The dread of driving in Delhi

Delhi is making daredevils out of all its driving residents. You don't believe me? Have you ever driven a car in Delhi? More so, in the recent weeks? If you have, you would know what I am talking about.

Someone please tell Madam CM that if she doesn't venture out much in her 'convoy' then she is much mistaken to believe that by decreasing the subsidy on LPG, Diesel, etc., she will be able to meet the commonwealth deadline. For to meet the deadline, you need to complete the tasks at hand along with arranging funds.

The whole of Delhi is dug up. And if not dug up purposefully for the preparations of 'Commonwealth Games 2010', dug up of wear-and-tear and neglect. There is hardly any space left on most roads for more potholes to spring up.

I drive everyday from North Delhi to Gurgaon up-down. To start with, the North Campus Roads are either deep excavations or muddy hills. And whatever little of the road is left there, is so uneven that any rocking chair will lose a rocking competition with a car driving down its lanes. Next, the whole of Swami Narayan Marg from Chowki No. 2 to Vivekanand Chowk in Gulabi Bagh is a mess. My new car has started making strange noises within a month of driving through this road. I feel like shouting out to the Gulabi Bagh DDA Flats Residents and asking them how they have been surviving since last many months.

Same fate awaits anyone driving through Guru Ravidas Marg in Karol Bagh. Passing that small stretch between 'St. Michael's School' and 'Aggarwal Sweet Corner' in the evening hours is a curse. Then again Vandematram Marg has also only recently got better (please note that I use the word 'better' and not repaired, for there's still much scope left there).

And God help you if you have to make your way through Kapashera Estates. The road there is only on papers. What appears to be a road is actually a small by-lane full of ruptures, dents and potholes.

The best part about Delhi is that we are made to believe that work is going on for 'Commonwealth Games' and that the things will be all hunky-dori come October, when the Games actually start. So, we keep the patience and tell ourselves that it's all in the process of getting better. But, when we should actually be seeing workers working diligently to mend all this, we only see huge boulders or a barricade left on some of the potholes without denoting any danger signs (e.g. notice the one on the T-point of the Camp Cinema Road and the Old Rohtak Road; or the one on Roop Nagar Golchakkar; or the one on the crossing of Daulat Ram College and Ramjas College with a huge round wheel-like wooden structure stationed next to the deep pothole). They are actually worse. What if a negligent or innocent driver rams into it in the dark? After all, the street lights don't work either. Even the new fancy ones put up by the Delhi Govt. after causing its residents such inconvenience are not switched on. Every resident should sue PWD for damages inflicted on their peace and their cars for the rapid depreciation, way more than the normal depreciation in the usual discourse of car usage. But who cares? Who has time? Do I? I only wish.

Then again, the streetlights remind me: There's one pole fallen down on the Mahipalpur turn on Jaipur Road towards RTR Flyover. It's been lying just so since days causing even more chaos in the already chaotic, scrawling, office-going traffic in the peak-hours of the morning. Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway during the office-going and home-going hours in the morning and evening, respectively, is a live example of humongous goof-up which the planners of this highway did in their expectations of the statistical increase in traffic situation by the time the Expressway actually came up. You tell a kid the dictionary meaning of an Expressway and he would face the problem of a huge disconnect between theory and practical life had he driven through here at such hours.

To sum up, I can only pray to God to give us Delhi-ites strength to put up with this, patience to take it for many more days, weeks and months to come, hope to actually assume that this torture will soon get over and more money to spend on servicing and repairing our cars or (God forbid) on medical expenses resulting from accidents.

My own list of recent Romantic Numbers

I sometimes read Poonam Saxena's Blog. In her last post there, she listed ten very recent love songs that happen to be her and her Brunch colleagues' favourites. I didn't quite agree with the list and just sitting there reading, came out with a list of my own. Just like Poonam, I stuck to some very recent numbers only (last 2-3 years, if I may say). But, it was difficult for me to restrict myself to ten songs only. So I took the liberty of crossing the round figure. Then again, you may notice that I may have clubbed two or three numbers together. That's because all of them haunt me in the similar fashion and it's difficult for me to choose one out of those. Besides, I am able to listen to them one after the other without any change in my mood (hehe).

