As i start a new job, am again faced with the same task that can make or break any stint.
this is the task of gaining acceptance of the people around.
Have earlier in my career had a terrible experience when a superfluous boss deliberately created attrition and friction as a way of creating space for himself within the organisation. He first made judgements about people and then went about justifying them. I later realised that he was one of many who follow this practice and that it was excruciatingly simple to fall into that trap. Today, fortunately i have been able to evolve my own rules.
These are the 6 simple rules of love, of mutual respect and understanding that work as well in real life and love as they work in the corporate world.
a) Dont talk. LISTEN ! -How many times have we heard this and yet we all love the sound of our voices. Take it from me. It is always wonderful to hear others talk. Specially in a new role in an organisation, avoid talking about your past job, role or achievements unless specifically asked. Never ever boast, rather underplay if you can. Talking about yourself raises barriers and prompts even sleeping Johns' to wake up and take a sniggering look. So hold your horses till there is sufficient camraderie and bonding with the team and the team understands you.
b) Dont CRITICIZE - No one is ugly, fat, lazy or dumb! They are all great. Dont look for opportunities to run down the current system and specifically ur predecessor. Restrain yourself Hold the diatribe, because one needs to first understand what the system really is. what makes it tick? survive ? thrive ?
c) BE OBJECTIVE - Dont beat around the bush if you are convinced about your understanding of the system or its practices and need to talk change - just cut out the criticism. Instead, be objective. Focus on what changes will a new proposed system bring in for the organisation. Dont make it people specific.
d) GENEROSITY - Like in life, everyone loves a good gift. Be generous, specifically to your predecessor - not in an artificial way and not to please anybody for sure but because you believe that whatever he did was not prompted by ulterior objectives but because he believed those actions were in the best interest of the organisation. Ur view on those actions could be different but there should be no doubt on the sincerity of purpose behind them. My observation is that the more one gives, the more one receives!!
Recognise the fact that Ur predecessor too could have emotions and sentimental attatchment with this role and maybe some uncertainty about his own future. Be generous to him and plan a grand farewell for him with the rest of the gang. Thats the least he deserves.
e) Have confidence. Give Responsibilty- give small projects with clear responsibilities to those who you think can contribute. It doesnt matter what level they are at. Appreciate little gains. Celebrate.
f) BE POSITIVE. - God created us to be positive, to unite others and to move forward. Never divide the team. On the contrary, create a positive atmosphere that encourages people to think, to stretch while still having fun. Get teams and individuals to understand the role played by others. Get them on the same platform. Communicate !!
and there are 3 more rules - contributed by my friend Susmita - which are just as important
g) WILLINGNESS TO LEARN from peers/juniors who have been in the system for much longer and definitely know more about the category/business/bosses more than you do. Juniors especially provide a lot of information about people and processes as they are usually eager to please and therefore more willing to share. Respect for their knowledge/expertise helps one learn the business much faster.
h) BLEND IN NOT OUT - Go with the crowd in most things( if everybody eats in the canteen and you would prefer ghar ka khana, at least a couple of times a week, go along or take your dabba and eat with them. So, esp for women, if everybody wears salwar kurtas, avoid westerns; if everybody has kids, don't talk about what a pain in the a... you often find them to be.
i) CHARM the HR & FINANCE team - (though am not personally sure of this) - i do see some merit in this. But this could vary from one organisation to the other and the relative importance and visibility of these functions within the organisation.
Over the years have concluded that there is enough and more for each individual to do and to achieve. I believe that as much as all of us, even the universe wants us to succeed. We just need to believe that and have confidence in our own ability and in the capability of the team to spring positive surprises and deliver better results. We need to stop our primal instincts of pettiness, of hatred and of making premature judgements about others. We need to let love, patience and belief take over. Respect for people in the team, aknowledgement of their contribution and an understanding of their working styles, their problems, their styles of thinking, need to be all respected.
This is a fail safe formula to gain acceptance in a new system, a new role and in a new organisation. It guarantees not just entry into the team but a team that gradually learns and adapts to play, laugh and work together minus the stress.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
The fading colours of Holi
Every passing year, for the past few years, Holi has turned a damper squib than the previous years. Plummeting rapidly is the excitement, the planning and the sheer joy associated with it. At one level, given that this used to be amongst the two or three biggest festivals for most of India (except in the south), it is indeed shocking. But at another level, it is to be expected. And there are several reasons for that.
Unlike Diwali, Holi doesnt have any linked in commercial aspects. Indians dont buy new clothes for Holi. Houses dont get re-painted and neither do durable purchases happen around the time. No gifting of sweets, dry fruits, chocolates or sundry items happens either. Houses are not decorated for the occassion. Sadly, Holi therefore, lacks relevance for manufacturers and marketeers. Consquently, no advertiser worth his salt (except Parachute hair oil) uses the occassion to sell his products or build hype around it. In the current context, lower hype leads to lower visibility, lower energy, lower consumer desire and therefore a feeling of "whats the loss - if avoided ?." The zing is gone and its not a "must do" anymore.
The relatively weaker religious significance of Holi (as compared to Diwali) is also unfortunately responsible for its fading sheen.
Worse its timing usually coincides with examination season.With every passing year enhancing the "getting hyper quotient" amongst succeeding generation of parents, we have young parents worrying about their kids catching a cold, if drenched in water. Not sitting in judgement here, but it really saddens my heart.
Some of the other reasons seem to be increasingly nuclear families and absence of large posse of friends and family -who are in the same unabashed mood of celebration that you would like to be in and which is so critical for a festival like this. Somehow, your real friends never seem to be with you and there is always a smoke screen with those who are with you.
An increasing number of people also have decided that they dislike this festival, not necessarily for any concrete reason. Some dont like being touched or coloured. Proliferation of prudes and stand-offish-ness, for a celebration that can be such a source of joy - is annoying.
