The Nth Eye

First Kiss

Devesh — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 19:55:01 +0000

There are myriad expressions of love,

But it’s the first kiss that has the innocence of a dove.

Yet, kiss is the most passionate manifestation of those feelings,

It is so soft, so subtle, yet leaves you trembling..

The shivering of the face, the quivering of the lips,

The meeting of the eyes, the blushing of the cheek,

The closeness of two souls, the knees going weak..

And finally when you kiss,

You feel the ultimate bliss..

When those petals touch each other,

This world around us ceases to bother,

When the taste buds feel the delicacy of love,

They want to feel the ecstasy forever..

The bodies become one,

The souls touch one another,

The warmth spreads wide,

There’s a rush of blood inside..

The hands seem to lose direction,

They too want to be a part of the action,

That’s when they find the softest section,

Albeit somewhat coyly, they break the restriction..

The heaven seems to last forever,

Alas, it has to end sooner than later,

But the feeling still is now or never,

Of course, next time is always better!

Yet you feel complete for the moment,

You feel the passion flowing in your veins,

You feel the absolute divinity of love

The kiss ends, but the ecstasy remains..

Above it all, lies pure and chaste love,

You cannot plan it, you just flow with emotions,

It rebels against all the set notions,

Sets your body fluids into rapid motions..

Governed by the feeling of trust and devotion.

Indeed, the first kiss is a fond remembrance,

Its sweeter than the sweetest sugar,

Lovelier than love itself,

Closer than your soul,

Precious than your breath,

And Livelier than your heartbeat..

If you haven’t experienced the passion in kissing your shadow,

Don’t haste, let the feelings grow,

He/She is the one, if you surely know,

Then set your feelings free, let the first kiss flow..

I drowned in her lips,

Still cant some to grips,

The fact that I finally had my first kiss,

I want to live with her, I am sure of this,

Coz with her, my life wud be more beautiful than my first kiss!

- Show quoted text -

Year End Round-up 2 - Top 10 Bollywood Music Albums

Devesh — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:34:42 +0000

1. Rang De Basanti - From the rocking Pathshala to the euphoric Title track, to the haunting Tu Bin Bataye, to the raunchy Khalbali, this album weaves the magic of AR Rehman yet again. But the real gem is Lukka Chhupi, the melcancholic touching poetry about mother-son relationship. Lata Mangeshkar and Rehman at their best! The best score hands down!

2. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Most of you hate this movie, and hence the music too, but this is a complete score, with the soulful title track, to the discoish Wheres the Party Tonight, to BIG B’s rocking Rock n Roll Soniye. Again the hidden underrated gem is Tumhi Dekho Naa, a song which owns you more and more with every hearing. SEL at their best in this song, and Alka Yagnik deserves nominations (if not awards) for the amazing rendition fo this beautiful number.

3. Omkara - Nothing was expected from this album, and it is completely different from other Film Music. But nonetheless, it works big time! The raunchy Bipasha items numbers, Beedi and Namak are a rage, and pretty addictive. The haunting O Saaathi Re is a lyrical and musical jewel. But the title track takes the cake. Sukhwinder Singh sings with authority and passion, with the perfect rustic accent, and great command. The chanting of “Omkara, He Omkara” remains with you forever onece you have heard it.

4. Woh Lamhe - If you want soulful, painful, melodious, emotional, and a song for your first/Nth date, this is the album. It has the entire gamut of emotions one goes through when he loves someone. Happiness, sorrow, ecstacy, pain, dissapointment, solitude, theres everything here. The best of the lot has to be Jawad Ahmed’s Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena, posted here . Pritam rehashes KYa Mujhe Pyar hai perfectly from soem Indonesian tune, James rocks with passion and love in Chale Chale (listen here ), Glen John explores solitude and sorrow perfectly in Tu Jo Nahin Hai.

5. Ankahee - One of the rare albums which flopped despite every song being a gem. I was hard pressed to put it right at the top, but then decided otherwise! Actually nowadays, its promotion only which decides on the saleability of the album! Anyways who cares for soulful, emotional songs. But I just loved this album. Each and every song had a feeling, a raw emotion, and it touched myriad chords in your heart. Try this different and refreshing Tumse Yoon Milenge here . Ek Pal Ke Liye by KK summed up the way to live in the best possible manner. But the best song, which I heard most this year was Aa Paas Aaa. Here I have posted it below. Hear it and decide!

6. Jaaneman - Anu Malik returned to his best with this one. Humko Maloom Hai in typical Rehman style even surpassed Rehmans style and Gulzar’s innocent lyrics made it an instant classic. Ajnabi Shaher showed Sonu Nigam’s amazing repertiore and brilliance, and Jane Ke Jane Naa was another good Qawwali after Main Hoon Naa’s Tumse Milke. But the best of the lot was Sau Dard Hain. Wont say much about it, makes me emotional all the time! Just hear it!

7. Gangster - Naa Jane Koi was a rage the moment it was aired. And why not, it marked the debut of James, who can croon only after drinking potfuls! But Gangster offered a lot more than that, though Pritam again plagiarised to perfection with Tu hi Meri Shab Hai. Heck, the song still rocks! Abhijeet showed his prowess in Lamha Lamha, and Guitara’s popular Ya Ghali was sung to perfection by Zubin as Ya Ali in the garb of Sufi Rock! Well I dont care for originality as long as it sounds lovely! A must have!

8.Aksar - Himesh Bhai makes a late entry, mainly because there was too much of him in too little time, and only this one stood out as an album! Jhalak Dikhlaja is the second best song of Himesh the singer till date after Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Perfect Sufi Rock! Soniye was a typical love duet in trademark HR style! Lagi Lagi Lagi, another Sufiyana song, was nice timepass, and Janabe Jaaniya was painful for the ears! But overall, a deserved place in my humble opinion.

