Finding love on a flight

Finding love on a flight
By B S Prakash

Is it true that marriages are totally arranged between strangers in India?" I am often asked by foreigners at parties. Along with curiosity about the caste system and the significance of the bindi on the forehead, it is one of those questions that all Indians abroad are perennially confronted with.
I struggle to explain that as with anything about India 'it all depends', that there is no one simple answer: Are we talking of urban or rural India, the westernised or the more conservative, caste and class, temperament and inclination and so on.
I point out that shaadi.com and similar sites are among the busiest in the world and yet can lead to so called arranged matrimonies. I also tell them that it is simplistic and even silly to talk of 'love marriages' or 'arranged marriages' as if these were iron clad and mutually exclusive categories; that in fact there are only shades of difference: purely arranged, purely 'love', and the in between -- semi-arranged or arranged love. And more importantly, what difference does it make? What comes after the marriage is more crucial than what went before.
"What about your society? How do you date, fall in love, and meet your life-partner?" I ask. "In high school or at work," they normally answer. As we toss around our tales and experiences, it emerges that in all societies it is so much a matter of chance and circumstances, of kismet or karma.
Still I was curious as to how these things happen.
In this frame of mind, I was witness recently to how love came to be arranged between two young and trendy Americans. It was a case where the kundalis in their horoscopes must have matched perfectly resulting in the inevitability of their union. This is how it went.
I was traveling in the first row in the premier section of the Virgin American airline flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco. It is a new airline, not yet well known, and there were very few in the premier class. Also in the front row, across the aisle was a young couple, looking very chic and self-assured. The man looked familiar: he might have been one of the Silicon Valley whiz kids who make a billion before they are 25, like the founder of Facebook or Flickr, some new company with a hot technology.
I mentally labeled him as the Innovator. The girl looked like a model, but a brainy and smiling type rather than haughty and aloof.
In front of us, a young and chirpy airhostess busied herself. She was rather short for an American, five feet, but really attractive with a friendly word and smile to all, as she went through her motions before the take off.
As soon as we were airborne, the Innovator asked the air hostess for a gin and tonic. He is celebrating some mega deal, I thought to myself, though I had no idea as to who he was or what he did. He also opened his new ultra slim Apple laptop with its lustrous surface. The friendly hostess was curious as she came to hand over the drinks -- gin and tonic to him, a glass of red wine to his girlfriend.
"So, do you guys live in San Francisco? Are you in IT like every one else?" she asked. Such easy conversation and ready connection is not unusual between passengers and staff, time permitting, and this was not a packed flight.
He said something about himself which I did not hear clearly. From his bearing, style, tone, it was clear that he was confident, almost cocky and a man who trusted his own instincts and impulses.
They talked a little; I would not call it flirting as his girlfriend too joined the conversation; and soon they were discussing their favourite music and restaurants, as young Americans are prone to. I was overhearing all this, not eavesdropping mind you, but this being an open conversation, it was natural.
Soon -- too soon -- I too had learnt the essentials about this overtly bubbly airhostess: Stephanie, originally from Colorado, in her first job with Virgin American, now living in San Francisco which she loved, but as yet didn't have too many friends in the city.
"So, Stephanie. I just have this really cool friend, who seems just your type," the Innovator was saying. "My best friend, Dave, he just broke up with his girlfriend and just moved to San Francisco, doesn't really know anyone here. You guys should really get together," he was telling the hostess, who he had first seen, half an hour back.
"Tell me, do you like skiing?" he asked.
" I am from Colorado, remember, I love skiing," she was replying.
"What kind of food are you into?" the other girl asked.
"I love sushi, but also like Italian. I am not really into French food," Stephanie answered.
"Too pretentious. Mmm. What else? I totally love yoga these days and am trying to cut out red meat."
"Oh, my God, Oh, my God. That is incredible, just like Dave," the girl told Stephanie breathlessly. "Only, he likes to lift weights."
"We should totally get together," the CEO said. "I am going to tell Dave and set this up," he told Stephanie.
During all this, Stephanie continued with her duties, walking up and down the front of the aircraft, giving a coffee to me, a blanket to another passenger, but exchanging some words here and there with her preferred customers, the young couple. It is just an hour's flight and soon we were landing. Before she opened the cabin door for us to step outside, Stephanie was seen giving a card to the Innovator.
I was surprised but delighted with what I had witnessed, the easy camaraderie between passengers and the air hostess on this flight, the ready give and take about private matters in a matter of minutes, and the lack of reserve about inter-personal relations.
That was the end for me of a glimpse of these lives, I thought. However it was not to be. It had been destined that I would get to see two more slices of this everyday story.
As we came out into the terminal, I headed towards what the American system euphemistically calls 'restrooms', the toilets. As I stood, a few feet away our hero was relieving himself but at the same time talking on his cell phone. I could not but help hear.
"Awesome, Dave," he was saying, "We just met the perfect girl for you. She is so cute, exactly right for you and guess what, she is so short that you will be actually taller than her."
I did not know what was being said by the unseen Dave at the other end.
"Trust me, Dave," the innovator continued. "You will just flip for her. Loves skiing, Thai food, Nirvana, just your type. Tell you what, to be honest, if Laura had not been with me, I would be hitting on her myself," he said as he zipped up.
The last that I heard as he walked away still talking was "We should all go check that new sushi place out."
It was fascinating for me, but that was it, I thought.
Three weeks later, I went into this nice Italian restaurant down town with a visiting Indian business executive. The place was really buzzing and we looked around wondering whether they would find a place for us. What do I see? In a corner table was Stephanie looking deep into the eyes of a short man, who seemed to be looking deep into her eyes. His muscular arms -- result of weight training? -- bulged, as he lifted the glass seemingly toasting her.
They seemed lost in each other and the benevolent aura of the Innovator seemed to hang above them in the air. Was he Dave? I don't know, but I think so. What lay ahead? Again, I don't know, but something tells me that love had been arranged and ordered.

