Here are some of my favourite on screen couples in no particular order. Maybe you will find a few of them who touched you or made you laugh or just bugged you.
Big Screen
Srividya and Kamal in Apoorva Ragam- great chemistry
Urvashi and Kamal in Michael Madan Kam Raj
Dharmendar and Sharmila in Chupke Chupke- they had me in splits
Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt in As Good as it gets
Shabana and Naseerudin in Masoom- so real
Surya and Laila in Pitamahan- endearing if a little over the top
Shalini and Madhavan in Alaipayuthey
Juhi and Shahrukh- In Yes Boss and Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman ( SRK is so predicatble now)
Madhavan and Meera Jasmine in that one song in Ayutha Yeruthu
Terence Hill and Bud Spencer- in all their movies, slapstick at its best
George Clooney & anyone- he is just so right
Small screen
Guru and the teacher in Nukkad- I really wanted them to work
Ramani vs Ramani- So sweet ( only the first series though)
Dharma's parents in Dharma and Greg - usually whacky sometimes irritating
Anything But Love - Jamie Lee curtis and the guy( do not know his name)
Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting.
Raymond and his wife in Everybody loves Raymond
Tim and his mate ( with either of the 2- wife or Alan) in Tool time
October 31, 2006
October 30, 2006
Champions?
Sa re ga ma found a Little Champ in Sanchita. She is talented and is sure to go a long way. But I wonder if it had been judge's choice( vs the audience's) would she have won?
Why this mass hysteria and sympathy for Diwakar, another contestant. Sure he sings well and he is blind. Some felt they should have a separate contest for the handicapped. But blindness does not come in the way of singing. And this forum should be ONLY about his singing talent. Period.
Take the serial, Nach Balliye- a dance competition, I am not sure if it is right to club a clearly trained and professional dancer- Bhaktiyar with others who are amateurs. It does not remain a fair competition then.
Last year in SRGM Challenge 2005 , Himani and Hemchandra were clearly better singers .
The first "Indian Idol" should have been Rahul Vaidya or Amit Sana.
Do you think the self esteem of those who lost would have gone down? Would they have turned cynical?
Talent surely is not the only criterion for winning, that much is clear.
So all is fair in war or game shows or is everything stage managed anyway?
Why this mass hysteria and sympathy for Diwakar, another contestant. Sure he sings well and he is blind. Some felt they should have a separate contest for the handicapped. But blindness does not come in the way of singing. And this forum should be ONLY about his singing talent. Period.
Take the serial, Nach Balliye- a dance competition, I am not sure if it is right to club a clearly trained and professional dancer- Bhaktiyar with others who are amateurs. It does not remain a fair competition then.
Last year in SRGM Challenge 2005 , Himani and Hemchandra were clearly better singers .
The first "Indian Idol" should have been Rahul Vaidya or Amit Sana.
Do you think the self esteem of those who lost would have gone down? Would they have turned cynical?
Talent surely is not the only criterion for winning, that much is clear.
So all is fair in war or game shows or is everything stage managed anyway?
October 29, 2006
A few of my *** things- By Anush
I am taking Boo's open invite and keying in this CUTE tag as Anush has not yet developed the "motor skills" to do so herself
3 Things That Scare Me
My potty chair if I have to sit on it
The sun TV theme ad- globe ( it is like the boulder in Raiders of the Lost Arc, my amma says)
Otherwise I am game for anything
3 People That Make Me Laugh
Appa
Amma
Paati
3 Things I Love
Karadi Tales Nursery Rhymes
Striking down with one blow the ring stack/ building blocks tower
Making faces in the mirror
3 Things I Hate
Going to anyone else when Amma is around ( she is around so little anyway)
Stranger trying to act familiar
Constipation
3 Things I Don't Understand
Why should I not change the channels on the TV and make it difficult for any one to watch it ( they should be watching ME)
Why cant I eat Bindis? (My wink should make up for the mischief)
Why cant I have spicy food like vattha korambu saadam?
3 Things On My Floor.
Ball Paper and me
3 Things I'm Doing Right Now
Sleeping ( in a frog pose) so amma can blog in peace
3 Things I Can Do
I can shut all the doors that the adults in the house dont
I can turn on/off any swich within my reach
I can entertain anyone with my endless " Hi" s and yoddling and show you how to have a bath
3 Ways to Describe My Personality
Mishchevous Happy Lovable
3 Things I Cant do
I call myself Akka- can't say Anushka I fight sleep.
I cannot sleep on my own
I cannot go pee squating/ sitting. I need to stand.
3 Things I Think You Should Listen To
Amma singing anything in Hindi
The Doggy song
The Malargal song
3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To
If someone says" No"
3 Absolute Favorite Foods
Bun Appalam Any sweet the laddoo kind
3 Things I'd Like to Learn Operate
Phone- so that i do not have to listen to " pl check the no...." and talk to some one else
Car- mine- learn somethign other than reversing
Laptop- so that I can keep seeing my pic as the screen saver and kissing it over and over
3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
Milk with Complan
Badam Milk
What-er
3 Shows I Watched as a little(r) Kid
Never had the patience to sit through an entire show. Like only music.
Dinakaran Ad
Selvi title song
Just Chill Song
3 Fellow Babies That I am Tagging
All the babies who had not taken up Ashu's ( Boo's Kid) offer initially.
October 27, 2006
A problem of plenty
Of food & all other things that excited me the last couple of days
The festivities continue- at least in terms of eating- much against my wishes. Given the visit to Mumbai, I had to take a break from the gym. Attended a wedding last evening and unusually the food turned out great. In particular the masala vadai and the paal payasam. Today we had Pizza and cake at office- Boss's bday- how could I refuse?
Till recently handles & tyres were on bikes and suddenly they are my body parts.
There is this uncle in my building who suffers from verbal diahorrea. He does not know when to stop. He just got his son married. We appreciated the bride on her looks. He says" We gave her that sari, it is five thousand rupees you know. A designer sari from XYZ on GN Chetty road." Aunty says, " Yes pretty but she is a little dark, no?." I wanted to say " Not as though you or your son are too fair " Then she says " I am going to be a modern mother in law. I want to buy her jeans and t shirt and make her wear what I did not."
