Saturday, December 27, 2008

First Time, Second Show

After a long persuasion, my dad finally agreed to take us to a movie. That evening, I there were springs in my feet after I came back home from school. Since my childhood, I never fancied going to movies with my family members, but somehow on that day I just couldn't resist the idea of watching a late evening movie. My mother was against the idea and protested my ability of being awake late night. Despite these constraints we moved on.

The show was planned at an 'open air theater' which was about 1 km walk from our quarters in Ramgarh Cantonment in Ranchi-(Now in Jharkhand). I went to witness a most confusing theatrical layout. My 7 year old brain told me that it was a different world behind that huge wall, where they showcase the movie.

It was late evening when we reached the venue. The theater was full of Army men, Sardarjis and their families of all shapes and sizes. Every Sardarji was a Zail Singh to me! He was the only popular Sikh politician I knew those days.

We looked around and found a seat- after a great struggle. The murmuring crowd cheered and whistled when a light beam appeared on that Great Wall of Ramgarh. This shimmering light, otherwise referred as Ray of Hope was the cause for their ecstasy! I was seated in my mother's lap witnessing all this.

The movie began and my thoughts raced ( as usual) when I saw the fiery eyed Sridevi fox Rishi Kapoor when he tries to follow her in a ruined temple. I felt like going to Rishi and tell him " Hey! She is a snake!" I had no idea about my family enjoying the movie, but my mind coaxed me to ponder about a woman like Sridevi turn into a snake. I also knew that she'd never harm Rishi because he came across as a very nice guy!

Then there was the Tantrik- Amrish Puri. It looked as though his snake charmer tune will sink into my mind and stay there for the next couple of days. Because the place where we lived was infested with snakes, I also thought that his tune will actually lure the snakes out from the nearby bushes! Call it a childish thought or an ultimate example of how imagination can take over and become a reality in time.

Gradually, with the inclusion of potpourri scenes. a much hyped song called" Main teri Dushman, Dushman tu Mera accompanied by that 'not again' snake charmer tune, I lost interest in the movie and paved a way for my 'yawn'.

I was no more afraid of that Tantrik's intimidating look, neither worried about Rishi Kapoor's quest for the subdue reality, nor his Rona Dhona Mother who was shit scared of Sridevi's presence in the house. But I was impressed by Sridevi's eyes that kept me awake on most occasions.

Very soon, the drowsiness got the better of me. I knew the movie's climax will take a long time and I was not ready to sacrifice my sleep. I slept on my mother's lap and believed it as a safest place despite being in a colossal chaos.

Though this happened 20 years ago, I vividly recollect this incident with a pleasant feeling, each time I get ready to watch a Second show!

Because I think it deserves! Don't you think so?

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

The Vibe Maker

Like countless of human beings all over the world, I have been influenced by Rajinikant. This article is a tribute to him and also to my friend Ashvin. Reasons you'd figure out as you read along.

It was the summer of 1996. I stepped out from my uncle's apartment in the plush Besant Nagar in 'Madras'. I got into a bus that'd take me back to my dad's defence quarters at Fort St George. On the way I peeped through the window, only to chance upon a behemoth poster. This poster comprehensively captured the filmy flavor and more importantly it conveyed what the actor means to South!

All the other passengers tried to get a better glimpse. The next moment resulted in a conversation where they (including the bus conductor) yakked away to glory. With my limited understanding of Tamil, I realized that they were raving about the film and the actor. That moment in the bus gave me an impulse. And that's when Brand Rajini was born!

I was aware of his presence as an actor (Thanks to those 3 Hindi films: Geraftar, Chaalbaaz and Hum) As a kid, I never wanted him to die in the film Geraftar. I saw him struggle while beating the goons, yet manage to puff the cigarette. I had prayed god to help him drop his cigarette and counter the goons. Because I then knew he was capable!

My innocence made me stay away from his films for sometime but return with a greater respect and adoration during the year Dalapati A.D


Albeit, I have very few Rajini films in my kitty, it was only after watching Dalapathi, I understood why Rajini behaves the way he is. Coincidently, Dalapathi was the work of Mani Ratnam, who I consider my greatest inspiration besides RGV and Kukunoor. The character Surya -true to his name, always made his appearance on the screen from East direction, during the course of the film. That's again the greatness of the director who ensured this subdue reality!

