Social NW sites like Facebook and G+ are changing the future of blogging. I used to blog & send sms reviews till recently. Now FB is a defacto blog of sorts for me. One day, it seems, FB will own my thoughts, map my mind because much content nowadays is self-published thus. At another level, journos and writers shy away from FB because it doesn't "pay". I am happy to be a FB journalist as unlike Naipaul, I follow "other" careers. Interesting times - Blog is dead. Long live blogging thru FB etc.
October 13, 2011
Future of Blogging
Social NW sites like Facebook and G+ are changing the future of blogging. I used to blog & send sms reviews till recently. Now FB is a defacto blog of sorts for me. One day, it seems, FB will own my thoughts, map my mind because much content nowadays is self-published thus. At another level, journos and writers shy away from FB because it doesn't "pay". I am happy to be a FB journalist as unlike Naipaul, I follow "other" careers. Interesting times - Blog is dead. Long live blogging thru FB etc.
On Anna
Those who express solidarity with Anna by lighting candles/taking morcha - wouldn't hesitate to bribe policema/jump signals. There's a difference between "circle of concern" and "circle of influence". As TTR said, lighting a candle/shouting on TV are "circle of concern" acts. Circle of Influence - take a stand not to pay bribes - either Sub-inspector or Sub-Registrar. We need circles of influence - not symbolic acts of circles of concern. Its all about self-integrity - Anna or No Anna.
On Shammi Kapoor
Even to my parents who are only now barely checking emails, original Yahoo voice Shammi Kapoor was a rage. Whichever way you look at, Shammi is a darling character who will inspire many people. When there was no online world, his movies showcased Kashmir to the world. Go, travel and sing and rock and roll! And he did this when he faced an identity crisis - superstar elder brother, and Dev and Dilip. He proved that if you are original and true to your self, the world will notice you. Even going past his prime when angry young men, disco dancers and forlorn lover superstars dominated the silver screen, Shammi stayed current playing unobstrusive character roles - fathering reigning and emerging stars. Then Yahoo! came again - embracing technology to beat loneliness - and giving superstars like Aamir Khan - a lucky reason to release audios. He would have been eighty this October - but still he stayed current till the last. Even the electric chair he used to move around in the last months of his life, he got it online it seems. What message of courage, positivity, inspired living, unique personality and staying alive till you wither away. Off to another planet - Shammi will find his next act soon.
"Kandireega"
"Kandireega" is high-voltage drama of non-stop comedy from debut Director Santosh resembling "Dhee" and "Ready". Despite bizarre twists and often subhuman violence stylised as stunts, its a clean family fare. Hero Ram who apes Prince and Powerstar carries the film on his shoulders well. Sonu Sood can settle as a 6-pack comi-villain in Tollywood. Thaman's hit music, Director's dialogues and deft script makes this entertaining even if unoriginal. Longer by 20 mins.
"Dhada"
"Dhada" means terror/shiver in Telugu. It stars lucky heroine Kajal and effeminate turned he-man Naga Chaitanya. DSP scores music. Brahmanandam,Ali, Venu and all tagheur watch villains. An IIM alumni debuts as director with stylish screenplay, class and grand locations in US. What a waste though - story, dialogues, characterisation disappoint you. All this colossal failure of content will misfire on producer Sivaprasad Reddy whose networth is dedicated to Nag family. Unworthy.
Reason to buy Stocks?
There has never been a good reason to buy stocks since 1875 when BSE was formed. There has never been a good reason to buy stocks when Sensex base = 100 in 1986. Bofors and Billion scams later, million mutinies later, hundreds of double-decker depressions later, multi-polar world now and India today still dont see a good reason to buy Stocks at Sensex 17000. Wish somebody told difference between a stock and a bond in Xth class syllabus.
"Sega"
"Sega" means flames in Telugu. We expected the screen on fire because it is Nitya Menen and Naani. Instead, quite depressing movie full of slumdog squalor, sex-worker woes, drugs, death and revenge. Joshua Sridhar's music only relief. Dir Anjana made it in 6 reels - 2 hrs. Even that appeared too long. Wanted to walk out at interval but 2 jumbo popcorn buckets consumed held us down - not the movie.
July 24, 2011
Zindagi Na Milegi Dubaara - Movie Review
"Zindagi NaMilegi Dubara" is uber cool with rich subtexts - 3 friends roadmap into Spain for bachelor's party and find their mojo through conversations that change their views of life- Not new places but new eyes, not dejavu but new experiences. Zoya Akhtar's direction, Javed's poetry, Farhan's growing screen presence, Hritik Roshan and Abhay Deol's quibbles, Katrina's GQ,Shankar E Loy's music - all enchant. Lovely.
On Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in and Google+ - Views by Prof.Sree
I keep making shorthand notes of almost every lecture I listen to. Here's a summary of Prof.Sree Sreenivasan's talk at Manthan last week, point-wise. My own twitter id is @onlysridhar.Thought I will share with a wider audience before the next Manthan: • Facebook, twitter and other social media are increasingly used to impact social changes and bring revolutions as examples of Egypt, Syria, Libya prove.
• Facebook now has 750million users and is the third-most populous “country” in the world.
• India is 4th in FB usage next to US, Indonesia and maybe UK.
• The reason Indonesia is ahead of India is because politicians, bureaucrats and influential members of the society there have been early adapters of FB leading to a spectacular rise in following.
• In India, Mumbai and Bengaluru rule the roost and Hyderabad has yet to catch up big-time.
• It means Hyderabadis are not spending time online so much despite the fact that the India headquarters of FB is in Hyderabad.
• Twitter has about 100 million users although active users could be less than 50 million.
• Twitter’s founders also may not have had an idea about the unleashing of its potential.
• Every day about 200 million tweets are put out on twitter by its users worldwide.
• In order to document the social commentary that happens on twitter every second through its tweets, the Library of US Congress – the largest library in the world – now creates an archive of every tweet out of twitter users worldwide. This is done to serve as an archaeological reference for future generations of how generations of today think, feel and react. It will serve the same historical relevance as relics of the past from places such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro serve up now and then.
• The funny thing with social media such as Facebook is that productivity goes down as more and more folks spend time on these sites. You plan to use for 23 mins, you end up spending 23 hrs. You plan for 10 mins, you use up 10 hrs. It will be a challenge to maintain a balance between online networking and your work-life balance.
• There are social and family pressures building up because of this obsession with FB and other sites. But the damages are mostly self-created; you have to find that balance between online and offline mode.
• Even though you have more friends online, it doesn’t mean you should not maintain personal touch with your friends outside of online social media. Never lose touch with physical world.
• What is good about FB and others is that the feedback is instant and immediate.
• However, we have to realize that 99 per cent of the stuff that’s put on your walls never gets read really.
• Linked in is another site that’s growing for serious-minded people. Linked-in maps is the latest sensation which helps you manage your career, not just talk about it.
• Google + has come at a time when FB has monopoly and promises to address the privacy issues and puts your social circuits in compartmentalized circles. It will be difficult to dislodge FB with just 10 million users so far. But Google+ made two unsuccessful attempts with buzz and orkut earlier and will not easily give up.
• There are many sites which track what are called private conversations between folks on FB. For example, “What the Facebook” is one such site which gives exactly what you want to search on FB. You can search for “women who are shaving the legs”. And it will search for all the women who talked about “shaving their legs”. It will do a live search of live searches.
• How does one become socially more influential and enhance one’s social image?
• Sree offers some tips. You may find some on FB- @sreetips or on twitter @sree.
• Some tips are commonsense-driven: Make your posts subscribe to any of these attributes:
• Useful.Helpful.Relevant.Timely.Credible. Entertaining.Occasionally funny. Informative. Crisp. Insightful.
• If you have any of these attributes while you post, your posts will be well-read.
• Facebook now has 750million users and is the third-most populous “country” in the world.
