Maverick

2008-05-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

Dinner @ TOWN BUS!!

The topic might slightly be confusing, but this definitely is not the narration of my experience in a bus. What I am trying to refer is a new hotel named "TOWN BUS", that has started functioning in the busy Arcot Road, near Power house in Kodambakkam. Recently mom was with me in Chennai and felt it was the right time to experiment or rather try it out in this Hotel. Had initially looked this hotel from the outside (sure each passerby will at least stare at it once) while travelling there and was curious spending time there. The hotel by itself is modelled as a Town bus (17 D is the number they have mentioned) and hence the name. The entry just gives a feeling of entering into a city bus.

Not just the entry, but the sequence of the below happenings/experience there the other night sure made it a memorable dinner.

The seats there were an exact replica of the recently released "Sohusu bus"

There were few support-rests hanging at the roofing similar to the ones that help passengers travelling by standing

The hotel servers came dressed up similar to that of a conductor with a typical conductor bag and a whistle

The windows well ensured that it gave us a feeing that we are inside a bus

(See attached the corresponding pics below)

Apart from the above efforts that were majorly focused in justifying the customers of the name christened, the following factors were observed which shall sure make the new customer a repeat customer.

There was a space, rather a room provided for customers to have their food in hanging chairs (similar to the hammock chairs) and within each family table, there was a hanging chair suited for a kid

Ordered for a dosa (as always to finish the proceedings), and was pleasantly surprised seeing a flower designed on it neatly

The hygiene factor - the hotel was pretty decent and was clean, with all the servers neatly dressed

Upon checking with the hotel inmates, was given to understand that this hotel is owned by a friend of lyricist Vairamuthu. The owner's father was a bus driver, and that apparently talks about the idea of this hotel by itself. Initially in this place, another hotel (Arya Bhavan) was functioning and the owner has bought it and brought about the TOWN BUS.

In all, a good place to hang out and have quality food; but a better place to admire the innovation and difference from the mundane hotels... Sure the repeat customers shall be propogaters ensuring new customers (the write up being no exception as well)!!

2008-02-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Very Funny!!

Recently happened to buy a washing machine for my cousin and had to visit a few shops in connection to the same. It so happened that, in one of the shops (one of the biggest names in the state for home appliances; in the ads the owner comes up with a BIG smile, hope you guessed it) while we were brainstorming on the various models in IFB, Whirlpool, Samsung & LG, we were so-called guided by a reluctant Peter (supervisor) who with all fuss answered our queries quite reluctantly.

But throughout the conversation Mr. Peter had an accent attached which was quite attempted, but again empathized the fact that his job demanded that. Then while we asked for a quote, he instantly prepared one and shared with us. Hilarious one. Not trying to make a mockery here, but thoroughly enjoyed going through it and hence clicked. Note, it is ration card and salary slip, that the superviosr tried mentioning.

2008-02-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

Music '07 - My hot three

The year 2007 had been pretty good, if not great for all music hungry ears. Quality scores from the likes of Yuvan, Vidyasagar, Harris & the young GV Prakash. The find of the year undoubtedly was GV Prakash. Not many might be aware of the fact that this chap was the kid who voiced the starting two lines of the yesteryear hit "Chikku bukku chikku bukku railu".

Coming from a family that has a strong affiliation to music (relative of Rehman), his score in Veyil did raise a few eyebrows, eventually establishing him as a good music director; Then arrived his music releases of Kreedom, Oram Po & Pollathavan, which reinstated his stature.

Now coming to my pick (quite subjective) among a few real good tunes composed in 2007.

The entire "Pachaikili muthucharam" album - did no harm to the reputation of the Gowtham Menon / Harris combo.
"Chennai 600028" - Yuvan at his very best; the hard core dappanguthu "Saroja Saamanikalo", the romantic "Yaaro" & also the rythmic unconventional "Natpukkulle", all encapsulated in a single album.
"Satham podathe" - Vasanth (alongside with Kathir) is one director, whom I feel have always given quality music, apart from movie making. This movie is no exception. Pesukiren and Intha Kaathal were real hits.
"Paruthiveeran" - Yuvan again stealt the show especially in the BGM; He also ensured after a long time, the traditional / cultural folk songs hitting the blockbuster. A special mention here to "Oororam pulia maram", my personal favorite from the movie.
"Mozhi" - Vidhyasagar did play a pivotal role in the reach of this movie across masses. The BGM was particularly appropriate & nice melodies in the form of "Kaatrin Mozhi" & "Kannaal pesum" added the right balance to this wonderful movie.

The aforesaid were all my favorite musical albums of the year 2007. But the best three among all songs composed last year, that were my personal hot favorites, are the ones below:

3 "O Intha Kaathal ennum bootham vanthu yen" from Satham Podathe

The bronze medal is not just for the lovely, lively music, but also for having unearthed the dance material in Prithviraj (have never seen him dance like this before), for the way in which the song was picturised, for the choreography, for the efforts put in by Adnan Saami (fantastic pronounciation) and for the amazing camera work. Special appreciation to the men in white as well.

2 "Akkam pakkam yaarumilla" from Kreedom

Would nominate this as the melody of the year!! Apart from the wonderful music composed, one single aspect that stands out in this song is the editing. Antony's yet another crisp editing. Then the location.. Where on earth did they find this place? Last but never the least, the lyrics. Na. Muthukumar at his own very best!

1 "Arabu Naade" from Thottaal Poo malarum

Was unusually attracted hearing this song first time in radio while travelling back home from office. The next time, upon seeing this song in TV fell in love effortlessly. Yuvan has this uncanny knack of unearthing hits from simple beats and rhythms. Two strong reasons for having awarded this song the gold medal are:

Haricharan's mesmerising voice (especially when he utters "solluthae" in desperation in the saranam)
The heroine (her eyes and the reactions) - swear have not seen her face and do not kow what her name is till now. But amazing reactions, of course, overshadowing Shakthi's genuine attempt to steal the show.

Overall, year 2007 has definitely been a good treat for all ardent music lovers. Take this as an opportunity to say a BIG thanks to all the music directors for having enlightened, mesmerised, entertained & most importantly for having acted as a pressure gauge frequently.