9. Don - Ok so what if the remixes were not so good, the original tracks, including the title track, Aaj Ki Raat, Moriya, and the theme by Medeival Punditz made sure that this album found a place in the top 10. Talking of the remixes, Yeh Mera Dil was pretty good, and SRK’’s rendition in Khaike was a nice change. But it was Shaan’s Main Hoon Don which was addictive. The theme by Medieval Punditz is one of the best techno lounge tracks to have come in recent times!

10. Lage Raho Munnabhai - Pal Pal was lifted from somewhere, Bande Mein Tha Dum wasnt original either, but they were still lovely. Aane Char Aane by Karunya (remember Indian Idol 2 runner up?) inspired your soul, while the title track was fulltoo timepass and brought a smile to your face. Similarly Samjho Ho Hi Gaya, with the conversation between Munna n Circuit was just howlarious and feel good! Nice Album overall!

I dont know why, but I just liked two tracks in Fanaa, so I have not included it in my list. I am sure it will be there in most lists.

Some Good Numbers: Koi Tumsa Nahi from Krissh, Touch Me form Dhoom 2, Tere Bin from Bas Ek Pal, Salam Karne Ki Aarzoo from Umrao Jaan, Kaabul Fiza from Kabul Express, Ahista Ahista from the same movie, Chand Sifarish & Mere Haath Mein from Fanaa.

I did not consider Guru and Salam-e-Ishq since the movies are releasing next year, otherwise they would be in the list too!

Year End Roundup - Top 10 Bollywood Movies 2006

Devesh — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 09:36:35 +0000

Another year ends, giving way to a new one, with new hopes, new dreams, new resolutions, and a new beginning. I am just doing the 2006 round up of Bollywood, my favorite topic!

1. Lage Raho Munnabhai - I am sure this is the top movie in the lists of all the aficionados. A simple, humble, believable yet heartwarming and meaningful movie. Seldom comes a movie like LRM, which makes us believe in the inherent goodness and nobility of humans, and while doing so, makes us smile and cry aplenty. A timeless and ageless movie, which can be watched with the same fervor and smile always. Munna & Circuit topped with Gandhiji, what more can you ask for??

2. Omkara - You can either love this movie or hate it, you cant be in between. I love it for the sheer intensity and honesty of it. Dark and brooding setting, intensely human characters and jaw-dropping realism. A gritty movie with a lifetime performance from Saif, ably supported by the ever reliable Ajay Devgan. Kareena looked better sans makeup than any of her glamorous roles. Vishal Bharadwaj adapts Othello to perfection to a typical Hindi heartland. This movie ultimately breaks your heart, but registers itself nonetheless strongly.

3. Rang De Basanti - Path breaking concept and novel execution, topped with rocking music and awesome performances, sums up RDB. Flawed at places, at times boring too, but overall gut wrenching and touching at the same time. Damn those bastard politicians, paint it yellow! Masterpiece from Rakesh Mehra. Another feather in Amir’s cap.

4. Krishh - Stand up for the Desi Superhero folks, and who else than Hrithik can do it??? Hrithik found a new fan in me with this movie (and Dhoom 2 just increased it!). Hrithik all the way in this one, intense yet childish, brawny yet mellow, grand yet subtle. First half bores, except for Hrithik’s scenes, 2nd half entertains. Action, dance, emotions, double role, give this guy anything, and he comes out triumphant. Hail Krishh!

5. Vivah - Honest, simple, graceful, soulful, and touching, that’s Vivah for you. Earnest, emotional, natural, and traditional, that’s Vivah for you. Sooraj Barjatya emerges triumphant yet again, after the mishmash Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. Simplicity was never so beautiful, traditions were never so identifiable, characters were never so believable!

6. Woh Lamhe - One of the least talked about films of the year, this is one of the most soulful films to grace the big screen in recent times. Starring newcomers Shiny Ahuja & Kangana Ranaut, by a new director Mohit Suri, this movie based on the life of actress Parveen Babi and her relationship with Mahesh Bhatt, gives you goose bumps all the time. Music is just amazing, and performances are amongst the best of 2006. You feel like you are part of the movie, and the movie succeeds there.

7. Don - This will be surprising to many, but heck, I loved this one (maybe becoz I am a diehard SRK fan). Nothing comparable to the BIG B, but swashbuckling nonetheless. Master twist, great performance from SRK and funky music, make Don an entertainer from start to finish. Takes time to build up and engulf you, but once you are in, Don se bachna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai!

8. Golmaal - Arshad Warsi, Ajay Devgan, Sharman Joshi, and Tushar Kapoor, and just one babe Rimi Sen. Add Paresh Rawal, and serve up hot, and you have a fresh laughathon about 4 male friends looking to make ends meet and trying to con an elderly couple. Rollicking and original fresh comedy, with some nice spoofs of famous movies (like Black) and spiffy music thrown in, this movie makes you laugh everytime you see it. A great stressbuster by director Rohit Shetty.

9. Gangster - Boring at times, and extremely emotional at places, ultimately this movie hits you hard. Love story of a Gangster, who transforms in love, story of an innocent girl deceived in love who ends up killing her love and herself. Slow, but haunting, that sums up Gangster. Music uplifts the film to a great extent. Performances again stand out, with the Woh Lamhe couple and Emran Hashmi taking all the honors.

