SparklingRiver’s Weblog

This is the new addition to Pepsi’s Youngistaan Campaign. When introduced as a player from Jharkhand,Dhoni retorts by saying “Eh! Yemm Yesss Dhooooni from Chennaiii.”

All I can say to that is”Super da, Rombo Superrrr”

Amazingly creative and brilliantly entertaining.Indian ads are getting better by the day.

Be it Hillary,Obama or even HObama,I shouldn’t care. Why? you ask. For the simple reason that because I don’t hold a US passport, my view on the canditates is not going to make any difference to the outcome. I could engage in unending ,acrimonious debates with friends and family on the subject matter but ultimately my opinion doesnt count.I dont have a say in the election of an individual, who is considered to be the most powerful on the planet and whose decisions have a global impact. This I find unfair, shameful and appalling.

In today’s era of global inter-dependency, country- based politics are not restricted to their geographical boundaries. In such a scenario its only fair that individuals from across the globe have an opportunity to elect the Heads of States of countries other than their own. I propose a model where non-citizens from around the world are the given the chance to register with a party of their choice and thus participate in elections of any given country. Of course,a system of allotting weights to the votes will have to be brought into place. Perhaps, a national’s vote could weigh twice that of an outsiders. This should bring in a new era of balanced politics, where parties in question will have to consider not just local interest but also global interests while formulating their policies.

This, of course, is just a thought and probably too idealistic. There are obvious obstacles,language being one and logistics being another. I’m sure, however that there are many who will agree with my sentiment. Until then, I’ll have to show my support for the candidate of my choice through the might of words. But is Hillary listening ?

Yesterday’s IPL match should have been an interesting display of talent instead it proved to be a wash out with the Delhi Daredevils dominating throughout.I was backing the Deccan Chargers for two reasons,firstly,they belong to South India and secondly,they have some of my favorite players-Vaas,Gibbs and Gillchrist.But yet again,as if out to mock me,the team I supported lost.

Out to bat first was the beningn Laxman’s side.The top 4 batsmen failed to shine and it was upto Rohit sharma to take on the baton and show some strength.He propelled the Hyderabad team to a meagre 142 for the loss of 8 wickets.None of the other Chargers made an impact.

A brilliant unbeaten 94 by the skipper Sehwag helped the daredevils reach the required target with ease and with 9 wickets intact.A particularly entertaining and embarrassing over for the Chargers was Symond’s when every alternate ball is smashed for a 6 and 4 by Sehwag.The match was over by the 13th over and left ample time for the Deccan Chargers to ponder over their dismal show.

The recent matches have proven that 20/20 is a completely different ball game.Veteran sportsmen have been failing and the “black horses” have taken over the arena.How this will affect the talent pool of cricket,only time will tell.

Music forms an integral part of every Indian movie.The films are aptly termed “musicals.”I have always been in awe of composers.Thinking out of the box is commendable but thinking in melodies is a gift.Composers are musical visionaries.I engage in frequent, albeit endless discussions with my musically inclined family on who the legends of the current Hindi music scene are.Although we seem to agree on the shortlisted few, there is always much debate and disagreement on their rankings.I list my favorites in order of preference.

MUSIC COMPOSERS

1. A.R.Rahman : For me he is the undisputed king.He splashed onto the music scene with his debut hit ROJA and since then there has been no looking back for this maestro.His music transcends borders and genres-rock,pop,reggae,soft rock-all have been explored by Rahman.Every song of his has a distinct Rahman stamp that regular listeners will recognize with ease but will find difficult to put a finger on.Such is his genius.He recently composed the score for Elizabeth:The GOlden Age and also the theatre adaptation of the Lord of the RIngs Trilogy.My favorite Rahman compostion is and will always be the Bombay Theme Song*.Also,the Airtel tune is one of the best jingles I have heard.Rangeela, Taal, Dil Se,Lagaan,Guru*and most recently Jodha Akbar* are some of his masterpieces.