• India is 4th in FB usage next to US, Indonesia and maybe UK.
• The reason Indonesia is ahead of India is because politicians, bureaucrats and influential members of the society there have been early adapters of FB leading to a spectacular rise in following.
• In India, Mumbai and Bengaluru rule the roost and Hyderabad has yet to catch up big-time.
• It means Hyderabadis are not spending time online so much despite the fact that the India headquarters of FB is in Hyderabad.
• Twitter has about 100 million users although active users could be less than 50 million.
• Twitter’s founders also may not have had an idea about the unleashing of its potential.
• Every day about 200 million tweets are put out on twitter by its users worldwide.
• In order to document the social commentary that happens on twitter every second through its tweets, the Library of US Congress – the largest library in the world – now creates an archive of every tweet out of twitter users worldwide. This is done to serve as an archaeological reference for future generations of how generations of today think, feel and react. It will serve the same historical relevance as relics of the past from places such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro serve up now and then.
• The funny thing with social media such as Facebook is that productivity goes down as more and more folks spend time on these sites. You plan to use for 23 mins, you end up spending 23 hrs. You plan for 10 mins, you use up 10 hrs. It will be a challenge to maintain a balance between online networking and your work-life balance.
• There are social and family pressures building up because of this obsession with FB and other sites. But the damages are mostly self-created; you have to find that balance between online and offline mode.
• Even though you have more friends online, it doesn’t mean you should not maintain personal touch with your friends outside of online social media. Never lose touch with physical world.
• What is good about FB and others is that the feedback is instant and immediate.
• However, we have to realize that 99 per cent of the stuff that’s put on your walls never gets read really.
• Linked in is another site that’s growing for serious-minded people. Linked-in maps is the latest sensation which helps you manage your career, not just talk about it.
• Google + has come at a time when FB has monopoly and promises to address the privacy issues and puts your social circuits in compartmentalized circles. It will be difficult to dislodge FB with just 10 million users so far. But Google+ made two unsuccessful attempts with buzz and orkut earlier and will not easily give up.
• There are many sites which track what are called private conversations between folks on FB. For example, “What the Facebook” is one such site which gives exactly what you want to search on FB. You can search for “women who are shaving the legs”. And it will search for all the women who talked about “shaving their legs”. It will do a live search of live searches.
• How does one become socially more influential and enhance one’s social image?
• Sree offers some tips. You may find some on FB- @sreetips or on twitter @sree.
• Some tips are commonsense-driven: Make your posts subscribe to any of these attributes:
• Useful.Helpful.Relevant.Timely.Credible. Entertaining.Occasionally funny. Informative. Crisp. Insightful.
• If you have any of these attributes while you post, your posts will be well-read.
"Singham" Movie Review: Hindi
Singham" starring Ajay Devgn sizzles like Tamil original ('Yamudu' in Telugu). Golmaal" dir Rohit Shetty embellishes this conceptual blockbuster with desi Goa-Maha flavor, good music and maxes up the output with rocking performances by Prakashraj, Ajay and stage artists. You can die of comedy created by Prakashraj. Kajal, not Kajol, gets cute debut. Another South plot gives lifeline to ageing six-pack Heroes. Watchable.
The Artist of Disappearance - New book by Anita Desai
Anita Desai is back with a new book-"The Artist of Disappearance" after seven year itch. This one is a lovely read- three novellas, one like a Ruskin 8ond memoir of an artist in making, one on a translator and one a travelogue. Delightful as ever and you will swallow it between dusk and dinner.
"Naanna" Movie Review
Naanna" is mesmerising with straight narration & crisp story-telling by Dir Vijay. No stunts, no items, no sleaze. Surprise, fully-clothed Anushka, mentally-challenged Vikram, angel-like baby Sara. Great performances by All. Comedian Santhanam draws out loudest laughs. 2nd half has few flaws in court scenes, though intriguing. GVPrakash scores good music. Dir hits it clear-You dont need IQ to bring up a child.
July 15, 2011
Afternoon Newspapers in Hyderabad
I always used to wonder after seeing those 125 page editions of foreign newspapers like FT, NYT and Times, London whether Indians will get enough to read in a day. Same is the feeling I used to get on picking copies of afternoon papers in Mumbai - like Mirror and Afternoon Despatch. When will Hyderabadis get quality reading material for the evening? Hyderabadis are not known for their readerly interests but entrpreneurs never give up if they get cheaper newsprint, good news editors and sassy connections. Hyderabad's evening newspaper, first in many years - "Post-Noon" paper arrived slightly after noon today . "Post-noon" looks meatier at 32 pages, full of gloss on everything under the sun. Far better than "Citizen's Evening". Remember that paper used to wrap tennis shoes and knitwear and made to look as if it was printed on blotting paper with handmade fonts? Postnoon has attempted more eclectic mix on day 1 from topics ranging from jaywalking to IT cos temping to AK Khan profile to why John Abraham doesnt dance at weddings. Its got all the snooze on Katie Holmes, Paris Hilton and some ho-hum news on upcoming movie releases and heroes. I have seen English newspapers come and go in Hyderabad and felt sorry many wound up sooner- "Newstime", "AP Times", "Asian Age" . A paper's stamina will be known after six months, atleast. I hope this paper lives long enough for citizens to read it on Hyd Metro trains on their way back from work. I still do not know why the earlier papers closed down because the content was quite pedgireed and hardly pedestrian. Atleast, nobody tried to do a "News of the World" misdeeds. Yet they closed down due to dwindling print runs and subscriber support and ads. But the ones that live on are those who chronicle the times of the city and amplify the megapolis' citizens' voices. They just don't map the GDP of the city but also its gross domestic happiness and unhappiness - thats why they are able to thrive. And they managged to get the pulse of the city-goer and make it more than a loo habit - some even atttempted to indoctrinate younger generation by selecting their paintings and doodles and dodo poetry. In this era of facebook and google+ and breaking-news, the editor of "post-noon" proclaims this will be an eveninger that will be more interactive and responsive and make the resident of Hyderabad a stakeholder in its development. I hope it lives to its promise half the time - and carries the spirit of indolence, fun, dignity and self-respect of a Hyderabadi after a day's work. Cheers and now over to the new morning daily tomorrow - The Hans India. As I see newsprint prices are going to be upbeat - they track the Canadian dollar which is doing better than the US Dollar that is likely to drop against India. As I said, the weekend is something to look forward to.
July 14, 2011
Who is the sick man of Europe?
Turkey has been called the "Sick Man of Europe". Right through Byzantine Rule and the Ottoman Empire reign, Turkey always wanted to belong to Europe, not Arab world. It is secular and shun Arabic script for the standard European letters. Its membership to EU is still pending and is one of the red-hot Emerging Markets. It may have the last laugh as the rest of the Europe compete with one another in "sickness".
July 5, 2011
BBuddha Hoga Teraa Baap
"BBuddha Hoga Tera Baap" (Hindi) is a light-hearted, slick film from Puri Jagannadh as a tribute to Sr.Bachan. He spares no effort in making capital out of every scene to project AB as the master of screen presence with oustanding one-liners. He ropes in half the Tollywood cast and tries to put sizzle back to ABCL and AB. Very Watchable.
Virodhi
"Virodhi" is an engaging film on the Naxal issue seen through the eyes of an honest journalist, earlier, a bystander to its core issues (just like all of us). Neelakantha directs a terrific screenplay with vivid performances by Ajay, Kamal Kamaraju, Srikanth and others. Well told without pontifications. SriSri song of "Akali Rajyam" repeat in the end - "Edi Needi, Edi Naadi, Edi Neeti, Edi Neti.." sums it up.