10. Bhagam Bhaag - Saw this movie yesterday, and was laughing for 80% of the movie! Great laughathon from the master of comedies Priyadarshan himself. Starring Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav and other Priyan usuals, this movie is a mindless laugh riot with some suspense thrown in. Akshay Rocks, while Govinda should really lose weight now!! Paresh Rawal is wasted kinda, and the ending is awesome! Must watch!

Just Missed It - These movies just missed my list. KANK (for lack of any soul stirring emotions, but great performances and music), DHOOM 2 (For Hrithik, Uday and Aish I mention this movie, nothing else here), KABUL EXPRESS (Amazing Afghanistan, honest portrayal, but a tad slow, just loved Arshad and the Paki guy here), ANKAHEE (amazing music, sincere and real emotions, needed better actors), JANEMAN (Salman n Akshay n Preeti rock, music rocks, but somewhere misses the bus), FANAA (highly formulaic, but KAJOL rocks, and so does the music and the 2nd half)

Please fee free to comment/post your list too, my music list will follow soon! Also in line are the disappointments of the year, and my awards.

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena (With Lyrics)

Devesh — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:17:19 +0000

This is the song which I breathe as of now. It really soothes me. Sung by Jawad Ahmad, from the movie Woh Lamhe, from which I posted one more song here. I present the Hindi/English lyrics here. Enjoy!

Hoonhhhh… *Sweet Humming*

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena (What is life without you)

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena

Meri Dil Ki Rani Tum (You are the Queen of my heart)

Meri Khushiyon ka Mausam (You are the season of happiness for me)

Mere Khwabon Ki Taabeer (You are my hopes personified)

Mere Sapno Ki Tasveer (The Reality of my dreams)

Bin Tere Kaisi Aar (There is no excuse/barrier if you are not there..)

Woh Jeet Ho Ya Haar (…Whether its win or loss)

Tere Sang Hai Sab Kuchh, Tu Naa Ho To Bekaar (Life is complete with you, it is meaningless without you)

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena

Sooni Khali Raatein (Lonely Empty Nights)

Rookhi Feeki Baatein (Worthless, Soulless words)

Har Aahat Pe Chonkoon (I get startled at slightest sound)

Tujhko Harsu Dekhoon (I see you everywhere all the time)

Tujhko Hardam Sochoon, Tujhko Har Pal Chahoon (Thinking and loving you every moment)

Tere Bin to Jeevan Mera Hai Intezaar (Life in an eternal wait without you)

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena…

Tere Saath Jiye Jo Pal, Kuchh Unse Nahi Badhkar (I spent the best moments of my life with you)

Tere Khatir Saans Main Loon, Teri Khatir Jeeta Hoon (I breathe and live for you only)

Marne Ki Tamanna Bhi, Tere Saath Main Rakhta Hoon (I want to die in your arms)

Tu Hai Jeene Ki Wajah Kar Mera Aitbaar (You are the sole purpose of my existence, believe me love)

Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena.. continues.

The other side of DOWRY

Devesh — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:59:45 +0000

This is an interesting piece of news I read about cranky wives using the law to their advantage in order to extort their poor husbands. For the first time, I realised there is another side to this whole Dowry related shit that goes on in India. It is not always the male side, the females now are getting all powered up and intelligent to make money and abuse the law which was formulated to protect them. Instead, we have rising cases of poor husbands lying unprotected at the mercy of their stupid wives. The %ge might be low, but this misuse is unexpected and alarming.

Here is the piece from www.khaleejtimes.com

Indian husbands become victims of dowry law abuse
(Reuters)
12 December 2006
NEW DELHI - Indian husbands are becoming victims of an anti-dowry law which is being misused by their wives to extort money, a group representing men who have been accused of dowry abuse said on Tuesday.
Dowries — often jewellery, expensive clothing, motorcars and money — are given in India by the bride’s family to the groom and his parents, traditionally to ensure the bride will be comfortable in her new home.
The custom, outlawed more than four decades ago but still widely practiced, is often exploited with the groom’s family demanding more money in return for not abusing the bride.
But members of 498a.org — a group representing thousands of men and their families named — claim there are growing numbers of false cases being registered under the anti-dowry law or Section 498a of the Indian Penal Code that seeks to protect women.
“There are thousands of men and their families who are victims of the abuse of this law, who are locked up in jail and undergo severe mental, emotional and financial and social trauma as a result,” Anupama Singh, a member of 498a.org, named after the dowry law told Reuters.
Singh said the main reason for registering false cases was to extort money, or gain custody of children during divorce.
The number of false cases against husbands was growing by 20 percent every year as “unscrupulous women are realising there is a money to be made by the divorce industry,” he said.
According to statistics 498a.org obtained from the ministry of home affairs, 18 percent of the 58,319 cases of dowry abuse registered in 2005 were dropped due to frivolous grounds.
But women’s rights activists say there is no clear statistics to prove that law which came into force in 1983 is being intentionally abused.
“489a is one of the most important tools in the hands of Indian women who have suffered abuse,” said Yogesh Mehta, legal officer for the National Commission for Women.
“The Commission is of the view that so far we don’t have clear statistics that the law is being intentionally misused.”
Police say the most common form of domestic violence is dowry-related and that there one case of cruelty committed by the husband or his relatives every nine minutes in the country.
Flawed
But 498a.org says the anti-dowry law, as well as a new domestic violence act which came into force in October is biased in favour of women as no evidence is required by the wife to prove that she has been harassed or abused.
“Under the law, the accused can be arrested and jailed without warrant or investigation, the complaint cannot be withdrawn by the petitioner and it is non-bailable,” said J.K. Grover, a member of 498a.org.
“It’s ridiculous. We don’t want to scrap the laws, we just want to ensure that it is fair and balanced. The government needs to plug all the loop holes in both the laws.”