Modern or old fashioned, here is one sweet sour relationship in the making.
The time capsule ( courtesy yahoo and usha) triggered a recollection. Goddess Charani Devi. Time was wreaking havoc and had to be controlled. This goddess swallowed Time( past future an dteh present) but then things would stay in limbo. Letting only the Present out and keeping vigil over Time, was what the Devas requested this Devi to do. A long and lonely pursuit- but not without love.
Shiva held her, symbolic of a timeless union.
Anush points at her belly button when asked and says "dhudhu" instead of "dhondee"
I got to use the little mojris with colourful sequins for her
She allowed herself to be carried by relatively less familiar people and was friendly
Growing up baby
Today is the final of Jhalak Dhiklaa jaa- I know Shweta is the better dancer but I am rooting for Mona- she is just so sweet. I used to root for Hemchandra and Himani on the Sa Re Ga Ma challenge but some idiot won instead. At least here, I am ok with the final two.
Am sure Shweta should/ will win.
Navy told me I looked lovely in my pink chiffon sari and the new hair cut. Without my asking how I looked.
WOW!
The festivities continue- at least in terms of eating- much against my wishes. Given the visit to Mumbai, I had to take a break from the gym. Attended a wedding last evening and unusually the food turned out great. In particular the masala vadai and the paal payasam. Today we had Pizza and cake at office- Boss's bday- how could I refuse?
Till recently handles & tyres were on bikes and suddenly they are my body parts.
There is this uncle in my building who suffers from verbal diahorrea. He does not know when to stop. He just got his son married. We appreciated the bride on her looks. He says" We gave her that sari, it is five thousand rupees you know. A designer sari from XYZ on GN Chetty road." Aunty says, " Yes pretty but she is a little dark, no?." I wanted to say " Not as though you or your son are too fair " Then she says " I am going to be a modern mother in law. I want to buy her jeans and t shirt and make her wear what I did not."
Modern or old fashioned, here is one sweet sour relationship in the making.
The time capsule ( courtesy yahoo and usha) triggered a recollection. Goddess Charani Devi. Time was wreaking havoc and had to be controlled. This goddess swallowed Time( past future an dteh present) but then things would stay in limbo. Letting only the Present out and keeping vigil over Time, was what the Devas requested this Devi to do. A long and lonely pursuit- but not without love.
Shiva held her, symbolic of a timeless union.
Anush points at her belly button when asked and says "dhudhu" instead of "dhondee"
I got to use the little mojris with colourful sequins for her
She allowed herself to be carried by relatively less familiar people and was friendly
Growing up baby
Today is the final of Jhalak Dhiklaa jaa- I know Shweta is the better dancer but I am rooting for Mona- she is just so sweet. I used to root for Hemchandra and Himani on the Sa Re Ga Ma challenge but some idiot won instead. At least here, I am ok with the final two.
Am sure Shweta should/ will win.
Navy told me I looked lovely in my pink chiffon sari and the new hair cut. Without my asking how I looked.
WOW!
October 26, 2006
Naa ready, Neenga ready-aa?
After that weary tale of the tailor , here is a ready (made) smile.
Have you noticed how one of a couple, will always be ready faster than the other? I do not know why, but never have I seen husband and wife get ready equally fast or slow.
In my case I am the quick one. I do not need more than 10 minutes to get ready( inclusive of a bath). Navy needs at least thrice that time.
It is more or less the same with my ILs and the reverse with my Amma and Appa. As for my friends I have, the trend continues.
Imagine at your wedding- if one has to keep waiting for the other to turn up- cannot but wonder if there will be a re run of the Runaway Bride ( groom).
When you do not have a kid, the faster one will be pacing up and down ( convinced that it is exercise) or settle down with a book and finish a chapter or two. Or even catch a few minutes of a match or a serial.
Post kid, your virtue of getting ready early means you have the pleasure of/are saddled with getting the kiddo ready as well. Great if she is awake and ready to go "Ta taaaaa". Not so good if you have a sari on and need to get her dressed up when she is rather sleepy/ cranky and the AC decides it needs a break.
Do you agree?
On the Mumbai trip, saw a couple of interesting shop boards:
One said " TV, A/C, Freeze repair undertaken"
Another said "FUNiture 4 Kids"
" Sandwitch " available
And of course was asked" Baba hai ki baby?" ( For those of you who are unfamiliar, Baba is baby boy and baby is baby girl. )
October 22, 2006
Diwali Diwaala
We had a great Diwali in Mumbai. Anush was not scared of the bombs and enjoyed the flower pots and chakras that we put on display for her. Not to mention she thoroughly loved the attention and gifts showered on her by friends & family and discovered that she had a sweet tooth. And yes, she looked gorgeous in her Diwali dress (even if I say so myself)
A good clotheshorse (all babies and some adults fall in this category) can carry off a poor piece of handwork.
Anush’s paavadi chattai had to be stitched before Diwali. I found one obliging tailor, after 3 tailors flat refused. He gave me a date and charged a sum that I knew was a more than due remuneration for his service. I did not debate it. The tailor did not deliver on date. When my maid went the next day he actually asked her to return after 1 hr since the piece had gone for ironing. An hour later, he made her wait for over half an hour, mentioning that I would be angry if she went empty handed (unreasonable as I am -J). I got back home from work and began packing up for the journey when I noticed he has not placed the much-promised lining on the sleeves. To his chagrin I went back to the shop and raged and ranted like a bull on rampage. ONLY after asking politely why the lining had not been provided and getting a smart alecky remark “ there was insufficient cloth!! ” Also “ I accepted this assignment for the sake of the child” .. so what if the child gets a rash on account of rough embroidery patches. Anyway I breathed down his neck and got the repair done but I promised myself I would UN recommend the tailor whenever I could and never go back myself. This episode earned me the sobriquet- lawyer (“…don’t talk like a lawyer. This is not a court…”) – wish the career guidance cell in college had pointed out this options.
Does that absolve the tailor of doing a good job? I wonder whether the above would be a valid grievance to go to consumer court. Maybe the amount would not qualify? Maybe some consumer activist may chance upon this and give me some tips?