2007-12-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

12 Angry Men

This is not a review (though would love to) on the Henry Fonda starrer "12 Angry Men" which came in the late 50s and which is being studied, interpreted and argued till date across management institutes and organizations. This is altogether a different story, wherein a group of people got their hands together just against a single reason. The reason is touched on course of this pulambal.

It was yet another uneventful travel to the office in the morning hours, when the very feeling came to a sudden halt on account to a senseless two wheeler who just shifted moods and of course with the slightest of indication changed directions. Imagine, in the busy Velachery road, just in front a school, a two-wheeler, with no indication taking a U-turn.

No better than a collision, resulting even in casualities might have happened, but for my bus driver's quick thinking and evasive action, that refrained from any such collision or injury. But of course the bike's tyre was hit slightly by the bus, resulting in the person to loose balance and he fell down.

On account to courtesy, our bus driver brought our bus to a halt to check if the bike wallah is fine. That's it. Another passerby brought his bike and parked it infront of our bus and started abusing our bus driver. In less than 2 minutes or so, another half a dozen have invited themselves to the party, surrounded the bus and started using all possible filthy languages, asking the driver to get down. For sure, had the driver got down at that point of time, he would have been beated up brutally for no fault of him.

All those who have surrounded the bus were "passers by" and were never the "witnesses" of what had happened. I have witnessed what has exactly happened and there was absolutely no fault with the bus driver. In fact, he should have been credited for the very fact that he managed to avoid a collision, unearthed by the two-wheeler wallah.

The driver denied getting down and locked all the doors for those miscreants to enter in. The abuse now started against all the incumbents of the bus, the reason being we were a part of the IT industry.

A few conversations and happenings in course of this stray incident.
* The group unanimously found fault with the driver and were continuously saying this "IT company na enna komba mulachirku??"
* Soon the police came to the scene, much to the relief of us.
* But no sooner than later, the cops asked the driver to get down, in their own terms and language.
* A senior official came in an Accent and asked the bus driver to kneel down in front of the entire crowd.
* Again that official used the same phrase "IT company na ena peria komba mulachirukku?" He added up, saying "I want to teach a lesson to you guys this time."
* Finally we had to catch another bus and had to go late to office that day. Was given to understand that the bus driver was reprimanded that day and eventually was chucked out from service for no fault of him.

This might be one of the incidents which clearly depicts the hatred the general public has towards the IT companies. This repugnance might be attributed to various reasons, but one major reason that I could relate to their aversion towards the industry is because they perceive that only because of the IT guys, the rates in the real estates, rents and properties have sky rocketed and the Chennai living standard has changed.

But are only IT guys responsible for this? Today the living and the earning standard of any given individual on comparison with the IT professionals might be at par is what is my stand on this. But the myth is that only the IT companies play the spoilsport and hence the aversion shifts towards the entire lot of IT professionals. Being in the industry doesn't call for this generalisation, aversion or stereotyping. Wish the general public understands this at the earliest. A snap taken while the mob surrounded us and tried entering into our bus. "Antha kalavarathilayum oru kizhukizhuppu" :-)

2007-10-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Inspiration

My dad has been my inspiration for a lotsa actions, behaviors and attitudes of mine. One such thing that I had always admired and envied in my dad is his hand-writing. When a few say I have a decent writing style, I always contradict with them; the very reason being it could hardly be compared even somewhere near to "decent or stylish" when compared to that of my dad's.

His strength is his style and also the way in which he manages to pen down those stlyish strokes so very effortlessly. A fast writer, who at the sametime strictly adheres to the indents, parallelism and symmetry in writing. I have always proudly displayed my dad's hand-writing to whoever possible and whenever possible, this blog being no exception.

Recently got a courier despatched from home with the cover hosting my dad's writing. Captured the same and the rest is this write-up.

2007-09-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

India, The Superpower - 2020

The title might be slightly misleading, as this blog is not about the dream or vision of our former President Abdul Kalam. Though we might well be in the direction towards accomplishing Kalam's dream, it is too early for me to share my thoughts on the same. So now you might have guessed what I am talking about...

Yes, the T20 WORLD CUP.

The inaugural twenty - twenty world cup, where all the major test playing nations participated invited slightest of my attention earlier, wherein I got to know that India's first match was washed out due to rain & "surprisingly" was intimated by a friend that India is taking on Pakistan in its second match of the round robin (was travelling and hence could not see the match). "Surprisingly", since I am of the kinds who sit and watch even a match being played between Kenya and Scotland.

Might be, off late, the ardent cric-lover in me hibernated, attributed to some work & added responsibilities @ office, attributed to my initial disliking to this format of the game (at that point of time) and of course majorly attributed to India's early exit in the World cup at the West Indies earlier this year.

But it was just a matter of time and I was back to square; thanks to the outcome of the round robin match played between India and Pakistan that ended as a tie, and India edging the winner after the bowl out. Thereon started closely following the remaining matches, especially the Indian starrers and the rest, of course is History now. A few observations about this new format of cricket, about the inaugural World Cup & a few perceptions of mine that got shattered.

India's learning curve in this format of the game is steep. They have been a few matches old in this twenty twenty format, but there has been tremendous improvement shown by the boys match-on-match.
It was India, which changed the T20 tradition of winning the toss and chasing, to winning the toss bat first and bowl out or restrict the opposition.
The Indian team also changed the dimension from going hard from the first ball, to a strategy, wherein, play the first 10-12 overs with rotating the strike and reserving the wickets, and then go hard at the bowlers in the last 8-10 overs, which indeed did the trick.
Unusual fearlessness in the ranks of all the Indian batsmen and bowlers
One of the brutal hittings I have ever witnessed -> Yuvaraj Singh, who was definitely at his prime form. Effortless heaves over the boundaries that included six sixers in one BROAAAD over
A cup, a world cup, an inaugural world cup sans the Sachins, Sauravs, Dravids and the Zaheers
Last but the most important thing about the entire episode is that, I feel India has managed to unearth a captain, whose character is well reflected in his team's performance. Fearlessness. In the presentation ceremony in the semi-final match between India and Australia, while Ravi Shastri calls up Dhoni to speak a few words, the man arrives and says "You have mentioned in a news daily today morning that the Aussies are favorites. We wanted to prove you wrong, and you are now happy that we proved you wrong". No mincing words - That's Dhoni for you!!