Even bollywood - the barometer of Indian cultural trends - has stopped eulogising Holi now. "Hori khele raghuveera awadh mein" from i think "baghban" -was a good 6-7 years ago. Also, gone are the wild parties at RK Studios and Bachchan's mansion.
It is therefore almost destined that some years down the road, Valentines day, Mothers and Fathers day celebrations would be bigger and more colourful than our own festivals like Holi, unless 4-5 Indian corporates can find reason enough to latch onto this festival and promote it over a continuous period of 8-10 years.
Else, while some of us would continue to live with sparkling & colourful memories of family and friendly bonding over Gulal, buckets of coloured water, gubbarre, gujiya and thandai, the evolving generation would be too busy with their blackberrys, presentations or sundry other colourless activities to bother anyways. "Tollees of friends spreading cheer, goodwill and creating everlasting memories of bonhomie" seem headed for extinction.
We risk loosing a source of joy, togetherness, bonding and a lifetime of memories. That to me is reason enough to try and lead the change. I am as guilty of not being in the forefront and not celebrating it with as much zest in the last few years. But i do see my mistake.really.
From now on, i am clear. I will plan for, play and celebrate it like never before. That, i guess is the only way to preserve it for my children.
Unlike Diwali, Holi doesnt have any linked in commercial aspects. Indians dont buy new clothes for Holi. Houses dont get re-painted and neither do durable purchases happen around the time. No gifting of sweets, dry fruits, chocolates or sundry items happens either. Houses are not decorated for the occassion. Sadly, Holi therefore, lacks relevance for manufacturers and marketeers. Consquently, no advertiser worth his salt (except Parachute hair oil) uses the occassion to sell his products or build hype around it. In the current context, lower hype leads to lower visibility, lower energy, lower consumer desire and therefore a feeling of "whats the loss - if avoided ?." The zing is gone and its not a "must do" anymore.
The relatively weaker religious significance of Holi (as compared to Diwali) is also unfortunately responsible for its fading sheen.
Worse its timing usually coincides with examination season.With every passing year enhancing the "getting hyper quotient" amongst succeeding generation of parents, we have young parents worrying about their kids catching a cold, if drenched in water. Not sitting in judgement here, but it really saddens my heart.
Some of the other reasons seem to be increasingly nuclear families and absence of large posse of friends and family -who are in the same unabashed mood of celebration that you would like to be in and which is so critical for a festival like this. Somehow, your real friends never seem to be with you and there is always a smoke screen with those who are with you.
An increasing number of people also have decided that they dislike this festival, not necessarily for any concrete reason. Some dont like being touched or coloured. Proliferation of prudes and stand-offish-ness, for a celebration that can be such a source of joy - is annoying.
Even bollywood - the barometer of Indian cultural trends - has stopped eulogising Holi now. "Hori khele raghuveera awadh mein" from i think "baghban" -was a good 6-7 years ago. Also, gone are the wild parties at RK Studios and Bachchan's mansion.
It is therefore almost destined that some years down the road, Valentines day, Mothers and Fathers day celebrations would be bigger and more colourful than our own festivals like Holi, unless 4-5 Indian corporates can find reason enough to latch onto this festival and promote it over a continuous period of 8-10 years.
Else, while some of us would continue to live with sparkling & colourful memories of family and friendly bonding over Gulal, buckets of coloured water, gubbarre, gujiya and thandai, the evolving generation would be too busy with their blackberrys, presentations or sundry other colourless activities to bother anyways. "Tollees of friends spreading cheer, goodwill and creating everlasting memories of bonhomie" seem headed for extinction.
We risk loosing a source of joy, togetherness, bonding and a lifetime of memories. That to me is reason enough to try and lead the change. I am as guilty of not being in the forefront and not celebrating it with as much zest in the last few years. But i do see my mistake.really.
From now on, i am clear. I will plan for, play and celebrate it like never before. That, i guess is the only way to preserve it for my children.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Pol(l)e Dance
"Aa Dekhen Zara, kisme kitna hai dam, jam ke rakhna kadam, mere saathiya...aaaa!"
No, this aint about the latest film release or cricket match. This is a bollywood inspired, tongue in cheek, dekko at the once in every 5 year charade called Polls.
To enjoy this, you need to sing the songs and graphically imagine what is described...
Poll Dates have been announced. Weary Congressmen are re-doing their poll calculations, knowing that that they stand little chance on their own. Standing outside the pearly gates of 10 Janpath, their light hum is turning into a raucous chorus...
Scene 1 : Congress HQ - Congressmen move to the beat of - "Chal, Chal, Chal mere Haathi, o mere saathi, chal le chal khataara kheench ke, chal yaar dhakka maar..............."
Sonia is however busy. Very Busy. She needs to go on national television with a seemingly improptu speech about Rahul Jee. For this momentous occasion she is memorising "jangal, jangal baat chali hai, pata chala hai, chaddi pehen ke "fool" khila hai, "fool" khila hai.."
(you have to sing this sonia style)
Scene 2 : Sonia knows that to win, she must find allies -like or unlike minded (doesnt matter !). As she glances on the India map, her brows raised and mind in turmoil, out pops Mehbooba Mufti from J&K -
"Kashmir ki kali hoon mein, mujhse na rootho sonia jee, murjha gayi toh phir na khiloongee, kabhi nahin, kabhi nahin, kabhi nahin." This warning is to ostensibly prevent sonia from cosying up to the newest blue eyed baba called Omar.
Sonia decides to reward Mehbooba for her singing skills with a Pre Poll alliance and keeps Omar in the bag for a possible post poll affair as afterall, blue eyed kashmiri baba is her "chaddi fools'" good friend.