Vaadu Veedu
"Vaadu-Veedu" is mesmerising and entertaining film directed by Bala with a story set in village. He gets outstanding output from Aarya and Vishal - in the same way he did with Surya and Vikram in "Pithamagan". Concise Story-telling in its purest form and flawless characterisation (you will not forget even one character of 5 seconds)- Bala grips you every frame with metric tonnes of mass appeal dialogues
Badrinath
Badrinath" movie is one more of the silly season movies which tries to over-awe us with implausible plot, dizzy sets and Samurai stunts. Allu Arjun -the invincible warrior, protects Badrinath temple and serenades Tamanna (practically, top-less). In Devi 70mm, fans were debating whether they should mount a 150 kg flower gardland on their hero's cut-out after night show. That said it all. Ram Charan can relax.
Tollywood Vs. Bollywood
I would have consumed about 3500 Tollywood movies since childhood. That speaks why I get so imbecile sometimes. Here's a snapshot on what I feel is right comparison with Bollywood - the o- nly other film industry which we should look shoulder-to-shoulder. I am a big,fat,overgrown kid embracing Tollywood cinema and have no hesitation in extolling Tollywood till the cows come home. Here's my version of why Tollywood scores over Bollywood. 1.Tollywood makes more films than Bollywood.
2.Tollywood is a confluence of best practices of South from Kollywood, Malayalam and Kannada industries.
3. The percentage of non-Telugus watching Telugu movies has increased dramatically.
4.There was a time Tollywood used to copy Bollywood plots - the trend has reversed in last decade.
5. Tollywood has exported more Directors (K Raghavendra Rao, K Vishwanath, Bapu, Puri Jagannadh, K Murli Mohan Rao, Tatineni Rama Rao, Ramgopla Varma, EVV Satyanarayana etc.), more producers (DRamanaidu, Allu Arvind,RGV, etc.), more heroines, few heroes, singers, many character actors than any. Now it has exported musical talent which should tell how Telugu tunes are such a hit – MM Kreem, Devi Sri Prasad besides Kollywood legends like Ilaya Raja and AR Rehman whose global appeal grew because of the germination of Tollywood plots. The best technicians in the country could be working for Tollywood at some time.
6. More comedy fares that have come in the last twenty years are all re-hashed versions of some Tollywood Plot.
7. The turnaround times of Tollywood films beat anybody in the world- because of tighter controls imposed by Studios, production values, daily shooting costs, remuneration (which sometimes is getting out-of-hand because of Star tantrums), scripting and storyboard details – you have movies made in 3 days and in 30 days also. The work culture amongst Tollywood is amongst the best – only one Technicians’s strike in the last 25 years should speak volumes about that. Efficiency and vitality is a hallmark of Tollywood. It still encourages and attracts new talent –in production, technical and acting departments
8. The interplay amongst best talent’s induction in Tollywood is a known facet – Hariprasad Chaurasia scoring music solo, Sivamani’s introduction first in Telugu film, Rehman’s initial learnings crystallized by Tollywood’s music directors, Best graphics done in Tollywood films right from “Maaya bazaar” films.
9. Today’s top twitterati – Big B, Sallu, Aamir, Shahrukh, RGV, Hrithik, etc. all follow Tollywood plots and releases – there is top vying for marking lien on successful Telugu films.
10. Despite the extraordinary harvest of talent in Tollywood which comes from gritty producers, honest actors and passionate technicians from directors to script-writers to fight-masters and music directors and singers who push themselves – the volume is only now growing. This still can’t beat Bollywood because of the hype but if some aspects are taken care of - you have a winning formula for PE Investors as well.
11. Afterall, unlike Bollywood, Tollywood has never seen any unholy nexus between the mafia and film fraternity. There are only recent rumours about drug-trafficking but still is a far cry from other industries. Unlike Kollywood where few producers call the shots, Tollywood is still relatively better than other film industries – though one can say it is also oligopolistic.
12. Funds like Cinema capital, Banks like IDBI, ING Vysya, UCO Bank, IndusInd Bank, and players like Walt Disney, UTV Software have entered distribution and production in Tollywood indicating the growing size
13. In content from mythological enactments to realistic portrayals, Tollywood is where people turn for inspiration – the idea is originated here although full potential is not encashed here.
14. The number of studios, media houses, animation companies, recording studios, and the stream of technicians who work grueling schedules here alongwith a continuous re-tooling of inter-generational talent bank amongst the top families of Tollywood augurs well for the industry.
15. More non-Telugus in India and Diaspora outside India now watch Telugu films despite their limited-class appeal and non-serious content – and circulate the itunes and pirate the content because of the sheer quality.
2.Tollywood is a confluence of best practices of South from Kollywood, Malayalam and Kannada industries.
3. The percentage of non-Telugus watching Telugu movies has increased dramatically.
4.There was a time Tollywood used to copy Bollywood plots - the trend has reversed in last decade.
5. Tollywood has exported more Directors (K Raghavendra Rao, K Vishwanath, Bapu, Puri Jagannadh, K Murli Mohan Rao, Tatineni Rama Rao, Ramgopla Varma, EVV Satyanarayana etc.), more producers (DRamanaidu, Allu Arvind,RGV, etc.), more heroines, few heroes, singers, many character actors than any. Now it has exported musical talent which should tell how Telugu tunes are such a hit – MM Kreem, Devi Sri Prasad besides Kollywood legends like Ilaya Raja and AR Rehman whose global appeal grew because of the germination of Tollywood plots. The best technicians in the country could be working for Tollywood at some time.
6. More comedy fares that have come in the last twenty years are all re-hashed versions of some Tollywood Plot.
7. The turnaround times of Tollywood films beat anybody in the world- because of tighter controls imposed by Studios, production values, daily shooting costs, remuneration (which sometimes is getting out-of-hand because of Star tantrums), scripting and storyboard details – you have movies made in 3 days and in 30 days also. The work culture amongst Tollywood is amongst the best – only one Technicians’s strike in the last 25 years should speak volumes about that. Efficiency and vitality is a hallmark of Tollywood. It still encourages and attracts new talent –in production, technical and acting departments
8. The interplay amongst best talent’s induction in Tollywood is a known facet – Hariprasad Chaurasia scoring music solo, Sivamani’s introduction first in Telugu film, Rehman’s initial learnings crystallized by Tollywood’s music directors, Best graphics done in Tollywood films right from “Maaya bazaar” films.
9. Today’s top twitterati – Big B, Sallu, Aamir, Shahrukh, RGV, Hrithik, etc. all follow Tollywood plots and releases – there is top vying for marking lien on successful Telugu films.
10. Despite the extraordinary harvest of talent in Tollywood which comes from gritty producers, honest actors and passionate technicians from directors to script-writers to fight-masters and music directors and singers who push themselves – the volume is only now growing. This still can’t beat Bollywood because of the hype but if some aspects are taken care of - you have a winning formula for PE Investors as well.
11. Afterall, unlike Bollywood, Tollywood has never seen any unholy nexus between the mafia and film fraternity. There are only recent rumours about drug-trafficking but still is a far cry from other industries. Unlike Kollywood where few producers call the shots, Tollywood is still relatively better than other film industries – though one can say it is also oligopolistic.
12. Funds like Cinema capital, Banks like IDBI, ING Vysya, UCO Bank, IndusInd Bank, and players like Walt Disney, UTV Software have entered distribution and production in Tollywood indicating the growing size
13. In content from mythological enactments to realistic portrayals, Tollywood is where people turn for inspiration – the idea is originated here although full potential is not encashed here.
14. The number of studios, media houses, animation companies, recording studios, and the stream of technicians who work grueling schedules here alongwith a continuous re-tooling of inter-generational talent bank amongst the top families of Tollywood augurs well for the industry.
15. More non-Telugus in India and Diaspora outside India now watch Telugu films despite their limited-class appeal and non-serious content – and circulate the itunes and pirate the content because of the sheer quality.