Are you in love??

Devesh — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:36:44 +0000

I wrote this poem 5 eyars ago, and when I read it yesterday, it felt childish, impractical, yet innocent. So I asked my sister to type it out (at that time I had no PC, and I had written it on a paper!). Here it is folks, enjoy!! Comments are welcome. BTW, this is the first shit I ever wrote in my life!

Are you in love?

You know you are in love

When u cant sleep at night

You know you are in love

When she insults you and u don’t put up a fight

You know you are in love

When she comes in every dream

You know you are in love

When, on seeing her, your eyes gleam

You know you are in love

When u start dreaming while awake

You know you are in love

When u only give her and never take

You know you are in love

When you miss her if she’s not there

You know you are in love

When she is present and u only stare

You know you are in love

When u feel a lot of changes in u

You know you are in love

When, for every matter, u have a different view

You know you are in love

When u feel very responsible

You know you are in love

When suddenly people say that u have become sensible

You know you are in love

When u keep talking about her

You know you are in love

When your friends call you a mad lover

You know you are in love

When you avoid her in front of others

You know you are in love

When u suddenly start befriending her brothers

You know you are in love

When u never feel alone

You know you are in love

When u think of her as a part of ur own

You know you are in love

When, for her u start fearing

You know you are in love

When u love every dress that she is wearing

You know you are in love

When u are afraid to lose her

You know you are in love

When each and every time you choose her

You know you are in love

When, without her u feel incomplete

You know you are in love

When, as soon as she is around u, u feel complete

You know you are in love

When u overlook her faults

You know you are in love

When, u find sweetness even in the salts

You know you are in love

When u feel that u owe something to someone

You know you are in love

When seeing her u realize that she is the one

You know you are in love

When u feel u can’t do anything wrong

You know you are in love

When even the shortest distance appears to be long

You know you are in love

When all of a sudden u start respecting god

You know you are in love

When, for every action of hers, u only applaud

You know you are in love

If you have read till now

You know you are in love

If on reading this u exclaim wow

You know you are in love

For sure, if you also start writing like this

And while writing this, u think that on reading this she will give you a kiss

Babul - Movie Review Mini

Devesh — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 17:40:01 +0000

In a nutshell, Babul is just what you’d expect it to be, a syrupy family flick, with dollops of emotions, melodrama, nice locales, melodious songs, and great performances. Maybe that’s why I wont watch it again, because it did not surprise me!

That does not mean I did not enjoy the movie. I did enjoy it a lot, but there are myriad reasons for that enjoyment (Secrets!). So Babul basically tells us the story of a widow, and about her return to normality, acceptance by society, through her remarriage. It addresses some worthy issues commendably, but misses out on some too. More on that later.

The first half is a breeze, with nice feel good scenes and some good comedy by Rajpal Yadav. It concentrates on the love story between Salman and Rani, while balancing it with the family bonds between Salman, Big B and Hemaji. John Abraham is just about there in the first half. There are songs galore, which flow smoothly with the movie, but not the types that you would want to go and listen at home.

The second half is complete tear jerker, with Salman’s accident at the interval, and the consequences thereafter. There are some really touching scenes, which resonate with your raw emotional chords, but they are in bits and pieces. There are some moments which just seem forced. The climax song by John Abraham is awesome, and so is the title track sung naturally by Big B himself which plays in the background.

The editing is the worst culprit in the movie, it seems the movie had become too big, and so there are some highly unbelievable transitions between scenes, and a few seem incomplete. The music, as I said, is pleasant, but there are just a couple of songs which stay with you. Cinematography is usual, background score is effective.

Salman is endearing while he is there, but a college return is too much to digest! Rani is good, but nothing different from her other movies. There are two scenes though which really show her prowess. Hema Malini is a treat to watch. She looks good, speaks eloquently, and acts effortlessly. The real performance, yet again, comes from Big B. He is just amazing! He carries the movie in the second half almost alone! Special mention must be made of John Abraham, I just loved him in the movie. His expressions at his childhood love Rani choosing someone else, and at her marriage, are just so real, and so painful, it just broke my heart! It is better than being a smiling sacrificer, this portrayal is more real.

Now coming to the issues I had with the issues discussed in the movie. The director Ravi Chopra shows that Rani remarries not because she loves John, but because Big B shows her the way. This is understandable, since it is hard to love someone after being with your love for so long. But, surely there could be some reasons for a woman herself to feel like remarrying, other than the kid getting a father! I mean, being practical and progressive, physical needs, emotional support, friendship, companionship, there are myriad reasons why a woman can wish to wed again! This movie misses those reasons. But then again, that wasn’t expected! So, all in all, money well spent, and movie well enjoyed, for reasons not limited to the merits of the movie!

Bebasi Dard Ka Aalam - Babul Song

Devesh — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 17:32:43 +0000

A request from a friend, and my personal favourite from Babul. Great song.

Enjoy folks!!

No Crime for 50 Years!

Devesh — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 06:13:13 +0000

I came across this piece in Khaleej Times, about this village in Eastern India in the state of Jharkhand. Apparently, there hasn’t been any reported crime since the past 50 years in this village called Chakulia. How I wish the whole world would be like this!

Below is the entire piece reproduced from www.khaleejtimes.com

A village with no report of crime for 50 years

(IANS)

9 December 2006

RANCHI — A village in Jharkhand holds the unique record of none of its residents ever filing a police complaint in the last 50 years.

Chakulia is a picturesque village surrounded by hills in the East Singhbhum district, 190km from here. Its 85 families have never reported any crime — for five long decades.