Scene 3 : with 1 in her bag, she now turns to UP, where there are two or perhaps more in the bush. She first sets her gaze on "Massakali" - the proverbial pigeon (and my favourite buffalo) amongst politicians - Maya. But Maya is Maya. She is content dancing all by herself as the background music reverberates
" Massakali, o massakali, ud matak-kali, matakkali, zara bam ko jhatak, thodi dhool atak, thoda lachak, machak ke door bhatak, kasbe kooche, gali, nukkad mein poori karle dil kee tamanna, hawa mein ud, itadi se mur, aur ud jaa furr furr"
She doesnt as much as even acknowledge Sonia's presence. Sonia decides to get even and orders the latest CBI case traps to ground this high flying pigeon.
Just as she is doing this, she hears the strains of Mulayam and Amar's voices coming from behind the bushes..
Jaane Jaan, dhoonta phir raha, hoon tumhe raat din, tum kahan,
sonia - mein yahan, tum kahan ? Mujhko awaaz do....
They finally meet. But the meeting is vitriolic. Sonia is clear that she wants more seats. She approaches Raj babbar, Ajit Singh & some disgruntled SP partymen and even wants to open parleys with massakali ...
a bitter Mulayam wails out aloud - "O haseena zulfon waali, jaane jahan, dhoondti hain kaafir ankhen kiska nishan, mehfil-mehfil o shama..phirti ho kahan..."
Sonia -"mein deewana dhoondti hoon..... woh parwana dhoondti hoon"
till news last came in - they were still playing antakshari.
Scene 4 - With the disappointment of UP still plaguing her, Sonia moves on to Bihar - where Lalu waits for her with baited breath. Just as he sights her, he breaks into verse -
"Sau saal pehle, hamein tumse pyaar tha, hamen tumse pyaar tha, aaj bhi hai aur kal bhi rahega". With Lalu and clan jumping on their own into her bag, Sonia finally smiles that elusive smile.
Scene 5 : She wastes no time and hops on to West Bengal where the task is decidedly tougher.
This calls for more than a song. She knows she herself will have to shake a leg.
"Jitne bhi too kar le sitam, Has has ke sahenge ham. Yeh pyaar no hoga kam, mamta teri kasam, ooo sanam teri kasam."
Mamta is many times bitten, but never shy. She understands that if she has to match the Red brigade, she needs some strong Italian shoulders to stand on and that this could be her make or break chance in national politics. She obliges and cajoles Sonia to perform the ultimate item song together in Kolkata - The music begins..
Dola, dola re, dola re, dola re, do, lahi do laavan doh, lai doh..dola."
(this is sonia and mamta in white sarees with red borders, jigging in tandem against a red backdrop in down town Kolkatta)
The heavy duty synchronized choreography of these two virtually shakes up the red bastion for once. They all seem worried, harried and stirred..
But just as that scene is unfolding, Sonia seems to have trouble with her favourite sharad pawar. he seems to have stuck a dostana with some sena types in maharashtra.
Scene 6 : She watches in open mouthed horror as Sharad gyrates to "Maa ka laadla bigad gaya, munda saada doli chad gaya, band baj gaya..."while bal, uddhav and gang join the dance fest as baraatis.... She knows, this dostana can be fatal and needs to be halted NOW.
She pushes a soother down his mouth and before you know it, the scene changes to reveal sonia in her most matronly avataar singing the eternal lullaby-
"sooraj hai too, mera chanda hai too, O meri aankhon ka taara hai too..."
As she drops Sharad in her bag and departs, you see him pop his head out of the bag, and knowingly wink at Bal thakeray, almost saying, i will be back buddy.
Scene 7 : Sonia meanwhile moves to chennai to have "filtar caffee" with her old pal Karunanidhi. Our man rises to the occassion to perform with earnestness - "Hamein Kaale hain to kya hua, dilwaale hain...hum tere tere tere chahne waale hain" . This expected result relaxes sonia. As she congratulates Karuna for his fine dancing skills, the southern spice, the buxom J.Lalitha breaks into an improptu "Mungda" , just outside the door.
"Mungda, Mungda, mein gud ki dali, mangti hai toh aaja sonia, naahi toh mein toh chali.."
hinting that she wd not be averse to tying up with the NDA.
Sonia is no masochist. She is clear that she cant inflict more pain on herself than what Mamta, Sharad and her "partners in the bush" in UP will give her. She ignores the Mungda for now, but promises to watch the spicy show exclusively, post elections.
Scene 8 : The BJP camp in comparison is a a picture of disarray. The party-wallas have pulled out their old warhorse - Advani -and are busy beating it to shape...
"lakdi ki kaathi, kaathi pe ghoda, ghode ki dum pe jo maara hathora, daura, daura, daura ghora...dum daba ke daura"
But everytime they seem to put a nail in his backside, the ghora (war horse) sets off on a tangent - "Mein nikla gaddi (Rath Yatra) leke, o sarak pe, raste mein, ik Ram mandir aaya, mein utthe dil chhod aaya.."
He is incorrigible. He is still talking of ayodhya. His party's record has got stuck on 26/11, though. Most of the earlier allies seem uncomfortable with this ghora.
Scene 9 : Assorted Filmstars have just discovered their love for India and for the country's poor. They are busy reconstructing the lives of their mothers / fathers/Uncles / aunties / brothers / in laws/ Chachas and Chachis to figure where their clan could have spent some weeks and months of their lives and whether contesting from a particular constituency could be termed homecoming and a tribute to their family.
All stars - including Sanjay Dutt, Nagma, Smriti Irani, Shatrughan Sinha, Preity Zinta, Raj Babbar, Jaya Bachhan, Jaya Prada, Azharuddin et-al have been thrown inside a stadium and the politicos have pitched their tents on the ringside. Each camp now does an inspired version of Jai ho to decide who gets whom...
" aaja, aaja jind mere shaamiyane ke tale, aaja zari waale neele aasman ke tale, Jai ho, Jai Ho!"
