Coooing on...

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

P for Publicity or Propoganada

Long back when I was in my second year, my prof was once discussing how cheap Shobhaa De's novels were. Back then, I only knew her through Sunday times. One of the glorious days of Sunday Times, when I would be eager to read Swaminomics and Gurucharan Das. Then I know Shobhaa De as one of those writers who loved to laugh on other people at hard knocks. Her favorite victims were celebrities. My question at that time was, if her work was such a junk, then who had the time to read it over even take the trouble of publishing it. TOI publishing her stuff was a no-brainer, but publishing books with such a wastage of paper and people buying and reading it was a bit surprising. Here is the answer on page 15: http://www.hanmermsl.com/pdf/hanmermsl_digital_credentials.pdf

Googling her was interesting because everywhere you will get to read only good stuff about her thanks to her PR agency. You have to creatively Google out on her to find out the big picture. Seems like she started her career in modelling but was not successful but got some success by marrying some rich guy called Kilachand. Then she ventured into "Free lance Journalism" which is more of paying the newspaper to get the article published. And then finally she struck gold by marrying an industrialist named Dilip De who funded all her junk and the PR agencies to help sell the junk.

Another example of hard core PR was IIPM. Everyone who has done their research on MBA schools know that there is a dabba college called IIPM. But like many other similar colleges, this one too manages to get some bunch of naive and desperate students. My boss once explained the business model of this school, which was very typical, as in you would find only ex-IIPM students who have turned faculties over there. Apart from that you have Planman and ICMR, which are again founded by Arindam Chaudhari himself where you will find the rest of ex-iipms. As Planman is their own company, they do all their IIPM publicity through them and again you wont find any negative stuff about them when googling them out. But today there are websites and blogs opened by people who got swindled by this college. And also some investigative journalism done by JAM and Career360 is found in the wikipedia page. Unfortunately, Planman guys couldn't do much to the wikipedia page :)

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Why beauty salons are still a loss making business in Chennai?

Phew! This is a controversial topic but I always wanted to write on this. As a woman who has lived in the northern metros or even small towns, one would come and wonder why beauty salons in Chennai are so costly?

In my last three adventurous years in Chennai, I have found some peculiar facts about the concept of beauty, fashion, and similar terms in Chennai:

It seems that my mom's generation of Chennai women haven't been to beauty parlors mostly apart from getting bridal make-up, not even regular visits for eye-brows.
On one of my first days in Chennai, at Tidel Park. I was waiting near the entrance for my friend, where I saw women who seemed like office goers, wearing the most unpleasant and dull shades like worn out mustard color, electric shocker blue and fluorescent green, stitched by tailors who would have been doing some side- business apart from stitching shirts and trousers.
Couple of years ago, I saw an episode of Neeya Naaana (a debate show), where some girls who looked like they have been busy studying for medical entrances, talking about how college girls in Chennai should be ashamed of adopting western culture and wearing jeans and dressing up to college. They were almost reinstating our great Rajnikanth's dialogs on how women should only dress in a sari and be virtuous and kind.... (What the #*$*)
In my old office and the present one too, If I have to make a guess, 1/5th of the women population frequent parlors and believe in the concept of dressing up.
Many new parlors are positioning themselves as uni-sex salons, that it is hard to find all-women salons in Chennai.

Apart from all this (from my experience), if you are a women who loves to dress up and make sure your accessories perfectly sync, then be prepared to get weird stares from men and angry stares from women.
Here is a political angle to it. But this aspect is being quite boldly commercialized by the recent soap TVCs, especially the Vivel soap ads of Sumar Susi and Dull Divya. I really dont know how the tamil public, especially women are taking to these ads. but then it is worth the wait and watch!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Some memorable quotes from movies

Over the last year, I have seen so many amazing movies. So I thought of collecting some quotes from these movies. Courtesy IMDB :)

Up in the air
Natalie tries to convince Ryan on relationships.
Natalie Keener: How about just not dying alone?
Ryan Bingham: Starting when I was 12, we moved each one of my grandparents into a nursing facility. My parents went the same way. Make no mistake, we all die alone.

