Gangs of Wasseypur-2 (movie through my lens)

First of all, it is almost impossible not to compare it with its prequel in terms of story, cinema, dialogues, characters, acting prowess, music, editing, background score but despite of it, I have tried to remain as objective as possible in viewing the cinema.

In this movie, I found several shades of cinema which were just magnificent. There was rustic love, vengeance, arrogance, ambition, lust, anger and it all were diverging while in the prequel it very much converged at one point and that was Sardar khan’s(Manoj Bajpai) vengeance while in this movie Faisal Khan’s (Nawazzuddin Siddiqui)calm, laid back, temperamental yet effective attitude holds the movie tightly with several other characters revolving around him. Evolution in any form seems inspiring and if narrated perfectly can win several accolades. When you compare Sardar khan’s Evolution as Sardar Khan in the prequel and Faisal khan taking his Father’s place you distinctly find a stark difference in the role prowess and how it is been executed by both the actors. And both have grown in it according to the script of the film but the only difference lies in the character portrayal which seems unconventional and more enticing.

There were some indigestible moments like sudden rise of Faisal khan after killing one of his father’s murderers. But still the movie stands out in its description, its narration, its rustic eccentricity and its character portrayal which seemed so real and less bollywood like. 

It’s very rare that faces of all characters in the film are non-hero types unlike found in bollywood. But the film scores very well in the portrayal of cast for ex. Perpendicular, tangent, definite and of course Faisal Khan.

The GOW II drives into multiple directions where sometimes the Core objective of Faisal khan gets blurred contradictory to Sardar khan in the prequel. Faisal khan gets hold of the screen audience whenever he seems around. As a story writer, there were many heroic portrayals apart from Faisal khan in the movie which is slight diverse cinema though realistic from the conventional films we have seen.

The rustic essence is superbly portrayed in the film, the yokel humor, the local streets shots and the realistic shots being taken form a strong base for the film. There are many scenes which are not elaborately explained but maybe it might have taken much longer time. Many new characters were flowed in this sequel which gives this movie an unlikely pace, vividness as well as curiosity among the audiences.

As also narrated in the film that Faisal khan’s wholesome focus on money minting and not so focus on power as shown in the prequel by his father sometimes makes the character confusing as to where the movie is heading towards.

The last scene where he guns down Ramadhir singh(tigmanshu dhulia) is clear delight as you can actually see faisal khan indulging himself in pleasure while shooting him tirelessly. Faisal khan’s expression showed as if he has achieved the best reward which his family longed for and as if he was the chosen one to fulfill their family duties.

The prequel revolved around one main issue and that was Sardar khan’s vengeance but in this sequel DEFINETLY there were many PERPENDICULARS as well as TANGENTS because of which the film stands out as a clear winner.

KEVI RITE JAISH (the movie through my lens)

This was the first Gujarati film I saw in theatre in my long 29 years of life though Gujarati being my mother tongue no film provided me with this opportunity as also with everybody of my generation so million thanks to those who has taken the effort to create such a watchable film.

When you are surrounded by zillions of Hindi films around you, then it becomes almost difficult to appreciate any sub standard film and that too a Gujarati whose dialogues we almost dislike here on screen earlier But Kevi Rite jaish is a good film from the critic’s point of view and milestone film from the perspective of where Gujarati cinema is placed right now. I would like to applaud the courage behind making such film which must perhaps inspire many enthusiastic film makers to spread their magic in Gujarati.

Now about the film, the film goes through a decent start; the opening song of the movie still gives the effect of a medieval era Gujarati film because of its cliché music.

The casting of the film has been apt and full marks for it. The plot is perfectly set but the disadvantage of the plot is that after first half the movie goes unidirectional and more often is drooling down towards the end. The songs and background score in between are inspirational and worth listening, I even thought of making one of the songs as Hello tunes.

