakumari: Part 2

7th December 2003
We reached Kanya Kumari, the southern most tip of main land Indian. I am sitting at Vivekanand Rock memorial and i am watching the grand sangam of three big seas, The Bay of Bengal, The Arabian Sea and the great Indian Ocean. I again pledge to serve my country till my last breathe. I am currently sitting in front of Vivekanand Rock memorial. I have no words to describe the beauty of this place. The great Indian ocean is washing the feet of our beloved Bharat Mata. I am looking at the vastness of this ocean, no length no limit. Near Rock memorial there is a statue of Tamil Nadu's great son. A great sight that too. Vivekanand memorial was completed on 2nd sept 1970. In the night we visited the photo gallery of Shri Eknath Ji (the person behind the Rock memorial). We have seen the sunset but it was not so great due to clouds. In Kanyakumari we were staying in Vevekananda Kendra and the name of our section was "Kashi". Some body shouted that Laxman and Ganguly were going great after early hiccups in India's first inning against the Aussies in Brisbrane. We saw the sunset but it was not very clear because of the clouds. Our stay at Kanyakumari was one of the best and great moments of my life. I found a great man in Shobhit in Kanyakumari and the great friendship starts now.

8th December 2003
Morning 3:45 AM., we took a train to Trivendrum (not too far from Kanyakumari around 80 miles) . It has been a nice journey so far. We missed the opportunity to watch the sun rise at Cape due to very busy an tight itenary. We have got our hotel in Rajdhani Tourists. It was a quite good hotel. We read in news paper about the fabulous century of Sourav Ganguly at Brisbrane. Manu Awasthi helped me a lot to arrange a tour bus for VSSC at Thumba at 1000 INR compared to the costly arrangement made by SNP at 1800 INR (The legend of Phantom and Mummy was already established on 6th december). Eveybody cheered me :). VSSC is a holy place for a scientist. The magneto equator line passes through this place. A great work by the great son of India, Vikram Sarabhai. We visited the first office of VSSC (established in a Church) now converted into a museum. We asked many questions and all were answered convincingly. I copied down many lines from the great men there.
" We must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problem of man and the society" --- V S (1919-1971)
In the evening we enjoyed the beautiful Koalum beach. Shobhit and Ranjan were ecstatic and so was i. we played with the waves of of the sea. I found a good company in Shobhit and Ranjan. We dined at hotel Suprabhandhan and then we drank the "Choc Sarjah". Some how we (Shobhit and I) were gulping that but that SOB Sarvagya soon discovered that what the frack Sarjah was ;) and the news spread to the entire group about the great taste of Sarjah. So Fubu led the entire team in having that bloody Sarjah and all end's up with the big "Kelas". Some body was smiling. Santosh and Divyalok ran from the railway platform to the shop in order to have the Kela :). It was indeed one of the most funny moments of our tour.

Losing my religion, i dare not

To be honest, i don't know what is common between Sourav Ganguly and me. If some body criticizes him, i defend him a way like i am defending myself and this has been the case since 2003. Sourav you taught me a lot and its a sheer agony to live in without your sheer timing. Its been an honour and a priviledge to follow your career from 1996 to 2008. I hoped that you will play atleast a year or so but you as always surprised me.

My hero worship of Sourav started when he played a heroic knock against Pakistan in Dhaka, 1998 when India chased down successfully a massive total and this was the begining of almost a decade of hero worshipping. I dont know why i am not able to write this article. My hands are trembling and so are my head. I promise to myself that i will never make a sportsperson my hero because they retire and leave behind themselves tears and sweet memories. I can not imagine what will happen to me when i see Sachin retiring from the game. They say the game is greater than the players, for me Sachin and Sourav along with Kumble, Dravid and Laxman are far greater than the game. This entire generation almost 10 years older than us almost enthralled us when we were teens and now when we are grown up adults they are chucking us out. This is certainly a bad phase of our age. Just like we can not re-live our teen age, they can not live their game back.

I dont want to lose my religion from the polytheism of Ganguly, Sachin, Kumble, Dravid and Laxman to the polytheism of Sehwag, Dhoni, Yuvraj, Zaheer, Harbhajan, Gambhir and Ishant. I will not be a convert and will rather stop practising the religion of 'cricket' when all my gods will retire.

I faintly remember the days when Australia used to thrash India regularly and India only used to win home matches and Kumble, Sachin were the lone wariors. And then came a fighter, a constructor and an artist (Sourav, Dravid and Laxman) and everything changed. We started winning matches abroad regularly and with the re-inforcements like Yuvraj, Sehwag, Zaheer and Harbhajan we became one of the top three teams in the world. And now these stalwarts are retiring one by one. Kumble gone, Ganguly gone and some time the rest three will also ago. Their memories will remain for ever and i will cherish those for ever. Thank you Sourav. You will remain my hero. Good luck Dhoni, i admire you a lot but sorry to say i wont convert to your religion.