Most families — belonging to the Munda and Bhumiz castes — are extremely poor. Education levels too are low, with not a single graduate in the village.

But peace and harmony prevails in the village.

Rajendra Nath Singh, 60, is the village headman before whom petty disputes are settled. The villagers accept his decision as the last word.

“When I was 10 a villager approached the police to lodge a complaint against two people. That was the last time anyone had complained. Since then no one has gone to the police to resolve any dispute,” Singh said.

“We sit together and decide disputes in a way acceptable to everyone,” he added.

Yogendra Singh, the only teacher in the village, said: “I have never heard of anyone ever approaching policemen. The villagers respect the village headman and everyone accepts his rulings.

“The judgement is always humane and the headman never fines anyone,” he added.

Chal Chale - Woh Lamhe Song

Devesh — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:16:36 +0000

Woh Lamhe, which means those moments, was a great movie, with soul stirring music to say the least. Though the most popular track was Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai by KK, the best track in the album according to my opinion is Chal Chale by James.

Yes, the same James who rocked us with Bheegi Bheegi from Gangster. Since Woh Lamhe wasn’t a big hit despite being touching, the song did not quite achieve the success it deserved.

It has been composed by Pritam, who has been accused of plagiarism and blatant lifts in almost all his films (Kya Mujhe from this movie is lifted from an Indonesian track), this particular song does seem to be original, until of course someone finds out the source.

This guy James is one helluva singer! He lifts a normal song to unprecedented levels through his naturally soulful rendition. Soulful is the keyword here, the song smashes into your soul! It is a passionate love song, about a couple escaping from everyone, kinda to the paradise. The song was filmed very well too, adding to the delight.

The piece (I couldn’t identify the instrument, maybe a violin or mouth organ?help!) at the beginning sets the tone, and it continues throughout the song. Alas, the song is hardly 3.5 minutes! Just when you get immersed in it completely, it ends, leaving you in the worst lurch!

Here is it, for your ears.

The Pain in Rain

Devesh — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:51:49 +0000

Drops fall like pearls on the parched earth,

And, they enter as memories in my heart.

Yes, it is true when it rains,

My heart, a thousand daggers thrust into it, pains…

Drops fall on my barren palms,

It feels like she is holding my hand,

The music of those drops,

Feels like her sweet nothings in my ears.

Yes, it is true when it rains,

My soul, burdened by debris of time, pains…

I see innocent children singing and dancing,

I see her innocent face in each of them,

I see her dancing, I hear her singing,

Yes, it is true when it rains,

My love, unrequited and alone, pains…

I see everyone hugging and cuddling,

I feel her in my arms, I feel her embrace,

I smell the air, I feel her scent.

Yes, it is true when it rains,

My emotions, incomplete and buried, pains..

The drops come alive in front of my eyes,

I see her eyes, inviting me to paradise

I see her lips, saying she loves me

I am drenched in the rain, it feels like drenched in her love.

My eyes gleam, I feel her warmth.

Then, the drops ditch me,

Leaving my thirst unquenched,

The memories vanish into thin air,

Like she has vanished from my life.

My heart pains, because there is no rain.

Filhaal - Yeh Lamha Filhaal

Devesh — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 21:23:40 +0000

This is a song which is closest to my heart for myriad reasons, and I have been listening to it continuously since it released! Composed beautifully by Anu Malik, and written profoundly by Gulzar, this song never got the love it deserved. So, I am revisiting this song, in order to remind you guys that there are unheard gems scattered all over, one just needs to have an EAR (in this case) to find them!

This song celebrates life, to say the least, and is a heartwarming composition. The melody of the tune, coupled with simple yet touching words, instantly enters your heart, and remains there forever.

Do lemme know whether this song was worth being reminded of!

jo bhi likha hai, dil se jiya hai,

yeh lamha, filhaal jee lene de..

Great Sardar Jokes

Devesh — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:02:53 +0000

Here are some great Cartoons on Sardars, the most loved people in this world, who always bring a smile to the face. No offence intended.

This is courtesy Kavita, one of my colleagues at work. Smile, laugh, enjoy!

Forgive Me Dad!

Devesh — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:59:19 +0000

That’s what I asked for after a bitter fight with him. I don’t remember ever asking anyone in my family for forgiveness. But I don’t know what happened to me that fateful day last Tuesday (21st November), I just felt an urge to apologize.

After almost 4 years, I cried like a newborn baby. It was a very minor issue, but I ended up saying things I should not have said. Got excited unnecessarily, completely misinterpreted my parents’ views and arguments, and ended up incensing my dad. To top it all, this happened at the dinner table!

Actually this has been happening to me since 3-4 years. I live two lives, one at home, and one with friends at college and work. My life at home is full of frustration, anger, despair and negativity, while I am an escapist in my other life. The biggest irony is I am the best friend for most of my friends, while at home I am the worst child!

Last week, after that fight and the emotional outpour, I feel I have become one with myself. I haven’t shouted at my little sister, haven’t been sarcastic with my mom, and haven’t argued with my dad. I feel good about myself, and since a week, I have remained as cool as a cucumber! I talk to my dad more often now, joke with mom, and treat my sister the way a brother should.

I know this would be a big surprise for most of those who know me, and some will feel I shouldn’t make this public. But I feel I should ask God for forgiveness, and the best way is my blog!

Toodle!

Bhagam Bhag - Promo

Devesh — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 21:00:30 +0000

This movie looks like the real comedy film of the year. Releasing on Christmas, the movie stars Akshay Kumar and Govinda together for the first time, along with the stalwarts of comedy Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani and Sharat Saxena, and 2-3 heroines whom I could not identify.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the king of modern comic classics, this one promises to bring tears to eyes due to excessive laughing!