The story of the film was good enough from many societal point of view as well as commercial point of view but still many perspectives still could have been added. I felt the character of Veronica(female protagonist) should been given some more shades because there were many places where she had the chances to speak for example when there was a conversation among Harish (male protagonist) about his going to USA she dejected his idea but did not give her opinion as to why she rejected it which her father clarifies at the end of the movie. She was shown as an opinionated girl but she never gave any strong opinion as to why one should not go to USA and why some should definitely go to USA. So the perspective of a teenager who has already lived there is not fulfilled through enough justifications. It was wrapped up in better manner, and the emotions shown in the film were also quite relevant in today’s life. The scenes where Tom Alter had been made as Uncle Sam were nicely created. It gave the feeling of an hindi film.

The dialogues part added humor to the plot of the film but still somewhere lacked in few areas. But then what was it that still could have been added into the film, maybe vivid perspectives. The commercial success of the film was mainly based on the plot it had and there is no doubt that it looked very much as if you are watching a Hindi film in gujarati, so all applause for the film but then I think It’s too early to bring out any changes within the film when the film is already doing quite well.

The music and writing of the film (perspectives) are two things which if altered a bit could have made this film cult. It never seemed that the film is being dragged but still during the end part it looked a bit cliché.

It had almost everything right from drama, humor, romance, music so no aspect of cinema was lacking in it but definitely as I have mentioned earlier there are some aspect & perspectives in this film which could have given this film a cult status.

About Move-ies

Every Saturday the one thing I wait for is Films reviews and especially by Shubra Gupta, in the Indian Express,others are solely crapped or either paid reviews. Even sudish Kamath of The Hindu is somewhat closer to writing correct reviews. And I havent started writing for the newspapers yet. I dont know when last did I watch any new hindi movie which actually stirred me.
Everytime I have to go to back to my library and watch some old flicks which provides exceptional cinematic pleasure. I have recently fallen in love with " the background scores" of movies. I never knew what effect did it have on scenes. But to my discovery, an effective background score changes the perception of the viewer. This lacunae i found very much lacking in Mausam made my pankaj kapoor.
When i was watching the Lord of the rings all three parts, the distinguishing factor i found was in the background score it had created. It justifies the screenplay in the best possible way.
When i watched Raone, i felt sorry for myself because we are still living in the age where stardom replaces great performances. I would anyday watch Robot instead of Raone for special effects. When in spiderman part 1, Tobey Maguire opines to Kirsten Dunst that though i love you i wont be able to live with you because, " With more power comes more responsibilty" it still has the capacity to enthrall the audiences million times more then any of the plots Raone created.
Its time when we actually make quality cinema instead of rejoicing ourselves in movies like desi boyz and stuff. Movies are the windows to the world. The best way movies can be made is when they are better written. The story & screenplay holds the key to any good movie. The rest can fall in place if these two are apt.
With no good movie on the list i will again have to search my library for older flicks. But i will go for The Godfather collection this week. It still fascinates.

Mausam is unseasonal

To start with, the movie strikes with its yokel humour, excellent cinematography, picturesque locations and ofcourse Shahid Kapoor. The movie again gives a fatigue except in few areas where it sparkles up with its dialogues and stillness of the movie. There are two romantic scenes which are captivating the one when Sonam kapoor is applying mehendi on Shahid's Sisters hand and the one when they meet in the restaurant after 7 long years. These are innovative scenes which will be remembered.The movie lacked an effective Background score, which would have created an uproar if used effectively during the scenes. Love story is lukewarm, very dull, except two scenes which i mentioned earlier i did not find any scene enchanting. Sonam Kapoor looks awesome in her simple looks but when it comes delivering dialogues she could engrave the audience. Except few dialogues, there was nothing in the film i could remember. In the name of Air force, i dont know what they wanted to show. It had nothing regarding it. Clarity of movie making was simply lacking.

Pankaj Kapoor wanted everything in this film, which created nothing but confusion. The end was disastrous, neither dramatic nor simplicity but dullish. Simply dullish.
Shahid kapoor gave a good performance as he always does but the script was too dull to keep it afloat.

Mausam is a waste, for sure...

