Australian Warmth

Heated discussions on racism and color prejudice seem to be everyone's favorite topic. After spending a fantastic 30 days in Australia, I decided to scribe my thoughts on the country. I really hope and pray you get the true meaning behind what I'm trying to say.

The Article was published in the Mid-Day Bangalore (One of the most popular Dailies) and also carried some cool photographs! :)

Here's a transcript of the same! Do tell me what you think

Australia – Home away from Home

My month long adventure in the “land down under” has made me fall in love with the country and its people. Like they say “Home is not where you live, but where everyone laughs with you”. Australia is a country where people love laughing at themselves and will break out into a guffaw at the drop of a hat. Humor, being the universal language that it is, made me feel at home from the word “go”.

Laughter
Australians remind be of the “Bangalorean” ability to laugh at oneself. Australians are blessed with an endless capacity for self mockery, always a welcome healthy trait. From the surfing instructor at Byron Bay to the park ranger at a heritage tropical rainforest near Cairns, all the OZ’s I came in contact with have had a fantastic sense of humor and always maintain a pleasant disposition. I have experienced their warmth and it’s difficult to perceive an “Angry Australian” and hard to believe that they can be racist. Australia is truly the land of smiles!
I still recall the customs officer at the airport asking me if I had anything to “declare” and when I said “nothing” she said candidly – “what about your sense of humor mate?”

Mate-ship
Once your friend, the Australian is characteristically your friend for life, for better or for worse. Loyalty and Mate-ship is very important for an Australian. There probably isn’t a better friend in a physical crisis than an Australian. At the sight emergencies or calamities, the typical Australian will always roll up his shirt-sleeves (or more typically, take his shirt off) and charge in to help, oblivious to his own personal safety. Mate-ship is what makes the difference even to the most conservative Australian.

Trust & Social Harmony
Australians have learnt co-exist and live in harmony with many cultures. This comes from the basic “settler” behavior and is sometimes perceived as naivety but I think it’s truly a matter of respect – like a Scouts Honor. Australians trust you, no matter where you are from or what you do. Once you are on their soil, you are their “mate”.
One can call up telecom Australia and open a new account without any paperwork or further ado, sight unseen. One can leave your passport at the Immigration office or deposit a huge amount in a bank with no receipt. Why? Because this is a matter of trust!
One of the most famous Aussie catch-phrases “no worries mate” comes from this trait!

Cultural Burps
Reading about the recent racial attacks in Melbourne disheartens me. But to brand Australia as racist would be silly. It is up to a foreigner to sensitize oneself to the things that can trigger Australian hostility. Considering the rapid social change in Australia and the large-scale Asian immigration over the past decade, it is but natural for an Australian to be worried. Add to this is certain behavioral traits that are “not done” in Australia!
- Like the Chinese man I saw spit on the marbled pavements of a luxurious casino in Melbourne. “Not done”
- Like the Thai lady I saw haggling over a few cents at a simple Australian neighborhood second-hand sale fair. “Not done”
How can one explain to the offended Australian vendors the long tradition of bargaining in South-East Asia? How can one explain to the Thai lady that there was an unspoken agreement that’s such friendly markets were fixed-price.
- Or like the Asian shoppers who transferred their market customs to Australian supermarkets, poking their fingers into fruits and vegetables and sometimes even test-eating them. “Not done”
- Or like the Indian students I saw yelling in native Hindi at an Australian university Bus-stop, without any regard for how uncomfortable it made the Australian commuters feel. All this is “not done” in Australia. Somewhere maybe all foreigners need to sensitize themselves to local flavors, customs and traditions. Would we as Indian’s tolerate it if a Westerner didn’t follow our basic customs and traditions??? Of course not!

I’m not saying the attacks on Indian students are justified… don’t get me wrong… but it would be immature to assume that sporadic events like these reflect the temperament of a nation. Just because a few Mumbai-ites didn’t want Biharis in their midst, doesn’t mean everyone in Maharashtra is racist. Just because Goa has multiple episodes of foreigners being abused, doesn’t mean all Goans are rapists.
While expressing my deepest sympathies to the families of those hurt, I think these attacks are rightly defined as Opportunistic and are one-off strikes by certain criminal elements. Just like any other First world nation, even Australia (especially big cities like Sydney, Melbourne) has an underbelly of criminal, anti social and racist presence. Students become easy prey and media sensationalism creates further furore. These attacks should be classified as attacks on humanity and not racism.