Natalie talks to Alex about her ex-boyfriend.
Alex Goran: What a weasly prick.
Natalie Keener: Yeah, but what does that make me? Someone who falls for a prick.
Alex Goran: We all fall for the prick. Pricks are spontaneous, they're unpredictable and they're fun. And then we're surprised when they turn out to be pricks.

Escape from Sobibor
Just a conversation in the morning line for breakfast in a holocaust prison camp.
Leon Feldhendler: Did you know that tomorrow is the beginning of Sukkot?
Lt. "Sasha" Pechersky: Yes. 'Tis a Holy Day.
Leon Feldhendler: I forgot. And my father was a rabbi.
Lt. "Sasha" Pechersky: They kill on Holy Days. Why not the other way around? God will forgive.
Leon Feldhendler: There are those here who are wondering if we can forgive God.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Benjamin Button: Your life is defined by its opportunities... even the ones you miss.

Narrator: Daisy and her friend would've crossed the street, and the taxi would've driven by. But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone's control - that taxi did not go by, and that driver was momentarily distracted, and that taxi hit Daisy, and her leg was crushed.

Mrs. Maple: Benjamin, we're meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?

500 days of Summer

Tom: It's these cards and the movies and the pop songs, they're to blame for all lies and the heartache, everything.

Narrator: Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin, and they end, with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life. May 23rd was a Wednesday.

Lovely Bones
This is a very beautiful story of a girl who gets murdered and goes through the process of forgiving her killer.
Susie Salmon: There was one thing my murderer didn't understand; he didn't understand how much a father could love his child.

Susie Salmon: I was in the blue horizon between heaven and earth. The days were unchanging and every night I dream the same dream. The smell of damp earth. The scream no one heard. The sound of my heart beating like a hammer against cloth and I would hear them calling, the voices of the dead. I wanted to follow them to find a way out but I would always come back to the same door. And I was afraid. I knew if I went in there I would never come out.

Susie Salmon: [voiceover] When my mother came to my room, I realized that all this time, I had been waiting for her. I had been waiting so long, I was afraid she wouldn't come.
Holly: [whispering] I love you, Susie.

(Last line of the movie)
Susie Salmon: [voiceover] Nobody notices when we leave. I mean, the moment when we really choose to go. At best you might feel, a whisper or the wave of a whisper, undulating down. My name is Salmon, like the fish. First name: Susie. I was 14 years old, when I was murdered on December 6th 1973. I was here for a moment, and then I was gone. I wish you all, a long, and happy life

Little Manhattan
Its 10 year old cute Gabe talking about his crush!
Gabe: It's amazing how quickly time moves. Just yesterday, I thought I loved her, but now, I don't even care about her at all.

Gabe: Is there anything worse than dress shopping? I would rather have my toenails peeled off one by one with pliers than spend five minutes in the dress store.

And hey, do let me know if I missed some amazing quotes from other movies!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

What creates history after all?

The Arab world unrest has become so popular in the last two months that even people around me who do not keep themselves updated, are aware. But what started it? Seems like a young guy in Tunisia set himself on fire, when the local police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he sold because he didn't have a permit. What is even more amazing is how one man's actions can create a ripple across nations.

This is like going back to the World War's history to check what triggered the war, and we find out that it was due to the assassination of some Archduke, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. The world has seen so much since then.

Coming back to the Arab world, it is quite surprising to see that people power does exist in this part of the world. One interesting aspect of the whole uprising of the "Jasmine revolution" as quoted in Economist's articles, is that the "Al-Qaida" angle is missing here. This part of the world is always torn between the political elite group appeasing the western powers and and old-school fanatics arousing religious extremism. A public sentiment rejecting both of these and voicing for a democratic government is something very new.

But another view, would be that the Arab world was a very peaceful region centuries ago with rulers who were tolerant to religious minorities and ethnic minorities like Jews and Romanis (gypsies). During the 1500 to the 1800s when Jews were persecuted all over Europe with mass murders, they led a peaceful life the Ottoman regime.

But in the last century, when most of the world had chosen between democracy and communism, the Arab world is torn between dictatorship and monarchy. The present events will determine, whats the future in this part of the world.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Religious Old Fanatic Men:Saviors of our culture.....

