Natarang - Movie Review

I watched "Natarang". Its a marathi movie, which tells the story of an artist struggle in the field of Marathi folk entertainment art form called "Tamasha". His ordeals as he is typecasted and abused for playing a feminine male role called "Nachya". And how he overcomes the abuse to achieve fame and success. This movie has many elements jokes, tragedy, socio-political mirrors, love story, artist struggle, selfish behaviour, sacrifice, but more importantly its a window into the world of one misunderstood person. Played superbly by Atul Kulkarni, who deserves an award for it. Sonalee as the dancer is perfectly seductive, while other actors acted convincingly. None of the characters seemed out of place. Not the kind of movie you may see too many times, but a movie which should be in the list of one of best marathi movies. Worth a watch for the quality of performances.
And one more thing, I felt it was technically a brilliant movie, good production and great visuals, which some time back was unheard of.
Kudos to everyone who made this movie possible. And congrats to Atul Kulkarni for his excellent performance. And still can't forget the seduction of the character played by sonalee (a young actress).

Quickie!!

3 idiots mini review:-

Watched 3 idiots..good movie...if you liked munnabhai series ..you will love it... Omi Vaidya as "Chatur" , Booman Irani as head of college were excellent... aamir/sharman/r.madhavan were strong as usual....watch it once for some good laughs...each actor has one or two gags of their own...and also there are couple of teary scenes for sentimentally inclined. Watch it with friends, and keep repeating "Chatur's" dialogues.

Arsenal won against West Ham 2-1 in FA Cup. I could not see the match, but it was a good match where Aaron Ramsey (Fabregas replacement) and Song (one of our most consistent players) scored. 

Sore throat is not a good thing, but it is sure to happen, as I drank too many fizz drinks in such a cold climate. 

A horror flick called "Paranormal Activity" which was made on a small budget but has got critical reviews across the world will arrive in our theaters this weekend, it has also got recommendation from Steven Spielberg. Now that is one movie I would like to watch. 

Thats all for now. Adios!

a kind of flashback tag

sourced from http://chocolatychocolatelover.blogspot.com/

1.What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
A..Went on a trip to one of the best beaches of konkan with ...  "wink*   *wink* 


2.Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

A..I don't make any resolutions so no need to worry about keeping them.


3.How will you be spending New Year's Eve?
A..In a train traveling to Parbhani with my best pals


4.Did anyone close to you die?
A..grandpa



5.What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A. No Breakups! 


6.What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
A..When I fell in love with my -ex and also the day we broke up



7.What was your biggest achievement of the year?
A..River Valley crossing using a rope

8.What was your biggest failure?
A.. 


9.Did you suffer illness or injury?

A.. knee scraping incident due to bike slippig.  


10.What was the best thing you bought?
A..new novels and a red tee


11.Where did most of your money go?

A..home loan :)

12.What song will always remind you of 2009?
A.. gum-sum ho kyon - shaan 


13.What do you wish you'd done more of?
A..Sleeping

14.What do you wish you'd done less of?
A..Playing football manager; a game.

15.Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

A..No

16.What was the best book you read?
A..Icon-Fredrick Forsyth

17.What was your favorite film of this year?
A..Avatar!!!!

18.What did you do on your birthday?

A..Traveling to Orissa, with some of my best friends, enjoying the East coast of India

19.what kept you sane?

A. Family, Friends and movies

20.What did you miss?
A..Arsenal matches, Transformers 2 in theaters. 

21.Who was the best new person you met?

A..Many

22.Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009? 

Still clumsy and stupid in matters of love.

23. What else happened this year?
Many Many good things


Happy New year Everyone!