2. Shankar -Ehsaan -Loy: The trio was the mastermind behind the revolutionary Dil Chahta Hai album.They sparked off a new era of fusion. All songs from their debut album became instant hits and were to a large extent also responsible for the youth-appeal of the movie.They have since gone from strength to strength belting out melodious tunes like Kal Ho Na Ho* and Maa* and chart -topping numbers such as Move your Body and Aaj Ki Raat.Their USP lies in the varied musical background of the group-Shankar’s classical vocals,Ehsaan’s western rock influence and Loy’s mastery over the Electronic Synthesizer.



3. Vishal-Shekhar:This duo is here with a bang and is fast gaining great popularity amongst the Indian audience. They were made to collaborate as guest composers on their first film “Pyar Main Kabhi Kabhi*” and since then they have been working together.While Pyar Main.. was appreciated and well-received,it was Jhankaar Beats that brought them fame. Each song was a musical masterpiece and a true tribute to R.D.Burman. Tu Hain Aasmaan* is sure to list in the top song choices of many.They also brought the very first Hip-Hop song Right Here Right Now* to the Indian music scene, ably using the talents of Abhishek and Sunidhi.Each album aims to differentiate itself from the previous and it does so with great aplomb.Vishal and Shekhar represent the youth of India.They are the new Shankar Ehsaan Loy.Their latest offering Tashan boasts of tunes that have never been heard before and in doing so lives up to the title of the film-blazing down one’s path in style and with attitude.Both composers are exceptional singers and while Vishal has done a bit of playback and is the lead vocalist of his band Pentagram,Shekhar is more happy composing.I wish he would sing more though.His early Sa Re Ga Ma days are proof to his vocal talents.



4. Ismail Darbar:Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam made everyone fall in love with folk music.Devdas revived classical music.The compositions Bairi Piya* and Kahe Chedd Mohe* were as rich and oppulent as Madhuri’s outfit.Velvet dipped in honey and sprinkled with rose essence-thats the imagery of Darbar’s music in my mind.Although, the movies Kisna and Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya bombed at the box office,their music continues to have a lasting impact.

   

5. Himesh Reshamiyya:You can hat e him.You can love him.But you cant ignore him.This man has rocked the world of music.His sufi-esque tunes had everybody swinging their heads as if in a trance.While he may not be the best singer in the block,this man knows his music and more importantly understands audience demands.Almost every disco in the country has much to owe to “Aashiq Banaya” Reshamaiyya.Personally,his best composition so far has been Tere Naam.Lilting tunes were coupled with songs of pure passion and madness.”Heemes bhai,aap cha gaye ho” (Brother,Himesh,you have swept u s all).



6. Jatin-Lalit:The sibling duo are along with Rahman the most experienced of those mentioned in my list and are veterans.Their style is very bollywood-ish;simple,pure,romantic,soothing and refreshing but the melodies remain embedded in our minds.Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham,Raju Chacha,Aankhien,Chalte Chalte,and Sarfarosh are some of their famous contributions as music directors.Hum Tum was a departure from their usual style and was catered more to young audience but it worked wonders.Sad ly,the duo split in 2005.Fanaa was their last creation together and it was a classic.Chaand Sifar ish and Mere Hath Main were the most popular songs of 2006.I hope they patch up in the future and do the music world a great favour.

While that completes the list of my favorite composers it surely doesnot end my article on the music industry.Songs would be incomplete without the singers and I will explore this aspect in another post.Having said that,it would be unfair to ignore those who laid the foundation for the Hindi film industry.No article will be complete without the mention of musical greats such as RD Burman,SD Burman,OP Nayyar,Laxmikanth Pyarelal,Mohd Rafi,Kishore Kumar,Lata Mangaeshkar,Asha Bhosle and like.We are truly indebted to them.

*Some of these songs and those belonging to the composers mentioned above can be found in the BOX-NET widget in the sidebar.Listen and enjoy!

This is my amateur attempt at photography taken during my stay in London.It is a city of great inspiration and makes an artist out of everyone.I am keen to hear your view on these pictures.

