Rock On ... ROCKS

Besides Aamir Khan, one name that I feel is gradually becoming synonymous with quality cinema in India is Farhan Akhtar. After two successful directorial ventures, he comes up with a fine performance as an actor (and dialogue writer). He sung the songs too, but that has nothing to do with the story or the quality of the movie. Music is used as a medium to present a captivating storyline that leaves you thinking with a smile…

Even though I am not a follower of hard rock, I ended up at the theater on the first day of this movie’s release because of Farhan Akhtar (and Arjun Rampal). I must admit that I did think that the movie would be about rock music when I entered the auditorium.

Rock On is not about music but about human transformation, change and more importantly about finding the truth about oneself. The protagonists in the movie do not become rock stars, but stars in their own right, who are happy and content. The movie goes beyond understanding oneself, and looks at relationships at various levels, most importantly between two persons as individuals (and not relatives and/or friends). The main theme of the movie is that we cannot live by suppressing our passions… only survive. We all go through transformations in our life and more often than not tuck away our passions while going through the daily grind. This movie shows that passions can be realized at any stage of our life and in whatever situation we are in… and that alone can lead to true happiness.

I liked the performances of all the lead actors as everybody did their part with sincerity. I was reminded of Dil Chahta Hai while watching this movie, for its subtle approach to the story and the execution of the screenplay. The music is like any rock album and in my opinion nothing extraordinary. Some of the lyrics are interesting and written in typical English rock style. For an interesting music review click here.

My dream newspaper ...

This is indeed my dream newspaper - no violence, injuries or deaths ... sports and memories ... victories that make India proud ... at the Olympics and in Cricket.

Whose Loss is it? - Part 2

I had sincerely hoped that there would be no Part 2 to my post Whose Loss is it? But, it seems that I was asking too much and it’s evident that there may be many more parts to this post in the future …

Assocham estimates that India had lost about Rs 1,500 crore in the past couple of weeks because of the agitation in Jammu (and consequently violence in Kashmir) in a protest against the revocation of land allotted to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). The sad part is that this figure is increasing by each passing day as the agitation continues.

The situation for the State of Jammu and Kashmir is even worse as Rs. 5,000 crore worth of investment anticipated for next year in J&K may venture into other states because of this continuing agitation and economic blockade. This could lead to a loss of employment opportunities for 25 lakh people over the next 5 years in the State.

It is ironical that even though good rainfall coupled with moderate temperatures this year yielded a bumper fruit crop in Kashmir, they may not be able to reap any benefit as the fruits cannot reach the markets because of the agitation.

National Anthem at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

It's an unparalleled feeling to listen to the national anthem being played at the Olympic Games. The sight of the tricolor moving up, above other flags, is the epitome of glory.

Abhinav Bindra has made India proud and spread great happiness across the country. I hope that this is the beginning of many more sporting feats to come India's way. I may be asking too much, but I wish that there is a time when sports takes over politics in our country.

And ya ... Abhinav, an MBA, has shown that study and sport can go hand-in-hand!

School: A Temple of Knowledge?

Location: The Indian Public School, an elite school near the town of Dehradun.

Year 2007: A 15-year old student is accused of stealing a SIM card at school.

Some students beat him up to teach him a lesson

School authorities take no action against the tormentors.

Year 2008: The student devices a plan to get back at the school authorities.

Finds an 8-year old boy playing tennis and lures him by offering chocolates.

Binds and Gags the 8-year old in the school toilet.

Gets himself admitted to the school dispensary

Calls the School principal for a ransom of 50 lakh rupees (reduces the amount to 10 lakhs)

Breaks his SIM card after calling principal

The police, fortunately, found the kidnapped 8-year old in the school toilet and rescued him to safety.

Years ago, when I was in school, my parents were sure that I am in a safe and healthy environment and getting educated to become a person that could contribute positively to society. Is this the progress we have made?

For more information click here or here