Maybe I am overreacting…
October 19, 2006
Happy Diwali
Last year was Anushka's first Diwali- she was about 2.5 months old. Her paati stitched a pavadai for her from my paati's ( see my post Cheers Paati) sari blouse piece.
Now the pavadai is like a midi on Anush.
Girl! You have grown( see her more recent pic in her appa's angavastram) and so has our delight in your antics/ escapades/ exploits.
Many more "Happy Diwalis" to you baby and to all of you out there! And Id Mubarak too.
Off to Mumbai for a break.
October 18, 2006
A Comic Encounter
Most journeys, for me, have been synonymous with reading. On the most recent one I bought Chandamama for old time's sake- for Vikarm and Vetaal, the photo caption contest, the historical anecdotes...
Very disappointed - so many typos, poor quality and grammatical errors. I wish I had abstained from converting a colourful memory into a gaudy reality.
My Amar Chitra Katha collection got me a lot of friends. I was granted one a fortnight and more during vacation. I was enchanted by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Abhimanyu and Bose and so many more. My perspective on mythology, history and folklore was largely defined by ACK. I guess it was an adequate counter balance against the non-relatable but enjoyable & aspirational Malory Towers and the English countryside of Five Find outers and Famous Five.
The Jungle Book and Goldspot crown collection will remain one of the best marketing ploys ever. And how I loved it. I had asked all the neighbour shop uncles in Guntur to give me the crowns! ( Did any of flatten the crowns and string a twine through - somewhat like a horizontal yo-yo to be held in 2 hands? )
I remember my excitement & eagerness when I began subscribing to Target, a brilliant magazine, which did not talk down to children. Had to rely on the Indian post and what fun the day it arrived. All "homework" would get done faster than the time taken to spell the word. I would curl up with the mag and my favorite snack, fried channa daal or moong daal. I do not recall which I devoured faster and with greater relish. Mocchwwala and Grandma's Gupshup, Faster fenay and Funny world or the channa.
The next day at school, I would check if any of my friends had received their copy and if not act pricey.
Children's world,( India Book House?) was not as good but close.
Subscriptions to Indrajaal followed. Phantom and Mandrake were my favourite - did not like Bahadur and Flash Gordon was it ? And in Mandrake though Lothar was more interesting and did not get his due.
On to Tinkle- I hated to admit I read it. I must have been a snob. I enjoyed it only in parts- Nasserudin Hodja & Kalia. Cannot recollect the crocodile's name . Found Suppandi & Shikari Shambu rather slapstick and dumb. Could not fathom why Suppandi was such an icon. When I met Uncle Pai- my neighbour aunty , Mrs Shastri was a friend and colleague of his at ACK- I told him I loved Tinkle!! Thank God, Kalia did not bite me.
In my early teens, Asterix made an entry and decided to stay.
Archies was, I thought, a comic series for spoilt girls for a long time- blame it on Victorian school morals.
Champak and Chacha Chowdry were tacky and boring but I was initiated into them by Appa for a while in the hope that my Hindi would improve.
Now I have moved on to MAD and Dilbert. Not to forget Calvin & Hobbes. And Hagar the Horrible.
Hope the Gen next relates to at least some of the comics I mentioned above.
Very disappointed - so many typos, poor quality and grammatical errors. I wish I had abstained from converting a colourful memory into a gaudy reality.
My Amar Chitra Katha collection got me a lot of friends. I was granted one a fortnight and more during vacation. I was enchanted by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Abhimanyu and Bose and so many more. My perspective on mythology, history and folklore was largely defined by ACK. I guess it was an adequate counter balance against the non-relatable but enjoyable & aspirational Malory Towers and the English countryside of Five Find outers and Famous Five.
The Jungle Book and Goldspot crown collection will remain one of the best marketing ploys ever. And how I loved it. I had asked all the neighbour shop uncles in Guntur to give me the crowns! ( Did any of flatten the crowns and string a twine through - somewhat like a horizontal yo-yo to be held in 2 hands? )
I remember my excitement & eagerness when I began subscribing to Target, a brilliant magazine, which did not talk down to children. Had to rely on the Indian post and what fun the day it arrived. All "homework" would get done faster than the time taken to spell the word. I would curl up with the mag and my favorite snack, fried channa daal or moong daal. I do not recall which I devoured faster and with greater relish. Mocchwwala and Grandma's Gupshup, Faster fenay and Funny world or the channa.
The next day at school, I would check if any of my friends had received their copy and if not act pricey.
Children's world,( India Book House?) was not as good but close.
Subscriptions to Indrajaal followed. Phantom and Mandrake were my favourite - did not like Bahadur and Flash Gordon was it ? And in Mandrake though Lothar was more interesting and did not get his due.
On to Tinkle- I hated to admit I read it. I must have been a snob. I enjoyed it only in parts- Nasserudin Hodja & Kalia. Cannot recollect the crocodile's name . Found Suppandi & Shikari Shambu rather slapstick and dumb. Could not fathom why Suppandi was such an icon. When I met Uncle Pai- my neighbour aunty , Mrs Shastri was a friend and colleague of his at ACK- I told him I loved Tinkle!! Thank God, Kalia did not bite me.
In my early teens, Asterix made an entry and decided to stay.
Archies was, I thought, a comic series for spoilt girls for a long time- blame it on Victorian school morals.
Champak and Chacha Chowdry were tacky and boring but I was initiated into them by Appa for a while in the hope that my Hindi would improve.
Now I have moved on to MAD and Dilbert. Not to forget Calvin & Hobbes. And Hagar the Horrible.
Hope the Gen next relates to at least some of the comics I mentioned above.
October 17, 2006
Gifted at gifting
I have found it amazing how some people are exceptionally good at picking out gifts. I try my best.
The pre requisites- give or take a few :
Money- Not always a deterrent, some of the best gifts I have received would have cost nothing
Taste- Not yours. You must try to appreciate the recipient's tastes.
Time- That is tough, particularly if you work in the back of beyond and are dependent on hubby for transport
Thought- You need to apply your mind. Imagine if you gift a hair style gel to a bald man or a cat to a rat lover.
