Its November and its raining

As is obvious, I love rains. This morning when I woke up and heard the rain, I put on some music and realized with a start that it was already November and I have to tell you a story. 

For want of a hobby

Many moons ago, when I was in primary school, it was a big deal to have a cool hobby/interest. Most of my classmates were singing or dancing, the classical kind. They used to religiously go to these classes or have teachers visit them home. The boys were generally let off the hook and a select few learnt to play a musical instrument. I wistfully yearned to be able to learn classical dance or play the violin. I did learn classical music for a while, until my teacher told my grand-mom I wasn't showing interest. As for dancing, I started with a lot of enthusiasm at a summer camp but it all came to an abrupt end when we couldn't find a teacher once camp got over. So to all those people who asked me what my hobby was, I had the same answer - reading! I can't remember a time I didn't read. We had 3 library memberships, bought magazines regularly, exchanged books and I ended up devouring the age-appropriate novels with dedication. When I look back, I do remember I liked drawing too but then, most kids at that age like drawing/painting and generally being creative. Do you know anyone at all who bought greeting cards back then? I bet you are reminiscing about the times when we painstakingly made the most ingenious and creative cards to gift our friends for birthdays, exams, etc.

Many years after, when I was doing my engineering, my friends and I took part in a Personality contest. It was a fun thing and we had to write answers to a bunch of silly questions.From those, five would be selected to go onstage and answer many more silly questions. You are reading the blog of a sooper personality wonly, so let me tell you what happened when I went onstage. After some preliminary rounds, there was a final talent round. So while one guy sang, the 2 other ladies danced I think and another guy did some mimicking, I stood transfixed blinking and feeling every bit like a loser. I mumbled something about  an ancient Chinese story and trivia and literally jumped off the stage. It sure sounds funny and makes for a good story in my blog but when you are in your first year of college, the last thing you want to do is humiliate yourself in front of your classmates and seniors. I admire people who can perform for an audience but its just not my thing. 

Years later, only after I started working, I started formal painting classes. Seeing how much I was still into drawing and painting, my mom suggested I learn Tanjore painting when she saw a notice at the gate of a house in our neighbourhood. It began there and didn't stop. I experimented with so many styles and did not want to stop ever. It is now such a huge chunky part of who I am. My hobby (or what started as one to relieve work-related monotony, stress) has consumed me completely. I definitely am proud that I was able to teach Tanjore painting to many ladies in both Hyderabad and Bangalore, have kids come in for classes now, managed to sell a painting to a very nice fellow-blogger and his wife and even did a few paintings to order and portrait commissions.This is definitely not a post to declare my accomplishments, for they are much more than these but my hobby has helped me find a balance. For many people I know, what was once a hobby has transformed into a fulfilling profession. I can relate for I am sure it doesn't feel like 'work' even for a single moment. I still cannot sing or dance in a talent round and even today, when someone I meet for the first time asks me what I do in my free time, I invariably say 'I read a lot'. For you see, its a lot easier to discuss books and everyone usually reads something - even if its only news or Wikipedia!

My paintings have even eaten into my blog. I hardly post anything other than my art. Well, I intend to do something about that. Starting today, its gonna be raining posts here. I am not sure about everyday , but I shall post 2-3 times a week this month. I think this poor blog deserves some more attention! ;)

Two books, two movies, two stars! (an essay)

Suffice to say it is not easy to ascertain which was the first book to be depicted as a movie. These are the findings of my research. Fact though, is crystal clear that this conversion of tomes has been a century long affair. Subtle changes such as silent movie, black/white, colour, 3D have not marred the effect stories have had on its viewership.What is contumacious however is whether the 'show and tell' has managed to retain the spirit of the written word. In this singular aspect, several falter and dither away into oblivion.

Bibliophiles will devour each word thereby expecting the movie-makers to spin a surreal tale that would transport them to all those visually enticing areas their brain led them to. Astute film-makers are not deterred by the arduous task. A few over-zealous others irrevocably ruin it. 

Gregory Peck (Atticus Finch in To kill a mocking bird)

An art onto itself, the film is decidedly a canvas with a plethora of artists slaving tirelessly to ensure the stories are blended well. One such example of exemplary film-making whose inspiration was an equally splendid book was "To kill a Mocking Bird" by Harper Lee. It continues to gain appeal among current generations as one that does justice to its original story while retaining the exquisite texture portrayed in the book. Oh, the characters, they are presented in precisely the same way one envisions them or perhaps even Harper Lee did. 