Here is the promo: http://www.bhagambhagthefilm.com/theatrical.htm

Shahrukh Khan to host Kaun Banega Crorepati 3

Devesh — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:28:32 +0000

After BIG B refused to return to KBC, STAR roped in SRK to do KBC 3. Here is the complete news, courtesy, The HINDU.

Shahrukh to replace Amitabh as host of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’

Mumbai, Nov. 26 (PTI): Amitabh Bachchan fans are in for a disappointment but admirers of Shahrukh Khan can rejoice as he will take over from the Big B as host of the hugely popular TV game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”.

Shahrukh said he was “pleasantly surprised” when the STAR network offered him the show but admitted it would be “a huge act to follow” in the footsteps of Amitabh, who made “KBC” one of the country’s most watched TV programmes.

Samir Nair, CEO of Star Entertainment that airs the show, told PTI here, “Mr Bachchan expressed his disinclination to do the show and we respect his decision. We are indebted to him for what he brought to the show but now it is time to move on and who better to hand over the baton to than Shah Rukh Khan.

“We have been in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for over a month now and he expressed his willingness to do the show. Shooting will begin by December-end and we expect this season to be on air by January-end,” Nair said.

Shah Rukh Khan was quoted in a Star India release as saying, “I was pleasantly surprised when STAR offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC…and little did I know one day I would be hosting it. “It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr Bachchan…but it also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to reach out (and) talk and interact with my audience through a medium where I began my career as an actor years ago.”

The hugely popular show, characterised by Bachchan’s baritone and personality, was in its second season when it had to be cut short due to the star’s sudden illness. Since then Star had been in talks with Bachchan for the next season of the show based on “Who Wants To Be A Millionnaire”, but those fell through.

Dhoom 2 - Movie Review

Devesh — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 21:02:44 +0000

I will put it in plain and simple words, Dhoom 2 did not work for me on the whole! The sequel to the surprising Dhoom overdoes what it is supposed to do. It’s lavish, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, it’s the most hyped film this year, with a huge starcast! But, somewhere it lacks something…

It is the same cops and robbers story, but this time it is mounted on a global scale, from the beautiful deserts of Namibia to the hitherto unexplored Brazil, sandwiching Aamchi Mumbai in between too! Hrithik plays the greatest thief Mr. A, and Abhishek and Uday continue where they left. Add Aish and Bipasha to the mix, and voila, you get Dhoom 2!

The opening sequence is unbelievable, but Hrithik manages to make it believable! Namibia looks awesome! The second heist is great too, and Hrithik’s disguises are cool. Bipasha plays a double role, as the cop Shonali Bose, and the NRI in Brazil, Monali Bose. She looks a million bucks, but adds nothing to the plot. Aish plays Hrithik’s muse, and looks stunning and acts well. The couple looks great. Abhishek’s role is paled compared to Hrithik’s but that was expected. Uday Chopra is a scene stealer. Rimi Sen has a 5 minute role as the pregnant and jealous wife.

The main culprit is the plot. The screenplay is not worth calling a screenplay. It tries to balance romance with action and coolness, but fails! While the heists are cool, the romantic portions drag endlessly. There are loopholes galore, but I will ignore them here. There is absolutely no real surprise/twist anywhere in the plot, it is very predictable. Simply put, the movie is basically some sequences of heists and romance strung together in a convenient fashion. There are very minor and expected “twists”, for the lack of a better word.

What did work for me was Hrithik, Aish, Uday, and Abhishek (not completely). This is Hrithik’s movie from start to end. Abhishek looks supporting type, and in fact Uday has more meat in his role than Abhishek. Bipasha is wasted, and Aish should do more such kind of roles. Hrithik carries the movie on his shoulders. In fact, Hrithik overpowers the movie, and makes it watchable at least once. He is not the villain, I would call him an artist instead, a superhero, with a demented mind. He looks better than the two hotties Bips and Aish. Aish looks scorching and does justice to her role. Watch out her “trust” scene with Hrithik, she rocks there. Uday steals every scene he is in, and brings the much needed comic relief every now and then. This guy has a lot of potential, Priyadarshan where art thou? Bipasha is wasted, but looks good in the bikini.

I think the biggest problem here is that Abhishek’s character has been relegated to the background for most of the movie, and the guy has to maintain the same expressions throughout the movie. There should have been more shades and nuances to his character. The ending scene of the movie is the best for Abhishek. Abhishek, to his credit, does well with whatever he has been given.

There are great one liners, the dialogues are witty, cinematography is top notch, and background music is great too. But the music is the weakest link here. Songs come randomly, and none of the songs, barring Hrithik’s dances, work here. They slow down the movie excruciatingly, and make the viewer restless. Action is good, some of the best action seen in Indian cinema, but the SFX should have been better, specially considering the budget of the movie. But one feels the slow motion technique has been overused here. There should have been more action, but instead, some jarring romantic scenes are interspersed.

Instead of being cool and slick, the movie comes across as overcool and too smart to be good. There is really too much slick to digest, and many elements are overdone. Director Sanjay Gadhvi does a fine job, but his previous two efforts were better. This movie doesn’t come across as his movie, any other director with the starcast and budget would have made the same movie, and who knows, maybe even better! There is no real “direction” in this movie, and this is precisely what the movie lacks. It goes haywire trying to add every masala ingredient, out of which, only some work.

There are far too many Hollywood inspirations to count, so I would not go into all that. So for those of you who follow Hollywood closely, Hrithik is your sole reason for watching this movie. Even Aish pales in comparison.