Tourde India (My Education tour diary Dec 2003): From Varanasi to Madurai via Chennai: Part 1

Taken directly without any shame from my own diary without any editing written during the Tour Dec 2003.
December 3, 2003
we are starting our journey to Chennai by Ganga-Kaveri Express 6040. All the guys are very excited and they hope a lot to learn from me since i am their Educational tour co-ordinator.
December 4, 2003
We are in the train. Some guys are sleeping while same are playing cards. This train is very good and so its pantry car. I am reading a book by Jai Shankar Prasad (bought with Shobhit at Allahabad station). I am very emotional at this moment.We have a visit next day in Chennai.
December 5, 2003
This day is very great day.In the morning we reached Chennai. The Police is very strict and efficient. There is very tight security probably because of coming 6th Dec. We have a very boring visit at Ashok Nagar Allied Electronics. The instructor explained us about Antennas and Robots.
The company was very small and the company owner was very witty specially to Vineet. After this we visited Marina Beach. I was very surprised and i had no words to appreciate the beauty of Bay of Bengal touching Chennai.
Chennai is a very neat city. Buses are easily available, roads are very good. Police is very helpful. After the beach we had dinner and we (Shobhit and me) had to east Veg Biryani and Idli Shambhar. We are in very midst of South India. We started for Kodaikanal in Chennai-Madurai 2637 express. In the train i am very upset. I had a very heated discussion with Deepak Goel on the issue of our tour. I always win but i was very shocked at the behaviour of Deepak Goel. Bye Bye Chennai. By Bye Marina Beach. Its a very nice night in the train. Divya Alok is helping us in solving the Kodaikanal road problem.

6th December 2003
Today we are suffering in Chennai-Egmore Express. Nitin Goel wakes me at 04:40 AM and i awake all the other guys. We are about to reach Kodai Kanal road at about 5:35 A. We got the bus to KodaiKanal Hill station at 6:00 AM. The bus is very cheap 24/. Another conflict with Deepak Goel on the issue of bus fare. I slanged him. Then we have a very excited journey to Kodaikanal. We have a bus puncture at Battalkundu. We read in "Hindu" about the achievement of Indian cricket team in Australia (India tour of Australia 2003-04) in the first Test. Zaheer picked 5 wkts in first inning. We reached the Kodaikanal hill station at 10 AM. We got a bus by bargaining a lot. A great contribution from Vineet, Shobhit and Deepak Goel. Finally we got the bus 3200/.
Kodaikanal is a very great hill station some how a bit overy hyped. I missed my girl friend (although completely imaginary) but i enjoyed greatly with my friends. We have a very heated discussion with Travel agency guy. I was very angry and so were Vineet, Deepak, Pankaj and Shobhit. Finally we got the result. We got the bus for Madurai. The bus journey was full of excitement. We enjoyed every vulgar song. We reached Madurai at 8:00 PM and we quickly fired us to see the famous Meenakshi temple. It was very great sight. The temple was singing the glory of great Indian civilisation, Indian culture and world heritage. I again took a pledge for protection of my country. The same pledge was taken by me at Marina beach, Chennai.
Currently i am waiting in waiting room and all the other guts are doing BC.

signing off. The next part will see us all in Kanyakumari.

Few Yugoslavian movies

Well, another week is over without giving much at least to me. This week another series of movies and my topic of cover was the former country of Yugoslavia, the tinder box of the world. So here we go:

1. Underground (1995)
This movie is one of the very few movies that exposes the realm of ideologies. Based on the story of two communist friends in Belgrade and their adventures from 1941 to 1992. It shows the immense dark side of a man. Some times you will feel bore but have some patience to watch this movies. Quoting from the movie "No text, my darling has any truth in it. The truth exists only in reality". So better watch this movie. 7 out of 10 points.

2. Lepa Sela Lepo Gore aka Pretty Village Pretty Plame (1996)
This movie tells a story about the Bosnian conflict between Serbs, Croats and Muslims. Its a story of two friends (a Muslim and a Serb) as well as the story of Bosnia and Serbia. Must watch movie atleast for an Indian. 8 out of 10 points.

3. All the President's Men (1976)
I am a big fan of this movie. Based on the true story of two journalist from Washington Post and their investigation of "Water Gate Scandal". President Nixon had to resign. Woodstein rules. 9 out of 10 points.

4. Gallipoli (1981)
Its based on the famous battle of Gallipoli in 1915, English against the Turks. This battle is the main reason behind the rise of the Australian and New Zealand Nationalism. They call it the legend of ANZACS (Australia New Zealand Armed Corps). A true nationalist feeling can only be experienced when you see the dead bodies of your soldiers fighting your enemies. Australia and New Zealand experienced the same in 1915. They laid their lives when Britishers were drinking tea at the sea shores. 8 out of 10 points.