Australians have a history of co-existing with various cultures. It would be wrong to brand them as racists. On the contrary we as Indians are “prejudiced to color” more than Australians will ever be. We look down on dark skin color in our own country. From Bollywood to fairness product advertisements to marriage – the fairer Indian has the upper hand. But that’s another story in itself isn’t it?

I have experienced the Australian hospitality and helping nature first hand. My suggestion would be for you to witness the Australian warmth for yourselves! Take a trip to down under and you will feel at home. See her fascinating sights, dive into the Great Barrier Reef, jungle surf over the tropical rain forests, catch some waves on the east coast, and meet the locals – Kangaroos, Koalas, Dugongs, Crocs, and earn your right to say “G’day Mate”!

Anjaan for Island Caretaker

Its been a whirlwind of 4 weeks. It feels like yesterday since I got selected for the "best job in the world". And since I already have the best job in the world, I'd rather refer to this as the best Vacation in the world!

2 mins of your time could help me win this international contest!
Vote for me on www.islandreefjob.com/anjaan
Remember - One vote per day per email!

1000+ People have joined the facebook group (which is 3 weeks old) and hundred others are voting for me on a daily basis. Join Facebook Group Here

Bouncing Back!

What do we (as humans) do the best? We Bounce Back! Whether its the heart wrenching trauma of shootouts, civilian deaths, terrorism and bomb blasts or not having blogged for a long time, we bounce back. Its the nature of human beings to bounce back. Resilience seems to be our biggest asset. And hope our best friend!

Just like the mythical phoenix with its tail of beautiful gold and red! The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — it is also said that it can heal a person with a tear from its eyes and make them temporarily immune to death.

Maybe I should rechristen my blog as the "phoenix". Cuz this is something I relentless keep coming back to, but sometimes forget to stick on! But this time its more necessity driven than anything else. I have this deep seated urge to start writing. And this want to be start being read. what better way than to publish my thoughts online.

What better time to kick off this blog than when my first 750 Word opinion was published in the local daily. Its a piece on what I thought of the recent Anoushka Shankar - Jethro Tull Concert in Bangalore

Ive also been kicked out of the worlds Biggest Social networking utility - Face book. And that too Thrice!! :):) 3 Months ago they kicked me out telling me I had too many unanswered friendship & application requests. 1 month ago their reason was that I had too many incoming and outgoing mail traffic.And this time their reason is that I cant have a proxy name (RJ). They wanted government verification to prove my name is Anjaan! Sheesh!

Apparently Lindsay Lohan was kicked out of Face book too.. So I guess I'm in Elite Company *grin* I'm sure she'll be back on Facebook soon too!

The human spirit is remarkably resilient. We fall down--or get knocked down--yet somehow we manage to bounce back. Sometimes its easy - Like blogging. But other times it can be hard. Either ways I'm back... and this time I'm definitely Bouncing!! :-) :-)

Radio One Fm 94.3 - Masti Fataafat!

Phew! Has Life changed in the last 1 year OR WHAT!! After all change is the most inevitable constant isnt it?

Over the last 1 year there has been so many things that have changed in my life. Work and otherwise. Its been a while since I blogged, so ive always thought its ideal to blog when one has a new perspective to life... and a burden in his heart to share!

Ive Shifted Houses, Ive got my apprisals, Ive bought a new car, Ammu moved to Brazil, Mine and Ammu's marriage date has got tentatively fixed, Ive stopped partying (too much), I'm addicted to Skype, Ive travelled a lot, Ive become more spiritual, my roles at work have changed....

Yes, Im still With Radio One - Bangalore ... As Programming Manager. On May 15th this year I completed 1 year with this enterprise! That itself is no mean acheivement!!! (Especially for the wavering mind and lustful soul of a mad fella like me!!) So Congrats to Me! :)

After working in the private Radio Space for more than a year now, ive realised how government radio functions so differently! This last 14 months has taught me more about Radio than my 6 years with AIR.

The journey's been memorable and exciting and learning's been immense! Radio One has turned me from a Radio Baby to a Radio Teenager!! And hope im not as gawky as I think I am!