Heart- you should want to make it special- respect the person and the occasion enough to make an effort
Here are some gift types which I dread:
Merry go round- This is the gift which is not wanted. Poor thing, it keeps changing hands. Possibly ends up with the first giftor. The wrapper alone keeps changing.
Oops, Guilty again!- This is the recycled gift that is a give away. Somewhere lurking inside is the evidence that the current giver was a receiver not too long ago.
Ouch! By Force- Aka the collection envelope in office for the multiple farewells and weddings of people you hardly know. In our office it is not seen well if you do not contribute. you actually have the "gift police" monitoring that.
Embarrassment of riches- Too much of a good thing. So expensive that you need to plan and save so that you can return the favour when it is your turn
Miscellaneous
On Gift wrap- Conserve paper- reuse gift wrap. Nothing wrong with that I hope.
Bows and Strings- Have you seen these really cool satin strips that you just pull out and viola they turn into lovely bows.
Cards- In this time of email they seem obsolete But I am m sure some of you will agree that they have their own charm.
*************Googled on gifts and found this*************
It is said that on an occasion when the Buddha was teaching a group of people, he found himself on the receiving end of a fierce outburst of abuse from a bystander, who was for some reason very angry.
The Buddha listened patiently while the stranger vented his rage, and then the Buddha said to the group and to the stranger, "If someone gives a gift to another person, who then chooses to decline it, tell me, who would then own the gift? The giver or the person who refuses to accept the gift?"
"The giver," said the group after a little thought. "Any fool can see that," added the angry stranger.
"Then it follows, does it not," said the Buddha, "Whenever a person tries to abuse us, or to unload their anger on us, we can each choose to decline or to accept the abuse; whether to make it ours or not. By our personal response to the abuse from another, we can choose who owns and keeps the bad feelings."
October 16, 2006
Tagged- The power of three
I have been tagged by itchy.
Smells I love:
1. Hing/ Asafotieda/ Perungayam 2. Anush's hair after a wash 3. First rain in the wilderness
3 Smells I hate:
1. Garlic 2. Butter being made into Ghee 3. Shit
3 Jobs that I have had in my life:
1. Market Researcher 2. Branding/ communication person 3. Fragrance marketeer- Or to draw from Usha's post, I help make people's lives smell good.
3 Movies that I could watch over and over:
1. Kramer vs Kramer 2. Gods must be crazy 3. Sholay
3 Fond memories:
1. When Anush was born/ when she does anything for the first time
2. All trips with Navy
3. One night at home with Amma, Appa, Navy, soon after Anush was born- all of us high on life
3 Jobs I would love to have:
1. Anything that offers flexi timing 2. Radio Jockey 3. Curio Shop owner
3 Things I like to do:
1. Talk with Amma/Navy slowly massaging my hair 2.Watch movies 3. Photograph Anush
3 Of my favorite foods:
1.Anything made by Amma 2. Waffles from Movenpick 3. Boiled Corn on the cob
3 Places I would like to be right now:
1. Home (I am at work) 2. Home 3. Home
3 Things that make me cry:
1. Loss 2. Movies 3. Books
I tag REBEL, Sushma, Cloudy, Viva & Appu, if they have not already done it. Also anyone else who is game.
Smells I love:
1. Hing/ Asafotieda/ Perungayam 2. Anush's hair after a wash 3. First rain in the wilderness
3 Smells I hate:
1. Garlic 2. Butter being made into Ghee 3. Shit
3 Jobs that I have had in my life:
1. Market Researcher 2. Branding/ communication person 3. Fragrance marketeer- Or to draw from Usha's post, I help make people's lives smell good.
3 Movies that I could watch over and over:
1. Kramer vs Kramer 2. Gods must be crazy 3. Sholay
3 Fond memories:
1. When Anush was born/ when she does anything for the first time
2. All trips with Navy
3. One night at home with Amma, Appa, Navy, soon after Anush was born- all of us high on life
3 Jobs I would love to have:
1. Anything that offers flexi timing 2. Radio Jockey 3. Curio Shop owner
3 Things I like to do:
1. Talk with Amma/Navy slowly massaging my hair 2.Watch movies 3. Photograph Anush
3 Of my favorite foods:
1.Anything made by Amma 2. Waffles from Movenpick 3. Boiled Corn on the cob
3 Places I would like to be right now:
1. Home (I am at work) 2. Home 3. Home
3 Things that make me cry:
1. Loss 2. Movies 3. Books
I tag REBEL, Sushma, Cloudy, Viva & Appu, if they have not already done it. Also anyone else who is game.
October 12, 2006
Then and Now
Thanks to The Visitor I got to visit viva - a teenager who reminds me of me 5 yrs ago- ok ok - 12 yrs ago. She has asked herself a set of questions now, to be answered by her when she is 30.
This one is for you "Viva" and for me when I was your age. And anyone else who has the patience to read on....
Have you been in love, Self? Tell me, what did it feel like?
Oh more than once. It feels like you are on a high and sometimes it feels so low & lonely. Can be mistaken for PMT . It is nicer to be loved that to be in love.
Do you still watch as many movies as you did when you were eighteen? Written a script perhaps?
Yes and more. Now i don't stop at just the arty stuff. I enjoy" main stream" cinema and my love(r) has taught me when to keep my common sense on hold and yet, enjoy myself. Script , what script? Now I am into blogging- more interactive and dynamic : - ) And of course spin a yarn for Anush ( you have a daughter now) almost every other day.
Do you still draw/ sing / do jig saw puzzles? Have you improved? Did you ever take those much-needed classes ?
Yes but the singing is that of a rusty voice from lack of practice. Jigsaws are also on-line now and yes I can do a 2000 piece on in one week. Drawing is not as frequent as before. But cooking in my new interest.
Do you live in Mumbai/ India, or have you moved on to the USA?
This one is a surprise. I have moved yes but to Chennai. Took me years to get used to it and when I finally begin to like it, the auto guys get to me.
What was it like to work for the first time? Did you get into advertising- ( O&M to be specific) ? And the News reader job?