My hero played his last inning and unfortunately he scored a 'zero' :). Thank you Ganguly for providing me those glorious times and some how its hard to believe that my hero worship is going to an end :(.

India's favourite son retires

And one of the finest ambassador of world's cricket has retired. The person who never got any commendable praise from the great spinners in his hey days (Bedi, Qadir etc ) but he was destined to surpass all these mortal creatures by going in books as the greatest of them. Anil Kumble certainly rules.
I noticed him first time in 1993 when i was just a kid but the way he demolished the all powerful English Team in 1993 was really a gem (The English team was full of great players like Getting, Gooch, Hick etc ). I became a fan of his when he destroyed the mighty West Indies at Eden Gardens in 1993, the final of Hero Cup by taking 6 wkts of 12 runs. Till date its the best ODI figures for any Indian bowler. He never looked back after that match and became the Match winner for India since then. He was the triumph card of India specially under Mohammad Azharuddin. When ever we wanted to take wickets bowl was thrown to Kumble, whenever we wanted to curb the run rate bowl was thrown to Kumble. We cursed ICC so much why they have restricted number of overs per bowler in ODI. The downfall of Kumble started as soon as the new millennium arrived. His performance in the 2nd half of his career has certainly not been world class. There are many factors for this mainly the arrival of new energetic pace attack in Zaheer, Nehra etc and evolution of Harbhajan Singh. People started criticizing him that he only takes the lower order wickets and he is a poor fielder but he went on giving his performances (althought not that regular) be it bowling against West Indies in 2002 when his entire face and head was covered with white bands or be it against the mighty Australians in 2003-04 when we were so close to win the series or be it against Pakistan last year or be against his maiden Test century against the English last year at Oval or his handling of the Indian team in the hyper politicised tour of Australia last year. He certainly ruled the world.

Let me enumerate his memorable performances that i have enjoyed most
1. Perfect 10 against the Pakistan in 1999 at Kotla, New Delhi. This was the most difficult world record and this record can never be broken.
2. 12 wickets in the farewell match of Steven Waugh at Sydney, 2003. India just missed the golden opportunity to win her maiden Test series down under.
3. 13 wickets against Australia at Chennai in 2004. India again missed to level the series this time because of the rain.
4. 6 for 12 against the WI at Eden Gardens in 1993. This was the most memorable performance i ODI.
5. 4 for 25 against the South Africans at Wankhede in 1996, the final of Titan cup.

The legacy of Anil Kumble now lies with Harbhajan and others. Its difficult to fill the gap of this giant but as they say time is the greatest healer and so be it. He will be remembered as the one of the finest Indian cricketers in the same league as Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and most probably Rahul Dravid.

This week round up

This week has been quite an enthralling week for me as it had Diwali in it. I stayed in Bangalore only and celebrated with my bro and Saugi/Aviral in quite a non Diwali way (cracker and light less). Saw three quite elegant movies this week and as usual these are written below:

1. The motorcycle diaries aka Diarios de motocicleta (2004)
Based on the memoirs of Che Guevara, a bigger than life figure of 20th century. This movie describes his experience of tour de Latin America. Its a against the sin of modesty but i can empathize with Che Guevara fully and i can draw a very interesting parallel. When Che saw the ruins of Incas empire in Peru then he was completely astonished and commented in a very beautiful words "The people who could build this (the magnificent ruins of Peru) had been completely wiped out by Spaniards to build the replica of Spanish colonies in Peru". I experienced the similar sort of feeling when i travelled across the length of India (certainly not the width as we missed the entire eastern part of India and Gujarat/Rajasthan) as a part of Education tour of my college. This tour taught me a lot and i remember quite completely my words with my batch mate Ravi Bhushan sitting in the magnificent campus of Meenakshi Temple, Madurai "What a glorious civilisation ours is and what we are doing to be worthy of her". Worth watching for any adventure loving person. 9 out of 10.

2. The battle of the Bulge (1965)
A movie based on the famous battle of Bulge in the last years of World war 2. A clever German plan to catch Allied powers off the guard. I don't remember any movie based entirely on the all Tank battle. Quite a memorable one. 7 out of 10.

Signing off

Movies this week

Another quite interesting and eventful week has passed and i yet again saw many movies and documentaries. As always the reviews are as follows:
1. The Bourne series (Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum)
This series is quite an amazing action packed series. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. I have become quite a fan of Matt Damon after seeing this series. The tricks by which he deceives the CIA are quite thrilling. 7 points out of 10.