But This rule of Change that we were just peeping into obviously applies to Radio One too!
This is the age of fast food , fast money, fast cars and fast everything. Every research seems to indicate that radio is a ‘snacking’ medium, where the captive attention span of a listener on an average is only 20mins. To the ears of a click happy, remote wielding radio listener, the faster and smoother his listening experience is, the higher the chances of him staying tuned on. Stickiness today comes with a tag, and Radio one has its finger on what exactly ticks the listener.

Radio One prides itself on being the First station in the country to introduce a brand new format - the 20 minute Radio Experience. Today its all about "Quick Entertainment" Radio One invites its listeners to visit their Radio adda as a friend, to just hang around and get entertained for 20mins
Every 20mins Radio One has a DIFFERENT, innovative Segment
Backed with promotion, showcasing and production support, this new format promises to cater to all of the listeners’ needs.

If you are in Bangalore , Delhi, Mumbai you would be feeling the difference the minute you switch to this station! And it feels extremely proud to be part of this creative and path breaking revolutionary Radio Team!!!
Peep into the RadioOne website to know more about how Radio One is truly - Masti Fatafat

And thats exactly whats happend to my life too. Ive been given a New show. With the new format I guess it made sense to some people in the "boss" level to put me on air and pull in a different kind of listener (from what we already had)
So along with my Programming Manager responsibilities I'm Finally a daily On-Air Talent on a Private Network - Yippe!!



Tune into Radio One FM 94.3 - Mon to Sat - 9pm to Midnight And catch your share of RJ Anjaan!

9pm to Midnight - Monday to Thursday

Packed with Interviews and celebrity bytes and with segments like "I feel Good" and "What Nonsense", your weeknights no longer be the same! I even play agony uncle on air 11 to midnight and transform into Dr Anjaan. Tune in and Enjoy Fantastic Bollywood music and some Masti Fataafat!



9pm to Midnight - Weekends - Friday And Saturday

Transforming into DJ Desi King , I host a dance show called Bacardi Breezer Vivid Nights. I play the hottest DESI hits in the country and give you the most juicy Bollywood Humgama. This high voltage dance show includes conversation with DJ's, Celeb Singers, funny chats with ilmstars , a Club Buzz (update), Complimentary Passes to night Clubs, Anjaan's Party tips et al.
So Tune in to Bangalore Biggest Radio Party and Shake What yer Mamma Gave ya!


Ive also decided to blog at least once a month.. and so do tune and and tell me what you think. And even if you dont want to tell me what u think, thanx for Tuning in!!!!

********------------------ IMPORTANT----------------********
PS/ Disclaimer / Afternote / For your Information!!!

Prompted by the comments that my blog received from my previous post on Radio One - This is a disclaimer for everyone reading!!!

This BLOG is my private writing space for my personal diary entries. It is no way reflects the thoughts of Radio One nor is any official communication from the Company!!!!!!

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Gandhiji's 3 Monkeys!

Gandhiji's 3 monkeys are the reflection of HUmanity. Their main messsage being - See no Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. This famous porcelain paperweight Mahatma Gandhi kept by his bedside, spoke volumes and volumes of how man should conduct himself.

They let neither unhappy word nor evil sight enter in or wander out. Every so often, the real world tries to storm its way past the monkeys. Then, by the simple action of slam shut, the din dies down the monkeys signal the all-clear for life to resume - Truthfully!

But today , the World that surrounds us is a pathetic excuse for the truth. Dont even get me started on topics like corruption, red tapism, corruption and media hype.

Besides all that there's a new evil thats hounding the young and old of our country alike.

Its called "Commercial Cricket".

With the risk of being shouted at, outcast and even hated by most, ive always been against this so called "True Indian"Game. And here's my share to the outburst!

Its slightly demeaning if you tell me that busy indians have nothing to do other than count balls and runs. Its even more untrue if you tell me that unless I like the game im not a true Indian. We all know how bias the media community in India is when it comes to cricket, other games are perpetually overshadowed.

One cannot understand why there is hulabullo over a game that 's no longer a gentleman's game.. or was it ever? Had it been a gentleman's game, we would have seen some sports man ship and not management by bookies. Had it been a gentleman's game, our players would resign rather than acting as victims of circumstances.