During my Rajini Quest I met a number of extremely intelligent people who spoke about Rajinikant and his great personality, not just as an actor. This became one more reason (however absurd it may sound to you) to push me among the people of Rajini League. And I like intelligent people with full of energy! The more I talked and discussed about the actor's stardom, my vibes went high, my thoughts sailed like Sindbad's voyage and needless to say, my perspective towards Rajini's films changed. I wanted to experience the thrill of watching his film in the theater, sitting the midst of the devotees of Rajnikant!

My prayers were answered when my friend Ashvin managed to get the tickets of Sivaji on the very first day- I consider this as an achievement and equivalent to Sunita William's trip to moon! I was excited about my debut. Watching the movie in the theater, of the superstar who I spoke so much, learned so much and raved so much! I was also gearing up to understand behavioral science of this Demi God's devotees, who succeeded in getting the tickets to witness an epic called Sivaji. However, I'd like to describe my experience in one line- It's a well deserving Glorified Filmy Kumbh Mela. I was goddam impressed! And I do not want to write about what happened on that day! You better get in that groove, or get out of the way!

I have never been impetuous about films. However, I care a damn if people talk about Rajini's impossible stunts or gimmicks. I give a shit if anyone regards him as a ham! I'd give two hoots to those who compare Rajini with any other actor. I'd never even worry about the story line, plot or the production values. I have realized what Rajnikant is for me.

He is my Vibe Maker!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Divinity Countenance

Before you read this post- I confirm that the views expressed in this article are my own and I have not been influenced by anyone neither trying to influence any individual or society.

During my growing years, I was fascinated by the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. I consider it a privilege to be born at the time when India's television broadcasting progress had begun. That's how I learned about the Indian Mythology, the stories of various Hindu Gods. Of course as an avid reader, I also attribute this knowledge to those countless number of books like Amar Chitra Katha which I had read.

Being a Hindu, I got accustomed to certain practices. Some, derived through family rituals, while others, through my own beliefs. I have no idea about the origin of these beliefs, yet I had been following them for quite sometime. I do believe in the existence of the almighty. The breathe that keeps us alive and the force existing on this globe which prevents water to wash away the earth's crust is enough to substantiate the existence of God, according to me.

Now the question here is on my adherence to the established customs and doctrines. Belief, according to me is a respect given to the creator- God. Even though I have substantial devotion towards God, I fail to understand why some rituals have to be followed without any purpose. I can convey my prayers to the God directly by looking into his eyes and not really worried about the procedures and process. Of course, the designer of such process may have seen a reason. However, according to me, those reasons do not seem to be working or justified for today's world. People think today's God also requires Digital prayer by way of SMS, online and lots of hoo-ha!

I may be biased in saying this, but how could I possibly believe a priest who mutters mantras seem to convey my prayer to god? How many of us understand the language that he uses to communicate with god? I believe that the biggest spirituality comes in the form of trust and that trust need not be specific to mantras and rituals.

I have nothing against the belief system of others. As long as I am able to convey God what I want for me and others, its absolutely all right irrespective of the process you follow. Belief system only guides you to look for the righteous path but it does not guarantee you a well being. I think its a fear that constantly evades you from going off track.

Divinity, according to me, it detaching oneself away from the worldly pleasures and praying with a concrete meaning. I would still occasionally visit a temple, look into the eyes of god and pray which doesn't even last for 2 minutes.

However, as long as I remain a non conformist, I would continue my quest to get a deeper understanding about the 'Extreme Devotion'.

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Why Abhishek hates Mathematics?

When I was 8, my mother gave me 75 paise. It was a small fortune then. The money was strictly meant to buy a pencil and an eraser. I fancied the idea of going to the stationery shop near my school. The moment also celebrated my mother's firm belief in me. After all, I'd be carrying money with me- For the first time! Those 2 shiny little coins in my pocket made me feel proud!

My fantasy was shattered when I saw the shop being closed on that day. I waited till my school short interval time hoping that it would open later. During this wait, a sweetmeat cart, which was parked nearby the shop caught my attention. I saw the berries, guavas, the peppermint candy, the mint candy and all other eligible items of a push cart. My mouth watered at the sight of the berries being wrapped up in a small piece of newspaper, with salt sprinkled over it, shaken wisely and packed, and given to those 'lucky pupils'.