Popcorn in hand, I was all set for what I personally considered the two best IPL teams on paper.And what a match! It was worth every minute of my usual telly that I had to miss. A far cry from the one-sided opening match,this one kept hearts pounding till the penultimate over.

Dhoni’s sunshine squad came out to bat having won the toss.After losing a few early wickets to the pace attack of Lee the SuperKings lived up to their name with the arrival of Michael Hussey.He faced 54 balls and hit a mammoth 114( 7 boundaries and 10 sixes).He was ably supported by Raina(31;13 balls,2×4s,3xs) and Badrinath(31 not out;14 balls 3×4s and 2×6s) who thus guided their team to a massive 240 for 5 at the end of 20 overs.Yuvraj’s bowlers did well except for S.Sreesanth who proved extremely costly.

It was now the host’s turn to take up the bat.James Hopes payed a quick innings of 71(33 balls,10×4s;3×6s) and SL wicketkeeper-batsman sangakarra made a brisk 54(33 balls,5×4s,2×6s) but with Hopes dismissal,Kings Xi lost all hope.HE was involved in two successive 50-plus partnerships but it wasnot enough.Murli,Ghoni,amarnath and Joginder were too good,all taking a wicket each.The Punjab side failed to dominate Chennai’s bowling attack and Chennai Super kings won by 33 runs!

As I was writing this Kolkata Knight Riders won a nail-biting match against Deccan Chargers much to my dismay and the fireworks have gone off in Mumbai marking the beginning of an exciting new match.Wohooo

I Love U ,IPL, I Love U.

I dont care what the purists say.For me sports is synonymous with excitement and joy and last night was just that-plain unadulterated entertainment. IPL is the new breed of cricket. An amalgamation of not so strange bedfellows-cricket and glamour.The past few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind romance for the two.Money was being thrown around like it was nobody’s business and much hype was created.Ads promoting team loyalities left the Indian public torn ,confused but still very much excited and curious.

Last night’s opening ceremony was surely the icing on the cake.Spectacular,magical and larger-than -life are just a few words to describe the atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy stadiumin Bangalore.A packed stadium waited with baited breath for the start of the ceremony.Suddenly,out of the pitch black, spring night,sprung trapeze artists,acrobats,stilted beauties,fairies in bubbles and the crowd erupted. Dazzling fireworks followed and the stands filled with Shankar-ehsan-loy’s melodious music.This was Cricket Rock!As the team captains were introduced the crowd grew wild with excitement and one man they called “the boss” tendulkar,prompted a deafening cheer that probably could be heard all the way in Chennai.I enjoyed it just as much watching it from home.Although the dancing girls didnt get my approval and made the event border on sleazy,IPL still gets my vote.

The cricket was unpredictable.The wall crumbled and so did his team much to my dismay and it was really a pathetic performance.However,not having developed much of a loyalty yet towards any team the crowd loved McCullum’s innings!McCullum crossed 50 in 32 balls, 100 in 53 and 150 in 70 balls.McCullum’s score is the highest in T20 cricket, beating the previous mark by 17 runs. The short-statured but strong-armed wicketkeeper from New Zealand hit 14 sixes and 10 fours.Each 6 took the crowd to a new high.Shahrukh’s songs belted out each time his team hit a 4 or a 6.It was pure fun.Not since an India-Pakistan match had the Indian public witnessed such levels of passion and frenzy.The brief score of yesterdays’ match is as follows:

Kolkata Knight Riders:222/3 in 20 overs

B.McCullum 158 n.o.;Ponting 20

Bangalore Royal Challengers :82 all out in 15.1 overs

P.Kumar 18 n.o.;A.Dinda 2 for 9;A.Agarkar 3 for 25

Kolkata Knight Riders won by 140 runs.

This game is ruthless.It can bring down the mighty and create stars out of unknowns;and this is its major selling point!Oh well,Im off. Yuvraj’s Kings XI Punjab will face Dhoni’s Chennai SuperKings in a few and I need to get my popcorn ready.The update of that match will be up here pretty soon.