Would love to recapture the lovely memory of me watching THE Final against the Pak with Rajesh, one of my good buddies, with whom I have quenched my thirst of immitating and portraying (nenaiputhaan) Sachin, McGrath, Jonty etc. In short, with whom I have played a lot of matches at Tirunelveli for over four years.

Joined him at his home and enjoyed the drama that unfolded alongside with him and his brother. Starting from Sreesanth's bruises of Nazir, followed by Uthappa's direct hit, it was like a tide.. Up & down!! When at one stage Pakistan was tottering at 105 for 7, I felt that match was sealed and we were breathing easily. But then came an over from Harbajan, where his last three deliveries were smashed consecutively for three huge sixes.

Now the momentum shifted towards Pakistan, when Tanvir hit two more sixes of Sreeshanth, though he was cleaned up in the last delivery. Then came RP, the best bowler of the tournament, in my eyes, who came up with another peach of a delivery to get rid of the 9th wicket. When the last wicket fell, leaving Pakistan 5 runs short of the title, there was a loud cry from all of us watching the match out of ecstasy and my friend tightly hugged me and we jumped together.

I, as a cricket lover could not have asked for a better T20 final. This match could not have better unfolded. For the sweet revenge the two Asian teams took after their early exit from the World Cup 2007, for the quality cricket exhibited by both the finalists, for the match being dragged to the very last over to decide the Champion, for the calculated risk that both the teams took (Misbah by rejecting a single in a Harbhajan over and smashing the next three balls out of the ground; Dhoni by opting a rookie in J Singh for the final over, as against his strike bowler Harbhajan), for the batsmanship displayed by the Misbahs and Gambhirs, for the accuracy in bowling exhibited by the RPs and Guls, and most importantly for India having won a world cup final after a solid 24 waited years.

A superb advertisement by Videocon that came in Times of India, which could be well related in the context of India's progress towards lifting the cup.

2007-08-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Proud Indeed!!

21,900 days. And today we are proud helding our head high, breathing the air of freedom and rejoicing the moment of national and historic significance. The INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

I always wonder why it gives me an immense pleasure when India as a cricket playing nation excels in the ICC cricket rating, when Viswanathan Anand is taking the unassailable lead in the CHESS playing world surpassing the Russian giants, when A R Rahman rocks Hollywood, when I hear 70% of the NASA incumbents are Indians, when half the population of the doctors in the UK is from my nation, when Sania Mirza enters the top 30 in the ATP rating, or even when Leander wins (apart from the Davis cup where he represents India); and for all the aforesaid I proudly attribute it to my so-called patriotism. But am I right in the logic? I doubt, though I couldn't say a stern NO.

If am called THE PATRIOT, then what do we call those freedom-fighters who had spent their entire life, or if not, most of their lives in prison, contagiously passing on the freedom spree to the fellas around them. Goes imperative that sans the sacrifice, the beating and the loss of more than a million noble and tough souls, we could not have been in an independent nation nor could have come out of the slavery and the butchery.

So let's all get together and salute the Nation and the Heroes who ensured an Independent India for us to live on this 60th Independence Day, August, the 15th. And most importantly salute the spirit of freedom. We are proud of you!! Proud indeed!! LONG LIVE INDEPENDENCE!!

2007-07-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

ENNA KODUMAI SARAVANAN??!!

One of the well known, reputed hospitals in Chennai catering well to the emergeny and medical needs of software professionals profoundly. Any passers-by the OMR would have never missed a glance on this "MULTI SPECIALITY HOSPITAL". Even in one of the recent hit movies, this hospital was publicized as the city's leading hospital.

Coming to the point, a place where people come to get cured, is seemingly breeding the source of all maladies paradoxically. On account to the June showers, the low-lying area infront of the hospital is accumulated with rain water. Gradually that area has been transformed into the mosquitos' Vedanthangal. Its been over a month that I have been watching this hospital, but nothing much has changed and none seem to be concerned. These days, upon nearing the place, foul odours emanate and the bus (through which I peep all these happenings) gets overloaded with flies and mosquitos.

Wish someone brings this to the serious notice of the Management of the HOSPITAL and let them know that their reputation is at stake. And the aforeblogged might be my small initiative towards the same.

2007-07-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE

Have been my closest of companions for two wonderful years. Has absorbed my grin, my smile, my agony, my pain, my humor, my tears, my snooze, my siesta, my gossip, my hatred, my wear and in short my emotions. Apart from a very few closest of my friends, only he knew Ganesh as Ganesh.

He is MOTOROLA C300, the first ever mobile I got in my life. After him, I have switched on brands and models; and currently my 6630 is my fourth possession. But none could emulate the feel of gripping my C300 or its ruggedness. So compact and sleek, I was just impressed seeing him in one of the shops at Meenakshi Bazar in Madurai. Went against my instincts and against my friends' advice of opting a Nokia, but never repented the buy till date.

Today happened to be the fourth year since I made him mine. He is with me even today with that same nonchalant outlook, with the same bright face, but sans MY EMOTIONS... (no sim attached/just for display)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!!

2007-07-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

HAT TRICK again!!

Yes three consecutive posts on a movie that I managed to see thrice in two weeks. Was on a recruitment visit to one of the engineering colleges in Pondy.

Guess what, commuted via the same bus that comes in Sivaji (just before the climax) and of course with the same driver who starred (or at least showed face) in Sivaji. The same Parveen 8019. All collegues and even a few senior panelists were happy on getting this update; such is the charisma and craze attached to the man. Photos for your glance

2007-06-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

COOL!!

The title could well be related only by the ones who have watched "The BOSS". Highly frustrated having missed the golden opportunity of premiering "Sivaji - The BOSS" (despite having got two preview tickets), on account of my stay at Coimbatore; was in all smiles upon getting an invite from my current official BOSS for the dharshan at Udayam on the second day of its release.