Like any other kid, I too was tempted to buy those goodies. However, I wasn't sure about the price of a pencil and an eraser. I wondered if I will have enough money left to buy those goodies. Standing before the sweetmeat cart, I kept my palms in my little knicker pockets and stared at the guavas- of all shapes and sizes and the glass bottles where the peppermint candies were kept. Then, I took out my coins. The 50 paise coin had Indira Gandhi, the 25 paise coin had a rhinoceros, embossed on it. My heart was beating fast. Questions erupted in my mind. What will I tell mother? Can I confess that I was very hungry and hence ate berries, guava and peppermint candies? (Despite the fact that I was carrying my lunch box too) What if I still manage to buy a pencil and also those candies? Will she ask me to explain the calculation? Will she thrash me for this horrifying act of mine?

I ran back to my classroom, opened the last page of my notebook and did some subtraction. With a pencil stub, I wrote 75-30= 45; 75-25= 50 and so on. I assumed the cost of pencil and eraser together to be 50 paise and I would still still be left with 25 paise. I went on doing this calculation, till I analyzed that whatever I spend towards goodies, I can still buy a pencil and eraser. I came back to the sweetmeat cart and gave the 'rhinoceros coin' to the seller. He chopped a juicy guava , dipped the knife in salt and smeared it all over inside the fruit and gave it to me. I wolfed it down.

During lunch time, I went to check the stationery shop and yet again found it closed. This time, my lips smacked at the sight of those salted berries. I again ran back to my classroom, opened the last page of my notebook and judiciously calculated till I was forced to drop the idea of purchasing an eraser. I thought I'd still be left with 35 paise, good enough to buy a pencil. I ran excitedly towards the seller and gave him the 'Indira Gandhi coin'. He gave me a juicy little packet containing salted berries, but to my horror he also gave me an old rusty 20 paise coin. He told me that the price of berries was 30 paise! I didn't knew what to do? I felt as if I had lost a gold coin, a souvenir. It looked as if I lost a huge amount of money. The Indira Gandhi coin was gone, and in return I got an ugly 20 paise coin that threatened to wash my dirty linen in public.

Eating those berries, I tried to cook some believable reasons, that I thought can put my mother at ease. I thought I'd tell amma that I was damn hungry and my lunch box wasn't sufficient. Or I'd say I wanted to taste those goodies, but never realized the cost etc. Nevertheless, I also had to remember the calculations, and explain how I had spent 75-55 paise= 20 paise Till evening, my cerebellum and cerebrum was involved in calculations- Namely, Addition and Subtraction. Mathematics during Social studies class, Mathematics during P.T etc. And all those calculations narrowed down to 20 paise.

By the time the school was over for the day, I trotted back towards the sweetmeat cart. I thought I'd go and ask him the price of each peppermint candy. I learned that it costed 5 paise each. I suddenly realized my assertiveness(Read: Dumb or nincompoop) and explicitly asked him to give me 2 peppermint candies. Of course, in return, I also got an old Aluminum made 10 paise coin with no beauty. I was too tired to recollect the total Hisaab of the day. However, I blissfully devoured those peppermint candies at regular intervals on my way back home!

What happened once I reached home? How did I confront my mother? How did she react to my debut spending? What explanation did I gave her for pencil and eraser? Was I able to justify the exact calculation?

I'd leave the readers to ponder. Perhaps, the title of this article suggests- any body's guess!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

La copa de la Vida

"Basava..One special!

The 13 something round faced boy quickly responds to my call and appears before me with a glass. I coddle with the spirit in that glass, only to realize that its time to unwind myself. This spirit also manages to flabbergast the crowd flocked near the stall. It feels great to see everyone judiciously enjoy their drink under the sky with the sun on their shoulders. The taste is divine and comparing it with the office coffee making machine would be an insult.

Tea- Call it elating, exhilarating or intoxicating, is my favorite beverage. And this article is a tribute to the widow who runs a small Tea shack on a corner at Road number 12 in the plush Banjara Hills area- Hyderabad. Located about 200 meters away from my workplace building, this place can give you a food for thought. And hey, If you are a kind of stickler for hygiene, ingredients and the like, I strongly recommend you discard reading this article. All right so you don't..Ok read on.

I have always been amazed at the reorder stock level maintained by this woman who manages to serve the Tea to all the customers in a jiffy! The set up, like most ordinary roadside tea stall consists of a wooden bench and one oily stove. Of course they have a shade too ( sponsored by Tata Indicom!!). And not surprisingly you must stand and drink. Of course there is a cement platform laid by State Bank nearby. For people who have no patience to stand and sip, their bums will say a big thanks to this cement platform which can easily accommodate 10 people sitting in a row.