                                                                                

As much as story is important, provided one explores the wide gamut of emotions that the reader goes through in his journey with the author, the film would not leave a lasting impression on any movie enthusiast. How the tale is presented is paramount and will always be. The complicated marriage of books and movies ensues but my verbose essay will not. 

Vivian Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara
in "Gone with the Wind"
(Another favourite)

p.s. - was inclined to write in good ol' literary English after reading a book called 'Wicked' by Gregory Macguire which was such a glorious read! 




Do share the books made into movies which you loved. 

Some seize when they 'size'

I have to stop coming up with titles that rhyme!

I don't know what strikes you when you read this title (excuse me for going on and on, about it but I thought hard to come up with this one) , but I can assure you , although it might make no sense at first, things will fall into place..ummm..probably once you chew on it for a while;-)

I have written a few posts about my childhood memories and especially the ones with my maternal cousins in Chennai. I used to look forward to all the visits and every day spent there was a treasured memory. No exaggerations. Back then, I hated Bangalore (I can't get myself to call it Bengaluru even now) specially because we were alone here - no cousins, aunts, grandmother! During one of the summer vacations, all my relatives from Chennai decided to visit Bangalore (being the cooler city and all that) for a change. When I say all, I mean 3 aunts, 2 uncles, grand-parents and 5 kids! (I may have forgotten a few - I was only 10-11). They were taking an overnight train to Bangalore. The train that left Chennai had a major glitch and just 1 &1/2 hour into the journey, it derailed. There were zero casualties! Arrangements were made to send all passengers back to Chennai Central and board the next train to Bangalore or an early morning passenger. My grandfather took a swift decision. He decided not to return to Chennai but , get to Bangalore  at any cost - even in taxis/ cabs if it came down to that. He knew that excitement levels would be at an all-time low both in Chennai & Bangalore if the plans underwent a drastic change. So they took cabs to the nearest town , proceeded to take a bus to Bangalore and reached our home without losing any kid. When I recollect this, I am STILL jealous I wasn't destined to be a part of that adventurous midnight gang!! Can't blame me - I've had such drab and boring train journeys; not a single fun-filled one. No derailing, delays, train-jackings (is there a word), absolutely noone interesting (fat nosy aunties who will proceed to extract my bio-data and horoscope within 5 minutes into the journey starting with - 'tamizh-aa?' ,  'studying-aa?' )! Even thinking about it makes me yawn!! 

Once the entire gang reached, all the adults proceeded to gossip. The 'Bratty' bunch of course had an incredible re-union ; my brother (a little kid) , my cousins ( all in the age group of 3 - 14 ) and I wandered around our housing colony while I proudly introduced my cousins to the security guard, gardener, carpenter and some neighbours. My dad's colleague , a very fun-loving uncle whom I was fond of came in at that time for some work. G uncle was dressed in formal wear - shirt, trousers, shoes and a tie. The moment I spotted him, I summoned all my followers cousins and we trooped inside the house to give G uncle a taste of our madness. My youngest cousin brother K was only 4 then I think and arguably the most mischevious. My own brother gave him stiff competition. K never had any inhibitions ever and even today, he has none whatsoever!! G uncle was intimidated when he saw so many kids and decided to sit quietly  around my dad only. K observed him for some time. He was thoroughly intrigued , walked right upto innocent uncle who was busy talking to my dad and yanked G uncle's tie hard !!!  K was thoroughly perplexed as he expected the tie to come off in his hand. For all of us (kids), this was a joke  which could be passed off as a brave prank. All the adults were embarrassed beyond words, hurried to apologize and my mother clarified that K had never seen anyone wearing a tie. The sight of that tie had caught his fancy more than anything else. G uncle, once out of the momentary shock at being harrassed by a 2 feet tall kid laughed it off nervously. 

Story over!! Now I'll come to the point (my brain is cooked these days and I blame it all on work). The whole purpose of all this lambi-chaudi kahaani ( unbearably long story ) was to ponder over what we, as kids/adults observe in a person when we meet them first. When I was in college and anyone asked me this, I wanted to sound intelligent. I remember giving answers such as ' umm..when they smile, it should reach their eyes' or 'oh yeah, most certainly their footwear' !! I have a huge grin as I recollect this and apply it to my current state of mind. If someone who just met me, smiled  broadly at me, I'd scowl back (specially if its a guy). Footwear - not unless they are wearing yellow stilettos I'm afraid ! Its human nature to observe people closely but I don't think I can pin it down to any one particular feature and apply it to everyone I meet like a tried and tested formula. I am not referring to the George Clooneys and Katrina Kaifs who make heads turn. Ordinary people - You and me. Bad behaviour or foul manners get noticed in a jiffy of course and therein comes my next thought - all about that grand first impression. I won't repeat that cliched statement that we all know,  since I find it over-rated and preachy. When you meet someone  (a chance encounter) would you honestly even think about 'making' an impression? I refrain from mentioning job interviews, seminars, official presentations, arranged marriage meetings etc because in all those situations, whether you like it or not the brain is conditioned to make a favourable impression at least.

