2011 has been one of the most cruel of years. It took from us some of the most legendary figures of Indian cinema. I woke up today to the most shocking news of legendary actor, Dev Anand saab’s passing away. He was 88.

What more can I say about a man who is beyond adjectives and description? He was the first lover boy of Indian cinema, serenading beauties in bright Black n White. And when Eastmancolor entered the cinema frames, so did his ultra colourful hats, jackets and scarves. From the Shwet Shyam era of Madhubala, Waheeda Rehman, Nutan to the bright hues of Vyjanthimala, Tanuja, Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman, Dev saab’s onscreen chemistry with all his leading ladies has been what cinematic legends are made of.

It gives me immense heartache to think of a world with no Dev Anand. He personified high spiritedness and positivity. Thank you Dev Saab for your gifts of Bambai Ka Babu, Jab Pyar Kissise Hota Hai,  CID, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Johnny Mera Naam, Guide, Jewel Thief, Hare Rama Hare Krishna.. the list is indeed endless. Thank you Sir for Navketan Films. You will always be loved, and missed much more.

Rest in Peace, Mr.Evergreen!

This is a repost of a post I did a long time back. I completely forgot to post it on the right day, i.e. June the 27th, the birthday of one of the greatest composers of India – Rahul Dev Burman.

Happy Birthday BOSS. Janamdin Mubaarak ho Panchamda!

Each and every word or phrase written in his praise falls short..because he is THE PAPA of all Music Directors on the face of the Indian Music Industry…because he is the reason why today’s “music directors” wanted to be it,.. because the entire Remix industry exists because of his yesteryear’s hits..because it is for his albums that DJs and retro nights exist..because he can make Asha Bhonsle sound the best – whether it is a ghazal, hindustani classical song, cabaret, or simply bollywood. Because he is Pancham, RDX, Rahul Dev Burman..because he is THE BOSS.

To the Baap of Bollywood Music..this is my heartfelt “paay-laagu” or “pairi-pona” of sorts. Because I am so small to talk of his genius. But that is not going to make me stop writing this blog about him. Because I have grown up on his music, totally breathed it, have literally lived on it till today, and I am sure will, till I die. This is not a chronicling of the body of work of Panchamda, but is more of a celebration of his melodies which have left an indelible impression on our minds, bodies and soul.

Rahul Dev Burman was born on 27 June 1939. Story goes that when veteran Ashok Kumar saw Sachin Dev Burman’s newborn uttering the syllable ‘Pa’ repeatedly, he nicknamed him Pancham. And the name stuck. To many, he’s still Pancham Da.To me he is Boss (yeah U can say Jhankaar Beats influences.) To him, music came easy and early. He learnt to play the Sarod from the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan at very young age, one of his many instruments in which he mastered. At 9 years, came his first composition, ‘Aye Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa..’, which was later used for the film Funtoosh and the very next year, his father borrowed the tune of  ’Sar Jo Tera Chakraye..’ for the Guru Dutt film Pyaasa. The first film for which R.D.Burman scored music for was Mehmoood’s “Chote Nawab” in 1961 and the first song in the film was to be recorded was by Lata Mangeshkar. The film marked the recollaboration between S. D. Burman and Lata Mangeshkar who had stopped recording together six years ago.

R.D. Burman had scored music for many a films, including “Bhoot Bangla” in whch he co-starred with Mehmood.The film also featured the song “Aao twist karein” which reflected the Elvis revolution that was taking the world by storm then.

But, the title of R.D. Burman’s first ‘Hit’  score would definitely go to “Teesri Manzil”(1966), featuring the evergreen , repeatedly remixed hits “O Haseena Zulfowali”, “O mere Sona re”, and unforgettable intoxicating “Aaja Aaja..main hu pyaar tera “. Vijay Anand can be credited with bringing about R D Burman’s first big break. He arranged a music session for the youngster before Nasir Hussain commenced the production of Tesri Manzil. Shammi Kapoor, who heard RD’s tunes, is said to have screamed ‘Yahoo’ in sheer appreciation while Nasir Hussain signed R.D. Burman for six of his forthcoming films. After Teesri Manzil, it wasn’t looking back anymore. Followed hits like Padosan, Kati Patang, Pyar ka Mausam, Amar Prem , Caravan, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Parichay, Jawaani Deewani, Namak Haraam, Yaadon Ki Baarat, Aandhi..the list is endless and the music ..Immortal.