The woman is assisted by her only son named Basava( who also claims to be a Chiranjeevi Fan) and two little daughters( don't know the names) who are often spotted in school uniforms( thankfully). And Let me tell you guys, their eyes are a true depiction of hard work. Perhaps people accustomed to Cafe Cofee day or Barista culture may not notice that. For an unconventional thinker like me, this place stimulates my thoughts and gives me scope to derive a movie material out of that!

Because the regular crowd of this joint makes it very interesting. The crowd is my vivid recollection of Naya Nukkad serial that appeared on Doordarshan years ago! One among them is a mysterious 50 year old Junior Artist who stands 7 feet tall. You could see his jeans pocket stuffed with an English newspaper and a handkerchief tied around his neck. His pal is a tiny and puny traffic constable, whose tone can take many of us for a surprise. Yes, his tone is bellowing! This 5 foot cop doesn't cop-out yelling at auto rickshaw drivers and other heavy vehicles who unauthorizedly park their vehicles. They tremble in fear and make necessary adjustments to set things right.

The reason for our amusement is because his physical attribute and his tone just doesn't seem to match at all. This earned him a nickname from my fellows who fondly call him Bacchan saab!

We have a security guard of a never working SBI ATM nearby, who doesn't waste time performing his duties. He wakes up post his ever lasting siesta, only for his 4 pm tea. The sight of white, blue and collarless people give you the impression of an animated conversation. And a deeper insight would give you their attitude too. People who hold a cigarette in one hand and a glass in another will generally have the ID card worn around their neck. There is also an official, smartly dressed in branded clothes, walks towards the stall with a thermos flask in hand making me curious about his work profile! A group of 3 female tea drinkers can be found always sitting in their favorite corner. A waiter of the nearby Pizza Hut manages his tea and also finds time to call and chat with his girl friend.

The place will perhaps miss a regular magnanimous visitor in me. I have admired the dedicated enterprising team of this family of 4, and needless to say my creativity and urge to work hard has grown by leaps and bounds during my stint.

I now understand why the Tea tastes so good here!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Life as Lollipop- Part 2

'I love to cry in the rain so that no one can see my tears' - Charlie Chaplin

With a heavy and dismal heart, I pen down the final part. Lot of people have expressed their feelings about part1. Mixed reactions of readers- Too realistic; Boring, Philosophical. Yet some of them told me that they were desperately waiting for second part. I respect the feedback from these individuals who come from all walks of life.

However, thats what precisely is my conviction. Being adamant, I write whatever I feel like, say, talk or think whatever I feel I should. Call it being courageous or going against conviction. In life, courage and conviction are two different entities and give a very unusual way of interpretation. Very uncommon sight, just like a fully clothed Pamela Anderson!

Like I have said, we all are born in this world for a purpose, when the purpose is achieved, we leave heavenly abode. period. I often think of people who are no longer a part of this world and ask myself, what are these guys doing wherever they are? watching us from heaven? Its idiotic to think on these lines, but exciting too!


This may give you a sign of relief or an expression of dismay about the fact that I am not going to write anything more about this Life. The hard candy of the lollipop is the life and gets over post sucking and licking. Only the stick which had the candy mounted on it remains. Thats our life!


Take a look at your life now and then. Your childhood: The day when you peed in your nappies( if you remember that). The day when you knew nothing about money, sex and power. Times when you watched Doordarshan and waited for Chitrahaar or one movie a week( Sunday or Saturday)

Your present: Bombarded with technology, too many channels to choose from. Too busy to laugh-smile over little things of life! Thinking about the next that that you will do after reading this article or worried about a stupid meeting at office. The list goes on. Of course some of you may be thinking "why the fuck did we grew up?"

Before I rest my essay I leave some questions for the reader to ponder. Pause for a moment, think about YOURSELF.Your name and your breath,Your mind and then read on:

Who are you?
What makes you to live?
Why are you scared about death( most of us)?
Ever realized how you will be 10 years from now? ( No, this is not a HR question)

Think! It helps!

Have a great Life ahead!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Life as a lollipop- Part 1

Tom Hanks puts it beautifully in Forrest Gump- Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get! The intensity of this dialogue is suave yet it guarantees thoughts and questions ahead.

Each day of my life begins on a endless thought provoking questionaire. I try hard to ask and answer myself " Let me get this straight- What's the purpose of life? Why is human born when death is inevitable? What is marriage? religion? Caste and creed? The list is endless and transforms me into a very different Abhishek. I copped out at the thought of writing because I felt it'd be crazy and I'd actually be rubbishing the writeup, but again became reluctant.