So here's my list, in no particular order or sequence:

Of the recent songs, one soulful track that touches me is "Rehna tu…" from Delhi-6. AR Rahman at his very best, I still believe his work in Bollywood to be by far superior to what he has rendered in Hollywood. I would also mention here the song "Tu bin bataye…" from Rang de Basanti which was equally haunting in its melody. But, I find lyrics of "Rehna tu…" much more refreshing. What deeper reflections than "Haath tham chalna ho, to dono ke dayein haath sang kaise… Ek dayan hoga, ek bayan hoga… Tham le, haath ye thaam le…"

Another good song from Rahman's collection is "Kahin to hogi vo…" from Jaane tu ya jaane naa with "Jaane vo mera kya tha…" (Aditi's rendition) following close. Not only were they suiting the films mood to perfection but are extremely well rendered by the respective singers.

"Iktara" from Wake Up Sid is also amazing. It is the very song for all girls who have just fallen in love and for all women who are still very romantic at heart.

"Phir Dekhiye…", "Tum ho to…" and "Yeh tumhari meri baatein…" from Rock On! hold strong fort among the very rocking soundtrack of the film. I often feel that "Phir Dekhiye…" did not get its due. Being the amazing romantic song it is, it got lost in the FM channels' playlists of all Rock On! numbers; what with them focusing on "Rock On!", "Picchle Saat dino mein…" and even "Tum ho to…" and "Yeh tumhari meri baatein…".

"Tum se hi…" from Jab we met and "Dooriyan…" from Love aaj kal seem to be on the same lines. But, both of them are amazing numbers, one reflecting on 'No-loss-even-if-your-lover-is-gone' and the other on 'Feeling-the-loss-when-your-ex-lover-is-still-around'. Am I even making sense? Nevertheless, they are great songs.

"Kuchh Khaas…" and "Mar jawaan…" from fashion are also enticing. May I club them with "Haafiz Khuda… / Kuchh is tarah…" from 8x10 Tasveer?

"Khuda jaane…" from Bachna Ae Haseeno is a very soft tender number and I enjoy the feel. Although I am no big fan of either Ranbir or Deepika but I think the song was amazingly picturised and exuded romance in each frame.

"Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi…" from Ghajini is the best of the whole lot. Like Poonam, I too like "Guzaarish…" as well, but would any day choose the former over the latter.

"Pyar ki ye Kahaani…" from Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. is very stylishly romantic and I feel may be perfect for a date. I would recommend a Latino dance on the number as I feel the music might do real justice to the closeness between the dance partners in these dance forms.

"Bol naa halke-halke…" from Jhoom barabar Jhoom is also one of my favourites. I don't per se like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's voice, but I feel it suits this song, as also the number that follows.

"Aaj din chadheya…" from Love aaj kal again is also amazing. I feel enchanted by this song. Some innovative lyrics, what a beautiful compliment to give to one's lady love than give her the credit of making the day bright, sunny and cheerful. I am sure no girl will brush this one off. Even the rest of the lyrics are simple yet beautiful. "Maanga jo mera hai… Jaata kya tera hai… Maine kaunsi khudai maang li… Kaisa khuda hai tu… Bas naam ka hai tu… Rabba jo teri itni si bhi naa chali…" Challenge that if you can.

I certainly cannot miss "In lamhon ke daaman mein…" from Jodhaa-Akbar. After a long time came a song with music so melodious, lyrics so pure and ethereal and the total effect of the song so grand. Try to listen it on your head-phones. You'll be captured before you know it. (I would like to put "Jashn-e-baharaa…" alongside but am in double minds about whether it would qualify as a love-song or not.)

Another song that comes to my mind is "Tum hi dekho naa…" from Kabhi Alvida naa Kehna. I absolutely hated the film but I liked most of its songs. Poonam rightly describes this song as "a really soft, delicate love song" and was by far the best of the whole lot.

"Tere liye…" and "Main yahaan hoon…" from Veer-Zaara, just like all the songs from the movie, resonate deep inside you till long after you have stopped listening to the songs. It's an amazing feeling and very special too.