DICTATING DEMOCRACY-False precedent in the name of democracy

Expressive Indians are sometimes a liability in Democracy and that is one of the problems the country is facing today.Every developed nation has an ombudsman sort of institution whose footstep even we should trace but the hegemony of the so called " representatives of the civil society" which actually are unrepresented with regard to the "Jan lokpal bill" is ludicrous. Everybody wants to evade corruption and the government is not an exception, while wonder why the people dont understand that the game being played around is nothing but a political gimmick where if anybody is to loose something it is the social fabric of the nation for its false precedent which is getting established in the name of Democracy.

ZMND-feel great...i was wrong...

The cinematic flavour around is vivid. Its colourful. Delhi belly was awesome with its entertaining screenplay despite of its not uncommon story. I loved delhi belly...It was brilliant not because in the name of reality too many abusive slangs were used but i thought the cinematic shades of real life came onto the screen alive...
simply loved that...
ZNMD delivers the same taste...maybe spanish...but I was proved wrong after i watched Zindagi milegi naa dobara. I previewed it as a run of the mill film, but actually its great...
Actually, the film feels great. There is one thing about this film, that one should not review it. Its that kind of a film which you should feel rather than analyzing it... Either one feels great or not so great. thats it. thats how i think of this film...The only thing one should do is to go out and watch this film...its serene though funny and a discovery...
one thing if in any case i would like to modify is the editing part of the film...There were many areas where i thought editing was not done properly...other wise it feels good...in fact great...
Stay Alive, watch the film...Agar dil he bekarar, toh lagta hai ke tum zinda ho...

Rahul Dravid-The calm charmer

What would Indian cricket team be without "the wall"? The calmness, the tenacity and the true grit displayed by the veteran was definetely worth watching or atleast worth noticing. In every sport one can find people who are bulwarks of the team and still quite alienated from glamour and working more on work rather than publicity. One can find several such person in every area of work. No wonder why india sachin is in news for selling his ferari car on the front page of every daily and the better and significant news eclipsed. Dravid's century in the second innings vicariously suggest why is all we need when performing a majestic task.
If the youth is like dravid, no need to bother. His glowing stature with magnified presence on the field is more terrifying for the opponents. Would really like to salute Rahul dravid for his contribution to Indian Cricket, atleast we need a wall which is more cemented, more strong, more youthful and evergreen.
Read harsha bhogle's article on dravid on 24th june- better perspective composed by him.

Shaitan beats Zindagi na milegi doobara-my thinking lens

How does it feel when the same old stuff gets repeated either through people like karan johar's zoya akhtar and everybody of that sort who in this globalised and awakened india display cross culture extravaganza. How cheap is that? When for the first time i heard about ZNMD i was expecting something more which is unseen before with the starlites it has but now after watching the promos i am disappointed. Its the same old stuff where we are taught that this is the last day of your life so maximise on everything, live the moment, do something never done before and the same stuff, with hrithik and katrina adding the glamour quotient in the film. Please show us something new because we already know that, " Zindagi na milegi doobara", and but going to Spain and showcasing exotic landscapes , with the cultural vividity doesnt impress me at all.
The movie i am eagerly waiting for is Shaitan. Something very real, less addressed in indian cinema, about contemporary youth and it has everything i am looking for. Anything which displays emotions in the appropriate way is commendable and that is what i am interested in watching. Its a difficult subject actually to portray but i have high hopes. It is releasing this friday, lets see how it turns up. Just because i want to relate to my inner Shaitan, atleast i will come to know how well it is written and portrayed....

Simply Great...

I was ecstatic and so was the whole country. What a victory!!! True grit portrayed by the Indian Cricket Team. People all over were just waiting for this thing to happen. Vadodara, so was every city bursting in celebration. I saw one of the most unforgetable scenes on streets. Right from the kid to the senile everybody were involved into it. Actually there are no words to describe the feeling everybody had after winning the grand finale. Basically reading newspapers is boring but the next day just opened up the vernacular dailies to look at the photos... Gauti played the foundational knock without which it would have been difficult but truly admire dhoni's courage to come up the order and face the challenge head on. People had gone crazy. Initially i thought that people had hardly any gas remained after the Ind/Pak match but i was wrong...