To sum up my thoughts, I would recommend watching this once, just for Hrithik. Other than that, Namibia and Brazil are beautiful, and Uday makes you laugh. The rest of it is all been there, seen that. Expected much more from this, and I am disappointed!

Indian Cricket - Wake Up You Sleepy Zeroes!

Devesh — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:55:34 +0000

Yeah, you heard me right, ZEROES, and I am referring in unequivocal terms to the GREAT Indian cricket TEAM (for lack of a better word), though it is anything but a team at the moment. (well, if a bunch of losers form a team sure we have the best TEAM in this world)

Indian cricket has arguably sunk to its lowest level in recent times. There have been debacles galore, and little to cheer for the fans! Personally, I don’t follow it anymore, except the final scores. And today’s score of 91 all out in 30 overs flat chasing 250 odd just reaffirms my FAITH in our team turning into a bunch of jokers. Well, the real blame must be put on our GREAT WISE HONORABLE selectors and the greatest of them all BCCI. BCCI, or Bunch of Chimpanzees Commercially Inclined, has forgot cricket in all its politics, and I am sure it is going to continue doing that. They don’t care a damn, as long as they keep getting richer, after all MR SP has to fund his political party too!

And how can we forget the BEST coach Mr. *****, who is not even worth a CHAPPAL! I fail to understand why do we have to choose foreign coaches despite having some of the greatest players in our country. Oh, its again the BCCI at its best. It has the sole right to choose the coach, and since a foreigner is out of the political games that Indian coaches might have to be part of, voila, they choose a foreign coach! Simple and effective political solution. But what’s worth pondering here is that is money inclination enough to coach a foreign team for an individual? I believe one needs to have patriotic motivations and nationalistic fervor apart from the technical finesse to become a coach. And how can a foreigner have that? He just cant have the passion that an Indian has! Someone who shows his middle finger to disappointed fans cant coach the national team for heaven’s sake!

The less said about the players the better! You cant really blame them, though I must say Dravid’s form is on a decline, and the team composition is just pathetic! Yuvraj is being sorely missed, and I might add, bravely, that Ganguly can be some kind of a solution to the current misery. Get out of your politics and look at the national picture folks! If all your “CHOSEN ONES” fall like nine pins, why not try someone who is expected to fall anyway? At least you would have tried your best! Who knows what the Bengal Passion might do to the lack of passion of the current team!

And don’t think one win can change my stance! These emotions have been there, burning deep inside, and all my ignorance could not prevent me from venting them finally. Please vent your emotions too friends!

The views expressed here are the writer’s personal opinion and they are not intended to be derogatory to anyone whosoever.

Box Office - 10 - 16 Nov

Devesh — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 17:06:14 +0000

Three new movies released this week, Vivah, Deadline and Apna Sapna Money Money. Among the three, ASMM took the cake, while Vivah was an unexpected success. Obviously in terms of money, Vivah grossed less than ASMM, since it had about one-third of the prints ASMM had. The third release, Deadline, despite being a good film, and garnering good reviews, got sandwiched between Vivah and ASMM. While Vivah looks set to gross more in its second week and than the first week, ASMM will expectedly drop.

Dhoom 2 is releasing on 24th, and is sure to fetch the best opening numbers of the year!

1 Apna Sapna Money Money - 8.5 Crores
2 Vivah - 5 Crores
3 Don - 47.5 Crores (3 crores this week)(4th week)
4 Umrao Jaan - 7.2 crores (1 Crores this week, this ones a disaster) (2nd week)
5 Jaan-E-Mann - 26.15 crores (1 crores this week, got clobbered by DON)
6 Lage Raho Munnabhai - Awesome, manages 3.5 million in 11th week!
7 Deadline - 2.2 million

Vivah Music

Devesh — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:06:09 +0000

After watching Vivah, I have really started liking its music. Well, not completely, but there are three songs which have really grown on me. In my opinion, these three songs are one of the purest I have heard this year in terms of originality of music, melody, and the innocence of the lyrics. And the best part, it is heavily Indian, with no western arrangements, rather traditionsl Indian instruments, like Tabla, Santoor, Shahnai.

The first one to strike me is Mujhe Haq Hai. A song about two lovers, destined to be together forever, meeting on the terrace at night, hiding from their families. Trying to steal some precious moments from time, before the guy departs the next day. There are myriad desires going through their young and excited hearts, and at the same time they have to control themselves! The song deftly portrays the entire gamut of emotions going through two hearts, which are madly in love, yet shy, and at the same time excited and afraid! The setting of rooftop is just perfect, with flowers all round, and the romantic moonlight to accompany them. Its a dream setting for everyone who has experienced love. Just listen to it a couple of times, or more, and you will fall in love with love itself!

Sung beautifully and sensuously by Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghosal

Here is it:

The second one is Do Anjane Ajnabi. This is a song about two people seeing each other for the first time, trying to steal that furtive glance, while being surrounded by everyone. The song plays in the background, and the future lovers try their best to observe each other, while pretending oblivious to each other’s presence! It might appear silly and funny to some, but to most people mushy at heart, its a treat to watch, and that includes myself! The song ambles on gleefully, and after 2-3 hearings it has marched into your heart. The beauty of the song is that even though it plays in the background, it grabs your attention, and the first thing I did after watching the movie was listen to this song!

Sung extremely well by Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghosal

Here is it:

The final one is Milan Abhi Adha Adhoora Hai, which captures the theme of the movie. It actually is the theme song! It conveys the essence and purpose of the movie in the most beautiful manner. The basic premise of the movie is the journey is from engagement to marriage, and the song is about togetherness of two souls. It says that the Milan (coming together) is not yet complete (Adhoora), it is just partially over (Adha). The journey is half done, the destination is yet to be reached. This song is racy compared to the previous two, yet is subtle and melodic. No heavy beats, no excess bass and groove, just pure Indian melody! Imagine these words: somethings have been said, some are still unsaid. drops have fallen, rain is yet to pour. Simple yet amazing!