Scene 10 : The silent era hero emerges now. Prakash Karat who has been inconsipicuous and vague all this while, decides to break his self imposed silence. but just about..
"Mere dil mein aaj kya hai, tu kahe toh main batadoon, teri zulf phir sawaroon, teri maang phir saja doon...."
No, this aint about the latest film release or cricket match. This is a bollywood inspired, tongue in cheek, dekko at the once in every 5 year charade called Polls.
To enjoy this, you need to sing the songs and graphically imagine what is described...
Poll Dates have been announced. Weary Congressmen are re-doing their poll calculations, knowing that that they stand little chance on their own. Standing outside the pearly gates of 10 Janpath, their light hum is turning into a raucous chorus...
Scene 1 : Congress HQ - Congressmen move to the beat of - "Chal, Chal, Chal mere Haathi, o mere saathi, chal le chal khataara kheench ke, chal yaar dhakka maar..............."
Sonia is however busy. Very Busy. She needs to go on national television with a seemingly improptu speech about Rahul Jee. For this momentous occasion she is memorising "jangal, jangal baat chali hai, pata chala hai, chaddi pehen ke "fool" khila hai, "fool" khila hai.."
(you have to sing this sonia style)
Scene 2 : Sonia knows that to win, she must find allies -like or unlike minded (doesnt matter !). As she glances on the India map, her brows raised and mind in turmoil, out pops Mehbooba Mufti from J&K -
"Kashmir ki kali hoon mein, mujhse na rootho sonia jee, murjha gayi toh phir na khiloongee, kabhi nahin, kabhi nahin, kabhi nahin." This warning is to ostensibly prevent sonia from cosying up to the newest blue eyed baba called Omar.
Sonia decides to reward Mehbooba for her singing skills with a Pre Poll alliance and keeps Omar in the bag for a possible post poll affair as afterall, blue eyed kashmiri baba is her "chaddi fools'" good friend.
Scene 3 : with 1 in her bag, she now turns to UP, where there are two or perhaps more in the bush. She first sets her gaze on "Massakali" - the proverbial pigeon (and my favourite buffalo) amongst politicians - Maya. But Maya is Maya. She is content dancing all by herself as the background music reverberates
" Massakali, o massakali, ud matak-kali, matakkali, zara bam ko jhatak, thodi dhool atak, thoda lachak, machak ke door bhatak, kasbe kooche, gali, nukkad mein poori karle dil kee tamanna, hawa mein ud, itadi se mur, aur ud jaa furr furr"
She doesnt as much as even acknowledge Sonia's presence. Sonia decides to get even and orders the latest CBI case traps to ground this high flying pigeon.
Just as she is doing this, she hears the strains of Mulayam and Amar's voices coming from behind the bushes..
Jaane Jaan, dhoonta phir raha, hoon tumhe raat din, tum kahan,
sonia - mein yahan, tum kahan ? Mujhko awaaz do....
They finally meet. But the meeting is vitriolic. Sonia is clear that she wants more seats. She approaches Raj babbar, Ajit Singh & some disgruntled SP partymen and even wants to open parleys with massakali ...
a bitter Mulayam wails out aloud - "O haseena zulfon waali, jaane jahan, dhoondti hain kaafir ankhen kiska nishan, mehfil-mehfil o shama..phirti ho kahan..."
Sonia -"mein deewana dhoondti hoon..... woh parwana dhoondti hoon"
till news last came in - they were still playing antakshari.
Scene 4 - With the disappointment of UP still plaguing her, Sonia moves on to Bihar - where Lalu waits for her with baited breath. Just as he sights her, he breaks into verse -
"Sau saal pehle, hamein tumse pyaar tha, hamen tumse pyaar tha, aaj bhi hai aur kal bhi rahega". With Lalu and clan jumping on their own into her bag, Sonia finally smiles that elusive smile.
Scene 5 : She wastes no time and hops on to West Bengal where the task is decidedly tougher.
This calls for more than a song. She knows she herself will have to shake a leg.
"Jitne bhi too kar le sitam, Has has ke sahenge ham. Yeh pyaar no hoga kam, mamta teri kasam, ooo sanam teri kasam."
Mamta is many times bitten, but never shy. She understands that if she has to match the Red brigade, she needs some strong Italian shoulders to stand on and that this could be her make or break chance in national politics. She obliges and cajoles Sonia to perform the ultimate item song together in Kolkata - The music begins..
Dola, dola re, dola re, dola re, do, lahi do laavan doh, lai doh..dola."
(this is sonia and mamta in white sarees with red borders, jigging in tandem against a red backdrop in down town Kolkatta)
The heavy duty synchronized choreography of these two virtually shakes up the red bastion for once. They all seem worried, harried and stirred..
But just as that scene is unfolding, Sonia seems to have trouble with her favourite sharad pawar. he seems to have stuck a dostana with some sena types in maharashtra.
Scene 6 : She watches in open mouthed horror as Sharad gyrates to "Maa ka laadla bigad gaya, munda saada doli chad gaya, band baj gaya..."while bal, uddhav and gang join the dance fest as baraatis.... She knows, this dostana can be fatal and needs to be halted NOW.
She pushes a soother down his mouth and before you know it, the scene changes to reveal sonia in her most matronly avataar singing the eternal lullaby-
"sooraj hai too, mera chanda hai too, O meri aankhon ka taara hai too..."
As she drops Sharad in her bag and departs, you see him pop his head out of the bag, and knowingly wink at Bal thakeray, almost saying, i will be back buddy.
Scene 7 : Sonia meanwhile moves to chennai to have "filtar caffee" with her old pal Karunanidhi. Our man rises to the occassion to perform with earnestness - "Hamein Kaale hain to kya hua, dilwaale hain...hum tere tere tere chahne waale hain" . This expected result relaxes sonia. As she congratulates Karuna for his fine dancing skills, the southern spice, the buxom J.Lalitha breaks into an improptu "Mungda" , just outside the door.