A tag dated: 31-dec-2009

Since I was out of town for new year celebrations, and had no access to Internet, I forgot to post this tag earlier. Its called

:The Lucky Chinese Tag:

This tag is supposed to bring some luck in the new year, so thanks "chocolate lover" for this "good luck"

8 TV shows I like to watch:
(this is tough, I don't watch TV shows regularly, its mostly movies,but these are watched occasionally)
>Video Zonkers(AXN)
>America's Funniest Videos(AXN)
>Big Bang Theory(Zee Studio)
>Tarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasmaa(SAB)
>TMZ(HBO)
>Highway On My Plate(NDTV good times)
>Megastructures(Discovery)
>Whose line is it any way(Star World)

8 favorite place to eat and drink:
>Chaat stall at thane near St. john's church (pani puri with boondi and not ragda, its heavenly)
>Cutlet experts on Gokhale Road (its yummy)
>Samosa of a sweet shop in my locality (hot samosa and chutney)
>Champs Chinese (VFM)
>Hotel Sudhavihar (good food, good ambiance)
>Hotel Gopalas (great ambiance, good food)
>Samosa and Ragda at Thane Railway station (hot, spicy but no ambiance)
>A fountain soda stall in my locality(super variety of flavors)


8 things I look forward to:
>New challenges in work at office
>Travel to new places with friends and families
>Making new friends
>Making people happy
>Do at least one thing so that my family and friends are proud of me
>Rainy monsoons, less chilly winters, sunny summers.
>Watching good movies be it in any language (with sub-titles if foreign language)
>Write more poems, more blogging.

8 Things that happened yesterday:
>Watched Arsenal win 4-1 against Portsmouth by staying awake (match started at 1:10 AM).
>I ate one of my favorite pulses curry called "mataki usal" (in marathi).
>Finally laid my hands on one of my favorite movies, "Snatch by Guy Ritchie" it has witty dialogues.
>Also watched "Motorcycle Diaries", one of my fave movies, it tells story of che guvera.
>Worked late in office to finish of work, so that I could take "leave" on 31st!
>Had Prawns curry for dinner.
>Packed my bags (!!)


8 Things I love about winter:
>nothing
>nothing
>nothing
>nothing
>nothing
>nothing
>I get to wear a jacket
>no sweat

8 things on my whishlist:
>Maruti Gypsy and Ford Fiesta
>1 TB(1 Trilo Byte = 1024 GB) Hard Disk for my songs and videos
>52 inch Plasma TV 
>Honeymoon in Paris or Bahamas
>A powerful PC with the best hardware
>Meet Saina Nehwal and Arsene Wenger
>A High Definition-HandyCam
>A soul-mate

8 things 'am passionate about:
>Biking
>Football
>Food

>Poems

>Thriller novels

>History/Architecture 

>Trekking
>Movies

8 words/phrase I often use:

>achaa

>yeah

>oye

>kuch bhi

>khatarnaak

>shit

>fucking cool

>damn

8 things I learnt from the past:

>that past should not be regurgitated

>past is nostalgic

>it can induce tears or smiles

>I still can't handle a love relationship

>I have a tendency to say the wrong words at the wrong time

>I don't devour sweets like I used to

>I still don't like dry winters

>I love movies

8 places I would love to go/visit/see:

>Paris

>Bahamas

>Mt. Everest

>Amazon river

>Caribbean Beaches

>Kulu-Manali

>Kashmir

>Assam

8 things I currently want/need:

>Sleep

>Watch more movies

>A long ride on my bike with best pals

>A new Hard disk

>Fizz drink 

>Pastaaa!!

>Winter to get over

>more sleep

Finally 8 people I want to tag:
1. Sameeta
2. Niyati 
3. Xorkes
4. Tasha
5. Amita
6. Supriya
7. Refak
8. Gautam Mengle

Now... you know...what I did on New Years Eve....