Struggle -truce - struggle debate

After the civil disobedience movement ended in around 1934, there was a ideological war waged between Nehru and Gandhi. Nehru had a different vision for independence i.e. he believed that after any struggle of this sort the immediate goal should be VICTORY. Nehru had his own perceptions about things. Gandhi believed that Masses are not prepared for any more struggle right away, instead they should involve themselves into constructive work and strengthen themselves, energize themselves for the next one. Masses should involve themselves into parliamentary work, education, empowerment and every other constructive activity.

Nehru was completely against it and presented his S-V strategy i.e. struggle-victory while Gandhi completely believed that masses are not prepared for another exhaustive struggle. Gandhi gave the theory of STS i.e. Struggle -Truce- Struggle. Finally Nehru did realised that he was wrong. This incident is very eventful because every person goes through different sorts of struggle many a times in life but what needs to be remembered is that after every struggle whether it gets converted into success or failure there should be time where one should wait, hold and then move with the experience learned. Any person can be in any of these phases either Struggle, Truce or Victory. Sometimes its best to be in that "truce period" where what matters is how much you can hold on to what you have and what you are longing for...

BED EFFECTS(bad effects) of a GOOD FACE...

Liberated libidos,the care a damm attitude, the insatiable sexual appetite, infidel relationships and monotonous lifesyle devoid of thrill and fun are the causes and symptoms of a "BED EFFECTS"(bad effects). What i percieve might be completely wrong but everybody is alone from the very within. The isolated SELF has enormous fantasies, desires and wishes which gets stored in the archives of our unconscious mind, which ultimately gets manifested whenever our REAL SELF gets a chance.

Any cute face approaching a frustrated heart due to plethora of reasons as we all know can end up creating another frustrative relation which ultimately gave us stress. Even in ancient days when vatsyayana had pen down The Kamasutra the desire for the ultimate pleasure was known but maybe the reasons were not the same & its the reasons which we should fear the most. The one thing i regret among the masses of today is the Loss of strength of character which is not found among people. The hypocrisy with which we people live today has reached abysmally low. Again there might be different perceptions aas to what i am writing but i strongly feel its a big viscious cycle we land ourselves into which lays the trap for the forthcoming problems. The only respite is the choices we make in life, that is the right choice in terms of choosing a job, career, lifepartner, and everything else which can ease out things in times of crisis.

Not at all preaching, but i think Life is always beautiful and No conditions apply...Its never too late for the right things you want to do...But i believe that one should keep on taking Risk in life the last thing which would happen is we will fail...thats it...but one should keep on walking, running and rising again...

Anything to everything...

Oscar Wilde once said that "one should be in love every time and if so, one need not marry". Not an axiom in any sense but to be honest there lies some truth in what he said. Whenever i go to a public place and find a couple torn fully separated in every possible way and still living together, sharing the same bed, same lives & same children looks disenchanted in every respect. Basically I think you can love anyone at anytime if you are open to ideas, perspectives and most important without prejudices of thoughts and not person. Life and love both are the most simplest things available if we are at our natural best with complete honesty and unadulterated from within. At the end you just need that one person in the world who can understand what you say and what you dont say. though difficult to find as we all are driven by bounded rationality, as i dont know there must be someone in Brazil who can understand me very well, so it is true for China, Russia, Japan, US and most beautiful country so how can i decide that whatever i perceive is the only thing i can get and nothing else... I dont know but i cannot get that logic...

"Guzarish"---pre-view

What matters the most? Quality or Quantity? Different answers for different for different aspects. Maybe Quantitative quality or Qualitative Quantity? But when it comes to portraying an art form, there cannot be any compromise.

The promos of "Guzarrish" are so enchanting and seductive in every form of art that it requires every form of applause. Its going to be cult of a film without any doubt. Mr Bhansali has once again produced a masterpiece working with one of the most expressive actors of modern indian cinema, Hrithik roshan.Producing an art form of this level where every scene of the movie is so meticulously produced that it questions the bounded limitations the human mind has ever seen.
What needs to be revered the untiring efforts of Ram Gopal Verma in creating a list of movies despite unrevered accolades and Mr Bhansali whose Cult cinemas produces masterpieces whenever he wants it to make. That's Quality over quantity.Definitely not at all questioning any form of art produced by the talented Directors but what finally matters is that one thing in life which matters the most.