Last but not least, the song that comes to my mind is "Tu hi to meri dost hai…" from Yuvraaj. The movie particularly was nothing great, but I loved it for its songs and its cinematography. Even "Tu muskura…" is beautiful though not as lovable as the former. Benny Dayal's voice creates magic on AR Rahman's chords.

Just a quick look over my list, I see Rahman's songs in large numbers, followed closely by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. As far as Rahman is concerned, Poonam and I certainly do not think alike. She missed most of my favourites there and unlike her I am not too fond of the Guru number "Tere bina…". Our views do meet on "Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi…" from Ghajini, as I already mentioned.

Before I wrap up, I would also like to mention some other noteworthy songs that came to my mind though they could not make to my list. "Tera hone laga hoon…" from Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani (I like the portions belonging to Neeraj Shridhar and Alisha Chinoy but find Atif Aslam's part pretty ordinary although I would not hold Atif responsible for the same. I think the very nature of the song makes Neeraj and Alisha's lines stand out); "You got me rocking and reeling…" from Billu (Barber) (I love the song but would classify it as lacking that 'X-factor' to make to the above list); "Dil Ibadat…" from Tum mile and "Zara si…" from Jannat (Though the former is not a great song but I like the lyrics. They do bring out the yearning of a lover to have his love back in his life. How come all Bhatt camp numbers sound all the same? I often confuse "Dil Ibadat…" with "Tu hi haqeeqat…", at times not even realizing which one I am hearing unless I focus more intently on the lyrics. Moreover, this is not the first time, I had the same feeling for Raaz 2 songs as well and I guess the song "Zara si…" also lost its sheen after arrival of the more recent Tum mile songs); "Mera Dil…" from Salaam-e-Ishq (Again, all the songs of this film were sweet and hummable and this may be called the best of the lot, though, it was certainly not extra-ordinary to reach that pinnacle of emotions); "Mere haath mein…" from Fanaa and the title track from Hum Tum (I really have no reason to say why I didn't put these songs in the list above except that I had a feeling that they didn't belong there. But, they are lovely songs nevertheless); the title track of U, me aur Hum (I love this song, especially its lyrics "Tere mere haath mein koi bhi pinjara naa ho… Ek duje par apna haq to ho kabza naa ho…" but was wondering whether this should qualify as a love song); "Ajnabi Shehar…" and "Sau dard…" from Jaaneman (Same reasons – I wasn't sure whether they should qualify as love songs); the title track of Mera Pehle Pehle Pyar and "Tinka tinka…" from the film Karam (These two songs were initially on my list above, till I realized that it contained too many songs to qualify as a 'favourites list'. In the end, I brought these two songs out only to console myself that I did attempt to shorten my list and keep it concise). 

I second you, Mr. Roy!!

I read a nice review of Airtel Interactive TV by Prasanto K Roy in the HT Brunch on Sunday, March 21, 2010. Now, I would mention here that I am one satisfied customer since over one year and would absolutely support Prasanto on this one. Read on...

Who deserves the accolades?