June 6, 2011
My visit to Nepal: View from India
Nepal may not be the most glamorous destination in Asia and doesn't have the edge in class even over Thailand let alone Singapore and Malaysia or the more picturesque Mauritius, Maldives or Seychelles. But there's something about the soul that beckons you and holds your awe. We went there sufficiently under-expecting and had taken with all plan Bs - no INR 500/Rs.1000 notes as they are banned in Nepal (because of fake currency scare), enough cash bundles stacked up closer to every body corners, no woollen clothing since the snows are melting and lightest clothing and some packaged food because you may not get vegetarian food.
Landing at Tribhovan Airport actually made us go back to India - the airport was that bad - unclean and ill-maintained - it looked like a cross between Rajahmundry Airport and Old Begumpet Airport to me - everything from carry handles to carousels was archaic - the lobby looked like some dingy old Annapurna Hotel reception area and the frisking and check-in counters were not well-equipped. But Indian tourists seem to be all over the place and there are good number of folks from SAARC countries, and trekkers from Australasia, Japan, and Europe. You then realise that you are in better company. There is great deal of respect for Indian tourists inside and outside Airport and it comes because Nepalis love most things Indian - they love Bollywood music, Indian Rupees, Indian films and Indian dresses and Indian tourists - because they are spending more and seem to tip well. I have never seen anywhere else a hawker's eyes light up over a Rs.100 note - not even in India @ 8.50 per cent Inflation rate.
As you step onto the roads, you realise its no different from Indian City roads with more pollution - smoke and honking- perhaps more chaotic with less flyovers and lesser public transportation - commuting is done mostly through taxis - Maruti 800's are the ubiquitous vehicles but there are the occasional Wagon-Rs and Santros. You get an idea that all the cars we moved out of in the last ten years are being re-used in Nepal. People are friendly to tourists despite a tendency to fleece - you have to haggle for every knick-knack you buy and talk down almost fifty per cent.
Nepal is responding to tremendous upheavals internally and externally with lot of courage and faith. Its now six years since the Royal feud happened and the Maoist government has driven out King and his suriving son to Nagarjun. The day we were in Kathmandu, right next to our hotel a few blocks away in the Parliament there were massive demonstrations on re-drafting of the new constitution - we were told that the government promised to give a new version in six months time. Maoists in Nepal unlike in India are quite open and transparent in their dealings - they contest politically and are trying to build bridges with public and business community. They are fighting the corridors of power with outcry and open agitations not through guerilla warfare as in India but they get plenty of support from China - they managed to stop Dalai Lama from visiting Buddha Lumbini - the birthplace of Buddha this year. The public is very stoic and dejected with the new ways of Maoist Government after the removal of the Royal Guard but seem to be quite patient and hopeful. Agriculture which used to be mainstay of Nepalis has now given away to Tourism. Nepal declared 2011 as the year of tourism and to win public symphathy the Maoists too have said they won't interfere with business or disrupt tourism flows - that makes this year one of the safest years to still visit Nepal - which has 8 of the 20 tallest mountain peaks of the world and has still the best scenic places on earth - Jumsum (resembles Kashmir), Pasupathi Nath temple (Shiva), Mukti Nath temple (Vishnu), Mana Kamna Temple (Shakti), Bodhnath Sanctuary, Pokhra (considered Nepal's honeymoon destination) and the peaks of Mt.Everest, Gowrishankar, Annapurna Devi which see huge trekkers' interest.
Even if you are not a trekker like me, Nepal will make you walk even if you see few places that require more than a walk through the clouds. One unforgettable experience is the mountain plane trip through the peaks of Mount Everest - at 25,000 feet above the world's highest landmass - you don't get more nostalgic and euphoric with an experience that cost less than a hundred-dollars.
But coming back to the economy a bit more, it looks Nepal is getting the benefits of globalisation and tourism - last year, Nepal received about $760 Million in remittances (nowhere compares to India's $50 Billion plus) and you will find many centres of coaching for GRE/GMAT/SAT. There are plenty of institutes offering English and foreign languages coaching and an even higher number of communication skill-development institutes - it apppeared that despite low literacy rates, Nepalese families are keen to send their wards to school. So thats a good sign.
Nepal has many sects within a pronounced caste system of the Hindus (who still form the majority @ 80 per cent) and Buddhists (mostly the Hinayana sect as seen in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Tibet and Singapore). There are more than 100 local dialects and depending on where you are from - you cannot make out the other language.
In Kathmandu and in Pokhra, it surprised me that shoppers are spoilt for choice on all the wares that are available in India and any other Southeast Asian country. You cannot miss out on the lovely Buddha statues in various postures and lovely pendants and exquisite handbags and paintaings. For those who love books, you get them at every nook and corner - almost one bookshop every fifteen "other" shops which is a surprise to me. One owner told me there is a good reading culture in Nepal - public libraries are well-thronged and the mountaineers also sell their books on their way to the peaks or descent down. Besides, most bookshops offer a unique facility - you can buy book and sell the same book at fifty percent of the original price. I thought I should henceforth buy books only in Nepal - besides one INR gets you One Nepali Rupee and Sixty Paise - that's 1.6 times more purchasing power. I didn't miss out buying my music either - Nepal has a very eclectic range of music - mountain music, Tibetan Buddhist music, world music, film music and western, classical and Indian music. Bijyoya Vaidya is one of the rock stars of Nepali music but even they listen to Ravi Shankar or Yanni or Indian legends as of Western composers. Music CDs - here is a tip- are available at throwaway prices - you can pick any CD for less than Rs.150 (INR). But books were a revelation - I found some enchanting books you don't get in Sunday bazaars in Hyderabad - that rare book of William Styron, that missing book of Pico Iyer or Amit Chaudhari or the rare banned book on the Gorkhas or the Karmapa or the more informed reportage on Nepal's political climate. In most streets when you shop, you can bike your way through motorbikes or bicycles charged per hour. Spirituality and materialism go hand in hand in Nepal but you won't find a synthetic culture here - the Nepalis have lived through so much tumult in the last ten years that nothing can dent their psyche further - many just eke out their living and want to put in an honest day's labor.
Food is quite good in Nepal not just for non-vegetarians as LoneyPlanet guide warned us. We found good food for vegans like us. You find plenty of jain, marwari, Indian restaurants and Chinese restaurants and must visit some exceptional mo-mo and other platter-rich cuisines - especially Nepalese and Thai cuisines. We found a restaurant that employs only deaf and dumb waiters and struggled to place orders in sign language. Playing Dumb Charades the previous day in transition to Pokhra helped a bit.
The public mood keeps swinging from despondency to realism and some optimism because the local economy is almost in shambles - so most people turn to tourism - there are others who are forced into drug-traffiking and sex-tourism and others who are "recruited" by the Maoist government to be infomers. There's great admiration for Indians in Nepal contrary to what the media projects outside - but somewhere I feel India is losing grip over Nepal - the momentum is with China now because of the Maoist Government. Massive Debt is being raised by the government with loans from IMF, China, Japan to build infrastructure for the country and the average debt is INR 15000 per capita today. The newspapers usually do not try to rabble-rouse but there seems to be a quality English and vernacular press that listens to what the people are saying. There are diversions for the people though - many folks work in India and China for low-skilled labor, that's what goes back as remittances and those that remain are happy to be bystanders to the passing parade of democracy. Others watch movies - Nepali movies are all about what can easily be done on screen that's why you have titles like " Himalaya" and "Sahasi" - sesi versions of Gladiator and Robin Hood. The fastest growing relligion in Nepal is Tibtan Buddhism and it was evidenced after a visit to Bodhnath Sanctuary. When oppression is rampant and the people have few outlets (many temples of Nepal have been closed down after the Royal Family massacre) and cultures are clashing, I expect Nepal to bounce back faster than the counterparts like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan or Sri Lanka but for that India must come forward and not allow China to infiltrate Nepal the way they did in Tibet - where the cultural identity of Tibet is lost to the world and Tibet is more of an idea than geography (and thank God that idea is buzzing in Dharmashala, California, Japan etc.