Sometime back over a cup of coffee discussion with my friend I learnt that- God designs and designates every individual's role. Call it programming in todays language. Some leave this world sooner the task is completed. Some indulge in mass destruction( 9/11) Some try to adopt discarded children( Mother Teresa) I could possibly go on giving examples to eternity..and Oh Yes! Even now, at this moment, my role is to write this blog and leave the readers to ponder over my assumptions and reality bites ( if it deserves to be true)


I'd put it in a different way. Picture this-I actally had happened to stop at a traffic signal at a crossroads and I saw the world around me- A beggar at the traffic signal Vs Palatial mansion with rich interiors; A daughter of a rich tycoon in a Mercedes Benz Vs Ambulance with its active visual warning and uncertain life inside; A man with his wife and a kid on a bike Vs cart seller hoping to find good business; A film poster with characters tampered, for the purpose of deception Vs a pedestrian. I persuade my mind to think about such people whenever I come across them.

The beggar has a history which no one knows. The mansion is built by masons who dream to build a home for themselves. Post the mainsions completion, the owner wouldn't even remember the name of the masons. The rich daughter in Mercedez is considered as an arrogant and conceited by most of the passerbys. Reason- Perceptions make their way from legacies. There is someone struggling in that ambulance. If I speak logically, everyone who is in the way of that ambulance will be accountable for the life and death of that person. The man with his wife and a kid may be riding a bike that he took as a part of dowry. He must be thinking of buying a car or rather cursing himself on getting married. The characters in that poster perhaps are on cloud 9 knowing that their poster stands tall at a famous crossroad of the city. The pedestrian, clueless about his future walks away maybe he has looked at me and made perceptions or something that you could never figure out whats running in his mind. Reason everyone in this world has a history. Though it may not date back to dinosaurs age (mildly put!)


What is common to all of them? Life and death. they are born the same way and will die the same way. I sometimes try and compile the number of emotions attached to each individual. Does this world realize what is life? We are born, attend school, finish education, make money, try to get rich, marry, complain, compliment, comment, laugh, become old and die a death that is miserable, accidental or natural.

These days, many complain of boredom. I have come across so many people. If I understand them correctly, they are surviving not living! Its because we do not adapt to situations that surround us.


End of Part 1



© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Caste a vote- From the mouth of a Story Teller

2004, April. Somewhere in a corner cubicle of an esteemed organization:

Abhishek ! Do you want to vote? Do you have the eligibility?

It was 2 pm and just when the office chores seemed to become boring, this question excited me. I turned around. It was my Manager who rather looked damn straight.

Why? I said, then realizing that I had to answer the question. I quickly added; Of course, I am 22 and I do have the eligibility.

Do you want to vote? He asked me again. I raised my eyebrows, Here is the guy who never allowed deviations from work and a certified stickler for timeliness, asking me if I am intrested to leave office to caste a vote. I still deliberately sounded confusing "Do we have the polling booth in our office premises? I wanted to pun this line but failed miserably.

No..if you are intrested you may go cast your vote. My Manager replied. However, you please finish your work. He was quick to add that too. The man is asking me if I have the interest to caste the vote! How ridiculuous? Its my bloody birth right to vote. Now, the last thing I wanted to do was wring his neck and throw him out.

Sure, I'd finish my reports and leave. I said this as if I had a choice. But I was happy though, for the first time I felt like a CITIZEN! I am going to vote!! I rose from my seat.

So... Abhishek who are you going to vote for? My colleagues asked me. Do I need to tell you that? Its either shame on me or the government. I have got the voting rights 4 uears ago But I haven't casted the vote till now. I remembered years ago, my dad's friend warned me never reveal about your vote. I threw this back at them feeling conceited about it. I knew I was just an ordinary guy without any powers, however I just wanted them to make me feel important. Afterall, I am going to vote for the first time. I rose from my seat. So long buddies! I am going to vote. I sounded as if I am going to Rashtrapati Bhawan to take an oath of President of India.

I pulled my bike and started off. It was hot summer afternoon and my bike seat felt like a tandoori. Anything for my first vote. I thought. On my way through deserted road, I saw those colorful banners, policemen showing their presence, RAF personnel sipping tea under a shade, the noise from my engine made me nervous. I sometimes felt as if my vote will decide the election!