This post is dedicated to all the old men who think they are the sole protectors of our society and keep saying, "Its my way or the highway". This morning, I was put into a session, where one old guy was talking about some outdated moral science lessons. He was talking about this "IT Culture" that Chennaites are obsessed with. He was talking on Saturday night parties as if it its a ghastly cannibalistic ritual. Anyways, thats the way Chennaites will talk, because for them "Pissing in public is Indian culture and kissing in public is western culture". For them, a CM living with three wives is fine, but if Shreya Saran turns up in an evening gown before him, its a criminal offence to our centuries old "Culture".

Coming back to old men, I came across this guy, who is this Ayyappa Guru, who supposedly guides new devotees through the pilgrimage. He was advising me on why intercaste marriages are bad for Indian society. He took an example and said that when giving commentary on the darshans, he says "All the devotees are equal before Ayyapa" because its nice to hear and he gets paid for that. In reality, he thinks otherwise. He thinks only brahmins possess good values, traditions and lifestyle. So, they should not marry non-brahmins or they will loose all these and will become like the "others". I don't mind this self-gratification that people do with their communities, religion, etc... but all this doesn't mean much to a women like me, because religions and other shadowed elements are used as tools to "keep women where they belong".

In the end, its hypocrites like these all around the world, who make some people believe that they are lesser than equals.

Friday, January 21, 2011

My cute little squeaker

From the moment I got used to pigeon babies, this was a usual routine. I would wait till the pigeon couple played around in the window. Finally one day, the lady would be sitting over the nest area and staring into oblivion. Poor gal, she had a lot of patience. I would keep peeping and disturbing her to check on the eggs. After a couple of weeks, finally a cute chick would come out. First day, it would be so tiny that it will be just one fourth of your palm.Then the second one will come out. After a week, you can hear them squeaking.

One of the most cutest baby I have seen is this cute squeaker in our bedroom window. It had a mix of black and grey feathers. So, we used to call it kappu (tamil word for black) kutta (mallu for little one). It used to keep squeaking and its mom would be nudging it and telling it to keep quiet (a pigeon way of telling "keep quiet or the demons will come and get you"). But our Kutta loved squeaking, and finally the demon (I) took it inside to play with it :). Even when Kutta was bought inside the bedroom, it would continue yapping. Whereas its elder sis was so quiet that we thought she was dumb. But she let out a small squeak once, to our delight.

Another time, when I put Kappu back to its nest, after a couple of minutes I heard some squeaks. When I went there, Kappu made it back to the bedroom! Unlike other pigeon babies, who are scared to be close to humans, Kappu was rather inquisitive and enjoyed our company. We even got some grains especially for Kutta. The mom would then give the grain picking tutorial to the kids. Kutta had this unique way of flapping its wings and pecking grains.

One fine day, it flew away like all the other babies, leaving me with sweet memories.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sacha Pyar!

Well I am not referring to some old Hindi movie... This is the minto gol ad that I saw recently, where the girl says "mujhe aisa boyfriend chahiye jo ho smart,intelligent aur meri har baat maane"! And there came Rocky, a cute golden retriever, whom I also recall from the Pedigree ad. Though it would seem like a gender bender, it does make sense. Dogs make the best boyfriends ever! well if you omit that part alone...

So I actually thought about this and came with a list on "why dogs are better than guys?"
1. They can't say if you have put on weight!!!
2. They don't keep judging you on what you wear.
3. You can train dogs to do small chores.
4. They miss you when you are gone.
5. They are good at communicating their feelings.
6. Cute dogs don't know they are cute! and so don't brag about it :)
7. Dogs understand what the word "NO" means.
8. Dogs are one of the last forms of unconditional love left in the world...tsk tsk
9. Dogs don't use emotional blackmail on you!
10.They don't watch cricket!

The last one was completely mine!!!!! So looks like I will end up with Rocky and am already looking forward to it :)

(Note: I am ok, if guys wanna click the biased check box :)))

Friday, December 3, 2010

Elearning glory!

Said my friend, “If you have worked for Priya, then you will be sympathized, hugged, and blessed for all that you had to go through”. Yes that’s Priya Gunteeth for you. (surname changed for retain anonymity ...) Gunteeth, I learned has been a hot topic for talk from the Instructional design forums till the Elearning guild because of her victims, which includes me. And if you have worked for 2 years under Gunteeth then you deserve a candlelight peace procession! That is for V@rsh babe.