Well i specialized in advertising & marketing , even made it to Ahmedabad but to IIM's poor cousin . But I opted to be out of advertising. Am into marketing with a perfume house now- pretty creative. And I got the spinning corporate chair that I saw in Appa's cabin at his office. Need to revive the news reader idea.
Are you married? Do you have children? Your eighteen-year-old self has always wanted to adopt a child. Did this ever happen, or is this still a plan of yours in the imminent future?
Yes, Navy( he is intelligent, somewhat sensitive and tall but does not wear specs nor is he dark as you wanted but has long fingers) and a cool kid, Anush. The adoption thing is still on air but I think Navy is not too keen on that
You have always wanted to travel to different countries. What was studying abroad like?
Did not study abroad. Did travel for pleasure to Europe/ SE Asia/ Bhutan and planning Australia soon. Luckily Navy loves to explore new places as well.
Have you become a cynic, Self? Do you still find joy in the little things in life?
People say I still enjoy the little things - they call me the Cadbury girl you know ( the one you liked - on the cricket field- doing the jig)
Have you made life-long friends with someone? Do you ever open your heart to a friend? ( Appa- Amma do not count)
Kicks evolved into such a friend. Apu and Oops made a close second. Not counting appa- amma and Navy.
Are Amma and Appa proud of you? Do they know how much you love them ? Do they like your husband?
I am a lot more expressive now in terms of my affection for them. You know we have begun hugging and kissing like we shld have a long time ago. And Amma Appa really get along well with Navy.
Did you ever become a model?
No - a couple of offers- but I did not muster the courage. Now I can model for an obesity clinic ( the before stage) No longer a 24 inch waist.
Did you meet someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with? What happened?
Yes, I married him soon after college- a nice Iyengar boy!! Not a chef but he cooks well. Not a foreigner but looks like an Iranian when he sports a goatee. And no I did NOT marry in my jeans. In fact wore a nine yards sari.
Is your hair long yet ?
HAHAHHA- it gets shorter and shorter- but yeah have tried and let it grow till shoulder length
Do you write fluently in Tamil, now? Did you ever learn?
I did a lot of Focus groups in Tamil Nadu and have begun speaking it fluently. Not the writing bit though. Maybe Anush will teach me.
Did you make it to the merit list?
Yes, only once though. Also made a second class- only once luckily.
Has your taste in music changed?
Have found a new genre- nursery rhymes! Still like Carpenters and Beatles, Shaan and Rehman.
Do you still believe in God?
Yes. And the vibhuthi in the morning syndrome continues. The Ganesha collection has grown to 90 at last count. Even got featured in Indian Express for it. Cool huh?
Do we have live-in relationships in India?
Well people are getting more progressive. But it is still under wraps and rather urban.
Do rapists get capital punishment?
No - far from it. Had forgotten that project.
Are Patti and Thatha still alive?
Thaatha is gone. Paati is still here and wants to live another 20 yrs!
Do you still cry a lot, at anyone who says anything negative to you?
Not so much. But it still affects me.
Are you happy, Self?
Oh yes, life did not turn out exactly as I expected. But it has been for the best. See you 20 years from now.
Oh before I forget - have you learnt to laugh at yourself? .... Still trying.
This one is for you "Viva" and for me when I was your age. And anyone else who has the patience to read on....
Have you been in love, Self? Tell me, what did it feel like?
Oh more than once. It feels like you are on a high and sometimes it feels so low & lonely. Can be mistaken for PMT . It is nicer to be loved that to be in love.
Do you still watch as many movies as you did when you were eighteen? Written a script perhaps?
Yes and more. Now i don't stop at just the arty stuff. I enjoy" main stream" cinema and my love(r) has taught me when to keep my common sense on hold and yet, enjoy myself. Script , what script? Now I am into blogging- more interactive and dynamic : - ) And of course spin a yarn for Anush ( you have a daughter now) almost every other day.
Do you still draw/ sing / do jig saw puzzles? Have you improved? Did you ever take those much-needed classes ?
Yes but the singing is that of a rusty voice from lack of practice. Jigsaws are also on-line now and yes I can do a 2000 piece on in one week. Drawing is not as frequent as before. But cooking in my new interest.
Do you live in Mumbai/ India, or have you moved on to the USA?
This one is a surprise. I have moved yes but to Chennai. Took me years to get used to it and when I finally begin to like it, the auto guys get to me.
What was it like to work for the first time? Did you get into advertising- ( O&M to be specific) ? And the News reader job?
Well i specialized in advertising & marketing , even made it to Ahmedabad but to IIM's poor cousin . But I opted to be out of advertising. Am into marketing with a perfume house now- pretty creative. And I got the spinning corporate chair that I saw in Appa's cabin at his office. Need to revive the news reader idea.
Are you married? Do you have children? Your eighteen-year-old self has always wanted to adopt a child. Did this ever happen, or is this still a plan of yours in the imminent future?
Yes, Navy( he is intelligent, somewhat sensitive and tall but does not wear specs nor is he dark as you wanted but has long fingers) and a cool kid, Anush. The adoption thing is still on air but I think Navy is not too keen on that
You have always wanted to travel to different countries. What was studying abroad like?
Did not study abroad. Did travel for pleasure to Europe/ SE Asia/ Bhutan and planning Australia soon. Luckily Navy loves to explore new places as well.
Have you become a cynic, Self? Do you still find joy in the little things in life?
People say I still enjoy the little things - they call me the Cadbury girl you know ( the one you liked - on the cricket field- doing the jig)
Have you made life-long friends with someone? Do you ever open your heart to a friend? ( Appa- Amma do not count)
Kicks evolved into such a friend. Apu and Oops made a close second. Not counting appa- amma and Navy.
Are Amma and Appa proud of you? Do they know how much you love them ? Do they like your husband?
I am a lot more expressive now in terms of my affection for them. You know we have begun hugging and kissing like we shld have a long time ago. And Amma Appa really get along well with Navy.
Did you ever become a model?
No - a couple of offers- but I did not muster the courage. Now I can model for an obesity clinic ( the before stage) No longer a 24 inch waist.
Did you meet someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with? What happened?