Out of curiosity, I did ask a few friends of mine whether I made any impression on them the very first time I met them. Absolutely not, they all concluded much to my dismay. I expected the response as I am not a jumpy-friendly sort of person from the word go. I speak only when spoken to and although not snobbish, I would call myself a tad distant.So much for my dramatic end to the post. My name on the other hand never fails to raise eyebrows and more so, when my roots are revealed. Try it out with your friends and you might get some interesting responses (might be luckier than me in any case). I  am deliberately avoiding bloggers ( have never been to any blogger meets ) since we are not talking about the virtual world at all (that, my friends ,would be a different theory put forth by lostworld sometime in the future). Oh and what do you notice when you meet a person first?  It might seem a very personal question to some and the choice to share or ignore it remains yours and only yours!

Thought I'd let you know. I'm all sorted out now. If anyone asks me this question, I've decided to let go of inhibitions and say ' Teeth of course, to see whether they are brushed well' !! 

How I wish I could do a cousin K and seize the colourful beaded goatee if I  met Capt. Jack Sparrow (picture - Johnny Depp). 

Merci :)

Merci Beaucoup !!! :-)

Its been a good 6 months of blog-writing, blog-hopping, blog-reading and the magic isn't going to end anytime soon! I rarely look back in time , except when I want to crib :-D But this is different. 

Shruti of "Mindful Meanderings" presented me a token of appreciation recently & I was thoroughly overwhelmed. Thank You 'mommy'.

Avada Kedavra gave me my first ever blog award "Humane Award". I was smiling the whole day !!! :-) All firsts are to be cherished - No exceptions with this one either. I LOVE IT. I am Elated :-)

Do check out her blog here !! There's something sweet about her.

I shall follow blog etiquette and pass on this award to some of the bloggers who I feel deserve it. Since I haven't been here for ages, I hardly know a few brilliant blogs. Whatever be the case, let me not disturb the status-quo.

The nominations were plenty but these are the lucky six gals and fellas (actually only 1 fella ) --

* Shruti - She's a resourceful blogger & a thoughtful mother.

* Shraddha/April - They co-blog & their posts always get me thinking. I usually don't connect well with poetry but I love their style.

* Swaram - She's one of the first friends I made in this world & she's prolific.

* Neo , Urmil , Sonal - These 3 aren't bloggers ( I am bending the rules slightly ) but they have been MY MOST loyal readers till date. They add value to my post with their comments! In the history of blogging, you guys will be the only ones who have been awarded even without having a blog profile. Does that motivate you to start blogging ??? ;-)

Please accept and I think you know what is to be done better than I do .. :-)

Thank you for making me feel like Ms. Universe in this virtual planet !! ;-)

Edited to Update ::: Turned out my friend Urmil was a dark horse !! She has a blog & has dished out poetry in the past !!!! Imagine the state of my innocent mind. My blog seems to be like the CIA, unearthing hidden blogs in the blogosphere. Well Urmil, you've got your award to get the ball ...ooops blog rolling.

Talk to me

I was born with a motor mouth. I am the kind of person who talks 99 % nonsense and 1 % sense. My family and friends vouch for this. What is really surprising is, even people who don't know me seem to have realized this in the first glance. Strangers talk to me out of the blue. They single me out and start off. It is disconcerting since I feel certain there must be a huge signpost on me that says - "Go on, you can always talk to me!"

On Saturday, I was returning home in an auto after watching Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (which was just as good and as bad as the remaining HP movies). At one of the signals quite far away from my home, the auto driver (I shall refer to him as uncle henceforth) turned to me and questioned - " What are you studying madam? ". I am on a 'trying-to-put-on-some-weight-to-look-my-age' stage so it wasn't really a compliment. I told him I am working. I guess he gave me some credibility because he mustered up the courage and said - "I wish to say something, but please do not mind or feel bad". When someone starts like this, I knew what to expect. I was quite sure he was going to give me a lecture on how girls should behave, wear decent clothes, not talk to boys, not hurt parents and get home on time etc. I have had auto drivers tell me such things on various occasions from the time I was 17. At that time their standard beginning line used to be - "All these MCC girls..". I used to find it amusing and would keep assuring them I will keep their 'feelings' in mind ;-) Back to the present story. I told uncle to go right ahead (and pour out all his frustrations- lol).