Its all about that one thing which matters the most, may it be anything. The moment of innermost revulsion's is the greatest quest which one should strive for. And Guzzarish the way it has been portrayed is worth experiencing rather than just watching it.
the way i see, it does touch every art form and the greatest form of art ever produced is ofcourse Humans---which remains to be discovered...

Socrates once said that its almost fatal to spread rumours about things which we have heard and its genuineness is not known. This has been the case with J&K since the political upheaval fuelled by seccionist forces with divisive tactics is thriving. Let me discuss some of the relevant issues which are in news. In Administration, majority people should be satisfied because you cannot please everybody and thats a universal axiom. So, Omar abdullah's persistent efforts in bringing tranquility in the State should be appreciated because sitting in an AC lounge sipping a drink in Mumbai TV studio or travelling in a Bangalore bus or in Delhi's metro commenting and raising fingers on anybody's efforts without knowing the true picture is Bad Democracy we have imbibed.

We should repose our Faith and trust in Omar abdullah's way of governance and Centre's not so pro-active policies for the time being. Loud clamouring about the Separate kashmir is baseless because except few seccesionist group which are specifically funded by Pakistan there are no such demands. Youth are always rebellious otherwise they should not be a part of Youth. They are dissatisfied because there is lack of development, dearth of job opportunities, social infrastructure lacking, feeling of alienation from India and many minor issues. But as said by someone that " Development being the best contraceptive" the Government's effort should be to bring the Kashmiri youth into mainstream Administration, mainstream politics, and mainstream India where it may give out an image of Kashmir and its people being a part of India.

Those who demand for seperate kashmir are oblivion of the fact that if that at all happens they end up being a part of Voracious China or Failed Pakistan ultimately ending like Afghanistan whose political stability is still in doldrums. If viewed rationally Kashmir's maximum revenue is generated by tourism, courtesy Amarnath Yatra, Vaishnavdevi Temple, Honeymoon hotspots like Leh, ladakh, gulmarg, Srinagar and many more, even the majority kashmiris do not want to get seperated from India's as it is not in there own interest.
Scrapping of Article 370 which gives J&K a seperate constitution and Constituent assembly should which has been one of the Election manifesto of NDA government should not be discussed now amidst the political turmoil in the valley.
AFSPA(Armed Forces Special Powers Act) which the poeple wants to get removed is neither a problem nor a solution to this unending violence. The troops which are stationed in the valley are for the protection of the people and maintaining law& order which may dissatisfy few but withdrawing it would bring more devastation inthe valley because the insurgency of any terrorist forces or from pakistan army wont be a surprise. National human Rights commission should understand that Administration cannot run pleasing everybody and we are not an EU nation where peace prevails most of time with not intrusive nature. If removed we may see another Kargil anytime which is not wanted. The government can amend some of the clauses in the Rule to make it more human so that no more innocent people are being killed and women are not raped or harrassed. Stern actions should be taken against such officers and should be court martialed but still withdrawing of AFSPA is not recommended.

Those in Authority should be respected, as they know best about J&K, about its people, demography, problems then we people who are always ready to comment. Are our Family problems solved by outsiders? The central governement should continue supporting the NC government and take apt actions.