The controversy surrounding the Olympics has left me sighing everytime its brought up.Thankfully,the Indian leg of the Olympic torch- run went peacefully.The 2.3km route was completed in 35 minutes while almost whole of Delhi came to a standstill.A record number of security officials,twice the number of those found on Republic Day,guarded the area .This preparation seems to have irked a few sportsmen who decided to opt out, citing stifling conditions.

So was it wrong to have such a high degree of protection? In my opinion, Id rather compromise on a bit of freedom than have a Paris or a London.Even those fortunate enough to carry the flame proclaimed that the moment the torch found its way into their hands the security in place just faded into insignificance-keeping the flame alive was all they could think of.

The Indian Government needs to be applauded for carrying out a smooth affair.It was an ideal balance-while protection was in place to let the flame pass on in true spirit without the interference of unwanted elements,those who felt strongly about the china invasion were allowed to carry out their own alternative procession to voice there opinion. Sportsmanship spirit was upheld.The highlight of the day would have to be Peas and Bhupathi lighting the cauldron together leaving aside their personal differences and placing sports above all.

But has the Olympic spirit been scarred?Does it deserve to be boycotted?I am keen to know how you feel.Please use the link below to my poll and let your opinion be known(Its anonymous)

Should Olympics be boycotted?
( surveys)

This is the promotional ad for the Indian Premiere League starting on April 18th. Eight teams will face each for a season of adrenalin inducing 20-20 cricket matches.The hindi lyrics are given below but I have translated it to English for the benefit of others.

Aankhen uunchi kar dekh sikhar
Hathiyar utha tu dikha hunar
Raise your eyes onto the peak,
Lift your weapon and prove your worth.

Mutthi mein  teri hai taqat
Dushman ki ayee hai aafat
In your fist lies great strength,
Doom now impends on your enemy.

Tu laga dao, tu laga pench
Tu dekha jigar,tu dikha tez
Place a bet (x3),place a wager.
Show your love and glow in its radiance .

Lakhon dhadkan ki jaan hai tu
Lakhon ke dil ki shan hai tu
The life of a million heart -beats,
You are the pride of a million hearts.

Tu laga zor, tu macha sor
Ek mahaveer santan hai tu
Show your force and make some noise,
For you are a warrior’s child.

Na deshyudh, na dharmayudh
Yeh hai dharti par karmayudh
This isn’t a war of nations,
Nor a war of faith.
This the war of duty on earth

The Indian SC today announced that it upholds the 27% OBC quota in higher educational institutions including the premier IITs and IIMs.This brings the total number of reservations in educational institutes to a whopping 49.5%.

In my mind, reservation reads injustice and inequality.All competiton ,including entrance tests should be fair and the final outcome based purely on merit.Once the final few are selected,if the individual is found to be constrained, financially, in accepting the course because of his background then it permits government intervention in the form of scholarships.No seats must be handed based purely on the basis of caste,creed,religion or gender.It goes against the principles of an egalitarian society as mentioned in the constitution.Moreover, the policy is unfair to those economically constrained individuals who do not belong to the “Other backward Classes”.

The ray of hope in the Supreme Court announcement is the decision to leave the “creamy layer” out of the reservation.This is a step in the right direction for it highlights the intention to ensure that the beneficiaries are the economically backward.But there is ambiguity surrounding the definition of “Creamy layer” and the proposal of leaving out the children of MPs and MLAs from this reservation policy has not yet been accepted. .India has a long way to go if it expects to rid itself of the casteist name -tag

The OBC and SC/ST reservation policy has always been considered as an attempt to uplift the unfortunate by giving them equal opportunities.Leaving aside the fact that this policy has been grossly misused by the well-off and has been distorted into supporting individuals based purely on their caste; reservation is simply not the way.Independent India is 61 years old but we still have backward classes.This signals deeper problems.Lack of sufficient primary education and vocational centres have restricted equal growth .While reservation was a noble and just policy move for an infant India that was rampant with casteism ,its continued use has turned it into a crutch.”Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.”