Uncle asked , " Is MBBS better or BE better? "

"Depends uncle. Both are very different and does not suit everyone of us", I answered very diplomatically. Although I truly wanted to say "MBBS of course! The world is filled with Engineers today. We need doctors !! "

" My daughter is in 9th Std and she wants to do MBBS but I want her to do BE. Doing MBBS is too strenuous for a girl. It is better for her to do BE since she will get a job here easily and live comfortably ", uncle assesses practically

Aha! My domain, I thought and started off. Notice how easily he got me to open up and start jabbering ??!!!?

" Uncle .. see.. your daughter has to work for the next 15 years and more. If she does BE for your comfort, what about hersatisfaction? MBBS is such a noble profession. She will struggle initially since she has to be an intern at less wages, do a good specialization and then find a good job, but at the end of the day she would be so proud to live her dream for the rest of her life! Whatever profession she chooses, if she is dedicated, a good life will follow. What if she does BE and hates her job ? She cannot then discontinue and start studying for MBBS all over again. Please please do not force her for a short-term gain. Let her make her choice. Ask her to speak to teachers, seniors and a lot of people , know whats really in store in both the options and then decide. "

Our conversation continued in this fashion until I reached my destination. I gave him some more inputs and listened to his side too. Eventually he thanked me and said he would ask his daughter Sunita to talk to me directly. He actually mistook me for some Career Counsellor. Sheesh - I think I went overboard with my ramblings !!!!! I hope I didn't put him off track at least or end up spoiling Sunita's dreams.

This ride was actually like a reality check for me. My heart went out for this uncle who was braving Bangalore traffic on a Saturday evening worried about his daughter's future and even prepared to share his problems with total strangers just to ensure his daughter does not make a mistake. While I appreciate this uncle and his foresight , I find it also a little sad that even today parents force their dreams on their children. I don't know whether Sunita will manage to become a doctor, but there are many Sunitas out there whose fathers will not even for a split-second consider an alternative and force them to do BE.

To all my blog-readers, What would you have done ??? - This is a future counsellor imploring for unsolicited advice just in case Sunita calls me on her father's behest :-)

A long time ago..

I was 10 when I watched the movie Free Willy - Part I. It was summer vacation and my cousins and I were glued to the TV. The movie is about the growing friendship between an orca whale, Keiko and a 12 year old Jesse. For months I was fascinated with just about everything involving Free Willy - the boy, the whale, the ocean, the adventure !! I didn't miss Free Willy - Part II & III as and when they were released. Part II & III are filled with adventurous tales of rescuing Keiko from a crashed oil tanker, ocean fires and illegal whalers. Nevertheless for nearly 3 years, I always dreamt passionately that I would someday train a killer whale and rescue my "loving pet" from the blasted dangers of the world !!! ;-) You could call it an obsession I guess. I even named my imaginary whale. I don't recall when I eventually forgot Keiko but I am confident the subsequent dreams got bigger (and better) :-)

There is an ulterior motive behind all this rambling (in case you did not realize). In the first movie Free Willy, the OST - "Will you be there?" is a song very very close to my heart. The song, video, music and voice are all equally mesmerising and haunting. Every time I watch the whale soar high from the ocean and dive back in, I feel elated and can literally hear the sound of the splash. This one song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I don't want to post the YouTube or MP3 link here, but please do check it out.

Oh just for the sake of completing this post, the OST was composed by none other than Michael Jackson.I think everyone of us has some teeny weeny memory involving his chartbusters.

It only rains on me

  I LOVE rains. 

  Rains are replete with oh-so-special memories. 

  Its the only time I could turn into a poet if I tried hard enough.

  I'd like to know what comes to your mind when it rains.. but first listen to this..

I couldn't find the original video, this is an audio clip from YouTube

A passing thought

With elections and IPL coinciding , it seemed like a "smart" move to shift the IPL tournament to SA. I empathize (to a certain extent) with the Indian Govt. who clarified and stated in no uncertain terms that they could not provide security. But the likes of Lalit Modis and SRKs have to make do with my disdain! Agreed they managed to save the crores of investment made in organizing a tournament of this magnitude. The entire IPL fraternity is now sitting pretty in South Africa watching their money multiply or diminish, ball by ball literally. Didn't ANYONE in this entire mela of cricket fanatic freaks ever stop to think for a minute that they voluntarily chose not to vote this year for their PM??