It is a game that has broken many homes created severe scuffles, domestic discord and distracted the young from concenterating on their exams and work. Its a game today that has changed the indian diaspora to such an extent that sometimes I wonder if we know our priorities!!

Its not gonna break up my home.. thats for sure. Cuz luckily neither me nor My love AMmu even like the game. We'd rather watch a really bad bollywood movie and be less tortured!! :)

Love for the game, and patriotism in the name of sport is fine by me, But when it converts to mania, mass hysteria and pshycopathic addiction thats when u know its time for an outcry!

And Today my happiness knows no bounds when I know that INDIA isnt goign to be in the world cup anymore! YAY! I am truly thrilled. Simply because now kids will do better in their exams, office goers will go to work on time and husbands will pay attention to their wives!!

Hooray to Gandhiji's MOnkeys - Hooray to Indian Cricket Team who lost the match and came back! Yay!

Somebody Gonna get Hurt Real bad!

Date of Concert : 27th February 2007
Duration : 90 mins
Location : Chowdiah Memorial Hall , Bangalore
Show times : 5pm, 8pm . (And special show on 28th)
Tickets at : Rs. 1500, 1000 & 500

“Though it make the unskillful laugh, cannot but make the judicious grieve” -- William Shakespeare

The weeks been tagging on fine to a quiet closing and the city’s midweek “susegad” came in the form of a “An evening of Stand up comedy with The world Funniest Man”
Not a term we’ve heard in Bangalore very often and for being called the “funniest man in the world” every Bangalorean is hoping he better be worth the ticket money!

Welcome Mr. Russell Peters. After countless praises about this “Desi” standup comedian, from elite websites, blogs , and what have you out there, I couldn’t stop myself from buying tickets for his show. After been hearing that his shows were sold out 45 mins into it being announced and stories like that, I was not surprised to see HUGE crowds outside waiting for a long time to get in, the atmosphere with an electric feeling and a certain young vibrant BUZZ.
Everyone outside and in the foyer were cracking famous Russell-ers (Russell one liners), and the hype built around him definitely manifested through young Bangaloreans who yield the comic a fair amount of Googling – and quote his catchphrases back to him. (These include such ubiquities as "Somebody's gonna get hurt real bad.")

So now with this much expectation and high anticipation, I was only hoping he doesn’t crack the same jokes he did on his DVD’s. (And Btw 80% of the people I know who came to the concert had already downloaded truckloads of his videos)

The show opened with an extremely talented opening act. In fact this man should have gigs of his own!!!

Enter Rusty Dooley the Movie Maniac. His innovative movie imitations with musical interludes and puppets were a crowd stealer. His Mike Myers, Al Pacino and Tom Cruise Impersonations were what won him maximum applause. His set included Action Movie spoofs and parodies of Films like Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Dracula, Terminator, Scarface and Top Gun.
The build up a fine tempo and energy for the evening had prolonged audience applause upon Russel’s entrance.

Enter the main act for the day Russell Peters. The man had everyone in stitches in no time. We’re talking gasping for air, laughing so hard your side’s ache, and then easing up just long enough for you to catch his next punch line, and du-uh, there you are again, rolling around, laughing.
Most of his Sets were, FUN-NY. His true talent definitely lies in impersonations and accents- Chinese, Indian, African, Jamaican, you name it.

This appeal is easy to understand in light of his material, much of which centers on being raised by conservative Indian parents in Toronto while his white friends got off easy.

For those who don’t know, Canada has turned out some of Hollywood’s best comedic actors. In fact, many of you will probably be surprised to read that greats such as; Mike Myers, Jim Carrey and Dan Akroyd are all Canadians.
Russell Peters is an Indian Canadian – not "native Canadian", but of Indian immigrant parents. Much of his hour onstage is spent dealing with ethnicity of various kinds, both of Indian characteristics and those of the folk he's encountered in his life.

The downside was that his improvised comedy relied on the standard "Anybody here from...?" ploy to introduce his ethnic and regional material. But he did manage some overt mockery of all ethnicities - none are spared! Including audience members (Korean, Chinese, Arab and even American)

His jokes on the “Aunties and uncles” and the Sexual overtones and Sexual Innuendos had the audience in splits. Makes one wonder if adult contemporary comedy goes with conservative Indian humor, and then came on Russell Peter’s Punjabi / Gujarati Jokes dispelled any doubt.