Taree Zameen Par

Well..i have got a bad habit of watching the movies only after 2-3 months of this release..This time..i caught up with Taare Zameen Par.Its a Cinematic Masterpiece.After the movie ended..one thought came to my mind,which summarises my feelings for this movie " Taare Zameen Par,Hindi Cinema AASMAN par" .After RDB,this is the movie which has moved me so much.

Just 2 regrets...

1.Sad that i wasnt able to watch this movie in theaters.

2.Regret that Rahman didnt give music for this movie.Even though songs were really great..this movie had huge scope for music to be all time classic.Rahman could have done enough justice to both the music and the BGM.But kudos to the trio of SEL for coming up with a fantastic score..though BGM could have been better.

Hats off to Aamir Khan and Amol Gupte for such a terrific movie.

Jodhaa Akbar Music - My View

Well,i am not going to say anything new about JA.There have been some really good reviews,indepth ones.For me,Its just an gem of an album.Azeemon Shaan Shensha is one of Rahman's best compositon of recent times.Its so rich that you cant value it with anything,its a amazing creation from Rahman.(Hear it in your headphones). Thank god people dont get diabetics by listening to music,as Jashn E Bhaara is so sweet that you cant have enough of it even though you have heard it dozen times.Javed Ali Excels.In Lamhon Ke daman Mein,With such a great tune and effective chorus parts,madhushree and sonu's voice sounds divine.Khwaja mere Khwaja,rahman sabke dil mein samaja.Rahman' s singing is just superb.Next we have bhajan ,Man Mohana.one of my favs in the album,another amazing composition. (Thankgod Ash didnt sing it,otherwise she would have got more singing offers than acting)



Oh ya..i forgot 2 rocking instrumentals. They all rock and rock big time.This album has been worth the wait.Rahman has given his best and started the year of with a bang.I got no words,but to simply say that We love you and You are the best.