"Mungda, Mungda, mein gud ki dali, mangti hai toh aaja sonia, naahi toh mein toh chali.."
hinting that she wd not be averse to tying up with the NDA.
Sonia is no masochist. She is clear that she cant inflict more pain on herself than what Mamta, Sharad and her "partners in the bush" in UP will give her. She ignores the Mungda for now, but promises to watch the spicy show exclusively, post elections.
Scene 8 : The BJP camp in comparison is a a picture of disarray. The party-wallas have pulled out their old warhorse - Advani -and are busy beating it to shape...
"lakdi ki kaathi, kaathi pe ghoda, ghode ki dum pe jo maara hathora, daura, daura, daura ghora...dum daba ke daura"
But everytime they seem to put a nail in his backside, the ghora (war horse) sets off on a tangent - "Mein nikla gaddi (Rath Yatra) leke, o sarak pe, raste mein, ik Ram mandir aaya, mein utthe dil chhod aaya.."
He is incorrigible. He is still talking of ayodhya. His party's record has got stuck on 26/11, though. Most of the earlier allies seem uncomfortable with this ghora.
Scene 9 : Assorted Filmstars have just discovered their love for India and for the country's poor. They are busy reconstructing the lives of their mothers / fathers/Uncles / aunties / brothers / in laws/ Chachas and Chachis to figure where their clan could have spent some weeks and months of their lives and whether contesting from a particular constituency could be termed homecoming and a tribute to their family.
All stars - including Sanjay Dutt, Nagma, Smriti Irani, Shatrughan Sinha, Preity Zinta, Raj Babbar, Jaya Bachhan, Jaya Prada, Azharuddin et-al have been thrown inside a stadium and the politicos have pitched their tents on the ringside. Each camp now does an inspired version of Jai ho to decide who gets whom...
" aaja, aaja jind mere shaamiyane ke tale, aaja zari waale neele aasman ke tale, Jai ho, Jai Ho!"
Scene 10 : The silent era hero emerges now. Prakash Karat who has been inconsipicuous and vague all this while, decides to break his self imposed silence. but just about..
"Mere dil mein aaj kya hai, tu kahe toh main batadoon, teri zulf phir sawaroon, teri maang phir saja doon...."
The only problem is one doesnt know whether he is singing this to Massakali or to Sonia or Mamta.
As the beats get louder, the incentives to join and leave parties are on in full swing. The bizarre scenario is devoid of any agenda, vision or credibility. Its just replete with opportunistic alliances, which we will soon be told are for the better-ment of the country. As the aam junta, we are expected to be blind, dumb & deaf and need to nod our heads vigorously as the cunning gorees, the corrupt chaila's and their hideous and asinine sidekicks deliver their sermons.
For the next 60 days till polling is over, all alliance partners will profess their undying love for each other by performing the ultimate poll dance to climax - "Mahi we, muhabattan sachiyan ne, mangda naseeba kucch hor hai..."
and heap scorn on and trade charges with the opposing parties.
- Soon to start will be Poll dance 2 - the season for new improved promises and slogans. More on that later.
Till then enjoy as they perform, "Koi hamse jeet na paawe, chale chalo, chale chalo, jo aave woh mit jaawe, chale chalo...!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The barrier breaking Mozart
I was destined to write about Rahman - when about 20 days ago,i first saw slumdog. I held back that blog superstitiously so that nothing went wrong on oscar day. Infact, i almost felt that my faith in him was on trial that morning.
The fact that he is India's best or a master at his craft is indisputable. The fact that he propogates love or follows sufi-ism is less known. I have always believed that to succeed one needs oodles of good luck and good wishes apart from pure talent. Rahman enjoys unbridled affection from the masses, gratitude from the scores of artists that he has promoted and launched, silent salutes even from his competitors and in general does not attract malice even from hardened critics. ' Cause he himself is apolitical, friendly and work oriented. His own conduct is above board, always. Thats why, he carries with him and benefits from the zillion good wishes of people around the world.
Through the last decade and a half, he has broken 3 radical barriers. First, he shattered the language barrier, that prompted even soaked in rajma chawal kind of punjabis like me to buy tamil cassettes (CDs were not in those days) of Roja, Thiruda-Thiruda, Gentleman and Bombay. This is 2 years before he debuted in Bollywood with Rangeela and Bombay.
Then he transcended the Class barrier appealing to the hoi polloi in Kamla Nagar, Virar & Tamabaram as well as to the swish set in Malabar Hill, GK-II & Poes Garden. Many wd remember how crass hindi film music was in the late 80's and early 90's with the likes of Bappi Lahiri and Anu malik going hammer and tongs at our eardrums and sensibilities. Rahman's lilting ditties came like a breath of invigorating mountain air. Irrespective of whether it was the fast paced -Humma-Humma or Chaiyaa Chaiyya kind of numbers or the slower and languid Tu hi re, Ghanan-Ghanan or Dil Se Re kind of classic melodies - His music appealed ! Period.
Now he has surpassed the geographical barrier. Only time will tell - how successful he will be. But having observed his craft and his attitude, there is no reason why he wouldnt be ruling the world charts in a couple of years.
To me his success has come from the rapidly changing sound of his music - every few years. His first crop of 10-15 films had one kind of sound (Roja, Gentleman, Thiruda-Thiruda, Bombay, Rangeela, etc). Then came Lagaan, Dil Se, Earth, Zubeida, Pukaar, Taal, etc which had another genre of sound altogether. When u felt that this was it - came Saathiya, Swades, Yuva, Rang De Basanti and Guru etc which again changed the formula. The current sound of his music - as in Jaane Tu, Ghajini, Slum Dog and Delhi 6 is perhaps the fouth distinctive and different genre that i have heard from him. In fact, one hears a fresh sound every time that one hears Rahman. Its a sound that your ears and brain are not accustomed to. This i believe is also the reason why his music normally takes time to grow. But grow it does.