The show was definitely “Paisa Vasool” for his uncanny impersonations and outsider perspective, but being a performer who has become famous because of a phenomenon called U Tube, and is accessible to all those who want on limewire, Russell’s thought-provoking style of comedy makes him an entertainer worth watching!

But it’s a pity, as he has a relaxed and winning style, but comes with standard – “used before” comedy routines. He can work an audience well, deriving much of his worth in the first fifteen minutes' but he lacks continuity and consistency to lace his patter together, and in comedic terms this chameleon stays largely au naturel.

And maybe like he pointed out us Indians are really cheap and just like to comment!!!!
And after reading this… Somebody might get hurt a really bad!!!!

PS - For those who wanna read this review on print, pick up a copy of Midday Bangalore dated 28th february! :)

Bangaluru Habba - A perspective

Yup! My blog is back in Action. Yup! I've stopped being net-lazy and have gone straight to be a web-guy!! yeah!! *bows to the applause*
My last authentic blog had 129 messages last time I counted, *bows to the standing ovation*
I wonder if half of that number of people even know I'm back in blogosphere. Apologies for being away for so long. Explanation due, Agreed. Will proceed shortly! *grin*

Dec 13th is an anniversary of sorts, so ill be celebrating!! :) The week's caught onto me, Office was fun, but packed. The weekend also was pretty hectic. And action packed, we caught the Grand Finale's of the Bangalore Habba. Here's an update.


Day 1 - Saturday 9th of December

Drove into Palace grounds just as Mr. Shivmani was doing his sound check. Walked in, searched for the pals who I had to give the complimentary passes to, and seated ourselves strategecially to hear the pre entry bands to Shivmani.

We heard the Gerard Machado Network, Amit Heri and Group and some other Bands
Yes, there were some technical glitches and we had wisecracks from the audience pouring in aplenty.

Guitarist (to sound guy) : There's a buzz in my Guitar
Wisecrack (to the general junta) : Maybe its the 'B' Flat??

Musician (To the Public) : Meet Amit Heri and group
Wisecrack (to the general junta) : Amit is really Hairy

Musician (to sound guy) : Can we have some more on the Bass
Wisecrack (to the general junta) : Yeah maybe if you had some women in your band!

Musician (to the general junta) : We've got some progressive Jazz blues for you
Wisecrack (or shud i say Crack) : Balle Balle, Apadi Podu Maga!!!

If those managed to tickle you, then maybe you missed out on the concert! lol.
But if it got u wondering what u were doing amidst these buffoons, then you will empathise with me and realise that maybe it was a wrong audience that these bands were talking to.

The bands were playing Benny Goodman, and the audience was doing "dapankuth", the bands were juicing out hendrix and the audience was doing bhangra!!!

Ive decided we dont need no more stand up comedy. All we need is to shoot video of the guyz around me and put them on big screen!!!
Id defenitely like to shoot them! Not with a video though!

I mean - These Guyz certainly werent the biggest JAZZ Enthusiasts ive seen!!!! *grin*

And then came the magician of percussion and he brought along some more wizards of the beat with him.
The first thing he did was take a minute to thank his "good friend". Dr. Rajkumar. The entire Audience, gave the late Annavaru a Standing Minute of Silence! Phew! What an Energy.
And with that move and a couple of "I Love bangalore's" Shivmani had cast his spell on all and sundry.
What a MOve! way to go Shivu! :) Savvy!

The Concert with Shivmani Jamming with SankaranKutty and his Kottuvadya drummers Stole the audience Heart Beat by beat.
Ive seen these drummers perform at the Guruvayoor temple and the Thrissur Puram, but watching them Jam, note for note, with Shivmani was a treat.
Phew! What a Rush when u hear esctatic sounds emenating from instruments you thought were temple props!!!!

Reminded me of the numerous gigs ive done with Shivmani. Yes it did take me on a nostalgia tour, especially to this once when we jammed up in Mambo's in Goa. Maybe another blog on that someday?

And as shivmani put it very nicely... The first beat that a human being hears is.. "Da-Dap ... Da Dap ... da Dap...Da Dap ..." The sound of your mothers Heartbeat! And from there starts our journey of rhythm. Our journey into the fantastic world of percussion. Our journey for the love of beats!! :)
The concert was overall exhilerating, and defenitely a miss out for all who didnt make it.