Missed the first 10 minutes due to a miscommunication in the show timing. But that was not a barrier to the enthusiasm, energy and happiness that oozed in me seeing thalaivar on screen. If am not exaggerating, I see atleast 5 more films left in his bag, if he retains the same make-up man and the costume designer.

Intentionally leaving the story line untouched, would like to bring the following highlights of the movie to notice:

* Less of punch dialogues by thalaivar, but is offset by Vivek's outburst in a sequence, where the theatre just shakes in pulsation
* A neat description of an NRI, as against a few other tamil movies where the hero just aims at non-stop PETERing. First time in thalaivar's movie history, he apologises in English to his parents saying "Sorry ma, Sorry pa"
* Bubble gum in place of his usual cigar.
* No better an actor other than Suman would have fit into that villain role. The fair, hefty body with a perfect attire did the trick.
* Picturisation of "Style" and "Athiradi" - Find myself wanting of words to describe the impact.
* Sure, would bet, had someone other than thalaivar featured in "Athiradi" song, it would have ended a big comedy. But having thalaivar, it has ended as the best song picturised in the entire movie.
* Awesome BGM, not only whenever Rajni rocks the screen, but also when Suman tries the silent killing, showcases that Rahman is still one of the bests in the business.
* Vivek not only manages to provide the bursting laughters, but also provides the support role amply.
* The climax Rajni - A must watch. No wonder he is regarded the best when it comes in terms of exhibiting this unique trait in him - STYLE. Effortless showing off; yes, a paradox by itself.

One thing that might have been avoided in this otherwise perfect Rajni starrer is the slightly overdosed chasing of Shreya by thalai. But the director might well have his reason of justifying to include the same anticipating the family crowd that might have wanted some comedy & sentiments. Sankar once again exhibits his uncanny knack of unearthing blockbuster hits.

Though might not say "Sivaji" as The Best of Super Star (as expressed in my previous write up), would definitely say it as One of his bests...

Tail piece: Managed to see the first 10 minutes today, as today was my second SIVAJI dharshan in two days...

2007-06-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

The BOSS

The BOSS is hitting town the next week. A wait worth it is about to come to an exciting halt. A million, if am not exaggerating is eager waiting for the release. Sample being sited in the aforedisplayed pictures. Thanks to my 6630, that enabled me capturing the same decently, despite the fact that I was driving in the busy Kodambakkam bridge traffic. A scorpio, with the number 8055 had the number plate designed in a way it showed "BOSS".

Goes without saying 'The BOSS' has the mass across the audiences. Whether its a 2 yr old or a 20 yr old or even a 60 yr old. My cousin who is elder to me exactly by 10 yrs was/is a fan of thalaivar. I am proud saying am an afficianado of Super star. My cousin's son, who is exactly 20 yrs younger to me is now an ardent fan of Rajni.

All the more, this movie's release is regarded important for the following reasons:
* Sivaji "The team" - Rajni, Shankar, A R Rahman, Sujatha, AVM (Hope all the big names of Tamil Cinema are covered)
* Sivaji "The budget" - It is said that this movie would be the costliest ever Indian movie produced, touching a mamooth 60 crores (after Dev das that touched a whopping 50 crores)
* Sivaji "The name" - The title by itself grabs the attention. Attributed to his original name Shivaji Rao or paying tribute to Shevaliar Shivaji Ganesan??!!
* Sivaji "The point to prove" - In his prior hits Padayappa and Chandramukhi, he has only played a second fiddle to Ramya Krishnan and Jyothika. The other one being Baba, which I dont wana touch upon.

The trailer abbreviates BOSS as "Bachelor Of Social Service". But me, similar to a million expect it to be abbreviated as Sivaji, The "Best Of Super Star"

2007-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

An amazing attention grabber!!

A mundane travel back home after office was interrupted pleasantly by a hoarding at Koturpuram just before Nandanam signal. Was able to see the hoarding only for a couple of seconds, but the impact it had on me lasted several minutes. Wondering at the thought process that went in behind this piece of advertisement. Just awesome!!

Somehow managed to capture the same. Innovative thinking, definitely at its very best!!

Have a look...

2007-04-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

ஒரு வீடு இரு வாசல் (ORU VEEDU IRU VAASAL!!)

This write up covers two contents or happenings that took place simultaneously, but of course significant and worth-mentioning separately; hence the title.

Content 1: A much needed break
After a very long time, had the wonderful opportunity of relaxing, recharging and refreshing myself at home. MY SWEET HOME. Stayed at home for six fantastic days. Of the six days, two days were overloaded with official work (will be covered in my Content 2); the remaining four days were overloaded with excellent food, thorough rest and a bit of outing.

Took rest, had food, took good rest again, had food and almost the agenda at home did not change a bit in those days, but for a day's trip to Thenmala (Kerala) and Pabanasam. Me, dad, mom and uncle's family planned to go to the aforementioned places and the trip indeed went on quite well. Long showers in Pabanasam Agasthiar falls paved way to vent off the summer heat. Went to a dam at Thenmala as well. Also, watched a couple of movies that was in my hit list for quite some time now. Thamirabarani & Thiruvilayadal (pretty decent ones).

Most importantly, quality time with my parents. They were so happy upon hearing from me that I would be there for a week. And first time in my life, strangely I too felt a sense of excitement (as against the usual happiness) upon feeling that I would be staying for a week at home. And the excitement promptly lasted till my sixth day at home.

A much needed break indeed!! Energy level after the trip for sure triggered up. And of course the level of enthusiasm in me. Atleast for a while.

Content 2: The other side of the table
In connection to the first content, where I mentioned I had been to my hometown partly on an official want, in this content would want to share my happiness and experience of me changing positions across the table.

Let me not hype more. It's about me sitting in the HR panel and getting involved in the selection process of Engineering graduates from Accredidated engineering colleges across TN. So far, had visited 5 campuses, that included Govt College of Engineering, Tirunelveli, that eventually paved way to my stay at home for a while.

The first time I assumed this role, was really proud and at the same time was perplexed, as I could not help imagining that I was on the other side of the table just a couple of years back facing the HR Managers during my selection process.