Yes, I married him soon after college- a nice Iyengar boy!! Not a chef but he cooks well. Not a foreigner but looks like an Iranian when he sports a goatee. And no I did NOT marry in my jeans. In fact wore a nine yards sari.
Is your hair long yet ?
HAHAHHA- it gets shorter and shorter- but yeah have tried and let it grow till shoulder length
Do you write fluently in Tamil, now? Did you ever learn?
I did a lot of Focus groups in Tamil Nadu and have begun speaking it fluently. Not the writing bit though. Maybe Anush will teach me.
Did you make it to the merit list?
Yes, only once though. Also made a second class- only once luckily.
Has your taste in music changed?
Have found a new genre- nursery rhymes! Still like Carpenters and Beatles, Shaan and Rehman.
Do you still believe in God?
Yes. And the vibhuthi in the morning syndrome continues. The Ganesha collection has grown to 90 at last count. Even got featured in Indian Express for it. Cool huh?
Do we have live-in relationships in India?
Well people are getting more progressive. But it is still under wraps and rather urban.
Do rapists get capital punishment?
No - far from it. Had forgotten that project.
Are Patti and Thatha still alive?
Thaatha is gone. Paati is still here and wants to live another 20 yrs!
Do you still cry a lot, at anyone who says anything negative to you?
Not so much. But it still affects me.
Are you happy, Self?
Oh yes, life did not turn out exactly as I expected. But it has been for the best. See you 20 years from now.
Oh before I forget - have you learnt to laugh at yourself? .... Still trying.
October 11, 2006
Vibrant Velachery
I had to exceed my quote of one post a day. I am really excited that Velachery is becoming so hep and happening. ( so far, that I live there used to be Velachery's claim to fame. Just kidding. )
Clothing- Naihaa ( Naidu Hall), Venfield, Arrow Van Heusen ( all seconds of most major brands)
Footwear- Adidas, Reebok, Woodlands, Snazzy
Leather- Modskin
Eateries- Rathna Cafe, Dominos Pizza, Cakes and Bakes, Wangs Kitchen & Ascendes ( in Velachery's back yard) apart from the modest Krishna Boli ( ref to the OTBT- Foodie series)
Electronics- Sony showroom, Univercell
Apartments- Three Ceebros projects on the same road. So many high rise buildings that it almost resembles Hiranandani, Powai.
Department Stores- Spencers, Royal Shoppe, Trinetra, Latas, Cee dee Yes, Sekars, Vasanth, Nilgiris is coming by month end.
(Pre)Schools- About 4 reputed ones, The International school, Nav Disha, Marg, Daffodils
Most importantly- the people- as cosmopolitan as you get in Chennai with a lot of the IT crowd choosing to stay here
Untapped Business Ideas for Velachery ( money spinners as per my definition)
A multiplex- charge a premium on the ticket , have limited seating but save me the trouble of having to go out to Mayajaal or Sathyam
Eateries- An Italian Restaurant & an Ajnabee/ Gangotree or any other authentic chaat place
A good western dance / workout place like Swingers
A good book shop such as Landmark
Proper phulka/roti making for the burgeoning single, North Indian crowd
A vada pav/ bhajjiya shop servicing the night workers in the IT offces based here
Any takers?
Love Bug
I saw Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna last night. Did not find it great except that Abhishek is groovy.
But it got me wondering "Can you fall out of love? " I guess the answer would be yes.
I went bananas over Herbie when I was in Class V.
As I went into secondary school, the Burgundy 118 NE became my dream car.
I grew up & I desired the canary yellow Zen.
Then I took a liking for the Tata Safari
Post PG, I fell in love with the Honda City and decided I will get it before I am 30
When the City got relaunched I was disappointed and looked around to find the Swift- in particular in black
Now the Fiesta fascinates me.
What next?
But it got me wondering "Can you fall out of love? " I guess the answer would be yes.
I went bananas over Herbie when I was in Class V.
As I went into secondary school, the Burgundy 118 NE became my dream car.
I grew up & I desired the canary yellow Zen.
Then I took a liking for the Tata Safari
Post PG, I fell in love with the Honda City and decided I will get it before I am 30
When the City got relaunched I was disappointed and looked around to find the Swift- in particular in black
Now the Fiesta fascinates me.
What next?
October 10, 2006
Naam ke vaaste
I married and retained my maiden name.
Navy has no issues with it. Travel agents seem to. They make us Mr and Mrs. A, as in my name. It got us into trouble when we went to Bhutan because the ticket and passport did not match. We have been careful thereafter.
We still do not have a marriage certificate. It will be interesting if we are asked to prove how we are related.
Imagine situations where the authorities think we are a couple on a clandestine affair. Or when we fill in a ration card application ( yes, I do not have that either) , insurance / MF forms, maybe school applications for Anush.
In "You, Me and Dupree", the FIL( Michael Douglas) asks his son-in-law to take on his surname. So that the lineage continues. The SIL finds it blasphemous but tell me, why not?
Why can't both surnames belong to the new couple (except that our names may become too long). Would it not signify a coming together of two families?
A new surname can totally change how you perceive the individual? After all we have our own theories/ stereotypes of ethnicities/ religion. It also means reprocessing various documents.
If you end up with a hubby who shares the same family name as your father, lucky you.
PS For the non Hindi reader, the title means "just like that" though it literally means "for the sake of a name".
SURELY THIS ONE IS LOST IN TRANSLATION.
Navy has no issues with it. Travel agents seem to. They make us Mr and Mrs. A, as in my name. It got us into trouble when we went to Bhutan because the ticket and passport did not match. We have been careful thereafter.
We still do not have a marriage certificate. It will be interesting if we are asked to prove how we are related.
Imagine situations where the authorities think we are a couple on a clandestine affair. Or when we fill in a ration card application ( yes, I do not have that either) , insurance / MF forms, maybe school applications for Anush.
In "You, Me and Dupree", the FIL( Michael Douglas) asks his son-in-law to take on his surname. So that the lineage continues. The SIL finds it blasphemous but tell me, why not?
Why can't both surnames belong to the new couple (except that our names may become too long). Would it not signify a coming together of two families?