ANd oh! lest I forget, it was COLD!!!!! Frrrrreeeezing COLLDD! Luckily Ammu brought a shawl along. T'was our lone saviour... that wollen wonder!!! We were thus smarter the next day and padded ourselves with inners and outers and what not! hehehe

There was also MC Munish. Who Made a complete fool of himself. Wish I could tell it to him on his face. He's such a sweet kid, I have no heart to heart hurt, but here's to hoping he's game for constructive critisim. (I hope he's reading this)And there was MC Ramya. Was defenitely impressive and I'd like to audition her for Radio One *grin*. (I hope she reads this too!!)

Day 2 - Sunday 10th of December

After we got seated and all that Jazz, we realised that there was a seperate enclosure right in the front! Unfair!
We had VVIP Passes. But so did the entire World!!!!

Agreed there were people behind us and junta sitting everywhere else too, and that provided some consolation i guess. BUt ive learnt to be happy with what I have. & like they say "Its not what do not u have , its what u do with what you have"

The first act was B jayashree and her group - Spandana. Such a thrill to see a niche theatre performance on a Mass Stage like this. Her rangageethe renditions were to die for. Its always a pleasure to listen to Foot Tapping non commercial music.
This KInd of music is like the Rabbi of Indipop to give my outer worldly blog readers a similie.
Her tracks included hits from Hayavadana, some Kuvempu plays , and even a Pro-Kannada sentiment song which was a instant hit with the audience. (Scroll back to find out who the audience was *grin*)

Then came a barrage of nonsense following by our Stud Compere Munish, followd by Mr. Prasad Bidapa and his entourage with Three interesting sequences.
- The Titan new collection
- Peter England Collection
- & Hemanth Trivedi's Design Collection "Sheetal"

The Titan Collection was nicely Choreographed, but the fact that the watched couldnt be seen and left most wondering why the models were holding their hands up, was a flypside.

The Peter England collection was nothing much to rave about. I mean im no Fashion Literatti, but it takes less than common sense to see what looks good and what doesnt! No further comments! :)

It was a welcome change to see our very own Hemanth Trivedi back at what he does the best - Design.
It was good to see him on stage after his nicely cut Designs, and some of his clothes did get a few "ooh's" from the audience.. include a certain audience member seated right next to me! Now I know who's designing our wedding clothes! lol

Then was the susprise promised to the crowd by Prasad.
Arjun Rampal along with Meher Jessia. The 20,000 odd crowd was definitely surprised.

THey were there to promote their new film, I see you. The songs seemed arresting and Arjun himself was splendid. He cajoled 2 girls and a Toddler onto stage. Danced with them, kissed them, knelt down before them, and made their days. He surely stole 3 hearts that day. along with another 20,000 hearts! :):) I like!

He even Threw CD's at the crowd. And they clamoured for it like it was gold raining down from heaven or something. It was a nice moment. Somthing about crowd control, and dynamics of how people react when you show them genuine warmth. Something to be learnt there! ANother day perhaps!

He even Cracked a few wisecrack on how if his film "I see you" didnt do well, he'd end up in the ICU. Yup the man got multiple "so cute's" from the girls, and I have to admit, the men were pretty moved too!!!

Some more inane MC blabber followed that.And then a spurious energy burst in the form of Kailas Kher took over the stage. His Rustic Village Voice and Fantastic vibe took over Palace grounds and everyones hearts.

And then the true highlight of the concert breezed in.
Mrs. Malaika Arora Khan, Stimulatingly Attired in Short Gold Pants and showing perfectly toned body out to thousands of ogling eyes . Phew! Wat a turn on!!!!
Her breathtaking moves and gyrations to Chaiya Chaiya, Tauba Tauba, Kaaal, Ishk Toh, Ishk Toh and other HIts was defenitely a heady mix of eclectic excitement!

The highlight of my evening was defenitely Malaika Habba Habba Habba Arora.

The highlight of everyones evening, at the bollywood night was Malaika. Even as she attempted at throwing bouquets of flowers at the audience, hearts swooned!!
The flowers came all in pieces and were reduced to green shrubs!!!
But it came out from the malaika's hand!!
The crowd was going YAY! - Malaika Threw me Foilage!!!