I am back to work and trying to quit the habit of writing 2009 as current year instead of 2010. So a new year begins with lots of secret resolutions.
On new years eve i.e. 31st Dec 12:00 PM, I was traveling with my best pals in a train headed towards Parbhani. We began the year by seeking blessings at Gajanan Maharaj temple at Shegaon, enjoying the sights and sounds of "Anandsagar garden-cum-meditation center".
This garden has everything for everybody, in a way. Peaceful areas for meditation, scenic locales with greenery and a lake for lovey-dovey couples, amusement rides for kids and adults alike. So from spirituality to fun, the 1st day of 2010 encompassed it all, only to be spoiled by rubbish food (due to our bad scheduling, which left us limited dinning options).
2nd day began at Ajanta(spelled "ajinthaa" in marathi), we were short on time as our plan was to visit ajanta caves, ellora caves, deogiri (daulatabad fort), biwi-ka-maqbara, gyanenshwar gardens, lonar lake etc.
But since we had only one day, we had to cut it short, so we could only visit Ajanta Caves, Bhadramaruti Temple, Daulatabad (Deogiri fort) and Biwi-Ka-Maqbara.
Short visits (like ours) don't do justice to Ajanta caves and Deogiri fort, you need lot of time to really savor the art and history behind both.
Ajanta Caves are magnificent to some like me, but incomplete or broken etc for many. History fascinates me, interest me and amazes me and I loved them. Not everyone shares my curiosity for interpreting cave paintings so I had to curb my enthusiasm.
Deogiri fort is one of my favourite forts and is a very strong fort, next favourite is Rajgad. Its plan is such that it was almost unconquerable and it was conquered by deceit in the end. Its security plan was like European castles with moat and secret passages.
Biwi-Ka-Maqbara is a poor clone of Taj Mahal, but made with good intentions by a son for his mother.
Bhadramaruti temple was built by Bhadrasen (a king) who was a ardent devotee of Hanuman. It is the only Maruti temple, where the idol of Maruti (Lord Hanuman) is in the sleeping position. There is belief that a visit to this shrine will fulfill the desire of a person.
Since this trip didn't allow us to really explore Aurangabad and its vicinity areas of historic and artistic importance, meant that a second trip needs to be made to fully devour it all.
Our tight schedule meant I could not really enjoy "the food trip", where a food trip, is a trip of enjoying the best of local delicacies. In all, a very good trip, be it in terms of fun, history, travel, chilly winds. But more than that, a very good way to start the new year by visiting places about which we had only read in books, in stead of watching movies or TV.
Yes! I know its late, but anyway..so.. Best wishes to all my dear readers, may you have a new year filled with happiness, fun and adventure!

Arsenal best Aston Villa 3-0

Arsenal scored 3 goals to secure a very important win against Aston Villa. 

At half-time the score was 0-0, but after 10-15 minutes into the second half, Fabregas was introduced. He played for 20 minutes and scored 2 goals, showing fantastic commitment and good leadership. 

After his 2 goals, Arsene Wenger didn't want to risk injury to him, as he was just recovering from one, so he was replaced by Ramsey. 

But Fabregas had done his job, and Diaby later made the score look better by scoring the third one.

A good second half performance and safe but solid one in first half, saw Arsenal get important 3 points. 

Team Lineup

                     Almunia 

Sagna     Gallas     Vermaelen Traore

                       Song

         Denilson(57)   Diaby        

      Nasri                          Eduardo(63)

                        Arshavin  

subs-> 57 (Fabregas)-replaced by Ramsey(84)

             63(Walcott)

Goals: Fabregas 65, 81, Diaby 90.

I am very happy with this result because yesterday Chelsea drew dropping 2 points. But at the time of writing this post, ManU were leading against Hull, so hoping Hull can draw level somehow. 

Still a good result for Arsenal. But Song will go to play for his country in ACN(African Cup of Nations) so not sure how team will play in his absence. Till then, all Gunners out there keep smiling and enjoy the sweet feeling of a very good win.

I can explain

I can explain why I penned those lines in my last post.

Because I am in senti-mood, blame it on "rab ne bana di jodi" (SRK movie).