"Tell me about yourself"

"Tell one good reason, why the company should select you"

"Do you have any questions for us?"

"What will you bring with you to our company?"

These were a few questions for which I was answering before, which now is a question from my end. The funniest part is the kind of respect we got from the campuses were at times a bit "too much" and "slightly embarassing". Repeated "Coffee saapteengala nna", "Tiffin saapteengalanna" kinds, though it might be sounding slightly exaggerated.

All said and done, there definitely was an air of pride when I say people enquiring my whereabouts, replying "Nan inga oru campus ku recruitment ku vanthirken" over the phone. And a sense of excitement is catching up me again, as I would be a part of the HR panel which is supposed to recruit candidates from my own engineering college. Awaiting that day.

Could not have asked for more as an HR than going back to your college, meet your professors and select candidates for your organization!!

2007-03-10T04:07:00.000-08:00

SARA"vena" BHAVAN

One of the leading chain of hotels based out of Chennai, well catering to the need of millions of Tamil makkal even outside India
Expensive but yet worth the same for its quality and of course taste
Hygiene has been one stand out feature of Saravana Bhavan, wherein even all the waiters are clean-shaved and in ujala white
Last but never the least, it has been a savior of all Chennai Bachelors staying away from home, as it definitely gives a glimpse of the wonderful home food.

But of late Saravana Bhavan has been in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Would say for some notorious reasons rather. Quantity of late has been a concern, wherein these days the oothappams are of the size of the yester year's vada, but at the same time the price has been skyrocketing. You could seldom eat here your stomach full sans a hole in your purse.

Even for food lovers who don't mind spending just for the taste and quality, certain other reasons are exasperating. The major one being the customer service. That too when it comes in terms of the "Home delivery".

Two weeks back me and my room mate were ordering for the dinner via phone. The person in the other end was so restless throughout the order, as if me asking him for a favor after disturbing his mid night sleep. After me giving my address for the 4th time, I was asked to wait. Was waiting a whole 7 min, before I lost my patience & hope and cut the call. Again called him up and somehow managed the order, though only after my small outburst.

The food arrived in an hour's time and the delivery boy who came again was seemingly restless and disturbed. As soon as I paid him off, he said "You should have given the address correctly. You made me to wander unecessarily" and disappeared from my sight not even giving me time to reprimand him. As a customer, was thoroughly upset with the day's happening, but of course finished off the dinner promptly.

After all this drama, still could not resist my temptation of having a full meals Today from Saravana Bhavan. So again daringly tried placing an order via my mobile. The person in the other end responded with a hello. I said I need to place an order for lunch. Without even asking for my address, the person said "You will have to call up another branch (another location)". I counter argued him saying, "I have earlier availed the service from you" and hence questioned on his outright rejection.

After a series of discussions, he noted down my address and then asked for the order. As soon as this, I was asked to hold the line. After a couple of minutes the person said "Sorry, food cannot be ordered to your area" and cut the call abruptly. Now too I didn't give it up (Avvalavu pasi) and called the other branch (other location) that the first person had told me.

Again I was asked for my address and the order was placed. After that I was asked for a contact number, for which I gave my mobile number. Now he said "I need a landline number". I said how could you expect a landline number from a bachelor. He ruggedly said, "No way could the order be delivered without a landline number". That was the moment I was so pissed off that I banged my mobile in frustration (After a long time - banging).

Anger adding to my hunger forced me to initiate my protest. Tried some means to escalate these incidents to the higher-ups, but will have to wait.

The intention of this write-up is not just to revolt against any one or any system. Its neither a crib session. Its my small attempt to bring about a transformation from the Sara"VENA" Bhavan to Sara"VANGA" Bhavan. After all, I just love their food. So do the Chennai ites.

2007-03-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

"Teen-age pennirkum amma vukkum naduvil
kattayam kattayam kattayam

Suththi kettavanga
Manam thirakiraar Simbu

Thaervil 100ku 100 vaanga vendumaa??
12 raasigalukkum parikaaram"

Ipothu virpanaiyil - Gokulam Kathir....

An excellent ad aired frequently in Radio One - well ensuring that none dare reads it!!

2007-02-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

IT'S ABOUT MONEY, HONEY - V day, An other perspective!!

BenQ has announced a Valentine Day offer on their mobile handset, E61
Celebrate the spirit of love & win big this Valentine's Day with Airtel.
Celebrate Valentine's day with exciting offers on eBay India.
HDFC Bank offers a 2.5 gm personalized heart-shaped gold bar of 99 percent - V day special.
KBC special celebrity show on V-day.
All FMs promptly held the V-day buzz around.
WorldSpace celebrates V day with a special offer - Buy a WorldSpace receiver, and get two speakers for free

Valentine Day market potential swelled to Rs. 1,200 cr, registering a growth of 20-25 percent year-on-year, according to estimates.

February 14th, 2007... Chennai was painted red. Should say EVEN Chennai was painted red. So was the whole world. Roses, cards, hearts and special offers. Was astonished on reading the newspapers on the V-day, as for sure easily some 20 odd ads were there that displayed offers on account to the V-day. All the aforesaid offers give a strong message that the V-day is sold everywhere as a marketing gimmick these days!!

This is not the first instance that this kind of a ploy was used by the marketers to trigger of the market potential. A set of Gold merchants floated a publicity stunt by introducing something called "Akshaya Thrithi" spreading a word of mouth that buying gold on that particular day would ultimately result in gold accumulation for the year... Not to forget the green saree maneuver that came around Southern Tamil Nadu (brothers need to gift a green saree to their sisters for the general well-being of the family).

Similarly, coming back to the Valentine's day, I personally feel that its not just those in love look forward to Valentine's day, but the stock market also celebrates the day with positive fervor. And for sure, we could not help but appreciate the brains behind the idea of turning St Valentine's Day into a commercial wingding. There has been a time during the late 90's when not much in the Indian sub-continent even paid the slightest heed to this now fabulous day. And these smart marketers have played a major role in advertising the V-day year on year.