And as a finaly, in between some more inneccesant compere banter, Nandini Alva and Padmini Ravi graciously took a bow, as bangalore bid adieu to this years Habba!!

For those who didnt catch the entire habba, This is what you missed!! It takes a great effort to celebrate Bangalore. And full marks to this years Habba for doing it in style!! :)

Bangalore has a lot of GIG's coming up. We got shakti (13th December) , Sonu nigam (16th December and Deep Purple (17th December) coming up soon.
For a city that shuts its party's down by 11:30pm, for a city that has the KRV fighting against english in advertisements, for a city that wants to educate its lower schools in Kannada, and for a city that thinks anything non-kannadiga is non bangalooru, thats a pretty heavy duty line up!!!
Ironic??

"The Guardian" - A Film Review

Film : The Guardian
Date of Release (India) : 9th December 2006
Cast : Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher
Director : Andrew Davis (Fugitive, Collateral Damage)

“There is a legend of a man who lives beneath the sea … he is a fisher of men … a last hope of people who have been left behind.”

The Film starts with Kevin Costner’s voice in the background , (now we know where Bollywood gets ideas from!) and moves to quick snapshots of a helicopter whirring over some Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. This tense emotional action drama is the highlight of this flick.
A noticeably trimmer Kevin-“Coast”-ner plays a veteran U.S Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Ben Randall. He holds all the records that can be held. But after a rescue mission goes tragically haywire, and suffering from the psychological scars of that mishap as well as the breakup of his marriage, Ben is sent to teach new recruits at an Coast Guard academy. He is advised to “download his resume where it matters”!
Enter high school swim champ Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) – aka Goldfish – who wants to beat every record that Ben has created.

The film is well casted and Costner steals the show as the conflicted trainer. For a change he plays his age with the crow’s feet near his eyes, and the wrinkled salt and pepper look. There’s also an appealing ensemble cast of secondary characters of both officers and recruits. The story is quite enjoyable, filled with scenes of watery challenges and student bonding, with a good dose of humor sprinkled in. The trainer and trainee relationship goes through the checklist items of a typical training camp film. The candidates are subjected to backbreaking drills like oxygen deprivation, hypothermia, and how to save a drowning victim in the high seas. There are also the respective lady-loves of Ben and Jake, & they provide some emotional color to the entire sketch.

Yes, of course, Ben sees something of himself in the young hotshot Jake. But he also senses a hesitation on Jake's part to save someone if they were in true peril. So the question that both mentor and student must answer is whether Jake has the courage to sacrifice himself should that moment ever happen. The film goes into a lifesaver’s mind and dives into questions like “When you cannot save them all. How do you decide which one to?” And it gives you answers in the end.
This film will prove to be a film trivia buff's delight. The typical Newbie and Commander, Rookie and Officer, Trainee and Mentor relationship will remind you of many of the Basic training camp films it replicates. It is easy to brush this film off as a predictable, watery remould of "An Officer and a Gentleman", or a “Top Gun in the ocean”. Yet I found myself absorbed in the tense rescue scenes that dot the film from beginning to end. The film has interesting camera work & splendid underwater shots which add to the emotional drama. But I’ll give the film this… If you thought coast guards were “Baywatch” & Pam Anderson and Hasselhoff in their red trunks, well think again, Here’s a flick that’ll make you feel like hitting the pool and learning how to swim better.

Warning : The film runs over two hours.. so take your sweater along, it could get cold in the theatres when u watch those chilly alaskan rescue sequences.
Anjaan’s Verdict : Worth a Dekko, but Pick up the DVD!

Radio One Fm 94.3

Its been such a hectic month. No time to post a blog. No time to travel. No time to meet mom. No time to even breathe. No time for anything other than fun. (read work)!!

This Sunday is possibly my last "free" weekend. I doubt If for the next three months ill have time to take a sunday off. Please pray for me.. *grins*. Ive realised that now that my lifestlye is so hectic, and exciting , theres nothing quite as refreshing as taking a warm shower then napping on the bed for an hour before getting clothed!!! And thats exactly what Im gonna do this sunday. I wonder when i'd be able to do it again. :)

I've had the luck to be the first employee in the programming department, and among the first three employees of the company itself. Ive managed to put my fingers deep into all aspects of setting up a radio station.