"UNIVERSAL ADULT FRANCHISE"...During my school days, I never was able to remember these 3 little but powerful words! However, it didn't take me long to realize that the meaning of these 3 words can be so simple, but yet so powerful. "Right to vote after the age of 18 years". Democracy is for the people, of the people and by the people, I got a bonus mark in every civics paper where I quoted this line.

Maa.. where is my voters ID card? Abhi..you are back..I told you its a holiday today. Little my mom thinks office the way office is meant to be. However, only I knew the reality, else we all do! She managed to find my voters card and was happy to see her son being a part of democracy of this great nation!


I marched towards the polling booth which was put up very close to my home. I glanced at a group of policemen who sat on a wooden bench with their weapons pointing towards the sky. I do not know wht they must have felt after looking at me. I never wanted them to feel that its my maiden voting session. I Somehow thought will paint a rosy picture at the booth. I had anticipated a big queue at the polling booth. Surprisingly, it was deserted. Perhaps the citizens of my colony had already casted their respective votes in the morning.

I entered an old room with walls full of cracks and a dusty flooring. There was a tubelight too but I was confident that it will not work. The ceiling fan made noise as it rotated slowly trying to provide soothing relief for the officials who were present in that room. A man wearing big glasses, was seated across a table. He looked up and said. Aapka ID card dijiye"

The photograph on my voters card was pathetic and somehow I tried my best to convince myself that the photo resembled me. I was embarrassed to give the ID card to him. He then browsed through a paper that had a lengthy list. I wondered how many names it contained..probably some people must have alredy left this world and even their names existed in that list! That's bureaucracy
for you!

I stood there impatiently. Aapko mera naam mila list mein? Abhishek hai mera naam. I asked in a low tone. Haan ..Yeh raha...aapke pitaji kahan hai unhonne nahi daala vote? I was pleasantly surprised when the man asked about my dad. I never thought they'd care about people who did not vote yet. I said " Mere Dad Mumbai mein rehte hain. I muttered. Accha accha...teek hai koi baat nahi. He then marked my name in that list to confirm my attendance. I wondered if that shoddy little paper would be a substantiate evidence of my existence. He then shouted my name to the person sitting next to him as if I was the criminal brought in the courtroom. His voice was deafning.


Aap is taraf aayiye. The man sitting next to him finally opened his mouth. When I looked at him I never thought he'd speak. The voting process now began to speed up. I wasnt aware whet else I have to undergo. This man looked at me and asked my to give my hand as if its an engagement ceremony and he'd present me a ring! However, I knew he'd mark my finger with some solution that would remain for 2-3 days. I was excited because I wanted to show my proof of voting to people who never had this Privilege. This little solution does the trick of identification or may be emancipation!

Hmm... Now whats next? I asked myself.. Abhi aap wahan jaaiye aur vote kariye. He said timidly. I saw a very familiar customized compartment built with cloth and iron stand. I saw this in many movies and the ay had actually arrived when I had to go there to caste my vote. There was a voting machine that read 'Assembly elections and Parliament elections. I had read about voting machines in newspapers and how politicians tamper these machines for rigging purpose. For strange reasons, I remembered TN Seshan, once the Chief Election commissioner of India. I thought maybe if that man was in power this would never have happend.

I looked at the voting machine..and I knew who to vote for. I didn't even bother to look at the other "CONTESTANTS". As soon as I pressed the button against the political party name, it gave a loud beep like a burglar alarm!! I then had to caste my vote for the prime minister's seat. While I was doing this process, I thought how tensed those contestants will be and if they realized that I had voted for them, how would they react? Will I be attacked from the other contestants for whom I didn't vote for? I discarded all these when I reazlied that I was exercising my rights as a citizen.

It was finally done. My quest was over! I had casted a vote for the first time. I felt as if I had done a great service to mankind!



© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Sangeet Theatre- Farewell to my movie Den

I remember, the first time I saw Sangeet theatre. It was the summer of 1989 when I was travelling in a bus with my Maa. We were going towards Secunderabad Railway station. The bus halted at a place and the bus conductor shouted 'Sangeet' for the benefit of those who'd want to get down. I looked right, and there stood this theatre painted with blue border. I looked up, tried to figure out the name of the theatre, the alphabets which were assorted to form an arc. I looked around and Saw the poster of the film SCARFACE, Al pacino holding a gun and the painted bullets gushing out of it! I presumed the name of the film to be SURFACE. I lived with that assumption for sometime.