There is no question of these cricketeers/other IPL associated persons to take the trouble of flying to their defined locations to cast their vote. Had that been happening, although I am not a fan of the game, I would have watched every single match ! So it is quite simply the case where a few hundred or even thousand votes were exempted. So much for MS Dhoni and his men parading as a role model for today's youth. For those people who argue that cricket is also just a game in India and not a religion, here's your answer loud and clear. I say , aur bolo..

** P.S - Whether casting your vote counts or not is NOT the argument here (that would be a whole new post in itself).

[Update] - I voted!!!! Pat on my back :-)

beach closed ? ... a dedication

In life we are truly blessed if we have a person who -

* Will do all that you desire even before you spell it out

* Inspite of their ailments , will always put you before themselves and be there by your side, rock solid

* Never fails to receive you at the airport/railway station every single time! ( I always always used to look forward to this :-) Have such wonderful memories of these reunions ! )

* Buries you under gifts whenever they get a chance , some of which only figured in your dreams

* Treasures your gifts with their life

* Will dance to your tunes and give in to all your whims and fancies

* Ensures that every moment you spend in their company is special

* Goes out of the way to spoil you rotten

* Is proud of your driving skills even when you used to drive backwards ;-)

* Simply loves you unconditionally!

Everytime we read such profound statements, instantly we think of several people who have touched our lives in more ways than one - Parents, Siblings, Partners !! I also have a variety of people adding the much needed sugar and spice in my life. But there was someone so endearing that their absence created this feeling of emptiness - gradually of course. This special someone was my maternal grandfather. So many memories come tumbling down in torrents as I fondly recall this everlasting bond.

My earliest memories are the exercise sessions with my grand-dad. He was on the heavier side and I think I must have found it fascinating to watch him swing his arms and legs about ; I used to imitate him every morning without fail enjoying it immensely. See, I bet thats the reason why I am so fit even now :P My grandparents lived in Chennai and whenver I used to visit them, I would be subjected to a treatment befitting a princess! My wish used to be their command literally - don't you just hate growing up! I vividly recall throwing tantrums, sulking endlessly and demanding to be taken to amusement parks et al. Trust me, they used to give in every single time!! My mom used to dread my return to Bangalore as I would have transformed into this little monster who wanted her way no matter what. Gosh! Isn't it dreadful hearing all this from your folks!

On one such visit to Chennai, my grandfather came to receive me at the railway station. It was nearly 9 in the night and I was a little girl then - probably 7 or 8. I was super excited about the holidays and for some wierd reason the beach in Chennai was calling to me right then. Maybe the lack of beaches in Bangalore was the cause. The moment I alighted, I demanded to be taken to Marina Beach. Now, when my grand-daughter will ever do something like this, I am sure I would just gag her and drag her home. Not my grandfather. With a poker straight face, he told me that all beaches in Chennai are closed after dark !!!! For that extra effect, he also added that had it not been closed, he would have obviously taken me on a beach tour. Would you believe it? Well little (and immensely dumb) R did. Guys who have seen Marina beach n Chennai - remember the white bridge-like structure along one portion of the beach on the road?? Not too sure but I think this structure is featured in the movie Yuva / Ayutha Ezhithe. Grandad told me that these were the gates to the beach!!! I bought this story hook line and sinker , and for many years to come, never questioned its authenticity :-) I don't recall the historic moment of truth when realization dawned on me that I was officially the royal fool in my family! ;-)

As life took its course and I trudged along my bed of roses and thorns, one special incident took place when I started working. I was thrilled to bits when I got my first salary and remember spending every rupee on gifts! No ill feelings towards the others, but my grandfather truly was the proudest and happiest when I gifted him a shirt. That same evening when we were heading out, he donned his new shirt and words fail to describe my feelings. I doubt I have done such affectionate gestures spontaneously for someone so I must be one of those lucky bums in this world!

 

This picture was taken 2 years ago when my grandparents came to see me off at the Chennai International Airport.



[ Pic removed]

My grandfather passed away last year on April 18th .. I sincerely hope he is at peace and fervently pray that he is showered with love wherever he is right now.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Its all in the name

I was born on the 21st of November. Gods and goddesses did not shower their blessings from above and neither did anyone utter prophecies in my name, but there was definitely a lot of celebration in my family. My parents named me something I always thought had no meaning, since it is a pretty uncommon name .. until my grandfather told me many years later that it meant 'rainbow' in hindi. Not bad , I mused.

More recently I discovered accidently that I share my name with Brahma's daughter! I was bowled over and thrilled with the mythological connection to say the least. I excitedly shared it with my parents and was highly amused at the irony of having to enlighten the very people who named me.. I don't think it made too much of a difference to them at this point in their lives but what the heck ..