I do not know when Good times will return to Nepal - I definitely see green shoots of them in the eyes of the people, their undying optimism, their root-centeredness and the spirit of patient self-struggles, but I and my family had a wonderful time. And I think, Nepal is one of the places to see before you die. It connects you to your roots better than air-conditioned atmosphere cities.
Landing at Tribhovan Airport actually made us go back to India - the airport was that bad - unclean and ill-maintained - it looked like a cross between Rajahmundry Airport and Old Begumpet Airport to me - everything from carry handles to carousels was archaic - the lobby looked like some dingy old Annapurna Hotel reception area and the frisking and check-in counters were not well-equipped. But Indian tourists seem to be all over the place and there are good number of folks from SAARC countries, and trekkers from Australasia, Japan, and Europe. You then realise that you are in better company. There is great deal of respect for Indian tourists inside and outside Airport and it comes because Nepalis love most things Indian - they love Bollywood music, Indian Rupees, Indian films and Indian dresses and Indian tourists - because they are spending more and seem to tip well. I have never seen anywhere else a hawker's eyes light up over a Rs.100 note - not even in India @ 8.50 per cent Inflation rate.
As you step onto the roads, you realise its no different from Indian City roads with more pollution - smoke and honking- perhaps more chaotic with less flyovers and lesser public transportation - commuting is done mostly through taxis - Maruti 800's are the ubiquitous vehicles but there are the occasional Wagon-Rs and Santros. You get an idea that all the cars we moved out of in the last ten years are being re-used in Nepal. People are friendly to tourists despite a tendency to fleece - you have to haggle for every knick-knack you buy and talk down almost fifty per cent.
Nepal is responding to tremendous upheavals internally and externally with lot of courage and faith. Its now six years since the Royal feud happened and the Maoist government has driven out King and his suriving son to Nagarjun. The day we were in Kathmandu, right next to our hotel a few blocks away in the Parliament there were massive demonstrations on re-drafting of the new constitution - we were told that the government promised to give a new version in six months time. Maoists in Nepal unlike in India are quite open and transparent in their dealings - they contest politically and are trying to build bridges with public and business community. They are fighting the corridors of power with outcry and open agitations not through guerilla warfare as in India but they get plenty of support from China - they managed to stop Dalai Lama from visiting Buddha Lumbini - the birthplace of Buddha this year. The public is very stoic and dejected with the new ways of Maoist Government after the removal of the Royal Guard but seem to be quite patient and hopeful. Agriculture which used to be mainstay of Nepalis has now given away to Tourism. Nepal declared 2011 as the year of tourism and to win public symphathy the Maoists too have said they won't interfere with business or disrupt tourism flows - that makes this year one of the safest years to still visit Nepal - which has 8 of the 20 tallest mountain peaks of the world and has still the best scenic places on earth - Jumsum (resembles Kashmir), Pasupathi Nath temple (Shiva), Mukti Nath temple (Vishnu), Mana Kamna Temple (Shakti), Bodhnath Sanctuary, Pokhra (considered Nepal's honeymoon destination) and the peaks of Mt.Everest, Gowrishankar, Annapurna Devi which see huge trekkers' interest.
Even if you are not a trekker like me, Nepal will make you walk even if you see few places that require more than a walk through the clouds. One unforgettable experience is the mountain plane trip through the peaks of Mount Everest - at 25,000 feet above the world's highest landmass - you don't get more nostalgic and euphoric with an experience that cost less than a hundred-dollars.
But coming back to the economy a bit more, it looks Nepal is getting the benefits of globalisation and tourism - last year, Nepal received about $760 Million in remittances (nowhere compares to India's $50 Billion plus) and you will find many centres of coaching for GRE/GMAT/SAT. There are plenty of institutes offering English and foreign languages coaching and an even higher number of communication skill-development institutes - it apppeared that despite low literacy rates, Nepalese families are keen to send their wards to school. So thats a good sign.
Nepal has many sects within a pronounced caste system of the Hindus (who still form the majority @ 80 per cent) and Buddhists (mostly the Hinayana sect as seen in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Tibet and Singapore). There are more than 100 local dialects and depending on where you are from - you cannot make out the other language.
In Kathmandu and in Pokhra, it surprised me that shoppers are spoilt for choice on all the wares that are available in India and any other Southeast Asian country. You cannot miss out on the lovely Buddha statues in various postures and lovely pendants and exquisite handbags and paintaings. For those who love books, you get them at every nook and corner - almost one bookshop every fifteen "other" shops which is a surprise to me. One owner told me there is a good reading culture in Nepal - public libraries are well-thronged and the mountaineers also sell their books on their way to the peaks or descent down. Besides, most bookshops offer a unique facility - you can buy book and sell the same book at fifty percent of the original price. I thought I should henceforth buy books only in Nepal - besides one INR gets you One Nepali Rupee and Sixty Paise - that's 1.6 times more purchasing power. I didn't miss out buying my music either - Nepal has a very eclectic range of music - mountain music, Tibetan Buddhist music, world music, film music and western, classical and Indian music. Bijyoya Vaidya is one of the rock stars of Nepali music but even they listen to Ravi Shankar or Yanni or Indian legends as of Western composers. Music CDs - here is a tip- are available at throwaway prices - you can pick any CD for less than Rs.150 (INR). But books were a revelation - I found some enchanting books you don't get in Sunday bazaars in Hyderabad - that rare book of William Styron, that missing book of Pico Iyer or Amit Chaudhari or the rare banned book on the Gorkhas or the Karmapa or the more informed reportage on Nepal's political climate. In most streets when you shop, you can bike your way through motorbikes or bicycles charged per hour. Spirituality and materialism go hand in hand in Nepal but you won't find a synthetic culture here - the Nepalis have lived through so much tumult in the last ten years that nothing can dent their psyche further - many just eke out their living and want to put in an honest day's labor.
Food is quite good in Nepal not just for non-vegetarians as LoneyPlanet guide warned us. We found good food for vegans like us. You find plenty of jain, marwari, Indian restaurants and Chinese restaurants and must visit some exceptional mo-mo and other platter-rich cuisines - especially Nepalese and Thai cuisines. We found a restaurant that employs only deaf and dumb waiters and struggled to place orders in sign language. Playing Dumb Charades the previous day in transition to Pokhra helped a bit.
The public mood keeps swinging from despondency to realism and some optimism because the local economy is almost in shambles - so most people turn to tourism - there are others who are forced into drug-traffiking and sex-tourism and others who are "recruited" by the Maoist government to be infomers. There's great admiration for Indians in Nepal contrary to what the media projects outside - but somewhere I feel India is losing grip over Nepal - the momentum is with China now because of the Maoist Government. Massive Debt is being raised by the government with loans from IMF, China, Japan to build infrastructure for the country and the average debt is INR 15000 per capita today. The newspapers usually do not try to rabble-rouse but there seems to be a quality English and vernacular press that listens to what the people are saying. There are diversions for the people though - many folks work in India and China for low-skilled labor, that's what goes back as remittances and those that remain are happy to be bystanders to the passing parade of democracy. Others watch movies - Nepali movies are all about what can easily be done on screen that's why you have titles like " Himalaya" and "Sahasi" - sesi versions of Gladiator and Robin Hood. The fastest growing relligion in Nepal is Tibtan Buddhism and it was evidenced after a visit to Bodhnath Sanctuary. When oppression is rampant and the people have few outlets (many temples of Nepal have been closed down after the Royal Family massacre) and cultures are clashing, I expect Nepal to bounce back faster than the counterparts like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan or Sri Lanka but for that India must come forward and not allow China to infiltrate Nepal the way they did in Tibet - where the cultural identity of Tibet is lost to the world and Tibet is more of an idea than geography (and thank God that idea is buzzing in Dharmashala, California, Japan etc.