I was reading so many positive reviews,that i was dying to read a negative one...just to see how much stupid can anyone be..and then we got one..in form of India Fm's review.But another thing i noticed is,We all fans seem to have liked this album.This is something new :) . I am eagerly awaiting for bollyvista's review.There music reviews are generally good.


Happy listening to JA !

Rahman's Birthday - Jan 6th

Today its Jan 6th and it was this day,the music genius A.R Rahman was born.Music in india would have never been the same if rahman hadnt been there.He started of with a bang with Roja.Roja has been selected by Times as one of 10 best albums of all time to be released Each Rahman album is one notch ahead of its previous one.In his 17yrs of composing for Film music,he has given us rarest of rare ,some great songs which just takes you to other level.

As he is celebrating his birthday,millions of his fans like me are praying for him..its like a festival for us...May he get all the happiness in this world,May he live for ever,may he continue to give us peace and happiness in his form of music.Also,his son Ameen celebrates the birthday with him.Wish him also a many many happy returns of the day.

Rahman remains the same inspite of his so many acheivments,he remains humble and simple as ever,he is not only the greatest musician our country has seen,but also one of geniuenly ,simply a great human being.

On his birthday,i felt like selecting my fav rahman works..I would just choose my 10 fav rahman albums & 10 fav rahman songs..let me try it...


My 10 Fav Rahman Albums(not in any order)

1.Swades
2.Roja
3.Rang De Basanti
4.Sangamam
5.1947 Earth
6.Laagan
7.Thiruda Thiruda
8.Boys
9.Rhythm
10.Dil Se
11.All other rahman albums

Ofcourse in albums..Vandematram and Pray for me borther rock...soon..in next year..i would be adding jodhaa akbar coz this one album is gonna be a rocker one...



Ok..my Fav 10 songs of Rahman..


1.Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera - Swades
2.O Paalan Hare - Laagan
3.Thamizha Thamiza / Bharat Humko -- Roja
4.Dheemi Dheemi - 1947 earth
5.Aararaikodi - Aa Aaha
6.O Re Chori - Laagan
7.Lukka Chuppi - Rang De Basanti
8.Acham Acham - Indra
9.Konjum Nilavu - Thiruda Thiruda
10.Dil Se re - Dil se

As a fanatic and fan of rahman..i like each and every of his composition...i may have not have put them in my top 10,but they are still close to my heart as the above songs are.Chandralekha from Thiruda Thiruda,or songs from zubeida..or each and every rahman track..irrespective of when it released...is still fresh..you can take those songs and put in any new album..and it still sounds like a new song...thats the magic of rahman..Hail the Maestro...Long live the magician..

Review - Azhagiya Tamil Magan(Tamil) - Rahman & Vijay all the way...

Azhagiya Tamil Magan(ATM) starring vijay and has some new director.I had 3 reasons for watching this movie and it was Rahman - Rahman - Rahman.I have never been fond of Vijay and his movies,because i have always felt that ajith as a contemporary of him is far better as far as acting skills are concerned.Ok..now coming to the movie,as i said earlier,my only reason for watching this movie was Rahman - His songs & Background score.But in the end,i was happy that i got little more.Vijay's knock-out performance,glamourous shreya,Lawrence's Cherography & some superb camera work.

The story of the movie goes like this.. Guru(Vijay) is a college going guy living in chennai,away from his parents.As a director puts out Vijay has got ESP(Extra -Sensory Perception),ie.what ever vijay imagines that would happen in near future.Vijay does imagins some scenes,which moves the story forward.The thing he imagines are very frightening which makes guru to go and consult a doctor,who confirms that guru has indeed got ESP.As days pass by,guru unfortunately visualises danger to his lady-love Shreya.He imagines that he kills shreya.This disturbs him a lot and knowing that she may be in danger due to him,he runs away to bombay.

On reaching bombay he sees his look alike.(Ya...it has vijay in double role).He now understands that danger to shreya's life is through his look-alike and not through him.When he try to catch hold of his look-alike..(Prasad-played by Vijay),he meets with an accident.Prasad is a guy who has lived his life in a luxorious way,a guy who always beleives in breaking the rules.He is the villan in the movie(Yaa....both hero and villain are played by vijay).Prasad goes to chennai to claim some amount from a jeweller.