Gunteeth is one of those typical managers who are good at “covering their behinds”. She is so famous that anyone who has worked in an elearning company, which also has a branch in Chennai will know her. V@rsh and I used to discuss, if we had a chance of revenge how would we do it. I think I will send her to Rakhi ka Insaaf! But the only problem is that she will give Rakhi a complex!

Though Gun is a distant memory now, she is a ready reckoner for bad managers.

To name a few, it would be:

Confuse your team
Rewrite their storyboards in review and tell then they have done a bad job
If they gather courage and argue, confuse them again!

Phew! Those days were so terrible. Thank god, I got to the other side of the industry!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Two untold Bollywood stories

1. The first story is about the domination of playback singing by Lata Mangeshkar in Bollywood from the 50s till the late nineties.

Lata and her sister Asha have dominated the industry in such a way that they did not allow any new female singers. Lata would boycott any producer who dared to choose a new singer. She also used to threaten her male counterparts like Rafi and Kishore Kumar, if they worked with any other new singers. The domination was such that Lata would sing all the classical compositions and Asha would sing the western numbers.

The only singer who challenged Lata was Anuradha Paudwal, of course not with much success. Anuradha had openly criticized Lata for indulging in monopoly. This created problems for her as music directors started avoiding her, because of you-know-whom. Finally, in the nineties, producers got fed up of her and went for new talent like Alka Yagnik and Kavitha. Thus ended the monopoly.

I want to stress a couple of points here.

Noted that Lata is a talent, this does not give her the right to spoil the career of other female singers.
What is the use of such a talent, who will not guide anyone, not let other budding talent to try their luck?

With all the money, and most of it earned through threatening and soft extortion, this lady has built a hospital, to earn more money! I hope through the right way. And now, she threatens to move to Dubai, if the Peddar road flyover goes above her house and spoils her balcony view. All I can say is Bye Bye Lata.

2. The second is our own Kishore Kumar who came to Bollywood to become a renowned singer, but ended as both a great actor and a very renowned singer.

He came to Bollywood to get a break in singing, but was rejected because he did not have any formal training in music. He managed to bag some acting roles with his brother, Ashok Kumar 's help.

Its said that Kishore did not have any interest in acting, so he would just make silly faces in front of the camera, so that he would get rejected! But the audience loved him and the rest is history. Its also rumored that he tried direction at a later point in his life to show loss and avoid income tax. His movie Chalti ka naam gaadi was supposed to be a flop.

An amusing character that he is, his wikipedia page talks in length about his histrionics.

All said and done, he was one of the best actors and singer that Bollywood ever had.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Life goes on...with or without freedom

From childhood, this day has been just another holiday where I could sleep for some more time. But I am just wondering the reason behind this celebration. Are we independent? To be more precise, are we more independent than our forefathers? Did our forefathers really suffer under the Britishers??? If anyone says "yes" over here, then they should visit Aushwitz, read about apartheid in South Africa, or visit Afghanistan. I feel that Indians have been a very lucky nation, unlike popular opinion.

If we are a sad nation today, its because of our own discrimination based on race, caste, and religion. We are a country with our unity shattered by our diversity and we are individualists within a psuedo-collectivist culture. Nations across the world identify themselves by their races. The Germans call themselves huns, the Norwegian call themselves Vikings, and what do we Indians call ourselves? For us, being an Aryan or Dravidian is not enough. We need so many criteria to identify ourselves like religion, mother tongue, varna, gothras, sub gothras... and so much more.

Do we really need all this to identify ourselves. How can we have unity between all this clutter? This is what my professor called "individualists among collectivists". He said that all Asian cultures are collectivist cultures, except India. We Indians can never think as collectivists because for us it is always "Us versus them". Its always the Marathis against the Punjabis, the OBCs against the SCs and STs, the Vanniyars against the Dalits and so on. We Indians love differences so much that we carry them with us even when we change religions! The brahmin converted Christians sit in a special reserved area in the front and the dalit converted Christians sit at the back in the church.

I just hope that in future, our children get recognized only by their father's name and nothing else. This is for our freedom from discrimination, which we are still devoid of.

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