2. A documentary based on the First World War
This documentary is based on the works of Hew Strachan. It consists of 10 episodes and each episode seems to be factually correct to me. Its really shame that people remember the genocide of Jews by Germany while they blatantly condone the genocide of Armenians (roughly around a million) by the Ottomon empire and expulsion of Serbs from their own country Serbia by Austro-Hungarian forces supported by clever Bulgaria. It also describes in one episode how Indian soldiers defended Suez Canal against the attacks of Ottomon forces and eventually protected the entire British Indian from the German-Turkey conspiracy to overthrow the British India (I quite fancy about it). 9 points out of 10.

3. La battaglia di Algeri aka Battle of Algiers (1966)
This movie is based on the Algerian freedom movement against the colonial occupation of France. This movie has a glimpse of Indian freedom movement. Quite an amazing movie to know north Africa. This movie is in French and its black and white. 8 points out of 10.

4. Days of Glory aka Indigenes (2006)
Another movie about Algeria made in French. This movie renders how native Algerians fought for the French cause against the German aggression in 2nd world war and how they were ditched by the French government after the war. This movie draws an interesting parallel between the Indian soldiers and Algerian soldiers fighting for their colonial master. 9 points out of 10.

5.Paradise now (2005)
This movie describes the dark shades of human character in battle torn Palestine. Quite an interesting movie. 2 human bomb and mission Tel Aviv. 6 points out of 10.

6. Dr. Zhivago (1965)
Based on a book of the same name by Boris Pasternak, this movie tells an enthralling story of a freedom loving man caught up in Russian revolution, from the Bloody Sunday of 1905, 1st World war, 1917 revolution and the civil war between Bolsheviks anti-Bolsheviks. I have become a huge fan of Omar Sharif after seeing his acting in many epic movies (Lawrence of Arabia and Night of the Generals). This movie is a must for all the people specially for the people who sympathize with the Communist cause. 10 points out of 10.

Wish you a memorable Diwali. Signing off.

Chandrayan -1: India's mission to moon

Today is really a great day for Indians. Its really an honous and privilege to see Chandrayan blasting off. ISRO is famous for making big achievements in a very humble way. Congratulations to all the Scientists and engineers who toiled so hard to make this mission a success. These remind me of the words of Iqbal re-iterated by Rakesh sharma from space "Saare Jahan se accha Hindustan Hamara". Signing off.

Book Review [8] : Istanbul - Memories of a City

Today i finished the second book of this month (first being Gunaho ka Devta), 'Istanbul memories of a city' by Nobel prize winning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk (courtesy my dear friend Aviral). This book is about Istanbul (known as Constantinople in the times of Byzantine empire) and its miseries because of the very position it occupies in the history as well as in geography (sandwiched between two continents as well as two civilizations) . Western authors describe battle of 29th may 1453 as the fall of Constantinople (the last great ancient Roman empire or the Byzantine empire) while the Turkish authors describe it as the Conquest of Istanbul and the people of the Istanbul had been divided on those lines since then. The story talks about the confusion of the people of Istanbul to choose between the Western civilization and the dying Ottomon civilization.

Orhan goes on saying that the western people who come to visit Istanbul praise Istanbul for its Ottomon past and its remains while the very people of Istanbul feel very shameful about their Ottomon past. The greatest Turk of the last century Kamal Attaturk in the zeal of founding a new western looking Turkey banned the ethnic dress of Turkey and many ancient buildings were destroyed to make Turkey more western.

This book is a sort of autobiography of Orhan as well as the story of last 150 years of Istanbul and the psychology of its people. This book will be a difficult and boring book to read for a person who is alien to Turkey but for a person who loves to read between the lines its a gem of books.

Recommended (7)

Enjoy reading till i sign again.

Great Indian Sedan

They say "Impossible is a concept created by the people who never tried to surpass the challenges, who never won a war, who never played a hero, who never weathered the odds. Impossible is the word coined by the mortals for the mortals and Sachin has proved time again that he is not bounded by the domain of Impossibility". Impossible is certainly nothing.

I started watching cricket at the age of 7 and i was very fortunate to watch Sachin smashing "Shen Warne" of late 80's i.e. legendary Pakistani spinner Abdul Qadir in 1989 for huge sixes. I was completely mesmerized by this little champ and i thought i have a figure to track and a game to follow. Sachin was never my idol, he has been more than that me. He has been an undisputed favourite of mine since 1989's. I was such a fan of Indian team in early 1990's that i can not write.

Lets give tribute to the undisputed God of India, who gave moments to enjoy in much communally/Ethnically/Politically/Financially/Socially troubled times of India.

The rise of a star
Sachin became a star immediately after smashing Abdul Qadir in a team full of legends like Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohammad Azaharuddin and emerging ones in Siddhu, Sanjay Manjrekar, Manoj Prabhakar etc. India has found a hero.