Watching "Transformers-2" will surely help to ease me out of senti-mood.(will watch it after I publish this post).

I saw Avatar on Thursday. Magical movie that everyone should watch at least once in 3-D. It does not matter if you don't like English movies, you will find something to like about it. I hope to watch it again, but I think my pals would go for 3-idiots. I would prefer Avatar but would not mind 3-idiots. 3-idiots has one of favorite actors Sharman, R. Madhavan, and Boman Irani. I am not a fan of Aamir, so.... we better leave it at that.

I am listening to Mudvayne right now, a very good album. But I don't listen to Heavy Metal music while riding my bike, as I tend to get over-excited as if I am in action movie doing crazy stunts. 

So usually while riding, I listen to punk rock or alternative rock. Stuff like red hot chilli peppers, offspring, greenday, U2, scorpions, etc. I also soothe myself by listening to songs by Dido or KT Tunstall, I don't exactly identify with their lyrics but they have a nice voice. And once in a while I flip through some hindi bollywood songs. I don't stick to particular genre of music, though I prefer rock music, I love the best of each genre of music too.

So two days of the long weekend are over, and one more day to go, don't know what to do tomorrow, other than wasting time, and wasting time. 

I have, I haven't

"My eyes hold back tears,

 heart tries to suppress pain.

still it does not receded,

familiar feeling of losing.

mind tells to get over it,

no big deal its a movie.

maybe on screen it shows

painting of imagination.

but I find it familiar,

similar to what I felt."

Movie ends and begins an ad featuring a tag line, "Move On".

I say I have, people say I haven't.

-----------------------------------------------------

(I am inspired to write poems again, all thanks to "Niyati" and "chocolate lover").

An award, and two tags to know me more..

I received this award from Chocolate Lover, Thank You very much. She is a very good poet and a potential lyricist.
So I have to do these two tags now.

One is where I have to write down 7 things about me, which are unknown to fellow bloggers

Tag 1:-
>I hate brinjals and Goldspotted grenadier anchovy(fish called "maandeli" in marathi)
>I hate winters or specifically cold climate, when chilly winds and dry skin attacks are rampant.
>Of the time I watch TV, I mostly watch english movies or football, nothing else.
>I don't know how to swim, but enjoy frolicking in water.
>I have slight fear of heights, but I enjoy trekking, Someday I will atleast climb Mt. Kalsubai(tallest peak in Maharashtra).
>I love riding two-wheelers, especially my bike and my bicycle. I hate when people ride stupidly. Also hate people with no traffic sense, both drivers and pedestrians.
>I used to be short-tempered, I still loose temper, but it happens less frequently.