The detailing in his orchestration is remarkable. So are the subtle and not so subtle changes in song tempo. For about the last 4-5 years, there is almost an absence of the conventional mukhda and antaras in his songs. Sometimes it is disorienting but at most times, one loves the end product.
Every movie of his has a unique score that just cant be replaced with anything else. Cant even imagine Jodha Akbar or Jaane Tu or Lagaan or Guru with any different music (Jai ho from slumdog is apparently an exception because it seems it was created for a subhash ghai movie who in his wisdom decided not to use it). Have always felt that his music and background scores complement and uplift the onscreen proceedings substantially.
I feel his slower tracks, bhajans, lorees and love ballads are much better than his fast paced numbers. The latest in this series is from Ghajini - kaise mujhe tu mil gayee..
One of the many contributors to the fresh quality in his music also stems from his frequent use of raw singers. Artists of the calibre of Hema Sardesai (Awaara Bhawre), Richa Sharma (a song in Zubeida that i cant recall), Sapna Awasthi and Sukhwinder Singer (Chaiyaa-Chaiyya), Naresh Iyer (Roobaroo..), benny Dayal (Masakali), another new singer(Kabhi Kabhi aditi) have all made their debuts with his music.
What makes him so endearing apart from his work, is his trademark graciousness & humility. Just after the oscars, i heard him comment to one of the news channels that if he cd, he would rip the award into two and share it with one of the other nominees for he admired his work..I have also seen him openly talk about other Indian music directors in an admiring and complementary manner. These are signs - i guess- not just of maturity but of large heartedness, of love and of someone who has transcended and conquered his ego.
To me, his music is a reflection of this clean and endearing personality and thats why i love it.
He has already paralelled what RDBurman has been to millions of Indians for decades. Maybe he will now go beyond and be the new Mozart for billions across the world.
I eagerly look forward to all his new music releases like a school kid. I find his songs difficult to sing though. While it may be too late for me to attempt singing, just wish that i cd become half as gracious and large hearted as him.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dilli ka khoon-Main bhi Schumi
As a true blue punjabi from dilli, i often do things on the road, that my friends from other cities cant fathom.
For instance, "jumping traffic signals"- The red light is usually and the amber light is always nothing but a directive to my brain to step up harder on the accelarator. If i cd help it, i would even cock a snook at the policeman at the junction.
"No parking signs" are things that i am usually oblivious to. These are meant for those who understand Written english. I do read english, but the brain just does not comprehend and respond to some words. "No Parking" is one of them. To me, usually, it appears like an open invitation to park my vehicle right in front of it so that atleast others cant see it at all and be saved from the inconvenience of searching for other locations to park or having to walk longer after parking.
"Zebra crossings" is one more such unfathomable sign - in fact, i use the parallel white lines as a test for my driving skills where i try and steer the vehicle such that the wheels dont touch the white painted surface at all. Pedestrians scarcely understand this and they always seem to be coming in for a closer look.
"No turn" as a sign is a complete waste. Have never understood why i should take the entire 2 km extra stretch to turn around and come back when i can simply turn where i want to. so if there is just a traffic light and no policeman, kiski majaal ke mujhe rok le!!
In general, like every punjabi, in anycase, i am a born schumi. its just that the cars at my disposal dont always respond like Ferraris. Also, there are just too many red lights on the way and too many people milling around.
Given my rather genteel demeanour overall, I have rarely been able to rationally explain to myself why my body and brain comprehend road signs and directions differently and get me to behave in a manner that one would not normally associate with me. Maybe, it is just in my khoon to question anything that is either limiting, offensive or restrictive or plainly not in my interest.
There are of-course other things as well which are part of my Dilli ka khoon - such as - love for street food & movies, for arguing and criticizing, and for advising all and sundry. But more on that later!
For instance, "jumping traffic signals"- The red light is usually and the amber light is always nothing but a directive to my brain to step up harder on the accelarator. If i cd help it, i would even cock a snook at the policeman at the junction.
"No parking signs" are things that i am usually oblivious to. These are meant for those who understand Written english. I do read english, but the brain just does not comprehend and respond to some words. "No Parking" is one of them. To me, usually, it appears like an open invitation to park my vehicle right in front of it so that atleast others cant see it at all and be saved from the inconvenience of searching for other locations to park or having to walk longer after parking.
"Zebra crossings" is one more such unfathomable sign - in fact, i use the parallel white lines as a test for my driving skills where i try and steer the vehicle such that the wheels dont touch the white painted surface at all. Pedestrians scarcely understand this and they always seem to be coming in for a closer look.
"No turn" as a sign is a complete waste. Have never understood why i should take the entire 2 km extra stretch to turn around and come back when i can simply turn where i want to. so if there is just a traffic light and no policeman, kiski majaal ke mujhe rok le!!
In general, like every punjabi, in anycase, i am a born schumi. its just that the cars at my disposal dont always respond like Ferraris. Also, there are just too many red lights on the way and too many people milling around.
Given my rather genteel demeanour overall, I have rarely been able to rationally explain to myself why my body and brain comprehend road signs and directions differently and get me to behave in a manner that one would not normally associate with me. Maybe, it is just in my khoon to question anything that is either limiting, offensive or restrictive or plainly not in my interest.
There are of-course other things as well which are part of my Dilli ka khoon - such as - love for street food & movies, for arguing and criticizing, and for advising all and sundry. But more on that later!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Buffalo Brigade
As elections near yet again, the familiar buffalo brigade is raring to join the original 24 carat UP buffalo, in the race to help prop a friendly government.
The legendary UP buffalo, the one with diamonds and musclemen in equal measure is not alone anymore.