Here comes the sunlight
Then came the famous India-England series and Sachin became the darling of British crowd after scoring a scintillating hundred at old Trafford in 1990 at the tender age of 17. I missed the match courtesy Doordarshan.

Here i come Mr. Bradman
The test series of 1991-1992 of India-Australia established Sachin as one of the top most batsmen of the world cricket and this very series also gave birth to the fiercest competitor of Sachin i.e Shen Warne. Sachin's century at Perth will remain one of his greatest innings.

The early 1990's also saw the rise of various other world class batsmen in Brian Lara, Mark Waugh, Injamam ul Haq, Vinod Kambli, Sanjay Manjrekar etc. Some went on to become great batsmen, others were not that fortunate like Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar while the greatest seat was reserved for Sachin.
Sir Donald Bradman stamped the greatest seal on Sachin by making famous comments in 1996 that "Sachin reminds me of my days".

Sachin became the God

The 1998 Sarjah series made him the God of Indian public. His back to back centuries against all odds (Australians and the desert storm) in April were almost equal to the nuclear explosions done by India a month later.

Revival of Indian Cricket
The early and mid 90's saw many matches fought and won lonely by Sachin with literally no support from the other end. The year 1996 saw the revival of India cricket and India got three world class batsmen in Rahul, Sourav and Laxman and these players have been a bed rock of India since then. Sachin got much needed freedom to score freely and India has not looked back since then.

World Cup 2003
Sachin almost single handledly (no offense meant to Srinath, Zaheer, Nehra, Harbhajan, Ganguly and Dravid) brought india into the final. The greatest ODI glory of my life till date. He will never forget how close we were at Wanderers on very unfortunate date of Indian history 23rd March 2003. (same day India lost her brave souls in 1931).

From Gavaskar to Border and from Lara to Sachin
In early 90's Allan Border broke the Gavaskar's record of maximum number of test runs. Indian took about 15-16 years to win it back. Sachin please make sure that it will remain with us for ever.

Signing off.

Book Review [7] : Gunahon Ka Devata

I have read many books and i will read many but the book that i have finished just now will haunt me for ever. 'Gunahon ka Devata' a magnum opus by Dharmaveer Bharti is a terrible story of few peculiar personalities.

Chander, Sudha, Pummi and Vinati these characters are resonating like anything in my ears at this moment. What is a love a carnal desire or a worship or a sacrifice, this book shows love is everything and everything is love. Well I am very close to the character of Chander, a hard core idealist (although losing some sheen with every passing moment) lost with no sense of practicality or a magnificent waste of complex cerebral organic compounds.

I admire Sudha a lot and only a Sudha can make or break a troubled soul like Chander.

A must read book for any person having few waves of emotions.

Highly Recommended (9/10)

Films and documentaries of this week

I have become a sort of video content addict. So it happened this week again. Saw many movies and documentaries, thanks mainly to Aviral.

1. The Message (1977)
Not many good movies have been made on the initial days of Islam. The message is really a good movie with some really actors. The acting of Anthony Quinn and Michael Ansara is impeccable. As Islam prohibits the depiction of Prophet in picture so the focal point of the movie can neither be seen nor be heard. This movie has inspired me a lot to read Quran completely without any prejudice. I will try to figure this out soon. Overall this movie worths 7 star out of 10.

2. An Inconvenient truth (2006)
Very well presented by Al Gore, this documentary really raises some hackles and it really deserves to be screened in all the colleges and schools across all the countries. Its a quest to save our only home in the entire universe. 10 out of 10 points.

3. Partition: the day India burned (2007)
Its a documentary by BBC. The good point about this documentary is that its based on the incidents narrated by the people who had witnessed the very terrible partition. 5 out of 10 points.

4. God must be crazy (1980)
Simply superb movie. It shows how the very fundamental things can make you to laugh like a rhino. A must movie for every person. I really like one line the most "Now the human civilization has become so complex that one has to study for 15 to 20 years to understand it. First men adapted himself to the nature and now its forcing nature to adapt to the mankind". 9 out of 10 points.

5. Kidnap (2008)
Bad one. Pathetic acting by poor Imran khan. Minisha Lamba looked good in bikini but i will not waste a single penny to watch her on silver screen. Sanjay was ok. 2 points out of 10.

6. Drona (2008)
Priyanka looked superb in this movie. She wore very very nice costumes in this movie. Overall a good concept was lost in translation. Kay Kay menon (one of my favourites) has disappointed me terribly. I will love to forget this movie and its hard to believe that he is the same actor who has done Hazaro Khwahishe Aisi, Dansh, Chhal, Deewar, Sarkar etc. Abhishekh counts nothing. 3 points out of 10.

And my hero retires....