Kitchen cabinet became popular during Indira Gandhi's reign. It consisted of small coterie of advisors, friends, relatives and close confidante. They had usurped the power of the Cabinet Secretariat, PMO as well as other constitutional institutions. But that is the convention even followed today where most of the decisions are taken at 10, Janpath Road, Delhi. Thats somewhat acceptable, lets put it that way. This is one of those colonial legacies which we have inherited from the british.The phenomenon which i have realised which existed since the evolution of Adam & Eve among the so called informed indians is the Nookkad Cabinet. At every corner, every human dwelling, any thought stimulating conglomeration, corporate houses, bus queue, que where in people are standing to relieve themselves, kitty parties and every other human existence which may be beyond my rational there is Nookkad Cabinet. The Expressive Indian, which sometimes is the bestest fruit of Democracy in India and also sometimes these Expressive Indians make us envious of the Chinese communist Government where everything is at the behest of law and order.
Once i went to a Tea corner in the city and overheard few people discussing everything right from films to politics.Felt really glad that people are so much informed and discussing the topics of urgent public concern. I heard someone saying that "Omar abdullah has proved to be a weak CM and there should elections again in the valley". Surely i didnt judge the comment but just asked one question to myself as to before even having concrete evidences, knowledge about the situation and coming to a conclusion is not only wrong but fatal to the over all culture we are spreading .I think every person is quite knowlegable in its own way and capable of taking a rational decision.Rather than respecting the position the person is in let us not be oblivion of the fact that we too have our problems and there can be some people always who would be commenting, criticising, reasoning our lifestyles. Lets stop spreading these culture where we become a liability as an Expressive Indian.It really feels so empowering when we hardly have comprehensive knowledge about any situation and still not only do we comment, but we also a solution for it. A family which consist of just 4 people still have chaos, differences, and problems in their houses which can give them a feeling of a chronic migrane all their life, still we feel it so easy to comment about a State where almost crores of people are living and to manage a better governance out it is to my knowledge is not an easy job. Nookkad Cabinet is always a desirable way of providing checks and balances to the Goverment but still let us reinstate our faith in the Constitution, people at top and be patient.Because Revolution starts from within.

If know God then ONE God, but If Many Gods then NO God...

An official chinese citizen who is officially atheist wouldnt be believing in God, destiny or say Karma? Whenever i pass by a temple i just wonder as to whom should i worship the IDLE God(IDOL God) or His creations. Should i bow my head to an Idol in the temple who as perceived by indians also sometimes drinks milk or should i inherit the basic values of humanity for what i am over here. Have you ever seen a carnivore eating grass? The fundamental characteristic of any being should never be lost, isnt it? And so in worshipping an Idol which to me is Idle relinquishing my fundamental characteristics of Being human is a hypocrisy where we cheat nobody but ourselves. I might be wrong, but its not my rational, reasoning, logical mind which says this. But may be the way " The God " has been interpreted unnerves me. Its not that i have not seen God so i dont believe Him, thats logical but puerile and not me atleast. To be precise, humanity is the religion and its creation the God. Building a billion dollar akshardham or a million dollar church or a mosque is like deminishing the human value within a God.

During Idd, i visited a mosque with a friend of mine who is a muslim. Definetely would be considered an act of blashphemy by many but then I felt nothing anomalous. Just felt the same as I visit a Hindu temple. Not at all a devout Hindu by any means, but yes what i have institutionalised is that God does not reside in the temple, mosque or church. All those are institutional mechanisms for the society to follow a norm, which is civilised in its form and acceptable by the society. The purest form of God which i have come across other than the 99.9% glittered gold idol god, is a child. If you pick up an infant, thats when You can truly say that God is in your hand because of that innocence, un corrupt, innocuous non envious heart which the God is born with...

Good fences do not necessarily make good neighbours...

Good fences do not necessarily make good neighbours as in case of China especially. China has started issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens from J&K. It has created new wrinkle on India's face as rightly quoted by Raja Mohan over its portrayal of J&K as a "disputed area". China's meteoric rise depicting its economical and political prowess worldover has dilated its delayed appetite of acquiring new territories and influencing its neighbours along its periphery.

Several military exercises between nations allayed fears over Beijing's ambition of aquring new territories. They did act as tranquilizers in Indo-Sino relation for a while. But these is colonialism in its new form where through persuasive dialogues and nudging the countries circumferencial area you can acquire territories without shedding a single drop of blood. New delhi should engage with Beijing in a comprehensive and concrete dialogue process to solve the perrenial border dispute. Beijing's ogling over J&K is a gradual shift form its policy regarding J&K.

China is in occupation of 38000 sq.km of territory in ladakh region that connects original state of J&K with two chinese provinces, Tibet & Xinjiang. China also controls another tract of 5000 sq.km in shaksgam valley that Pakistan ceded to China under 1963 treaty. Chinese PLA had built the karakoram highway in the 70s which is the passage between China and Pakistan. Though India's soft state image cannot ignore China's vigorous attempts at acquring new are altogather. Though dialogue being the only solution Delhi should lay down some cemented foreign policy which may if not yield an outcome but atleast seed a hope for the future...