Last to mention, I found this banner erected in the Mount Road (near Cenotaph Road) by HUTCH.. This advertisement board was erected at a place that could well be an attention-grabber, the hugeness of which could not be missed out by the passers-by. Innovation definitely at its best!!

2007-02-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

ONE OF ITS KIND!!

One of my UG friends (Nellai-ite) got transferred from Hyderabad to Chennai. As a way of welcoming him, and ensuring that we have a perfect get together, we planned to meet up in theatre (yes, certainly bizzare), and I reached the theatre half-an hour before the show, so as to get the tickets without much chaos...

Was little surprised seeing no queue being formed there in the counter, and felt the tickets were sold out. Still went and approached the person in the counter, and was relieved when found that the tickets were available. My surprise now transformed into curiosity as that was the first day that the movie has been released, and still I got the tickets in no time.

I asked the counter wala, "Ennanga koottamae illa, padam eppadi?". He responded with a mischievous smile and said, "Padam NALLA thaanga irukku". Etho ulkuthu irunthathu lesa apo thaan enakku therinjathu... By now my friend has come, and we had the ceremonial, inquisitive enquires after the welcomes.

Now we got into the theatre and got ourself ready for viewing the movie. It was named "PORI". My intention, conviction or justification of selecting the movie was mainly because of the faith that I had instilled in Jeeva. My perception was that, next to Vikram he was the only hero sensible in terms of selecting and filtering neat stories.

All of the aforementioned convictions went for a toss in just over two torturous hours. Literally we were just fed with a "four letter word". Had I been in the shoes of Jeeva, I would have given the director a tight slap, while he had narrated the story. And as my friend rightly pointed out, even if Jeeva comes up with five consecutive neat stories, they would be definitely dumped by the public in the box office. Such is the enormity of the damage done in this single movie. Blunders beyond repair.

The story is an one-liner. The hero fights and wins eventually after being beaten up by the villain. The sole consolation in the entire movie was a new concept in villainism, involving LAND ENCROACHMENT.

Let me put the review in Kaaka Kaaka terms: "Ethanayo koduramaana thiraipadangal, koramaana thiraikathaigal naan paathirken. Aana intha padatha paathappo, SETHUTTAEN..."

Mothathil PORI, SORI... Yes, for sure one of its kind!!

2007-01-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

A few questions for which I don’t have answers for

Nithari killings, Mumbai molestation, Child killed by children. These were a few top stories, rather horror stories flashed in all channels over the last two weeks. A sense of deep concern, a fear over thinking the Nation’s future where my son or daughter is gonna live, and a pain over the neck were a few reactions of mine on getting to know about each of the instances.

Imagine a so-called knowledgeable intellect, having done all his educations in premier institutes, slaughtering the kids mercilessly (unimaginably all the victims were kids – ruthless & hard heartened) deputing his work also to his servant, another claimed cannibal.

Imagine a so-called Safe Metro to live in India hosting one of the most disgusting acts the Nation has ever witnessed for a long time. A poor girl, who was accompanied by her partner to celebrate the New Year’s Eve being molested fearlessly and shamefully by not one, not two, but by a gang of rascals, who eventually manhandle the girl’s companion. Hoping for a happy new year and wishing to celebrate with the Nation, the girl after the incident, would have become a pessimist, battered and skeptical.

The incredible of all the three is the story of a child being killed by children. None could have even imagined a 5 year old kid being kidnapped and eventually stabbed to death by his fellow friends for the sake of money and that too to celebrate the New Year lavishly and extravagantly. And one of the teenagers convicted in this case says “We were aware that even in case we were found guilty, we would be sent to the reform schools as against the rigorous imprisonment. Hence we dared to do so.”

Where are we heading to? Where is the Nation heading towards? Are we really living in a safe place? Are we in the process of creating, or at least thinking about a serene environment to our future generations?

The aforementioned are a few of the queries that continuously prop up in my mind off late. But I don’t have the answers. Might be all the aforesaid incidents could be tagged as one off cases, but yet a very high rise in the rate of murders, terrorism borne activities, child abuses, sexual assaults, serial killings, and even cannibalism in India gives me a feeling that is India still the same safe place to live in, as it was a decade ago?

2007-01-07T02:23:00.000-08:00

WELCOME 2007!!

2006 to me has been an year of fluctuations - a typical year with ebb & flow throughout. Mixed feelings, in other words. A very close friend of mine getting married and another getting engaged, revival of an old friendship (eventually leading to find my room mate - yup, its Giri), unearthing a couple of new friends (who are now two of my closest pals - Rajesh & Vivek), leaving my first company (was a BIG ask emotionally), entering one of the Indian IT giants (paving way to my entry into my mom's dream company), my first & delightful dharshan of Tirupathi Venkatachalapthi were a few occurances worth recalling for the year...

Let us thank god for 2006 - good or not as per us, for in god's plans everything is for our good. Let us hope & pray for the year ahead to be great!!

2006-12-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

Remix at its BEST!!

I have more often not been an aficionado of remix songs, especially those songs that come in tamil movies that have meaningless rap bits thrown around here and there (except all of Yuvan's recent releases). So when one of my friends sent me a scrap book entry with an URL that carried a remix, I was reluctant, yet curious in getting to know what is in store...

Yogi B & Natchatra - the name was weird, and I was giving time for buffering the youtube video, simultaneously checking my personal mails for the day. After a while, played the video. Namma oorkara pasanga oru naalu peru. The opening of the video was in a barber shop. The inmates start talking about an old Ilayaraja classic - Madai thiranthu (Nizhalgal), and start humming the same.

Now starts the hip-hop. Entry of the barber shop inmates in a perfect rap, hip-hop outfit. Not just the outfit, but a taylor-made body language and gestures that made me doubt if they are really from the Wild wild west... An awesome entry announcing the viewers what might be in store. And till the end, they effortlessly manage the tempo and the hype they gave during the entry.

In all, four of them contribute individually to this remix. Among them, I was peculiarly impressed by one chap who is chubby, and round, but full of enthu, focus and has a hardcore hip-hop, rap tone (who comes with "Evanukkume theriaathu"). He is Yogi b, the leader of the troup. For the remix, you can go to this URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TVgGsIuLYU

A few facts that I could collate about this the foursome awesome...