Two years later 'Home Alone' arrived in town. My memory tells me this was my first movie in Sangeet. I looked at the Sangeet theatre from outside and wondered, Where on earth is the screen? Which side? Athough, my curiosity was never exposed to anyone. As a kid, I admired Macaulay Culkin, for his guts and intelligence.

Sangeet has always been a special place for the yuppies of Secunderabad. And it all started in early 90s. English movie fever caught up soon. And of course, Watching an English movie was a privilege then. With The most common dress code meant for this ocassion was blue jeans teamed up with T shirt-. To be brand specific, Kaizas or Buffalo Jeans and the T shirt? well! we all knew fido- dido, the character of lehar 7-up that created waves across school and college goers of society. It did just the right thing.

Over years Sangeet had occupied a special place among the Secunderabad fraternity. The colloquial discussions made inside the theatre near the snacks, included the active use of the word 'ya' instead of 'yes'. Urbanization had reached a vantage point. yards away from the theatre, stood 'Fantasy' the premium multi cuisine eatery shack. Popularly known for its tall chairs and Fantasy champagne and fantasy burger, it had eveything that could cater those 15 somethings! However, they were expensive... very expensive priced between Rs 15-25!!!!! ( inflation during early 1990s)

And then there was guy called Sai, the fella at the parking lot who SECRETLY arranged tickets for us. During ticket crisis, the sight of Sai made us feel at ease. Limping across those parked vehicles, he used to vanish and show up after 10 minutes with those bright tickets in hand! Like a Houdini!

The decision to revamp this theatre into a swanky multiplex might sound to be a fair deail for the investors. However, go and ask the young generation of early 90s about Sangeet, most of them would go back to their past. We will never again see the same Sangeet theatre, with moss formed on the walls, pale yellow structure and the title SANGEET perched on top of it, with the blue sky over looking it.

Beethoven. Showdown in little Tokyo, Jurassic park, Free Willy...I lose count the number of movies I saw this theatre. But I will never forget what Sangeet theatre brought to this tinsel town of mine, its a monument that brought friends together, made us socialize despite our simple lifestyle. We were more happy with that 5 rupee chips packet, the seating style, arranging finances for the 25 rupee ticket, never bothered about parking. Each and every moment that transformed us.

Priceless indeed!


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Saturday, May 3, 2008

KAUSHIK- The Man of Masses

Hmm let me recollect...Yes, It was one fine summer evening in 1991..read on to know what happened..

Hey fatso! Try and climb up here! Babbu said these words and chuckled. Standing in front of us was a guy in Red shirt. He looked up angrily. My! Babbu had a nerve to say that! Because I wouldn't have dared to say that to a HUGE, but 11 year old boyish personality! What the fuck you mean? Haan? Roared the guy in Red shirt. Who is he? I asked Babbu.

Kaushik, the fatso! replied Babbu, and deliberately added an adjective after his name. The game that we were playing involved us to climb a wall and jump into the sand. Kaushik was plump boy and one would clearly think twice before speaking with him. Motu ko deewar par chadna nahi aata! Babbu mocked again. Next, I anticipated a fight between Kaushik and Babbu. Babbu was a
brat among our friends and I thought even if it creates a scene, I shouldn't be surprised. I was zapped again! Probably, Babbu thought Kaushik could never get hold of him. Babbu knew Kaushik as they studied in same school. And I was watching this mockery war from a safe distance. You rascal! How dare you? You think you can escape? Come down and I'd show you. Kaushik screamed.

The boiling point had reached in Kaushik. I was sure he would hammer Babbu's ass. And I too wanted Kaushik to teach him a lesson. Babbu was the certified brat of our colony and very notorious of getting himself into difficult situations. Somehow Kaushik managed to get hold of Babbu, kicked and shoved him into that sand and next gave him one tight slap that could ring a bell in the ears. He pushed him straight , held him by his neck and threw him on the sand. Seemed like a david and goliath fight, babbu was as helpless as he could be! I thought of course he'd be..how can a puny man stand against an elephant?

The scuffle quickly ended and forced Babbu to run. And, of course Kaushik became my hero. Finally there was someone who can settle scores very easily. I mustered some courage and approached Kaushik. He was dusting the sand that went into his shirt. Bravo! You did the right thing man! "Hey Shyam, don't you think he was too good?" Shyam, another friend of mine who was as dark as a crow nodded his head. His nod perhaps meant that it's normal for Kaushik. What that does Chaar khandol think of himself? He thinks I can't play this game or what? Eh! Kaushik muttered.