I was not stunned by the snap sound of retirement by Sourav two days back but being a Sourav admirer since Dhaka final against Pakistan in 1998 its hard to believe i will not see him in action 1 month from now. My admiration for Sourav has been far far greater than for Rahul or Kumble or Laxman even for Sachin, because of only one reason his defiance to all the mortal laws. I started watching cricket when Sachin started playing for India and my hero worship started with Sourav. During those days 1990-1998 indian team was one man show with rare exceptions but with the arrival of Sourav and Dravid we became a force to reckon with in international arena and the good time of Indian cricket started in 1998.

I have written many blogs about my favorite innings of Sourav and so i will not enumerate them all but i can not stop myself in mentioning two really great innings played by him., his inning of 127 against RSA in RSA in first ODI and his 144 against Australia in Brisbrane in first test 2003 are undoubtedly by favourite innings. These two innings really define his character and his ability as a batsman.

He has many flaws in his batting and his inability to handle short balls has already become a legend in its own but only few guys remember that he was the one of the best players of short ball untill 2001. His demolition of spin bowling is a legend in its own. No one can forget the words frm Monty Paneshar to Sourav "Abhi hum bacche hain" in famous IND-ENG test series 2007.

ODI cricket made him a legend and ODI cricket destroyed him. He had all the abilities to become a great test batsman and he certainly lived to the potential till 2000 but the pressure of captaincy led to a steep downfall in Test cricket as a batsman post 2000. His inability to convert good starts into big innings played a huge role in putting down his average to 42. His average in Test cricket looks too modest and as well said by a famous clown "Statistics are like a skirt and blah blah"but his contribution to Indian cricket in test arena has been phenomenal. To be honest i never saw India winning Test matches abroad till 2000 but Ganguly gave us all. His captaincy can not be expressed in words. Everyone remembers that Ganguly stripped down his start after winning famous Netwest final at Lords in 2002 but no one remember who prompted Ganguly to strip it was none other than stripping of shirt by Flintoff after ODI series leveling one by ENG in Mumbai in 2002. Tit for Tat has been certainly an attribute of Ganguly's character. I can never forget his famous line to Steve Waugh "shut your mouth" when Steve waugh started criticizing Sachin in very infamous Mike Dennis saga in South Africa in 2001-2002.

He has been a far better player in ODI than any one else apart from Sachin produced by India and he certainly figures in top 20 alltime ODI greats. Very few people remember that he topped the charts of ODI ranking consistently in late nineties and in early 2000's.

I was very happy when the greats of Australia were retiring one by one and ever thought that time that we have also to suffer the same. Ganguly has started the chain reaction and i reckon within a year or so Kumble and Rahul will retire, Laxman and Sachin can carry on till 2011 or 2012 depending on their physical abilities and form. Its really a very sad period for Indian cricket and we can only salute our heroes for provising us such great moments to cherish and pride to wear and tears to hide.

Let them say i lived in an era when Sachin demolished the greats, Sourav thundered like a volcanao, Rahul defended like a wall, Kumble fought like an evergreen warrior and Laxman played like an artist. Let them say i admired Sourav most. Let them say, let them say......

Let us salute the fearless mind, indomitable spirit and sheer fighting skills of Sourav. Choice has always been a character of the braves.

The wind that shakes the barley

Welcome back dear Amigos. Well for the last 6 months or so i have been voraciously watching movies and documentaries and i can not stop myself to write down a few lines about these movies and documentaries. As my dearest friend has asked me to write reviews as well so here i start.

1. The wind that shakes the barley (2006)
Its a movie about glorious Irish revolution (1919-1922) against the foreign occupation of the Great Britain. It contains high intensity emotional drama and being an Indian i can easily attach myself with the feelings of the Irish men. Its story about two brothers fighting for Irish Republican Army (IRA) against the Britishers resulting in the martyrdom of younger brother (Damien) by the order of the elder (Teddy). You can easily draw parallel with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) formed about same time under the leadership of Chandra shekar Azad and Sardar Bhagat Singh. Its a must watch movie for any person interested in history or revolution or patriotism of fighting on one's ideals. I will give it 9 out of 10 points(9/10).

2. The last king of Scotland (2006)
Its a movie about the dictator of Uganda, Idi Amin (who used to call himself "The last king of Scotland). The movie renders the experience of Idi Amin close confidant rather personal doctor Dr. Nicholas Garrigan. The first half of the movie shows the brighter side of Idi Amin while the other half shows the brutalities done by the Idi Amin (killing of about half a million innocent people and expulsion of Indians from Uganda). This movie is a must watch for the people who always ignore the other side of the coin. Sometimes its better to know the two sides :). i will give this movie 6 points (6/10).

3. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Well, I will give a plot of this movie. Its Schindler's List shot in Africa. It depicts the ethnic cleansing of Tutsi by Hutu majority people in Rwanda. The manager of the Sabena Hotel des Mille Collines just like Oscar Schindler saves lives of a number of people under disastrous circumstances. It also exposes the effectivity of the UN peace corps just like in "No Man's Land".
Overall its a must watch movie for everyone. I will give it 8 points (8/10).