We read recently in papers about the imbroglio between film producers and lyricists-writers at the meeting of the 10-member committee (formed by the government to look into the proposed amendments to the Copyright Act) when Aamir Khan, siding with film producers, suggested that lyricists don't really contribute much to the impact of a song. Apparently, it was just too much for the legendary poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar to take, and it soon became a war of words between him and Aamir. The spat became quite PUBLIC to put it in a manner of speaking. But, what does the public have to say about it? After all, while the music director and singer create the magic, the actors create the appeal and feel for the songs. Of course, there are supporters of both the camps. People siding with Aamir feel that it's a good point to make and that in this age when music videos are what draw in the masses, it is indeed actors that sell. Further, they feel that there are lots of songs with beautiful lyrics and music that are easily forgotten whereas there are others which are remembered for good cinematography and the stars featuring in the video. People supporting the other faction feel that it is the song that creates a star and not vice-versa for without good music and lyrics, no big a star can salvage a song. Citing examples again is not difficult. There have been instances when songs with meaningless and worthless lyrics have topped the charts due to the stars featuring in it. A case in point are the numerous Govinda numbers like "Main to raste se jaa raha tha…", "Kisi disco mein jaayein…", etc. Then again, there have been songs that have made stars out of non-entities and new comers. Some examples may be the haunting Aashiqui songs; Emraan Hashmi's numerous songs like "Aashiq banaya aapne…", "Kaho naa kaho…", "Bheege honth tere…"; and Aamir's own debut superhit "Papa kehte hai…" and other songs from the film Qayamat se qayamet tak. I, personally, do not confirm to Aamir's point of view. Taking my own example, I often connect to a song played on a Radio long before I actually see its video on Television or movie screen. So, I was already awed by so many songs, even before I saw their videos, like "Ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga…" from 1942 A love story, "Na tum jaano naa hum…" and "Sitaron ki mehfil…" from Kaho naa pyar hai, "Genda phool…" from Delhi-6, the songs of Taal and Yaadein, etc. The list is endless. In fact, there are some of my favourite songs, whose videos I haven't seen till date. E.g. "Ha raham…" from the film Aamir; "You got me rocking and reeling…" from the film Billu (Barber); "Jaane tu mera kya kya hai…" (Aditi's version) from Jaane tu ya Jaane naa; and many more. Moreover, I remember feeling disappointed by the videos of some really good songs as well. E.g. "Zoobie-Doobie…" from 3 idiots (found it too plain); "Azeem-o-shaan Shehanshah…" from Jodhaa – Akbar (the song is GRAND when heard on your earphones, but, the video is too focused on the numbers of dancers, elephants, etc. and totally disinterested in the coordination between the dancers and their attires, etc.); "Hum Tum…" from the movie Hum Tum (did not find the video as mushy and romantic as the song); "Dekh le…" from Munnabhai MBBS (little said the better in this case); and again many more. So is it actually inappropriate for Aamir to discredit the contribution of the lyricists, singers, musicians and music directors? Stars do add a spark to a good song but then again one may ask that each star appears in too many songs each year, then why don't all of them work? Why are some songs totally forgotten even if they featured the most popular bollywood actors? Why then some songs work wonders for some actors who reach pinnacles in their musically successful films but are lost in oblivion after they feature in non-musicals (e.g. Anu Agarwal, Rahul Roy, Kumar Gaurav, Mandakini, Rajiv Kapoor)? The answer is obvious. No song can work without a heady mix of some melodious notes, intelligent and worthy lyrics and heartrending singing. Stars are only an added attraction. So, I would say, "Javed Sa'ab, Bravo! All music lovers will support you in your fight for your rights!"

Happy Women's Day

When God sat down to make a woman
He gave her empathy love and compassion,
By the time he finished with her
He had no more left for the man.

He gave her the ability to be a mother
And nurture and take care of others.
Slowly, on reflecting, it dawned on her
She had multiple roles to play
That of a wife, a sister, a daughter.

- Anonymous

Roar India, Roar!!

This one is for the “Save our Tigers” campaign started by Aircel. I don’t think we would like to tell our kids about our national animal the way New Zealanders and Mauritians tell their kids about their national birds... High time we did something about it... They say that only 1411 tigers are left... I say: Nay, there are 1412… and would be 1413, if you ROAR!!!

Come! Join the roar for our national animal on the official ‘Save Our Tigers’ website!! http://www.saveourtigers.com/

Who is a better Brand Ambassador?

Hither I table my viewpoints from a yet another lunch-table-discussion. I am currently doing an assignment for ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing Business Division which deals with some reputed Brands including ‘John Players’. Although my work there is not even remotely related to Brand Positioning etc. but we happened to discuss the brand during lunch. During the normal discourse, our conversation naturally treaded to the topic of Brand Ambassadors. For the uninitiated, ‘John Players’ dropped Hrithik Roshan as their Brand Ambassador a few weeks ago. The reason as explained to me by an employee was such: “You see, ‘JP’ is our brand targeted at the youth and while signing a Brand Ambassador, we have to foresee ours as well as the prospective Brand Ambassador’s image for the next four years. We dropped Hrithik for two reasons. First, you cannot disagree that he is ageing. Maybe he doesn’t look old now, but four years down the line he would be close to forty, of course. Second, if we see his line-up of films, more prominently Kites and Guzaarish; they are more inclined towards presenting him as a mature actor, which certainly doesn’t go with the ‘JP’ image.” Must say I was impressed by the thinking that goes into selecting a Brand Ambassador.