I'm sure a couple of years, or possible even months later we will fondly remember the days when there were only 3 people working out of a makeshift office and borrowed phones. Now we are a 30+ Strong team with a plush , vibrant, airy , bright , picturesque office on Museum Road!!! This office accomodates the Programming, Technical, Sales, Marketing, Accounts and Admin Functions too. Our Studios are Ready and all set to blast some great programming to bangalore.

The last 3 weeks were spent in getting trained and then further training the Jocks. Our training included training in Enco's DAD. We're the second (the other one being a one off set up in udaipur or something) station in the country to use Enco's software compared to the normally popular RCS. And the difference seems evident and Enco definitely scores more brownie points in our books. We're also being trained in Powergold (a music scheduling software) which induces a different set of happy makers on its own. Being part of the thrill of being able to decide what plays out and what doesnt on a radio station is magnificent.
Our trainers were the best in the business too. Enco's creator Eugene Novacek , Powergolds MD Jimmy Edwards , Reputed Trainer and Mumbai Jock Savio Baretto, and our own National Programming Manager and VP.

Last evening my Jock List got finalised. And I cannot be modest when I admit that they are really great. Each one is gearing up in his/her own way to make a difference to Radio in Bangalore. They're a fine set of guys and girls. And im proud of each and everyone of them for doing so brilliantly and making it so far. You'll hear them on air soon, and you'll know what I mean, and im sure you wont disagree.

I cannot stop exclaiming how everything is so New and Fresh. A new business. New friends. New software. New Direction. New Ideas. New list of things to do. New Radio Channel. Compltely New everything.

Like the famous saying goes... "The secret of getting ahead is the secret of getting started"

Our Music is in place, Our studios are geared up, Our Station Jingle is recorded, My breakfast team is all ready to rock your mornings, the Sales team is all set to bring in ads, the marketing team is all set to splash the city with Radio 1. Our sister concern, the Mid-Day daily is out. They're doing well. Now all we need is to go on air and for you to tune in. So spread the news. Tell people there's a new flavour coming to town. A new family set to turn ur world into a musical one. A new station which makes sure you get the Biggest HITS.

The thrill of being part of a company from the set up stage is something which words cannot describe. As we inch closer and closer to the launch of the station, the excitement is getting larger and larger. The butterflies are getting bigger and bigger. So wish us luck. We'll be on air Faster than u know it. So set ur frequencies on 94.3fm and keep your ears peeled to your radios.

Tune into Radio One Fm 94.3 , and enjoy Hit mele Hit mele Hit mele HIT!!!

FootBall Fever? .. FootFall Fever?

The FIFA World Cup has begun. My fascination for man's fascination of watching 22 men run behind one ball will never cease.

For a lot of people football means coming together as a family or a group of friends and watching the game on TV. For some its a game played outside in the summers. Some people I know are fanatical about the game. Some friends of mine even take leave from work.
I'll Never Understand this fascination! :)

Any sport commercialised thus repels me. I guess in a way I'm being la-de-da and old school. But football .. (or should I call it Soccer)... today isnt football anymore!! Its shoes, beer brands, supermodels, shaving blades, burger joints and credit cards. I agree its not as commercialised as cricket.. or Religion for that matter, but the thrill of watching 2 teams battle it out flies away with the wind near the goalpost when you realise the amount of people(read brands) profiting from you watching that 1 game!
Innovate?
Ironic?

I do have one vivid memory of the World Cup from 2002 when Brazil beat Germany. It was a great game. But I dont think Im gonna be that excited this year, when brazil wins the world cup. *wink*

The whole world seems to be going completely nuts about this game. Statistics say everyone is gonna be watching the matches. Newspapers have nothing else to write about. Television channels are belting football news. Even the tv at the barber shop will only play football. Sigh.

Anyways, Namma Bangalooru isnt any less when it comes to innovative ideas to promote the game.. (or a show brand?) Take a look at some photogtraphs I got of my XDA-II this morning. This car was parked on Brigade road outside the Nike showroom.
I thought the idea was brilliant and the execution fantastic. A real treat for sour eyes.

Tell me what u think!







If your in Bangalore, make sure you go take a look. Its bound to be there for a few more days. And happy football (read brand) watching.