In Chennai,Shreya chances upon to see Prasad,thinking that he is guru,she takes her to the house and asks him to stay with him.Now prasad,who is greedy,decides to marry rich abhi and acts like guru.Now,Original guru comes back to chennai and tells the truth to everyone but no one his ready to believe that he is the real guru.Now,the story moves forward with lot of twists in the story and how original guru is able to establish his identity is the rest of the story.

the movie for me was enjoyable.But i dont understand why Prasad(Guru-look alike) involves the jeweller in all his actions.that part could have been easily gone with.The comedy is good even though sometimes it seems to be forced.And one thing that impressed me more in this movie was Lawrence's Cherography.He has made vijay dance stlyishly which looks superb.

As i said earlier that Guru imagines that he kills shreya,but after seeing Prasad,hes sure that it is prasad who is danger to his lady love's life..But infact it is guru who does it in the end(Confused? see the movie :P )

Performance wise,Vijay has enacted the roles of Guru and prasad with ease.Needless to say about the comedy scenes in which he rocks.Shreya looks damn sexy as usual and so as namita who is a single song wonder in the movie.The suport cast too have given good support.


Now coming to boss rahman's work.All the songs were really good,even though i maintain still that ATM as an album has satisfied Vijay's fans more that rahman's.All the songs sounded really good in movie,i enjoyed them a lot..The first song to come was the intro song - Unnal Unnal vada sung by Rahman himself.Cool vocals,and good picturisation.

Next to come was Keelamal,the song which didnt impress me much but the picturisation again was nice effort from a first time director.Then comes "Madhurai ku Pogatheydi" a rural folk kinda song,very enjoyable number and picturisation is colourfull,Vijay rocks with his dancing skills.All other songs after interval " Nee Marlyn""Ponmagal vanthal","Valayapathi" are very beautifully picturised.

I read from somewhere that "Nee Marlyn" song has been picturised in phuket and beleive me,they have captured it superbly.BGM is good,though i wont say its great.May be i am expecting RDB bgm effect in all rahman's movies :) .Overall the movie was good..Vijay's dancing, and Rahman's Songs are 2 reasons why you should watch this movie.

My Rating : 3 / 5

Regds

Pavan

Vivah - Simple & Sweet

Atlast had a time to watch Vivah.Vivah an Rajshri production starring cute Shahid and bubbly amrita rao.The movie has a simple story.The plot goes like this ,Poonam(amrita rao) is an orphan living with her chachu and chaachi(who is always jealous of poonam's beauty).Prem(Shahid) is an rich guy who agrees to marry poonam.The marriage is scheduled to take place 6 months after the engagement.What happens during those 6 months is the base of the story.

Just like sooraj's(director) earlier movies Maine Pyar kyun kiya & Hum Aap ke hain,Vivah is full of emotional dialouges,songs,some simple comic moments and more drama.What i liked about the movie is its simplicity.The flim goes at a slow pace,but what makes it overall even more intresting is the twist in the story in the last 30minutes or so.Vivah is a flim which stays true to indian culture.It has many scenes which would touch & move you.I feel i have enjoyed it a lot because the way they show the interaction between amirta and shahid after there engagement,which i really liked it and hoping those moments which would come in my life later or sooner would be as sweet and romantic as that :)

The film does have some minus point,boring music,inefficent background score,medicore Cinematography and a slow first half.Acting wise...every one is in top form.Seema biswas,Alok nath,Anuphem Kher are top class.And ya,Shahid & Amrita have put up a splendid performance.

Overall,the movie is good,each and every scene is presented in a nice way,may be karan johar,yash raj can take a bit of lesson from this movie.This movie has a true indian flavour in all the aspects,the family audience have alredy loved it and applauded it.There is no sex or glamour in this movie. :( , :)

If you havnt watched this movie then,do grab a dvd copy today and enjoy it with your whole family.The DVD is worth a buy,its an adlabs release and does come up with many additonal features.