Right in front, clad in a crumpled white saree, from the land of feesh and fut-ball is the bengali buffalo, also called didi buffalo. Raucous, ugly and clumsy, this one specialises in creating roadblocks every time it sees a smooth road. Any time, it sights any inkling of progress or development, within a 500 km radius of its stable, it goes on a "hungaar strike". Just when one would want to say "good riddance", it rises with its characteristic gait, only to lead its entire herd. Protesting, gheraoing, shouting and vandalism is its forte. Most often, its herd is struggling to figure what they are protesting against.
The bengali buffalo has the avowed objective to take us back to the era of bullock carts, hartaals and in general to the 19th century.
Just a step behind, is the rare breed from the land of filter caaffee, sambhar and thahir saadam- the fair madraaasi buf-falo. This one is an english speaking, cultured, SUV travelling buffalo, that loves sarees, handbags, jewellery, sandals and lipstick. The problem is that no matter what it wears, it still looks like a buffalo. Also called the Amma buffalo, unlike others, this one loves progress, as long as it can be credited to her and helps her buy land and more sae-rees. It wears a strange cloak, that folklore suggests is to conceal its very strong body odour. It also protests any acts of development especially those undertaken by other madrasi buffalos of the male and 80 yr plus kind. It cohabitates with other physically similar female buffaloes, amongst other things. This one would like to take india to the 21st century as lonng as yit can be created by har in tamilnadu wonly.
Marching at the back of this brigade is the silent, lazy and the extremely fertile - bihari buffalo, also called the bhow-jee buffallo. This one was originally reared only to help multiply. It usually moos only with its partner around. It specialises in ruling in absentia. It is as opposed to any progress as the bengali buffalo but does not believe in protesting as much. It leaves that job to its hubby. Actually, it does not even bother to aquire any views on anything. It is not sure whether it likes or dislikes anything. Pls understand, that takes just too much effort. Ideally this one would like to have india in the 17th century. Bullock carts and village life would be blissful.
But Leading this brigade is the original italian buffalo. This one after 20 years has finally perfected the art of waving its hands as wipers but is still struggling to speak extempore. Affectionately called "Madam buffalo", this one either looks left or right or to its young ones, when in need of direction. Surprisingly, it pretends to be a reincarnation of Mother india and some other buffalos even believe it. Its objective is to set up factories in distant amethi or raibareilley and never be obstructed by the UP buffaloes. It loves to lead, nevermind, what others think of its origin, accent or intellect. It is rumoured that its other side is that of a wicked, conniving queen that knows how to bow others into meek submission.
Somewhere in between is the fast talking, fast walking, the overly melodramatic hyderabadi buffalo. It would like indians to do " pub bharo andolans" in their spare time as a sign of protesting against radical groups!! In its free time, it is usually found sauntering in the lawns of the Italian buffalo.
It is unfortunate that no matter which buffalo supports whom and which one forms the government, we have to jhaelo these cattle brained creatures for God knows how long. All of them, without exception would like to believe that india is an anarchic cowshed, where they could demonstrate their bovine qualities and multiply unfettered. Their physical and behavioural similarities to the buffalo notwithstanding, how the hell does one transform them into leaders who would fight justifiably for their people - giving them a better life and a better future.
Maybe we should make a beginning by demanding to know their policy, their stated views on india's foreign affairs, their approach on matters of internal security, an approach on how to handle groups like the ram sena or the bajrang dal, on freedom of speech and expression for artists, for women, for pub going people, their views on how to improve infrastructure, public transport, public health, sanitation etc. And how would they manage the budget?
It is one thing to indulge in empty buffalo talk and quite another to make specific and implementable plans for their people. We need leaders, we can look up to. We need an obama here! No buffalo brigade please. Not this time.
The legendary UP buffalo, the one with diamonds and musclemen in equal measure is not alone anymore.
Right in front, clad in a crumpled white saree, from the land of feesh and fut-ball is the bengali buffalo, also called didi buffalo. Raucous, ugly and clumsy, this one specialises in creating roadblocks every time it sees a smooth road. Any time, it sights any inkling of progress or development, within a 500 km radius of its stable, it goes on a "hungaar strike". Just when one would want to say "good riddance", it rises with its characteristic gait, only to lead its entire herd. Protesting, gheraoing, shouting and vandalism is its forte. Most often, its herd is struggling to figure what they are protesting against.
The bengali buffalo has the avowed objective to take us back to the era of bullock carts, hartaals and in general to the 19th century.
Just a step behind, is the rare breed from the land of filter caaffee, sambhar and thahir saadam- the fair madraaasi buf-falo. This one is an english speaking, cultured, SUV travelling buffalo, that loves sarees, handbags, jewellery, sandals and lipstick. The problem is that no matter what it wears, it still looks like a buffalo. Also called the Amma buffalo, unlike others, this one loves progress, as long as it can be credited to her and helps her buy land and more sae-rees. It wears a strange cloak, that folklore suggests is to conceal its very strong body odour. It also protests any acts of development especially those undertaken by other madrasi buffalos of the male and 80 yr plus kind. It cohabitates with other physically similar female buffaloes, amongst other things. This one would like to take india to the 21st century as lonng as yit can be created by har in tamilnadu wonly.
Marching at the back of this brigade is the silent, lazy and the extremely fertile - bihari buffalo, also called the bhow-jee buffallo. This one was originally reared only to help multiply. It usually moos only with its partner around. It specialises in ruling in absentia. It is as opposed to any progress as the bengali buffalo but does not believe in protesting as much. It leaves that job to its hubby. Actually, it does not even bother to aquire any views on anything. It is not sure whether it likes or dislikes anything. Pls understand, that takes just too much effort. Ideally this one would like to have india in the 17th century. Bullock carts and village life would be blissful.