Sung once again by the same duo as above.They simply rock in this album!!

Here is it:

Three cheers for the music director Ravindra Jain, and director Suraj Barjatya!

PS: I have just heard the music of Kabul Express, and it is fabulous!!

Tere Bina - Guru Song

Devesh — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:22:22 +0000

Well, I just couldnt stop myself from posting this awesome piece. If you like it, go and buy the CD. Use this as a sample to judge the album.

Guru - Music Review

Devesh — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:18:31 +0000

Mani Ratnam is back after Yuva, along with A.R. Rehman and Abhishek Bachchan. And this time, we have Aishwarya, Madhavan, and Mithun added in the mix too. A most awaited movie, the music was also most awaited. Does it match up to ARR/Mani Ratnam standards? Read this short peice to find out.

The album opens with Barso Re, another song about rain by ARR, sung very well by Shreya Ghosal. There is a singature “nanna re nanna re”, which is addictive, but sounds like you heard it somewhere. It is vintage ARR song, in the league of his other rain songs, like the one from Lagaan. It grown on you with time. Nice opening to the album.

Tere Bina, sung by ARR is in one word, fabulous. It is a classic, probably beating his tunes in RDB. This is ARR at his best, both at vocals and melody, and great lyrics by Gulzar Saab. Again there is a signature tune, “dam dara dam dara mast mast”, which you keep humming for long. The female voice supporting ARR is sweeter than sugar!

I remember its a mini review, but I had to explain the two best songs in the album!

I am onto the third song, Ek lo Ek muft, sung extremely aptly by Bappi Lahiri. Its a “lafanga, drunk” song, which brings a smile to your face, and makes you “jhoomofy” like a drunk. Typical earthy song, with “desi” beats. Sample the words “Babu Bhai Pranam, Raju Bhai Salaam, Kanta Ben Ramram”. Great variety here in the album.

Mayya, the next song, is unlike any other song you have heard in Guru so far, it is in the league of the dark item songs. I noticed an interlude from Asoka here, which also ends the song! Looks like Mallika Sherawat will be making this song memorable. The song is likeable, but not in the league of the previous three. It is more in the league of Khalbali.

And what a great song to follow the average Mayya. Aye Hairathe, sung by Hariharan and Alka Yagnik, is another masterpiece in every sense of the word. The song begins with the Tere Bina tunes, and is interspersed with the siganture line from that song “dum dara dum dara”. Great earthy classical melody, and the 2nd best song in the album.

Baazi Laga, is a situational song to celebrate money and hard work. This one has the same tempo and feel as Chori Pe Chori from Sathiya, and is enjoyable. It will surely be best viewed in the movie. A fast paced song, well sung and arranged.

Which brings us to the last song in the album, Jaage Hain. It is a minimum arrangements song, more of a theme music, sombre, soothing and melodious. ARR comes in the middle of the song, beginnning at a low pitch and dark voice, and then elevates the proceedings. Must mention the lyrics here, just amazing. The most fitting way to end a great album.

So, to sum up, except Mayya, all the songs are praiseworthy, and different from each other. I would be tempted to say this is better than Rang De Basanti. All the songs complement the main theme and setting of the movie, and you can actually imagine where the song would be palced in the movie.

Buy this CD folks, its one helluva score. And to entice you even further, it inlcludes 5 great Rahman hits from his previous films.

Casino Royale - Short Movie Review

Devesh — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 22:20:07 +0000

This is the first time I am attempting a concise review of an English film, so give me some room here fellas!

I havent watched the earlier Casino Royale, and so I cant make any comparisons here. This one though, rocks!

A fairly simple plot is complemented beautifully by a great screenplay, and great performances. But what really impressed me was the very “UnBondish” action. Yes my friends, the raw, intense, and awe-inspiring action scenes are used deftly to forward the plot, and there are hardly any SFX. There are no out of this world gadgets, no real vamps tricking Bond into some situation, or a hi-fi car working more than any other weapon. There is the gorgeus Aston Martin DB5 though, but its life is pretty short!

So this time around, our great double ‘0′ is trying to bust the terrorist funding business in post 9/11 era. This basic plot comes alive with various elements like manipulating shares, using terrorist money to make money to make money for oneself, while at the same time making their finance available to them anywhere.

There movie grips you in the initial 15 minutes itself, with probably one of the longest chase scenes in recent times. You have got to see it to beleive, it is jsut amazing. There are clever dialogues all over. Sample this: Bond tells the agency accountant, played by Eva Green “You are not my type”. She retorts “Smart?”, and Bond says “Single”.

Daniel Craig is amazing! He is more convincing then Pierce Brosnan in many ways. He has a great physique, tough brooding face, piercing eyes, and fantastic screen presence. He comes very close to Sir Sean Connery. A great new Bond is born my friends! Dame Judi Dench is convincing as usual, this time a bit more stricter, yet more funny. Eva Green looks a million bucks, and actualyl steals the show in many scenes. The “bloody tears” bad guy money launderer looks coolly evil.

The real winner here is the director Martin Campbell. Three cheers for him for showing us what Bond can do on his own, in the most realistic fashion possible for any James Bond 007. The track during opening credits is a pleasant departure from the usual stuff. Cinematography and editing are crisp, complementing the film very well. Not once during the 2:30 length you feel bored. You are constantly on the edge of your seat.

So guys, go and watch this great popcorn flick, and kick in your comments!