My rating : 3.5 / 5

A.R Rahman Live In Delhi - My Experience

Reharsals :

Reharsals of the show took place a day before the concert ie: 16th nov.Myself,nazeef and varun reached the venue at around 4,and the excitment level in me was at an all time high :) ,i had never felt like this before.At reharsals,we were lucky upon to meet Tanvi,Blaaze,sayonara,Kailsash Kher,Keith peters.We also saw Chinmayee,hariharan and other performers.It was 6,and reharsals were yet to begin..then atlast rahman came,and he went directly to the stage.It was great to see reharsals,i understood how difficult it is to stage a concert.H Sridhar and K.J Singh were just making it perfect.

A special mention abuot blaaze,in one word,he is just an amazing guy..he is an original peice :)
He was so down to earth and was so fun to talk...when press guys came to him and asked for an interview,he was talking to us,he made them wait and he continued our conversation..he was absolutly great..and he gave us something special,which i cant disclose :P


During Reharsals we were very much near the stage.When the first song was about to be reharsed,we were at backstage..Then we heard Jodhaa Akbar song..the first peice was just played,we realised tht it was from JA,we ran towards the stage..They had a 2 huge speakers..and as i neard it..they started it..azeemon shan shensha...mahrabaaa...wow...it was just amazinggg...unbeleivable..as it proceeded,and i thought it would end with rahman singing "Jalaludin akbar" then i got a shocker..the drums played on..with chorus singing 0000...00000(Rukmani song,Roja)...then another shocker..rahman started Verapandi Kottayile...and beleive me it was amazing moment coz the way rahman mixed these 3 songs was just superb..cant describe it in words..Then...other songs were performed,i had tears in my eyes when i saw rahman reharse Tere Bina..amazing...

During reharsals,hariharan was messing up with Yun hi Chala song(in concert also he messed it to an extend),rahman had problems with chorus singing of Chayyian Chayyian..and it was around 11.30,rahman said that we will have a break now..we went to backstage,hoping to meet rahman.At 11.50pm rahman came down..and as he was singing a autograph,i saw him for first time.he was just near me..and as he heard tht we were from yahoo group,his eyes lit up and he said"oh is it? "..tht was amazing...he was damn busy and tired...still i cudnt resist asking rahman for a pic..i asked him " sir..oru photo edukulama",he was kind enough to say"ellapa,rombo velai eruku,approma"...i had no regrets...talking to him was such a great thing for me....Also it was great to see the respect of each and ever crew member for rahman..tht was great..




The Concert Day : 17th November.


The day had finally arrived.First we all started out to meet vijay and gops.They both had gone to rahman's hotel to arrange a meeting for us fans..but rahman had gone to dargah..to it didnt materialise.Then as rest of guys came..shiva,sirish,ravi..we all went to concert venue..Gops and vijay got a backstage pass,we guys moved to 1500 place.We were eagerly waiting for the show to start and it did a 1 hr late.Well am not going to tell about each and every song..the whole performance was rocking one..the best moment for me was tht triple combo of Jodhaa Akabar-Roja-Thiruda Thiruda..tht was amazing man.

People were crazy for Athiradee..but we at 1500rs place had a rocking time..shouting,dancing...singing along..it was amazing..I had a lady near me and she is a great fan of arr.she was a north india,when they played chandralekha song.tht lady unaware of it..asked me ,is this song from any rahman's new movie..i said.."madamji this song was released before 12 yrs :P ".The sound effects were great,the show was for me an error free...ARR was at his amazing interactive best,he was like a rockstar...

Vijay and gops went on to stage to release pray for me brother Colouring books.

It was one of the best moments for me..i have never enjoyed like this in my life before and am sure this,i wont have another day like this again in my life..coz it was was special..somethin special.