But Leading this brigade is the original italian buffalo. This one after 20 years has finally perfected the art of waving its hands as wipers but is still struggling to speak extempore. Affectionately called "Madam buffalo", this one either looks left or right or to its young ones, when in need of direction. Surprisingly, it pretends to be a reincarnation of Mother india and some other buffalos even believe it. Its objective is to set up factories in distant amethi or raibareilley and never be obstructed by the UP buffaloes. It loves to lead, nevermind, what others think of its origin, accent or intellect. It is rumoured that its other side is that of a wicked, conniving queen that knows how to bow others into meek submission.
Somewhere in between is the fast talking, fast walking, the overly melodramatic hyderabadi buffalo. It would like indians to do " pub bharo andolans" in their spare time as a sign of protesting against radical groups!! In its free time, it is usually found sauntering in the lawns of the Italian buffalo.
It is unfortunate that no matter which buffalo supports whom and which one forms the government, we have to jhaelo these cattle brained creatures for God knows how long. All of them, without exception would like to believe that india is an anarchic cowshed, where they could demonstrate their bovine qualities and multiply unfettered. Their physical and behavioural similarities to the buffalo notwithstanding, how the hell does one transform them into leaders who would fight justifiably for their people - giving them a better life and a better future.
Maybe we should make a beginning by demanding to know their policy, their stated views on india's foreign affairs, their approach on matters of internal security, an approach on how to handle groups like the ram sena or the bajrang dal, on freedom of speech and expression for artists, for women, for pub going people, their views on how to improve infrastructure, public transport, public health, sanitation etc. And how would they manage the budget?
It is one thing to indulge in empty buffalo talk and quite another to make specific and implementable plans for their people. We need leaders, we can look up to. We need an obama here! No buffalo brigade please. Not this time.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Slumdog lion
Finally, i managed to catch Slumdog over the weekend. After all the self proclaimed "critically acclaimed" mess's that i saw over the last 4-6 weeks, Slumdog was astonishing and riveting cinema. Every moment, every scene pulled me in deeper, into a world, we as middle class indians are familiar with and yet dismissive of and distant from. No melodrama, no tears, no glossy images, no bizarre humour. Just stark reality in its uninhibited, plausible and most credible street avataar.
This was a reality that we have glossed over or literally passed by multiple times, or seen through tinted filters in typical potboilers. It is not a tale that happened 100 years ago in a distant land -ala lagaan or Australia or a story of poverty or dejection or loss - ala several Satyajit ray movies. It is a contemporary story of love, of hope and of triumph set in mumbai. Lets not get overly defensive about the kind of India that it portrays. This underbelly exists for everybody to see, every single day. And if a western director uses this as his canvas, we only need to salute his vision rather than support conspiracy theories by the likes of Arindam Chaudhary or Amitabh Bachhan before his u turn. Those who are so damn concerned, should help change lives of even one slum child. If reality is altered or refined, films would follow suit.
There has been some criticism that this movie is not Indian. Believe me, if this movie is not indian, nothing can be. It is just that, it is not directed or produced by our Chopras, Johars or Kapoors and thats not good news for them. There are no love ballads, no item songs and no romance in the "bollywood way" we know. But the formula of lost and found, and of everlasting love and the bollywood spirit is intact.
Whether this movie and specifically Rahman win the oscars is of academic interest. What matters is that they have done a great job. I loved "O-saya" and the way it contributes to the film. "Jai Ho" though not an integral part , helps complete the experience. My personal vote wd go to "O Saya" anyday. The western audiences might find the latter refreshing, though. Personally wd hate to see Rahman, or Freida or the sound editor getting confined to narrow regional tags about being from Chennai or Mumbai or Kerala. They are India's best - and available to the world.
Slum dog as a name is something that many people have taken offence to. I agree it is not part of us to talk derogatorily about other people in general. Calling slumkids -Lions wd perhaps be more appropriate!
This was a reality that we have glossed over or literally passed by multiple times, or seen through tinted filters in typical potboilers. It is not a tale that happened 100 years ago in a distant land -ala lagaan or Australia or a story of poverty or dejection or loss - ala several Satyajit ray movies. It is a contemporary story of love, of hope and of triumph set in mumbai. Lets not get overly defensive about the kind of India that it portrays. This underbelly exists for everybody to see, every single day. And if a western director uses this as his canvas, we only need to salute his vision rather than support conspiracy theories by the likes of Arindam Chaudhary or Amitabh Bachhan before his u turn. Those who are so damn concerned, should help change lives of even one slum child. If reality is altered or refined, films would follow suit.
There has been some criticism that this movie is not Indian. Believe me, if this movie is not indian, nothing can be. It is just that, it is not directed or produced by our Chopras, Johars or Kapoors and thats not good news for them. There are no love ballads, no item songs and no romance in the "bollywood way" we know. But the formula of lost and found, and of everlasting love and the bollywood spirit is intact.
There isn't a character or setting or dialogue in the movie that we cant relate to or that doesnt move you or stay with you. That is a huge accomplishment for any kind of cinema.
To me, Slumdog is also a celebration of indian talent - the sound editor the slum kids, Freida Pinto, dev Patel, several others in cameo appearances, the mumbai setting, dialogues and the Rahman music. His background score, as usual (do forget Ghajini though) is outstanding. Its difficult to fathom whether the impact wd have been as high with a less than perfect score.Whether this movie and specifically Rahman win the oscars is of academic interest. What matters is that they have done a great job. I loved "O-saya" and the way it contributes to the film. "Jai Ho" though not an integral part , helps complete the experience. My personal vote wd go to "O Saya" anyday. The western audiences might find the latter refreshing, though. Personally wd hate to see Rahman, or Freida or the sound editor getting confined to narrow regional tags about being from Chennai or Mumbai or Kerala. They are India's best - and available to the world.
Slum dog as a name is something that many people have taken offence to. I agree it is not part of us to talk derogatorily about other people in general. Calling slumkids -Lions wd perhaps be more appropriate!
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