I do not know when Good times will return to Nepal - I definitely see green shoots of them in the eyes of the people, their undying optimism, their root-centeredness and the spirit of patient self-struggles, but I and my family had a wonderful time. And I think, Nepal is one of the places to see before you die. It connects you to your roots better than air-conditioned atmosphere cities.
April 24, 2011
To Sai Baba with Love
Puttaparthi Sai Baba's distinction is unique in the annals of World Spirituality and manifold. I visited him only once in 1999 at Puttaparthi and never was driven to his "ism" or any "ism" as Gurudom of any any kind is anathema to me. But what distinguishes H.H from others is that the meteoric rise of his devotees including Sachin and Laxman and PN Bhagawati and Abdul Kalaam and his flagship activities in Healthcare, Education, Irrigation, Research and Development are worth emulation -may not be rivalled by many religious bodies in the world. No wonder, His teachings primarily based on love and service to mankind find devout followers in Chrisitianity-laden Italy, Buddhist Lanka, Communist China and Agnostic Russia, Islamist Egypt and Saudi Arabia and his works of wisdom are translated into more languages than you can relate to - Lilthuanian, Mandarin - and they are not exactly Greek and Latin to many.
I know many families who named their sons and daughters not after Gods's names but after Sai - and it could be middle name, first name or named after Prashanthi Nilayam. I always believed that the glory of Shirdi Sai Baba rose after his samadhi, but the glory of Puttaparthi Sai Baba rose during his own lifetime - its too magnificent by God's own standards. Yes, there may be many conspiracy theories about Sai Baba about paedophilia and homosexuality but these smear campaigns are outweighed by the legacy of his broader work and the continued inspiration he provided to many modern-day Scientific paragons and Cricket Geniuses and Judges and heads of state, many of them attribute their late turnaround to the blessings of Baba. The real tribute to this Sai Baba is if governments and devotees don't run the spirt of developmental and uplifting activities to the ground. But expect a groundswell of faith.
Rationalists will find it hard to believe some Godmen like Puttaparthi Sai Baba or Godwomen like Mother Theresa because the latter's sleight of hand miracles out-attracts their vast body of works in service for humanity - but there where there is creation, there is a creator and where there is a creator there are many of His creations. This Sai Baba too had justified and embellished the holy name of Shirdi Sai Baba by his rich legacy of mottos he lived by. Its difficult to expect a third Sai Baba in this age of delusion and disbelief who can surface again to hold a candle to that kind of God-stardom and Divinity
I know many families who named their sons and daughters not after Gods's names but after Sai - and it could be middle name, first name or named after Prashanthi Nilayam. I always believed that the glory of Shirdi Sai Baba rose after his samadhi, but the glory of Puttaparthi Sai Baba rose during his own lifetime - its too magnificent by God's own standards. Yes, there may be many conspiracy theories about Sai Baba about paedophilia and homosexuality but these smear campaigns are outweighed by the legacy of his broader work and the continued inspiration he provided to many modern-day Scientific paragons and Cricket Geniuses and Judges and heads of state, many of them attribute their late turnaround to the blessings of Baba. The real tribute to this Sai Baba is if governments and devotees don't run the spirt of developmental and uplifting activities to the ground. But expect a groundswell of faith.
Rationalists will find it hard to believe some Godmen like Puttaparthi Sai Baba or Godwomen like Mother Theresa because the latter's sleight of hand miracles out-attracts their vast body of works in service for humanity - but there where there is creation, there is a creator and where there is a creator there are many of His creations. This Sai Baba too had justified and embellished the holy name of Shirdi Sai Baba by his rich legacy of mottos he lived by. Its difficult to expect a third Sai Baba in this age of delusion and disbelief who can surface again to hold a candle to that kind of God-stardom and Divinity
April 23, 2011
"Mr Perfect" - Movie Review
Mr Perfect - is a light-hearted family entertainer starring Prabhas, Kajal Agarwal and Tapsi from the makers of "Bommarillu". Director Dasarath gives a delicately-poised and cute love story on today's love dilemmas of the young on what is compatibility and all that. It reminds you of the earlier film - "Santosham" and the plot carries you to the end in a breezy fashion. Dil Raju ensures that Prabhas - the action hero - plays second fiddle to Prabhas - the romantic, do-gooder, endearing hero loved by masses and classes. Kajal gets better scope for performance and stands out. Dialogues by Abburi Ravi are effective and classy - and go straight to the heart. Music by Devi Sri Prasad is average but not outstanding. Great film to watch with family.
"Dum Maaro Dum" Movie Review
The beauty with Ramesh Sippy Entertainment - who gave us hits like "Sholay" and "Bluffmaster" is they turn in quite an effort from storyline to dialogues to immaculate execution which lights up the screen. Screenplay to action scenes, characterisation to BGM score, "Dum Maaro Dum" deserves hurray for Rohan Sippy whose passion for everything filmy outmatches that of his father. He ropes in Shridhar Raghavan for a plausible Goa-drug-mafia story and crispy dialogues, Preetam for music, whoever for brilliant camerawork and a brilliant starcast - Abhishek Bachan, Aditya Pancholi, Bipasha, Prateik Babbar, and Rana Daggubati. All of them sizzle except item girl Deepika Padukone- you can catch her better in Kingfisher calendar. And just when you think this Adults movie ends where it should end - there's a twist. Rana D gets meaty role and can eke out more roles in Bollywood while Prateik is the soul of the film. Watchable.
"Teen Maar" Movie Review
A film by Remake Guru - Jayant Paranjape to resurrect another hit for Pawan Kalyan after "Jalsa". This time he remakes "Love Aaj Kal" gets in the peppy Trisha and makes Pawan give a wow performance in dual role - one as Michael Velayudham and Arjun Palai. Pawan gives a blistering performance and gets a chance to showcase his individualistic acting which may sound blasphemous to Acting Coaches. Mani Sharma scores good music while it is Trivikram who steals the thunder with some of the most touching and beautiful lines written in Telugu Cinema for long - he may have broken his own record in having most memorable lines in one movie. Watchable for Pawan maybe many times.
"Shakti" Movie Review
"Sakti" is a complicated storyline from an ambitious director Meher Ramesh and an extravagant producer Aswini Dutt - who believe that blockbusters need to have killer app special effects, monstrous settings amidst exotic locations. Its about a prodical warrior who has a calling to protect the ancient Hindu shrines and a royal family heiress from some weird Pharoah-like Atavistic herds from Egypt who are seeking a talismanic gem that's in possession of Saktimaan NTR. Some story that!
The movie is already convoluted with complicated subplots liberally borrowed from Hindu Mythology, Mummy fables, and half a dozen socio-fantasty thrillers pre-released like "Anaga Anaga Oka Dheerudu", :"Mahesh Khaleja", "MagaDheera" and so on. What's bizarre is that the movie lacks entertainment and fails to grip you to seats - not even the parade of locations from Kashmir to Haridwar, Cairo to Columbo and Rajasthan to Rayalaseema will redeem this misdirected movie which is already bearing the weight of colossal budgets, bizarre storyline and bad casting. A song or two gives the relief. But broadly, the movie doesn't connect with the audience. NTR Jr. is too talented star to bank on bad storied-directors, he can carry a film on his shoulders but there should be a story to do that - which is missing in the movie.
The movie is already convoluted with complicated subplots liberally borrowed from Hindu Mythology, Mummy fables, and half a dozen socio-fantasty thrillers pre-released like "Anaga Anaga Oka Dheerudu", :"Mahesh Khaleja", "MagaDheera" and so on. What's bizarre is that the movie lacks entertainment and fails to grip you to seats - not even the parade of locations from Kashmir to Haridwar, Cairo to Columbo and Rajasthan to Rayalaseema will redeem this misdirected movie which is already bearing the weight of colossal budgets, bizarre storyline and bad casting. A song or two gives the relief. But broadly, the movie doesn't connect with the audience. NTR Jr. is too talented star to bank on bad storied-directors, he can carry a film on his shoulders but there should be a story to do that - which is missing in the movie.