Catastrophe at Wimbledon...

The mark of a great playr is that even though he looses or gets defeated it is still he who makes news and not the one who won against him. And that is what has happened at Roland garros and Wimbledon. The Swiss is a 6 time winner at wimbledon and he has not only set a precedent for others to follow but also a tradition that there can be only one winner at wimbledon and that is him. Roger, unarguably was given the title of the greatest grass-court player ever produced by his predecessors when last year he won the most coveted title winning the 6th wimbledon title. No doubt, his supremacy at grass-court was challenged by the rippling Spaniard many times but still at 28 he has the elegance and aura to be the number one player. He entered this wimbledon with apprehensions among his followers because in one of the Masters cup held at grass court he was defeated by 15 seeded Hewitt...Will have to wait to see as to how he makes a comeback... bt for the time being am eager to watch the semis and the finals...it has to be Nadal v/s Djokovic final...lets c...

On the roads of Gujarat...

Almost everywhere in and around Gujarat you may find the eccentric culture of the state and that is true with most of the states. But recently a friend of mine came from Karnataka and we went for Gujarat darshan on our own and i should say it was a deightful journey. But at end of the journey my friend noticed one thing above all that along all the major cities in Gujarat there is one common thing. And that was Narendra Modi's hoardings every few kilomitres on any road major in Gujarat. Every half a kilometre you will find one person smiling at you from a corner that is Mr. Narendra Modi. I dont about other states but the way Modi flaunts itself i think the marketing aspirants should learn something. Let us not discuss as to what he is doing is right or wrong because its an endless issue. But the question is about accountability of "public money".
It is said that hoardings all across Gujarat is costing about hundreds of crores. From where does the money comes? In a recent controversy Bihar CM Nitish kumar criticised Modi for flaunting himself in all sorts of advertisement. But who cares? What matters to people of Gujarat especially who blind-foldedly support Modi is his Hindutva face. There is s difference between Development and Growth and what we are witnessing in Gujarat is not development but Growth which is natural and not Modi-crafted. It is thought by most people residing outside Gujarat that it is one of the most non-corrupt state. But it was never. Its a catchy punch-line thats it. I know its almost impossible not to taste the honey kept on the tip of your tongue. Menace of Corruption prevails everywhere but to flaunt it just to extract some votes and reinforcing the habit of institutionalised corruption is a matter of shame. I read somewhere that " Power unravels the real Man" but here it has come true in the form of " Power unravels the Real Modi".

"Half"- World Cup...

The world is awaiting the biggest event of this year and that is the "Football World Cup" being played in South Africa. Yes, ofcourse it is special for many reasons because it is for the first time played in an African nation with an overwhelming jubiliance and fanfare. Around 25 top playing nations will qualify for this years trophy. But there was one thing which amazed , surprised me the most that is there are only two countries from Asian continent playing this world cup that is Japan and North Korea. The continent which has Maximum population, maximum land area and maximum countries are least represented. The reasons may not be apt but then how can we say that it is a "World Cup" rather it has to be termed as "Half World Cup", isnt it? If the name "World Cup" is based on viewership around the globe then the name is apt but not for any other rational reason which i could find...
The top two populous countries are not represented which almost constitutes 30% of world 's living population then is it fair enough to say that we are viewing a world cup. This reasons may look absurd but still shocking. Any game should be judged only on performance and merit and not on representation but then FIFA as world class regulatory body should promote infrastructure facilities in those countires which is lacking it. India is ranked 134th in the world not because football is unpopular or not played enough or because the denizens lack the talent but its just because of lack of infrastructural facilities and politicization of the game and ofcourse the idolization of cricket.
Qualifying rounds do provide chances and opportunities to many such countries with utmost passion but lacking facilities but of meagre help. The onus is on FIFA to see whether there is maximum representation from every corner of the world. We can only hope that this "Half World Cup " which is being played gets converted into a real "World Cup" in times to come.