4. The story of India by Michael wood (2007)
I am a big big bif fan of Michael wood after watching his two series (Troy and Alexander) so i may be biased in praising this series like anything. Its a beautiful story of India. I am grateful to my British (Irish) manager who gifted me the DVDs. I will give this series 10 points (10/10).

5. The Dark Knight (2008)
Well, Spiderman will always remain my sci-fi hero although Batman is not too far behind. Its a great movie (i will say the best movie of the year so far). The acting of the joker can not be penned in words. Heath Ledger has done a great job (I am really sorry for his death before the release of thsi movie, my heartiest condolences). I will give this movie 9 points (9/10).

Adieu till i write again.

Last few Months

Sorry for this rather long hiatus. I promise to write posts regularly. Sorry for taking a break from the current series. I was wondering in many areas trying to explore the answer of very persistent question "Terrorism and Secularism". This question is related to many complex interlinked questions. Lets today explore the relation between two very complex religions of the world, Islam and Hindu dharma. Not reading much into the Qasim's invasion of Sindh. Lets talk about Mahmud Gazni a bit. He was the ruler of Gazni in Afghanistan. He made 17 bloody raids in India demolishing, killing and looting many great monuments, temples from Multan to Mathura, Ajmer to Somnath etc. Even extreme leftist writers like Romila Thapar has written that indeed Mahmud Gazni had done that work. Now take the point of view of modern Indians. The so called Secular media says that Mahmud Gazni was a goon and with the help of few thousands mis guided mercaneries he destroyed India. But no body has an answer to the question that why Mahmud Gazni is famous in the Islamic word by the name "The sword of Islam". Does Islam permit any of its followers to go berserk and destroy so called infidels and their temples? The second qestion is about our reluctancy in talking about these invaders. We call Akbar as Akbar the great. I do agreee that he is one of the best kings we have known but why we dont condemn the rest of the kings. Why our historians dont call other kings as butchers. True Secularism can not be achieved or rather sustained unless we are rational in our approach. The only term that is close synonym of secularism is truth. Our history books should be hundred percent true otherwise one or the other community will be full of resentment. I have even read some secularists saying that "please dont glorify Shivaaji, as he fought against the Aurangzeb". Can we modify our history to make demons look like Gods. Why so serious?

Great Indian Dead, Long live Indian Field Marshall Sam Bahadur

May your soul rests in peace Field Marshall Manekshaw. We will never be more secure than we were during your days. Thanks for securing the frontiers and making our country a more secure country. May peace be bestowed on you. Amen.

Golden Movies

I am still seeing movies, still inhaling O2, still writing blogs and still living albeit slowly slowly. In last 30 days i have watched around 20 movies and these movies are forcing me to write about them, so the list continues:

1. Waterloo (1970)
It depicts the famous battle of Waterloo,1815 fought between the Legendary Napoleon Bonaparte's France on one side and Duke of Wellington led Britons and Prussians on the other side. Napoleon and Arthur Wellesley have been my childhood heroes so i really admire this movie the most.

2. The night of the Generals (1967)
Its a very very good 2nd World war movie but its theme is not the War but a decadent character of a great German general, murderer of prostitutes. Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole acted brilliantly in this movie. A great movie in every respect of cinema.

3. The Bridge on the river Kwai (1957)
They call it a cult movie and they are very true. Worth watching.

4. All quiet on the western front (1979)
Its a anti war movie and it talks about the story of a young class of college grads who volunteers to fight for their Kaser and their Fatherland in 1st World War.

5. Kingdom of heaven (2005)
A typical Orlando Bloom's movie. It talks about the bloody wars fought in the name of God between Christian Europe and Islamic west Asia. The screenplay is tremendous and the siege of Jerusalem is a worth watching jolly good show.

6. The Troy (2004)
I have watched this movie 'n' number of times and i really admire Hector. His immortal lines "All my life i lived by one code and the code is simple. Honour your Gods, Love your wives and defend your country" are really awestrucking and can inspire even the most coward person to fight.

Till i write again, adieu my friends.

A second trip to former Colonial Master Part 1

Friends May has always been a busy month for me and so the last May was not an exception. I got a chance rather mischance to travel to UK for a business meeting as they say, so say we all. This time my trip was split across South East England and Northern Ireland.