and here is the second tag.
Tag 2

1. What is your current obsession? Bikes and Arsenal Football Club
2. What are you wearing today? Red shorts and Red Tee
3. What’s for dinner? Veg. Pulav
4. What’s the last thing you bought? Himalaya Hair Cream
5. What are you listening to right now? Magnificant - U2
6. What do you think about the person who tagged you? Very good poet, possibly a good lyricist if these poems are turned into songs.
7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? On one of the carribean islands, sea facing, and I would have a store that sells surfing and diving gear.
8. What are your must-have pieces for summer? Bandana for my long hair (by a guy's standard)
9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Paris, since it is night right now, and Paris looks good at night.
10. Which language do you want to learn? Spanish, Bengali and Sanskrit
11. What’s your favorite quote?Never give up. And never stop believing. (Rocky Balboa)
12. Who do you want to meet right now? Bhatt, Vishram, JP, and Abhay.
13. What is your favorite color? Green, Blue, White and Black.
14. Give us 3 styling tips that works for you: A bandana, Leather Jacket and Blue Jeans
15. What is your dream job? A music composer or lyricist or a Bike Racer.
16. What’s your favorite magazine? Bike India, JLT(out of print)
17. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on? Upgrade my bikes performance or buy new riding gear (jacket, gloves, etc)
18. What do you consider a fashion faux pas? Wearing formal shirts with jeans, esp. ripped jeans.
19. Who according to you is the most over-rated style icon? Everyone else, there was only one, Feroz Khan.
20. What kind of haircut do you prefer? No hair cut, trying to grow my hair, as long as my patience allows it.
21. What are you going to do after this? Have dinner
22. What are your favourite movies? Too many to list. I usually don't like dramas but otherwise too many of them, still if I have to choose, I will choose an epic or an action flick.
23. What inspires you? See a smile on someones face.
24. What does your friends call you most commonly?kambli, sanket,
25. Would you prefer coffee or tea? tea, not too hot, and of course not cold.
26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed? listen to pantera or 'System of a Down' (heavy metal music), watch a mindless action movie, play football manager, write in my journal or talk to my sis about it
27. What makes you go wild? Riding Bikes, Trekking forts/mountains, frolicking in water(be it wavy sea or a flowing river)
28. Which other blogs do you love visiting?Lots of blogs, of fellow bloggers, blogs about bikes, arsenal, comics and technology.
29. Favorite Dessert/Sweet? Jalebi/Rossagulla or StrawBerry Ice cream
30.How many tabs are turned on in ur browser right now?gmail, orkut, facebook, google reader,
31. Favorite Season? Summer and Monsoons
32. If I come to your house now, what would u cook for me? uhh.. funny tasting tea/coffee, scrambled eggs, toast, maggi, french fries.
33. Last time you got stopped by a cop? two years back while riding bike in wrong direction on a one-way road.
34. What are you afraid of the most? That I will self-destruct someday.
35. What's the first you do once you have booted the system? Start Opera browser or Football manager
36. What brings you smile on your face instantly? When others are happy
37. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Scrapped my knees after my bike skidded on wet road.


I tag:-
Niyati
Shruti(High Spot)
Sameeta
Xorkes
Refak
Amita(Directly from heart)
Supriya(Smiling tears)
and everyone else

Rules for those who are tagged:
Respond and rework –
answer these questions on your blog,
replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own,

and add one more question to the list.
Then tag eight or ten other new set of people

Year end blues...or new year blues...or.. no blues...or??

December 2009.

So is it time to welcome with eagerness 2010?

or time to loose oneself in nostalgia of 2009?

I am not quite sure which flow of emotion should I dive into.

I am a dreamer so I can easily dream out the most ideal 2010 for me.

And also I love to roam the streets of nostalgic memories, even if they are only a year old.

Still I can't forget the forgettable New Years Eve of 2008, when I decided to take power nap just before midnight celebrations and ended up sleeping through the fireworks to wake up on  1 Jan 2009 uttering..> [damn!! ]

And I think it was damned anyway with recession, commodities price rise, "break--up", stalled US work opportunities, our Project manager  leaving our firm, and other assorted not-good events. 

Still 2009 continued to shine in parts like sunshine on cloudy days, and I am thankful to god for all that.

Be it, the "break-up", more job responsibilities, MCA degree completion, some good travel experiences with friends and family, learning yoga, getting back my fitness levels (lost due to desk job), watching good movies, making new friends(!!) and many more.

So as I put the events of 2009 into the library of past events in my brain, I can't help but feel "Butterflies in the stomach" regarding what 2010 has in store for everyone, irrespective of good or bad events. 

Because even though nobody likes to hear this, truth is, "whatever happens, happens for the good."

So ... its good...but also not good... because till now, no plans have been made with regards to new year celebrations. So lets see.

"Gracias por leer mi blog, y los puede tienen una feliz Navidad y año nuevo muy impresionante"

it means "Thank You for reading my blog, and may you all have a merry Christmas and very awesome new year"

p.s. I love spanish language, want to master it someday.

again p.s. if any reading this wants to update the good and bad events of 2009 for me, let me know, as I tend to have a very faulty memory.