A new surname can totally change how you perceive the individual? After all we have our own theories/ stereotypes of ethnicities/ religion. It also means reprocessing various documents.
If you end up with a hubby who shares the same family name as your father, lucky you.
PS For the non Hindi reader, the title means "just like that" though it literally means "for the sake of a name".
SURELY THIS ONE IS LOST IN TRANSLATION.
October 09, 2006
Trouser Town
Inspired by Twisted DNA here come an assortment of trouser wearers:
The Dapper Dude
This John AB wannabe (for those of you familiar with John Abraham, you will agree it is almost humanly impossible to have a body like his) Usually in flat fronts, possibly has a fashion conscious woman in his life. When extreme, can begin to look like he has borrowed stuff from her wardrobe.
Clothes Horse/ Eye candy
The DDudes accompanied by adequate gymming and nature's generosity can graduate to this level.
The Colour challenged
Knows only two colours - blue and black and always in combo with white. Shudders at any other colour. Main retail source- school uniform vendors.
sresuort
They are backward in their understanding of trouser trends and probably never bought one post the 80s. Luckily retro is making a come back. The vertically challenged who go in for ready made stuff, also sometimes can be mistaken for this segment.
Ping Pong
They like to strut their stuff. Unrestrained is how they are, but manage to create the effect of the stretch lycra worn by male gymnasts. Who will tell them that the display is not worth our attention?
Room for more
These guys think trousers are synonymous with HOPE. They are either in the pre( weight gain) or the post (weight loss) VLCC phase. They buy an ultra large size in anticipation of growth and it will bunch up at the belt in the back. You will see them constantly pulling up their trouser or retucking the shirt. Maybe velcro/ mutli stage buttons can come to their rescue as in woman's clothing.
Foot "loose"
Cool trousers but accessorised with chappals ( Hawaii or otherwise) Commonly found in India. They believe that comfort comes before style. Sweet innocence .
Pant pant!
Theirs is an ongoing struggle to squeeeeeeze into the trouser Maybe they should opt for those with elastic at the back , like kiddies' clothes? Hopefully they don't need to run the risk of a split.
FYI- pl note "pants" refers to what you wear inside trousers.
The Dapper Dude
This John AB wannabe (for those of you familiar with John Abraham, you will agree it is almost humanly impossible to have a body like his) Usually in flat fronts, possibly has a fashion conscious woman in his life. When extreme, can begin to look like he has borrowed stuff from her wardrobe.
Clothes Horse/ Eye candy
The DDudes accompanied by adequate gymming and nature's generosity can graduate to this level.
The Colour challenged
Knows only two colours - blue and black and always in combo with white. Shudders at any other colour. Main retail source- school uniform vendors.
sresuort
They are backward in their understanding of trouser trends and probably never bought one post the 80s. Luckily retro is making a come back. The vertically challenged who go in for ready made stuff, also sometimes can be mistaken for this segment.
Ping Pong
They like to strut their stuff. Unrestrained is how they are, but manage to create the effect of the stretch lycra worn by male gymnasts. Who will tell them that the display is not worth our attention?
Room for more
These guys think trousers are synonymous with HOPE. They are either in the pre( weight gain) or the post (weight loss) VLCC phase. They buy an ultra large size in anticipation of growth and it will bunch up at the belt in the back. You will see them constantly pulling up their trouser or retucking the shirt. Maybe velcro/ mutli stage buttons can come to their rescue as in woman's clothing.
Foot "loose"
Cool trousers but accessorised with chappals ( Hawaii or otherwise) Commonly found in India. They believe that comfort comes before style. Sweet innocence .
Pant pant!
Theirs is an ongoing struggle to squeeeeeeze into the trouser Maybe they should opt for those with elastic at the back , like kiddies' clothes? Hopefully they don't need to run the risk of a split.
FYI- pl note "pants" refers to what you wear inside trousers.
October 05, 2006
Heights- Version Anush 1.15y
I am doing my take on Itchy's heights. Thanks itchy for the uber-cool format.
Height of endorsement- Anush reccomends Sugar free to her paati( see pic)
Height of embarrassment- Anush had just learnt to wink and did so to an auto guy we had just had a tiff with
Height of direction- Or rather the absence of it. She drives her car only in reverse.
Height of tiredness- Exclaims "App. .ppaa" when she decides to sit after a while of standing
Height of laziness- She will pick up the sipper and have a sip and then say Hmmm and indicate that you should hold it for her
Height of Narcissism-Anush loves to see her pic in her Appa's mobile/ laptop/ mirror and will kiss the image and keep chanting "Paapa"
Height of irony- Anush laughed uncontrollably watching me cry. I learnt my lesson and I never cry in front of her.
Height of promptness- Anush closing the garbage cupboard door even before I am done putting away the trash.
Height of association- Her massage oil is in a squeezy bottle. Any liquid which remotely comes in such a bottle is immediately applied on her hair- eg. the water sipper/ the milk sipper/ shampoo bottle
Height of cruelty- Anush giving naani/nanny (whom she has been clinging to all day) the Royal Ignore, as soon as I get back from work
Height of reward- Anush clapping at my rendition of "Doli taaro"
Height of challenge- Anush stacking up the coloured rings without taking her eyes off the title song of a Tamil serial " Malargal"
Height of vigilance- Anush pointing at the fan when the maid is done sweeping the room
Height of dieting- Anush burns up the calories by rushing away between helpings
Height of desperation- Anush mock- munching (complete with sound effects) when we are eating accompanied by the "I am from Somalia" look
Height of competition- Sometimes she protests with an Ayyye ( sometimes even wakes up) if Navy and I decide to talk without giving her attention
Height of comparison- When I eat cornflakes ( dry) with her, and give her one at a time and eat a handful myself in one go, she tries to do the same. But baby, amma's handful and your handful are not the same, yet.
Height of anger- She will brush/ push you away if you block her view when any of the gross ads- Dinakaran/ Saravana Stores- are on air
Height of choosiness- She opens the small stock - wet wipes holder and removes all the wipes and then chooses the last one to play with
I tag Farah( u can do it on the comments) & Boo since ithcy has alreayd tagged all the rest I know.