April 3, 2011
World Cup 2011 victory for Incredible India!
India 2.0 finally gets to see India 2.0 lift the World Cup in 2011 after 28 years of wait...It was the best of times - when India already holds centrestage to the game of cricket straddling the best of Advertising Monies, Cash-rich cricketing body, eyeball for popping out eyeball attention, passions for a whole nation...Now it will the rule the world as a Benign superpower, already known for sportsmanship, non-controversial play, and spectacular passion. Now, I can tell that I have watched India's greatest cricketing victory in color and HDTV screens befitting the new resurgent India - not on Dyanora B&W TV. Its a sign of how a nation of 1.21 Billion people are taking on the world - and this world cup win is going to make India shift the earth's axis by a few more degrees - and that will stay for many more decades to come.
March 22, 2011
Warrren Buffett in India Today
Warren Buffett may not be second-richest man on the planet but he has enough Ekalavya followers in India from RaamDeo Agarwal to Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and from Nilesh Shah to Prashant Jain. Not surprising his visit beginning today is generating blitzkreig publicity. Whatever he says - markets will gyrate in India interpreting madly like Wall Street. I hear people are getting re-born again to get themselves insured with Berkshire Insurance, some are buying hatchbacks to get new cars insured by Berkshire Insurance to grab a seat to hear the Sage of Omaha speak.
The demand for Buffett's books has always been good in India and I hear that sales of "The Collected Essays of Warren Buffett" has hit a four-year high in the last one month from publishers - a sign that Billionaires in India invited by the CII are ready to hear them so they can cut loose with their cheque books. But I guess many of them may be unfamiliar with Warren Buffett's methods of rewarding shareholders and transparency. Now, Buffett is going to talk about Charity (which already began at home for him and Gates) to Indian Billionaires. But I guess this is going to be a signature event - Indian Billionaires have made it big only in the last two decades after unshackling of the license Raj system. Its only now they are smelling the coffee - so to talk about pledging billions is not going to appeal to many. They will say they are generating employment already which has lifted many out of poverty. Besides, we have Tatas and Birlas used to doing philanthrophy in their own way - unassumingly and consistently. We must remember that Gates and Buffett have been icons of American capitalism who started pledging their billions only in the late nineties after decades of unbridled expansion and ambition. Indian businessesmen, on the other hand, do charity when they are growing as well - so this talk about cajoling them to pledge their millions is not impressive. At the end of Buffett's visit, I will not be surprised if a few more billion dollar deals are announced.
What is important, however, is that Buffett may be pleasantly surprised by the verve and vibrancy in the corridors of Indian Business, Polity and Parliament - if they keep their best foot forward as always happen. Buffett is himself a rank opportunist and he may not give anything away before he takes away more from India. In his annual letter to shareholders in 2011, I read that he was hopeful there will be no major catastrophe that will eat into his Reinsurance profits - and bingo, you had Japan catgastrophe which will nibble away some of the profits in Munich Re and other companies. He has never taken any exposure to India so far in underwriting of risk - so he and Ajit Jain, colleague are meeting IRDA chief J Harinarayan to assess whether Risk in India is profitable. Ask Indian businessmen on Risk, they can talk to Buffett on profiting from Risks here till the cows come home.
The demand for Buffett's books has always been good in India and I hear that sales of "The Collected Essays of Warren Buffett" has hit a four-year high in the last one month from publishers - a sign that Billionaires in India invited by the CII are ready to hear them so they can cut loose with their cheque books. But I guess many of them may be unfamiliar with Warren Buffett's methods of rewarding shareholders and transparency. Now, Buffett is going to talk about Charity (which already began at home for him and Gates) to Indian Billionaires. But I guess this is going to be a signature event - Indian Billionaires have made it big only in the last two decades after unshackling of the license Raj system. Its only now they are smelling the coffee - so to talk about pledging billions is not going to appeal to many. They will say they are generating employment already which has lifted many out of poverty. Besides, we have Tatas and Birlas used to doing philanthrophy in their own way - unassumingly and consistently. We must remember that Gates and Buffett have been icons of American capitalism who started pledging their billions only in the late nineties after decades of unbridled expansion and ambition. Indian businessesmen, on the other hand, do charity when they are growing as well - so this talk about cajoling them to pledge their millions is not impressive. At the end of Buffett's visit, I will not be surprised if a few more billion dollar deals are announced.
What is important, however, is that Buffett may be pleasantly surprised by the verve and vibrancy in the corridors of Indian Business, Polity and Parliament - if they keep their best foot forward as always happen. Buffett is himself a rank opportunist and he may not give anything away before he takes away more from India. In his annual letter to shareholders in 2011, I read that he was hopeful there will be no major catastrophe that will eat into his Reinsurance profits - and bingo, you had Japan catgastrophe which will nibble away some of the profits in Munich Re and other companies. He has never taken any exposure to India so far in underwriting of risk - so he and Ajit Jain, colleague are meeting IRDA chief J Harinarayan to assess whether Risk in India is profitable. Ask Indian businessmen on Risk, they can talk to Buffett on profiting from Risks here till the cows come home.
March 6, 2011
"Inside Job": Award-winning documentary on how Wall Street brought the world down to the Road
Now that the sub-prime crisis is well behind us, and we are not really looking forward to the next one sooner, public memory is as short-sighted as ever. In order to jog the public memory about the crisis that rattled governments, public and societies equally the world over, you have choices - of reading about the books that brought the worst crisis since '30s. In no pecking order of importance, you can read the books like "13 Bankers", "Too Big to Fail", "Two Trillion Dollar Meltdown", "Sub-prime Solution", "Fool's Gold", "The End of WalStreet as we know it", "Faultlines", "BlackSwan", "Crisis Economics", "A Colossal Failure of Common sense" or any other Wiley classics or Penguin books coming still by dime a dozen. I suggest a more time-saving choice - grab a seat to watch Charles Ferguson's "INSIDE JOB" which won the Oscar for the best documentary. The man has written, directed and produced a pulsatingly educative documentary which will break the glass ceiling of understanding the real issues that brought the world economies to a grinding halt during those years of 2007-2010 from US to Iceland to Greece to UK. Charles Ferguson gives in one hour forty eight minutes all the dope and lowdown that has led to the crisis of 2008 and gives a crisp background of the years leading to the fat years before greed, chicanery, and blatant selfishness of a few "bad" men of Wall Street colluding with Washington led to blood on the streets. The documentary is as gripping any movie because it uses narration and interview technique to give an overview of the nexus between few big banks and Government, between Academic Economists and their linkages with Hedge Funds, between Rating Agencies and the Ratees, between Fed and Other Bankers. Truth is tougher to tell and even tougher to swallow and they say pride goes before the fall - but watching this documentary brought out the hard truth that Wall Street and some of the biggest names riding on its masthead do not have the grace to accept what price the world has paid for their follies - in the testimony, in their brazen pursuit of profits and the shameless lack of guilt for taking compensation even when investor's monies have vaporised. The documentary shows during the narration that the following people have declined to give interviews for the film (which should tell all) - Goldman Sach's Henry Paulson, Alan Greenspan, Lawrence Summers, Robert Rubin, Timothy Geitner, Glenn Hubbard and Ben Bernanke. Don't miss the film - INSIDE JOB - its more than a documentary.
Katha -Screenplay-Darsakatvam-Appalraju - Telugu Movie Review
KSDA by Ram Gopal Varma is an epic commentary on Tollywood's ways and means and can rattle many heads. Apart from taking potshots at himself, Varma gives exaggerated insinuations at everybody who is somebody - nobrain.com (idle brain), gurram awards (nandi awards), kanishka-babu (anushka-nag affair), ANR-Chiru-Allu-NTR everyone. Movie jibes at every star, how movies are made, canned or distributed, how ganging happens- with perversive humor. It is RGV's take on the creative crisis in Tollywood and almost entertains with comedy gang but washing dirty linen is not fun watching. It felt longer and definitely not RGV's best ( I suspect it is directed by his friend called "Appalraju"). No wonder, idlebrain.com didn't even cover the film. First half is more fun.