* They are a Malaysian band
* Yogi B's original name - Yogeswaran K. Veerasingam
* Yogi B was initially with a troup called Poetic Ammo, but broke down with them, and joined the Natchatra duo (comprising Dr Burn a.k.a. Ruban Manoharan and Emcee Jesz a.k.a. Sujesh Sambasivam).
* Their debut album was named VALLAVAN
* Vallavan has 15 songs, all produced by Yogi and Natchatra
* Vallavan has even two temple priests on one of its tracks
* Their website - http://vallavan.macrology.com.my/v4/index.php
* An amazing 132,752 views so far in Youtube (at the time of penning this blog)
* The other major hits from Yogi B are "Indian girls", "HIP HOP ERA", and "Vali Theduther"

The Madai thiranthu song closes with a one-liner by Kalignar Karunanidhi (I think its kalaignar's voice) in his coarse voice - "Kalai - Manithanaaga pirantha ovvoruvanum alli alli parugavendiya amirthamadaa athu"

A perfect ending to this amazing remix. DO WATCH / HEAR IT!! Entertainment guarenteed...

2006-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Two similar COME-BACKS!!

It was just a warm-up match. Rest of South Africa vs India, a warm up four day match but still it was of some importance. "Dada was back". And most importantly back among runs. This particular innings of him was of great significance, that it even overshadowed an aggressive brilliant century from Irfan Pathan.

By now, Ganguly has stamped his importance to Team India sans doubt in each of the two innings of the first test against SA. In the first innings, he came up with a steady, gritty, unbeaten half century, and in the second, a decent valuable 20+, adding to the overall lead. A solid, rather arrogant comeback. Arrogant I would say, as he silenced his critics without fuss in all the innings he played immediately after his comeback (but for the second innings duck in the warm up match).

I would, as a cricket lover, rate this as one of the greatest comebacks, not just because he scored a half century in his first comeback test, not just because he was the top scorer for the team, not just because he hit a towering six of Ntini, not just because of his last wicket stand with a tailender, but just because this innings showcased his character, his grit, his self-belief, his never say die attitude and overall his ruggedness. KUDOS to the prince of Kolkatta!!

The second such a comeback was by the man hailed as the ULTIMATE star by his fans. Yes Ajith Kumar, via his noteworthy performance in his latest movie GOD FATHER (Varalaru). After a long streak of flops and after a period of hibernation, this movie of him was the sole winner out of the entire lot of movies released for Diwali. Of course, KS Ravikumar is renowned for his commercial hits and knows the knack of making it to the box office, but yet Ajith's performance in the movie, and the way in which he was fit into the role was laudable.

And these two come-backs were in a way similar to me, (though Dada's return is more important to me) as there were some commonalities. Both Ganguly and Ajith were once seen by me as notorious in terms of their attitudes. But yet, still there came a time when I was really feeling for them to perform, when I could miss their action, & when I was looking forward to their come-backs.

Which is what happened together coincidently... Happy for Dada, and Ajith...

2006-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

A Hat-trick...

Yesterday, Friday the 24th of November 2006 made it three in a row. Yes, a hat-trick. Third time that we effected the MISSION "Friday Fodder" (F²) with amazing ease, and without much fuss. Ya, thats the strength of having food lovers in your team. And of course, good old pals in the team.

F²Team: Adit, me, Prasad and Venkat.

It all started this way. (10th November 2006)

Me: Machi, free ya?
Line 1 (Venkat): Wise men think alike... I'm ready machi..

Me: Machi, free ya?
Line 2 (Adyit): Enga varanum nu mattum sollu maams..

Me: Machi, free ya?
Line 3 (Prasad): Aama, aama... Athukuthaane. Epo nu solluda maapi..

Not a trace of complexity involved, right? As simple as that. All four of us assembled on time, as if gonna catch a flight, and executed the plan effortlessly. That was the starting point. By that time, all four of us came to a consensus. We all held up our right hand, and feigned a courtroom oath, "We would by any means, and all means make ourself available for the F²without fail whatsoever be the situation or emergency". (Kudutha kaasukku mela kuvuraeno??)

And so did we. All the three weeks, "naalu perum chumma moochu thinara thinara, engalaala evvvalavu mudiumo, avvvalavu saaptom". Emotions too were playing around. We were in tears, when one of the servers said, rather whispered the following to his fellow mate, that we overheard - "Evvalavu saapadu kondu vechaalum, oru parukkai kuda micham veikama sapadranuga da... Ivanuga romba NALLAVANGA da" nu sollitaan...

Jokes apart, this get together is like a revitalization or a rejuvenation for us. After all we slog, work and work the entire week like a machine. F² is like d'Announcement of the weekend. I could really feel the rise of a lot of positive energy out of the chitchats & tittle-tattles, out of the food we share & eat together, out of the grins, giggles & laughters and most importantly out of meeting the machis.

Would love to rejoice the Hat-trick, and btw looking forward to execute atleast a century of Mission F²as Bachelors!!

As old books to read, old wine to drink, so are old friends to be with. Trustworthy and ripe... - An anonymous quote...

2006-11-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This blog is strictly for those who can understand Tamil (rather Tamil written in English) and strictly for movie lovers (rather admirers) !!

These guys are hand picked by me and will report directly to me.

Naanga naalu peru, engalukku bayame theriyala. We were the UNTOUCHABLES...

Ipo ore oru bullet selavu, athum yen selavu.. verum 50 rubaa. Devi santhoshapaduvaa la.. Pottomla... "THIS IS ATTROCIOUS".. Ha ha ha... Someone's got to do something about this somewhere...

Control room.. Eli vaettai..

Madras city - Ella edathlaum enga paathaalum porukki, molla maari.

Avanga sonnathu seri thaanae.. Namma innum Veerappana pidikalayae... Vakkillanu solrathellaam summa...

Pernthudchila pallu... Apdiyae veetuku poviyaa?? unga amma kaetta enadaa solvae?? Porukki

College ku apram romba naal kalichu, mudhal thadavaya oru ponna paathukitae irukkanum pola thonuchu...