Chaar khandol - an offensive word, was a name given to anyone who wore spectacles. And it created many fights between the young boys of our colony. Guys wearing spectacles considered it as an insult at the mention of this word. Babbu was a bright chap in studies and spoke reasonably good English. But he was equally dim in his vision and unreasonable with his acts.

However, that was my first encounter with Kaushik. A burly lad who knew nothing about me earlier went ahead and became one of the finest friends I and we ever had. From a burly lad to the beardy man today, Kaushik still speaks about the good ol days.

The Dude is just right for anyone who wants to have a long lasting friendship. He breathes a new life into friendship. I have seen him grow over years and the way he connects to people is amazing! He was my savior on many occasions. And for the rest, he is always a popular hero or chieftain or a sheriff or wahetver words and traits you may want to associate for a leader. If there is one thing I'd like to steal from this chap, that would be his PR. He simply rocks. Whatever has been said or talked about him is not inadvertent.

There is a reason to write about this gentleman in my blog. Without any exaggeration, one day, I want to see him as the chief minister of the state! And so it shall be written and so it shall be done!


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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

The Day I met Pakistan

Psst Abhi..look..look at that...there! My friend muttered..

Wow! This is fantastic..Hey..can you see some people over there?

I sounded as if we have arrived from some other planet. After all, the people on the other side of the border were humans too..But the excitement it created in me, became a moment of history!

I never knew that I was just 100 yards away from Pakistan. As a Kid, the country reminded of me of Wasim Akram and my 7th class Geography text book. In my late teens I used gossip with my friends about India's military strength, missile and most of the weapons of mass destructions being covered in our conversation, that began after the dumping of academic books was done.

The discussion included our friendship with Russia; Who will among USA and China will support in the event of a war? Somehow, we used to end the conversation with this big question being unanswered.Gradually when I grew up, I had to understand the bilateral relationship, War is not the solution..anyways.

As I reached the great Wagah border, I realized the efforts of these soldiers who guard the border day and night. And that mesmerizing moment recalled Amitabh Bacchan's words in the film Lakshya where he played the role of a Colonel- "Is desh ke sau crore insaan, jo is vishwaas ke saath sothe hain, ki main aur tum jaag rahe hain" Bacchan Saab was so true. I looked at the BSF jawans and wondered if they have time to think about their family. They appeared firecely patriotic.

The other side of the border stood the Pakistanis. I saw them only on television during cricket matches held in Karachi or Lahore. It happens with most of us, we watch Hrithik Roshan or Sachin Tendulkar, on the big screen, not getting excited. But when they appear before us, we panic, and later, lines like Arrey woh mere paas hi khada tha. I was inches away from him etc are said in an explicit manner. 7 out of 10of us will describe the So Just like that! I asked my friend " Do you have any Idea what those people on the other side are thinking? Have they noticed me? I knew how stupid those questions were, but sensible enough to covey that I was excited. I shamelessly went on thinking if the Pakistanis had noticed me in my Levis Jeans? Do they wish to come here and shake hands with us? They love our bollywood movies and perhaps want to be the part of India? I do not have the patience to write in this blog all the crap that went into my head then.So you can relax now.

However, as a kid, I had perceived a different Pakistan. I thought them conceited and arrogant. How wrong I was? They are Human beings. It's just a line that created a difference between us and them. Having said this, I would never discount the fact that I belong to a great nation! Fluttering high was our Tiranga. I stood, saluted and buried the fact in my heart that I am an Indian!


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Thursday, January 3, 2008

The year that wasn't...

And there it goes! Poof! Another year..

It inadvertently hits me everytime I see a new calender. I ponder on the years that rolled. I sit back and think, where did the 90s go? I mean, its over, but when? I feel like composing a sequel to Bryan Adam's summer of 69. He had rightfully expressed his feelings in that all time great number.

I don't like to celebrate parties and welcome the brand new year. I feel, each year, it worsens my nostalgia. During my early teens, I used to get excited about new year, because it gave an opportunity for me and my friends to hang out one complete night, be it on terrace, or at someone's place, eat junk chips, burger, drink countless glasses of cool drinks- yes no correction needed there, it IS cool drink and not anything else.( even now I do not booze, if you think somethings wrong with me, maybe it is).

As years rolled by, I realized that its not the number of years that makes one grow old, its the experience that counts. I would never know if this blog will continue till 2009, but it shall certainly add one more nostalgic moment in my life.

Let me see what I go through this 2008! Will write some more thoughts later. Feeling sleepy now!


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