We had a great time..jumping..and the crowd went crazy as soon as RDB title track was played.Everyone were dancing like somethin..i had taken loads of pics..with help of sirirsh cam.I took about 260 pics :P


We werent able to see Vande Matram coz we had to run to backstage as soon as possible to have any chance of meeting rahman,but we were late.Those stupid police guys didnt allow us..they messed it up,as soon as we went in,rahman moved out..Yes i was sad,but i was happy that i had a moment of lifetime to perform rahman live..and this was his best ever and am sure..i wont have another moment like this again..it was something special.I wish the concert never ended.

As am out of delhi and my laptop running out of power,i am extremely sorry for such a short review..But those who guys werent able to attend this..you had indeed missed something.

After concert got over,we all went out for a dinner,and were together till 2am.My special thanks to Vijay,Gops,Nazzef,Shiva,Varun,Sirish,Ravi who were wonderfull to be with.Thanks guys and hope to meet you all soon.We had a group pic too :P which you can find in my orkut profile :)

Sorry if i had missed anything..i have written this in hurry..but i do have a minute time to copy paste Songs that were performed during concert,courtesy Gops... :P


1. Jaage Hain Der Tak - Chitra, ARR
2. Khalbali - ARR
3. Mangal Mangal - Kailash Kher
4. Roja Jaaneman - Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam
5. Vaaji Vaaji (Hindi and Tamil) - Hariharan, Madhushree
6. Paathshalaa - Blaaze, Naresh Iyer, Mohd. Aslam
7. Kehna Hi Kya - Chitra, ARR
8. Yunhi Chala Chal - Kailash Kher, Hariharan
9. Chanda Re - Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam
10. Roobaroo - Naresh Iyer, ARR
11. Kabhi Neem Neem - Madhushree, ARR
12. Barso Re - Neeti Mohan
13. Dil Se Re - ARR
14. Athiradi - ARR, Sayonara, Dr. Narayan, Naresh Iyer, Mohd. Aslam, Chinmayee, Tanvi
15. Chaiyya Chaiyya - Rayhana, Kailash Kher, Naresh Iyer, Mohd. Aslam, Aslam Khan
16. Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah - ARR, Naresh Iyer, Vivek Agrawal, drum ensemble
17. Rukkumani Oho Oho Chant and Veerapandi Kottayile (Bit) - ARR, Naresh Iyer, Vivek Agrawal, drum ensemble
18. Sivamani solo
19. Bombay Theme - Naveen (Flute), Kalyan (Violin)
19. Pray For Me Brother - ARR, Blaaze
20. Unplugged - Shauk Hai - Soumya Rao
21. Unplugged - Tu Hu Re - Hariharan, Chitra (Hindi and Tamil)
22. Unplugged - Naina Neer Bahaye - Sadhana Sargam
23. Unplugged - Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai - Hariharan
24. E Hairate Aashiqui - Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam
25. Saiyyan Chhodo Na Mere Baiyan - Parul Mishra (Fever 104 FM Voice Hunt winner)
26. Maiyya Maiyya - Neeti Mohan
27. Ni Main Samajh Gayi - Neeti Mohan, Kailash Kher
28. Chupke Se - Sadhana Sargam, Ghulam Murtuza Khan, Ghulam Quadir Khan
29. Tere Bina - ARR, Chinmayee, Ghulam Murtuza Khan, Ghulam Quadir Khan
30. Chandralekha - Tanvi, Neeti Mohan (Hindi and Tamil)
32. Ghanan Ghanan - Hariharan, Chitra, Sadhana Sargam, Aslam Khan
32. Ik Omkar - Chitra
33. Rang De Basanti - Chitra, Aslam Khan
34. Humma Humma - ARR, Blaaze35. Vande Mataram - ARR, all artistes

Other harmony singers - Israth

Songs scheduled but skipped during performance-
1. Mitwa - Kailash, Naresh Iyer2. Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera - ARR3. Khamoshiyan Gungunane - Chitra4. Chale Chalo - ARR, Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam, Aslam Khan, Naresh Iyer, Chitra5. Saregame - ARR, Naresh, Blaaze, Tanvi, Sayonara, Mohd. Aslam, Dr. Narayan