So, now finally after much deliberation, they get on board none other than the current heart-throb and flavor-of-the-season, Ranbir Kapoor. Over the long weekend gone by, all placards in their corporate office were replaced to highlight their new face of ‘JP’. Seeing me glance over the new pictures, the same employee of ITC asked me, “What do you say? Who’s a better Brand Ambassador?” I simply smiled and said, “Not fair! To ask a girl to choose between Hrithik and Ranbir!” He laughed and so did I. I guess I managed to ward off his query at that instant and though the employee just wanted a layman customer’s viewpoint; I think it was an interesting question requiring an answer with deeper connotations. I don’t blame him for putting forth this question as he was no marketing guy to understand ‘Branding’ as such. But, a more explanatory answer was required here. My answer would not change – it is not I to decide who is a better Brand Ambassador but the reasoning that follows is certainly not related to a girl’s affections towards two hottest film stars of India.


‘John Players’ for me has till date signified unmatched style and stature along with comfort. One may ask why? The answer is very obvious. Hrithik Roshan, the Brand Ambassador for ‘John Players’ till now. He was the ultimate personification of stately style and carefree attitude in the print media campaign shot for ‘John Players’. Every picture of his spoke volumes of the stylish collection of ‘John Players’. Well, is it not why Brand Ambassadors are engaged for? Definitely yes. Now, the print campaign has been replaced by some wonderfully shot portfolio snaps of Ranbir Kapoor. He looks extremely handsome, refreshing and at-ease. His chocolate-boy-next-door image also enhances the effect of the collection.

What may be the similarities between the two? I would say, both are youth icons. Then again, both are often considered well-attired in general. Further, which is equally important for a brand like ‘JP’ having a mix of formals and semi-formals along with casuals in their collection, is the clean good-boy image of the two as against a bindaas bad-boy image. What may be the difference? While Hrithik is better known for his sense of style, Ranbir is known more for his comfortable everyday clothing. Every Hrithik appearance is attitude personified, whereas Ranbir always seems to carry the ‘Wake up Sid’ effect as if to say, “I am boy who has just come of age.” While Hrithik is a ‘greek god’, Ranbir is a handsome ‘everyday guy’. Now, the basic question: While it is easily understandable that Hrithik was succeeded by Ranbir due to their similarities, are their differences highlighted in the print campaign of ‘John Players’? Of course they are. So while, as I said, ‘John Players’ at Hrithik’s reign was portrayed as a stylish brand with oodles of attitude, in Ranbir’s age it will be presented as cool brand filled with easy-comfort. (One may notice that Ranbir’s facial expressions are same in all the pictures and his body language is more casual as opposed to Hrithik’s expressions and body language in the earlier campaign). Nothing is wrong with the two images. Both are targeted towards the youth and both campaigns are exemplary actually. But how does one answer the question, “Who’s a better Brand Ambassador?”


The answer may not be achieved from the audiences. They are bound to love both. The answer lies with the company. They have to decide what image they want associated with their Brand. If it was supposed to continue to be focused on style, then in my opinion the brand positioning experts of the company absolutely failed with Ranbir. But, if they actually intend to shift focus on comfort, then they have done a commendable job with Ranbir and couldn’t have asked for a better Brand Ambassador. They should themselves reflect and answer the question, “Who’s a better Brand Ambassador?”


P.S. As it is, ‘Provogue’ did not waste any time in signing Hrithik Roshan as THEIR Brand Amabassador as soon as he was freed from the legal boundations with ITC, and a case in point is their print campaign which is a stark contrast to the ‘John Players’ Ranbir’s campaign. Although, I absolutely despise Hrithik’s bearded-and-long-haired countenance in the commercials, I would still say that ‘Provogue’ deserves full-marks in using his looks well to support their ‘rebel’ image in their ‘Be the change’ campaign. Hrithik is amazingly portrayed as a hunk with the devil-may-care attitude in the shoot to support their casuals’ collections.