I really love British Airways flight as they are very very comfortable and their terminal is very close to Terminal 2, from Heathrow airport terminal 2, one can easily get a Bus to Winchester (ancient capital of England, city of King Alfred and around 100 kms from London) in mere 14 British Pound. The campus of IBM in Hursley is a master piece surrounded by greenery and grass lands, it looks like an university and as told by one IBM friend there, only thinkers live there :). Winchester also holds the famous round table of legendary King Arthur and his Knights, i was really amazed to be a part of history and i took a picture of that too. Winchester also basks in glory for having one of the oldest Cathedral in Europe and this very Cathedral contains the Grave of famous Briton Jane Austen. I stayed in a beautiful hotel there, they call it Norton Park's hotel. I really enjoyed my stay in Winchester even more than London.

Adieu till i write again.

IPL and War Movies

Well friends, sorry again for not being regular with my blogging acumen and indeed i am culpable for this crime. I have been watching IPL matches and War movies so often that i did not have any time to write any article. It was the worst of times, It was the best of times indeed. But now time has come where i dont govern the events instead events govern me. I am favoring Knight Riders, Indians and Royal Challengers in this league and so far apart from Knight Riders no one has clicked. Coming back to Movies i have watched almost 100 odd movies in last 60 days or so and it has been a rollicking time for me so far. Let me recommend some heroic movies of the last centuries that i relished in last few weeks. This list is not in any order.

1. The Eagle has landed (1976)
A great movie based on a fictional story about abduction of Winston Churchill in the last phase of World War 2. My favourite movie so far.
2. The Great Escape (1963)
This is the mother of all "escape from prison" movies. This movie depicts the ferocious attempt of escaping from the Nazis jail in World War 2. Steve Mcqueen looked great in the movie.
3. Glory (1989)
Its about American civil war and this involves establishment of first Black regiment in the history of USA.
4. The Longest Day (1962)
Another world war 2 movie depicting the longest and arduous day of Normandy Invasion, June 1944.
5. Paths of Glory (1957)
This is a story about a desolate French army ordered by its commander to got for an impossible mission. Kirk Douglas was marvelous in his role.
6. The Desert Fox: Story of Irwin Rommel (1951)
This is the story of the only German General that i really admire from the core of my heart.
7. A Bridge too far (1977)
Action packed multi starrer movie is the USP of this great World War 2 movie.
8. Patton (1970)
Story of World War 2 about eccentric US General Patton.
9. Cross of Iron (1977)
Again a world war 2 movie, the German aristocratic system is fully exposed in this lost movie.
10. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
The greatest trial movie i have ever seen. This movie shows the aftermath of World War 2 and trail of German judges in the famous Nuremberg court.

These movies are the cult movies in any aspect and i really salute the incidents and people who are responsible for these inspirations. Adieu till i sign again.

CEO, Sid and Wild Safari

This week has been so far one of the most happening week of my life. I got a rare chance to meet the CEO of 107000 strong MNC personally and i was quite mesmerized by the sheer wait of his personality. A real legend in his own.
Because of Sid i also got a rare chance to visit one of the many national park spread across the country. The Bannerghatta biological park is one of the most overhyped place but still this park allows you to see Lion/Tiger/Bears from a very close distance in a Safari us. I am so tired that to write few pixels requires a terrible effort. I guess my peripheral devices are crashed. Till they are fine, adieu to all.

Gowarikar's Historical Blunder

I guess i have to render a formal apology for my blog readers for not posting a post for quite some time. Well i was totally occupied upto my neck with work. Now i am bit free to write. I saw this movie 2 days back and i personally feel that Ashutosh Gowarikar has made a mockery of Indian history. He has shown Akbar as a kind hearted fellow but how can he forget the killing of 30,000 Rajputs of Chittor after winning the battle in 1568 AD. Abul Fazal the famous courtier of Akbar had written about this in his book. How can Gowarikar forget the concept of Meena Bazar by Akbar infamous for immoral practice. I can still call Akbar as 'Great' because he was the first to visualize that foreign rule can not sustain in India with offensive posture. Still i think the protests by the Rajput organizations are uncalled for because one of the greatest Indian movie 'Mughale azam also showed Jodha as a wife of Akbar. So these people should have protested before in 1960's not at this time. I guess i have become the biggest fan of Ashutosh Gowarikar after watching Swades but now i can mint few immortal words "Ashutosh Gowarikar! what a magnificent waste".

Australia are the World's cheaters yet ICC calls them World Cricket Champions and ICC is an honourable body

In a tribute to the Spirit of World Cricket that has died a shameful death at SCG in Sydney, Australia in the hands of Mr. Ricky Ponting, Mr. Steve Bucknor, Mr Benson, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussy, Michale Clarke and the whole citizens of Australians i am taking a silence of 2 minutes. May the culprits of this death should get a deserve punishment that has become so rare for the Whites in this imperfect world.

Well Played Fabulous four and well played Kumble. Kumble, you have been a terrific ambassador of India and i salute you for your teams terrific performance against the cheaters but civilized world call them as Australians and on record they are World Cricket Champions. The full bunch of Racists headed by foulmouthed Ricky Ponting.