October 04, 2006
The Rolling Stone
I am currently in my twelfth home and I am not in software or in the "services". And no, I do not feel a lack of roots.
Appa had a transferable job and we moved from Tanjore to Guntur to Vijayawada and then Bombay. In Mumbai, we moved houses depending on the lease arrangements. Twelve, not counting the stint in Ahmedabad for my PG and the new "own" home in Mumbai (which is a story in itself- like the movie "Veedu").
Amma- Appa never cribbed about shifting. I think they looked forward to it. Boredom would set in if we were in the same house for over 2 years. We never had professional packers. It was a family do, with me chipping in by being out of the way. Later I was given small tasks like labelling boxes, I would run around getting the tape/ scissors etc - being the errand girl. Then I was promoted to pack up the large glassware and curio collection into papers wraps. The organizing, the packing and the unpacking, the care, the timing- all taught me a lot.
I looked forward to new friends, new neighbors, new schools. Contrary to the opinion that I had a disruptive schooling, I developed a curiosity and affinty for more things new. The experience came in handy when post marriage we moved 3 times in Chennai ( based on proximity to my work place) and now reside in our own place.
Maybe the only set back is that I do not have any bum chums from school. And I never got to eat the Banganapalli mangos from the three seeds I sowed in Vijayawada. I do recall touching the big Nandi in the Tanjore kovil through the enclosure grill. I love the moon through the woods as we went to Prabodha library in Guntur. My introduction to aloo patties in Mulund, the naan kattai at the bakery in Dombivli, the valley view in Powai, the buzz and convenience of being near the station at Santa Cruz house, the video library near the Andheri house... but these are memories I treasure. If ever I revisit and relive them they may not be as sweet.
A less romatic, more purposeful vagabond than RL Stevenson's.
Appa had a transferable job and we moved from Tanjore to Guntur to Vijayawada and then Bombay. In Mumbai, we moved houses depending on the lease arrangements. Twelve, not counting the stint in Ahmedabad for my PG and the new "own" home in Mumbai (which is a story in itself- like the movie "Veedu").
Amma- Appa never cribbed about shifting. I think they looked forward to it. Boredom would set in if we were in the same house for over 2 years. We never had professional packers. It was a family do, with me chipping in by being out of the way. Later I was given small tasks like labelling boxes, I would run around getting the tape/ scissors etc - being the errand girl. Then I was promoted to pack up the large glassware and curio collection into papers wraps. The organizing, the packing and the unpacking, the care, the timing- all taught me a lot.
I looked forward to new friends, new neighbors, new schools. Contrary to the opinion that I had a disruptive schooling, I developed a curiosity and affinty for more things new. The experience came in handy when post marriage we moved 3 times in Chennai ( based on proximity to my work place) and now reside in our own place.
Maybe the only set back is that I do not have any bum chums from school. And I never got to eat the Banganapalli mangos from the three seeds I sowed in Vijayawada. I do recall touching the big Nandi in the Tanjore kovil through the enclosure grill. I love the moon through the woods as we went to Prabodha library in Guntur. My introduction to aloo patties in Mulund, the naan kattai at the bakery in Dombivli, the valley view in Powai, the buzz and convenience of being near the station at Santa Cruz house, the video library near the Andheri house... but these are memories I treasure. If ever I revisit and relive them they may not be as sweet.
A less romatic, more purposeful vagabond than RL Stevenson's.
October 03, 2006
October 02, 2006
First time Tagged
Thanks HHgmom for tagging me. The task is to list about nine weird things about myself. “Weird” is a matter of perspective, but here goes:
1. I have an almost permanent smile on my face. Like a Cheshire cat. Often gets me in trouble. In particular at school or when I am at a serious forum. I Say “Thank you “ a lot. To almost everyone. Many times over. Usually heartfelt. But some see it as an amusing habit.
2. I draw well but only copies of some other pic– I cannot visualise.
3. I eat my food dry- the South Indian stuff- hardly any sambhar / rasam. I prefer the kootu/subji/ poriyal/ podis of the world. Top it off with a lot of curd though.
4. I love the movies. I enjoy clapping and screaming when my favorite actor comes on screen. Much to the embarrassment of the family.
5. My grooming habits are weird, I am told. I have a comb but use my clip ( that banana type) to brush my hair. I apply lipstick and then wipe it off because I think I look yuck with it on. But I still keep buying them.
6. I am superstitious about the number 4- I hate it and avoid doing anything new on that date.
7. I drink about 6 lts of water a day
8. I volunteer and host parties/ shows since college days, whenever I get the opportunity but I suffer from huge stage fright/ performance anxiety.
9. I talk a lot in general and now to Anushka as well. Lot of the new moms in my apartment find it premature/ strange that I have adult conversations with her. But I think she understands.
I am not sure I can tag many people but would like to tag cloudy, dimbulb & apu.
1. I have an almost permanent smile on my face. Like a Cheshire cat. Often gets me in trouble. In particular at school or when I am at a serious forum. I Say “Thank you “ a lot. To almost everyone. Many times over. Usually heartfelt. But some see it as an amusing habit.
2. I draw well but only copies of some other pic– I cannot visualise.
3. I eat my food dry- the South Indian stuff- hardly any sambhar / rasam. I prefer the kootu/subji/ poriyal/ podis of the world. Top it off with a lot of curd though.
4. I love the movies. I enjoy clapping and screaming when my favorite actor comes on screen. Much to the embarrassment of the family.
5. My grooming habits are weird, I am told. I have a comb but use my clip ( that banana type) to brush my hair. I apply lipstick and then wipe it off because I think I look yuck with it on. But I still keep buying them.
6. I am superstitious about the number 4- I hate it and avoid doing anything new on that date.
7. I drink about 6 lts of water a day
8. I volunteer and host parties/ shows since college days, whenever I get the opportunity but I suffer from huge stage fright/ performance anxiety.
9. I talk a lot in general and now to Anushka as well. Lot of the new moms in my apartment find it premature/ strange that I have adult conversations with her. But I think she understands.
I am not sure I can tag many people but would like to tag cloudy, dimbulb & apu.
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