Gaganam - Telugu Movie Review
Saw "Gaganam" expecting to watch another " Ragadam" - item songs with six heroines, lewd jokes and crass commercial stunts, and visa-on-arrival location songs. Surprise, surprise - nothing of that sort in Nagarjuna's new movie, not one song. Its clean, wholesome fare with low-tension hijack drama and high comedy performances. No heavy emotion, in-your-face dialogues and pacy direction. Radhamohan delivers high-quality again, though with logic gaps. Eight-hundred calorie consuming Nag gives knock-out performance. Highly watchable.
Ala Modalaindi - Telugu Movie Review
"Ala Modalaindi" is a cute, refreshing and evocative love story made for gen-next with enough nuggets of wisdom from elders as well as youngsters on managing life and relationships. Nandini Reddy makes a silent but successful debt - her screenplay, characterisation and direction stand out - without fuss. Cast is cool, and Nitya Menon is a star to watch. Rohini yesterday's teenybopper gives a "wow" mom performance. Though slow, movie will cut ice with all audiences. Naani looks good. Music by Kalyan Mallik is pleasant.
Golconda High School - Telugu Movie Review
GHS is worth the wait - its a movie you will like anyways - if you love your school memories. Mohan Krishna delivers an honest movie based on Harimohan Paruvu's novel "The Men Within" and drives home a point thats missed out by parents who push their wards into academics even postpone their vacations or clubs which withdraw game courts for real estate profits. "Follow your heart, love your game or hobby and focus and fame will automatically follow" is the message of the movie. Sumanth suits the subdued role. A good experiment in a season of story-starved hits. Immensely watchable, five songs, no fights, no manhood-proving dialogues, no skin show and only thirteen reels. Is industry listening?
Anaga Anaga Oka Dheerudu - Telugu Movie Review
Walt Disney pictures hasn't had a mega hit for years; unlikely that their first Telugu movie will deliver. "Anaga Anagaa Oka Dheerudu" has few pluses - simply fairy tale with extra-ordinary sfx, one memorable song, and a cute, demure Shruti Hasan paired with every youthful Siddharth. Even Lakshmi Manchu looks good. What's missing? There's little soul when 75 mins of effects takes over screen. prakash K - director fails to connect well with kids or adults. He shows clean hand in directing and crafts but in pursuit of creativity, which is a high for Tollywood, he missed the wood for the trees - the Disney magic- which tells a good story while moving you to bits in joy and laughter. Good Disney bore only 30 per cent of the cost - so they' ll be back.
Mirapakaay - Telugu Movie Review
"Mirapakaay" has no different storyline than any of his recent movies but Ravi Teja carries the day firmly on his shoulders with great performance - the plot is loose but director Harish Shankar makes decent debut thats overall neat even if 16 reels is a bit long. Richa gives lifetime exposure and Thaman scores smashing music. No doubt, Ravi is a rockstar of megawatt entertainment - he drips Redbull energy every frame. First round of Sankranti movies to "Mirapakaay".
Sri Krishna Commission Report - Good Read
If the last time you read about AP (like me) was in 8th grade social studies text book, gift yourself a reading of 505 pages of Sri Krishna report for a 360 degrees view of one of most vibrant states - its a definitive, staggering report with appealing statistics, insights on some of the basic curiosities and inquiries we keep having on Hyderabad, AP or Telangana - its a socio-politico-economic commentary - unbiased and readable. You can finish it in less than four hours.
Manmadha-Baanam - Telugu Movie Review
"Manmadha Baanam" starring Kalam Hasan, Madhavan and Trisha, directed by Ravikumar gives a tour of Rome, Venice and Barcelona, brings back fun of "Sati Lilavati" and pun of "Panchatantram". It is watchable once but has some patchy and dull and yet some dazzling reels of standards you expect from Kamal's team. Second half is better but all lead actors compete well. Trisha looks gorgeous and Kamal still coming good. No kisses between them, surprise. Devisri Prasadd scores good music.
"Naagavalli" - Telugu Movie Review
"Naagavalli" is perceptively linked up with the storyline of "Chandramukhi" and puts Venky in dual role - one in negative role for first time. It seems to have diluted the scary contents of original "Aapta Rakshaka" which ran for 200 days and so the film moves in a trajectory of "Chandramukhi" punctuated by the same moments of fear, discovery, and laughter that made "Chandramukhi" so endearing. NV is not your dad's movie to send shivers and thrills because of dangerous verisimillitude to CM. Its watchable but no surprises, except Venky chopping body partsof good men. The heroines are the real heroes but Anushka really lets down. Funny, Venky gets five heroines but not even one to woo.
Kathi Kanta Rao - Telugu Movie Review
"Kathi Kantha Rao" is one of those exaggerated comedy fares you want to watch after a week of lavish smattering from sensex falls. It has brisk screenplay, AVM studio-style story and comedy gang thats surprisingly controlled in performance. Everybody packs a punch sometime. Dialogues and direction are typical EVV-style but raunchy at times. With Allari Naresh and Kaamna and Kota and Venu Madhav-the film will connect with masses. It is above-average entertainment.
The Social Network - English Movie Review
"The Social Network" is one incredible movie on the life and times of facebook founder - Mark Zuckerberg. It shows how melancholic, egoistic, workaholic Zuckerberg, who can't stay close to anyone, starts facebook accidentally, and later pulls the rug on his real pal and co-founder. David Fincher directs awesomely and uses some dramatic narrative techniques seldom seen in Hollywood movies - flashback and forth. He paces the movie with extreme delicacy and precision and is helped by Sorkin's swift dialogue and some great music. Justin Timberlake as the candyman and Andrew Garfield as co-founder of facebook besides the Harvard twins and Zuckerberg's only girl-friend all stand out. Inspite of some pusating courtroom dramat that forms the backbone of the movie, the movie shows the many faces of human behaviour that nudged facebook into a $25 Billioon (now$60 Billion) company. Even if you are not facebook user, you will get curiouser. Well worth watching.
Kalyanram Kathi - Telugu Movie Review
"KK" is like Damocles' sword hanging over the career of Kalyanram in the form of violence he continues to unleash with dad's money and grand-dad's name. It tries to fiit brother-sister sentiment in a new age format with multiple twists that can sometimes numb you, but the overall impact despite director Mallikarjun's best efforts is mixed and unhealthy for family viewing. Even as the producer brands a new name like NKR, NKR is not mightier than sword.
Mahesh Khaleja - Telugu Movie Review
In "Mahesh Khaleja", director Trivikram tries to broadcast the mystic star's box-office appeal with a medley of multi-film plots (from Dev Anand's "Guide" to "Athadu" again). He is good at weaving romance with violence and almost succeeds unless you expect a lifetime of entertainment in one movie - he gets unprecedented output from Mahesh who excels in all emotions - he dominates Sunil, Brahmanandam and Ali in comedy and sometimes over-does. But he looks more leaner, fitter and watchable than Anushka who fails to sizzle. Trivikram's dialogues are turning more censorable aned less sensible. But as long as he makes watchable films like this, he will draw audiences. Mani's music is average.
"Robot" Telugu Movie Review or "Enthiran" Tamil Movie Revieww
"Robot" starring Rajnikanth and Aiswarya is a director's (Shankar) film about a scientist and his creation- Robot. The movie thrills you to bits in first half with a lovable superman "Robot" and his astonishing range of powers - the best part of the movie ends in first half. Except somee pulsating songs and one eye-popping stunt, the second half drags. There are more animatronics than Rajni-style histrionics. But the movie's fortune spent on special effects make it world-class and you have to see once to believe it. Its a giant leap for Indian cinema. Length - 3 hrs.
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