Avalukku enna pidikala.. Enakku athu pidichirnthathu... Ponnunga vishayathla nan peria expert laam illa. Aana oru ponnunna ivala madiri thaan irukkanum nu thonichu...

At this time of the night, with a girl by your side, shouldn't you be carrying all your papers?

Oru police officer, kolusoda laam alaya maataannu realise paniteenga!! Police naalae oru thani mariyathai irukula?

(And now a sequence - His face getting infected with a smile upon recalling the conversation with Her, and he casually wears his coolers)

Hey jijukkaan !!! Saami saar !! Remember to walk with your held high!!

Yaar sir anni ya?? Velaya Paaruga kaathamuthu...

Romba naala varaama iruntha kanneer, anikku ava nethi la vizhunthathu.. Ava adipattu norungi kidanthatha paathappo SETHUTEN...

Nice guys get nice girls !! Paakalam, poga poga nenga entha alavukku oru normal person a irukareenga nu paakalam.

Kaathalikren, Truely Madly Deeply... Ne kaathal nu solrathukku munaala varaikkum namakkulla oru unarvu irnthathula. Athu nalla irnthathu..

Ava sonnathu sari thaan. You are not a normal person..

Unkuda naraya pesanum. Pesalaama? I LOVE TO...

Unakkum enakkum oru 6 vayasu vithyasam irukku. Why me? Its a girl thing...
Hmm. Sari. Ok. Kalyanam panikkalaam...

Pandiya

Dae.. Pandiyavukku inga vechirken da cut out...

Oru thadava thaan sonnom. Aana thelivaa sonnom.. Simple aana powerful..

Yenga ponaalum antha oora namma aalanum.. Antha oorla oru kalakku kalakkanum...

Sethu annanukkaaga...

Nee bayapaduve da. Ne aluvada.. Unakku valikkum da... Paakalama da... Un kannumunnalaye avala thookarenda...

Ipo avana adikalaama... Adikalaamnu nenakren. Dae P####, ore pechu. Adikalama vendama??

Appo oru nakkal vitteengalla da. Ipo vidra antha nakkala... Solala ne sethuruve, enaku porumaiye kidayathu. Kevalam oru ponukagavum, un 3 friends kaagavum, un uyira vitratha da...

______________________________________________________

Guess most would have by now got to know about what all these dialogues are... For all to whom it's sounding Greek and Roman, let me tell you what. All these dialogues are from the movie, rather the masterpiece Kaaka Kaaka, THE POLICE..

Recently got a chance to see this movie (Diwali sirappu thiraipadam) in one of the TV channels yet another time (this was my 6th time). This movie is one that looked NEW to me each of the times I watched it. For sure, one of its kind. One of the rare DIRECTOR's movies, that had been just crafted amazingly. "Padattha Sethukkeerkaanda" - Invariably all of my friends said the same after we watched this movie for the first time, back in 2004.

Simple, yet Powerful and Practical dialogues - One standout feature of this movie, that made me an aficionado of this Gowtham Menon's classic. And hence wanted just to recapture those wonderful dialogues. For those who had had a similar liking for the movie, do go to the following URL, and do express the same...

http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=23383035

2006-10-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

D'AFRICAN SAFARI !!

Yup, a slightly exaggerated title, but my experience last week could not have been better expressed sans this aforesaid title... My myth was shattered upon spending a day's time in ANNA Wildlife Sanctuary - Ada namma Vandaloor Zooo pa...

Not me, many people have a few common myths. i.e., Circus, Zoos, Cartoon networks, Siruvar Malars and Tinkles could cater to the needs of the children segment alone. Apart from first two (Circuses and Zoos), I was clear that the others were myths, cos I had a liking for all of the others even now. (Siruvar malar, of course has shown a fall in its quality).

Well, it all started this way. Was a weekday off for the Mangalam inhibitants (ada, enga flat paeru Mangalam Appts), and we were planning for an outing. Some place away from the city, some place in the woods, or waterfalls was my suggestion. Giri came up with this idea of Vandalur zoo. I was initially relucant, and a bit skeptical, but eventually got into a consensus as we could not think or rather spot any other place with a scenic backdrop.

Was there by 12:30 noon. Thanks to the monsoon rains that we weren't perturbed by the scorching sun. Da Safari begun. "Enatha perusa paarka porom. Ellathaum koondukkulla pidichi potrupaanga, sema gappu adikkum". This was my preconceived notion entering the zoo.

Pleasantly surprised by a single fact throughout. The space for all the incumbents were just more than enough. Not a single species had a constraint in terms of space. AATC - Animal allocation and Task committee has done its part so well (the meaning of this sentence could be appreciated by a selected few, but no ull kuthu).

First they have a zone for all birds on earth. Then for the carnivores, relatively huge space covered for them. Then a section for the scavengers - the hyenas & vultures. And a wide area covered for the reptiles as well. A minimum of 10 different species of crocodiles were there, and a separate building encapsulating the different breeds of snakes (was really a bit scary).

A commonality that prevailed in all animals housed in Vandalur was that they were least bothered by our presence, giving us a look like "Ethana pera paarthirpom, Nangellam...". On the contrary, we (all people) were in sought of their attentions time and again, by making some sounds, gestures and even some guys went to an eccentric extent of throwing stones at the hyenas to awake them. Who is now missing out on the sixth sense??!!

We were impressed the way in which the zoo was modeled and maintained and were discussing on the same, when ironically we heard a voice saying this - "British kaaran kattirpaanda".

Though would not say its an extremely wonderful place for outing, but for sure would say or recommend the Chennai ites to come here once. Worth an experience. A few snaps recorded during MY SAFARI...

Vellai "Peacock" ondru yenguthu kaiyil varamale - White peacock

Appu... Appu... - Aboorva sagotharargal white parrot

Kokku saiva kokku oru kendae meena kandu - Vedanthaangal kokku

Oadura nari ila oru nari kulla nari thaan, achum achum - Fox

Oru 'Hyena' 'Hyena' kuruvi manasoda paaduthu, jodi yai theduthu ho hoi - Hyena (poor picure quality regretted)

No comedy - TIIIIIIIGER !!!