R D Burman’s constant efforts to break musical stereotypes and explore new possibilities came through in the music that he made. Be it the poignant tunes of Kati Patang, the love songs of Pyar Ka Mausam, the fun and naughty numbers from Padosan or the soulful melodies of Amar Prem, Pancham had done them all. While making music was his profession, singing always remained R D’s passion. He sang occasionally and when he did, it never went unnoticed. Though he did as much justice to serious tunes as he did to the light numbers that he sang, the groovier tunes always gained more popularity. Though Asha Bhosle is remembered for the legendary cabaret ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja..’, the wild cry of  ’Monica O My Darling‘ belongs to R D Burman. He also sang the sizzling ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba..‘ for Sholay picturised on Helen and Jalal Agha. He however, did not record too many duets with Asha Bhosle who was by then the love interest of his life too. The high-pitched, outlandish ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko Dhoka Kabhi Ho Jaata Hai..‘, is one of their best remembered duets. No one can doubt the vibe that oozed out with his musical ventures Asha and Kishore.

And yes, who doesn’t remember the experiments that he did with his compositions,..be it the clinging of glasses in “Churaliya hai tumne jo dil ko ” (Yaadon Ki Baarat), or the only-bass rythmn in “Tere Bina jeeyajaaye naa” (Ghar) .Take his classical based compositions, Piya Bawari(Khubsoorat), Beeti Na Beetaiyee (Parichay) and we find ourselves immersed in his music and feel so amazed whether it is the same man who brought us the Qawwalis of Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi,or the truly Bollywood isshtyle Romantic numbers of Love Story.

Towards the mid-80s though, Panchamda was going through a rough phase as his films were bombing at the Box-Office. Bappi Lahiri and the Disco age had overtaken him and R.D’s producers just disappeared. It was very unfortunate for us that during the nineties, when Indian Music was going throught the stupid Pop-Disco Wave and MTV had just entered our lives, R.D.Burman had not many compositions then.He was last heard in Ijaazat (1987), after huge hits like Saagar, Betaab and Masoom in the 1980′s. And Parinda in 1989 also provided the everlasting hit..Tumse Milke.

Fortunately for us, Vidhu Vinod Chopra approached Panchamda for his ambitious 1942-A Love Story. And rest as they say, is history.The music today is considered as his “Swan Song”, as Panchamda left for his heavenly abode on Jan 4, 1994. He posthumously recieved the Filmfare award for the film’s music.

From his expertise in Hindustani Classical and Indian Ragas to a keen interest and influence, at times,  of American Jazz and Rock n’ Roll, Panchamda’s musical interests stretched from ‘ear’ to eternity. It was R.D. Burman who really brought the groove into Hindi Film Music, ushering in the era of electronic rock and providing Hindi film music with a whole new ‘happening’ sound. His hip and energetic youthful compositions proved extremely popular from the late 1960s till the early to mid-1980s providing much of the music that defines today’s Bollywood. And his music refuses to die.

Stand up and Salute to the Master, the Baap, the Boss…Rahul Dev Burman!!

There is just something about beautiful movies that makes them so effortlessly loveable. ‘Antaheen’ is one such movie. And even though it does try to ruin it with some really jittery additions to the narrative, I have failed, quite miserably, in my attempt to not like it. I am in love with this movie and after having watched it twice , I am very sure that it is indeed one of the finest that Bengali cinema has produced in the last couple of years.

There is no single storyline which carries you forward. But writer Shyamal Sengupta’s narrative shuffles between characters and it is their individual slices of life that build the streamlines which finally coalesce to the larger story arc. And Director Anirudhha Roy Chowdhury aces in that. It is a collage of love stories, one which speaks of love in different forms and in varying degrees. So there is Love in the first drops of rain which drench the Kolkata horizon; there is love in the heavy shower which splashes the glass panes; there is love in a random sight such as a kite stuck to a roof antennae. And there is love in the endless wait for a stranger’s call. While ‘Antaheen’ can be accused of high emotional and hopeless romantic exaggeration, it also portrays real life moments with equal ease. Moments of loneliness and mid-life crisis, and moments of unhappiness in marriages.

Speaking of the performances, there is no single stand-out performance which makes you feel completely in awe. Yet, the cast as an ensemble is brilliant. Rahul Bose as Abhik, the hopeless romantic is very credible.

Radhika Apte as Brinda is a breathe of fresh air [ seriously, she is]. Maybe, it’s because of her resemblance to Piggy Chops don’t you think?

Everyone who watches this movie will be left complaining about the under-utilization of Sharmila Tagore.  The most annoying of the lot has to be Shauvik as the corporate honcho – Mr.Mehra. What was that fake accent all about? He is the most artifical of the lot especially with those Scotch sips that he tried hard to fake as if he was enjoying it.

But having said that, what works best here is the duo of real life couple – Aparna Sen and Kalyan Ray as – Paro and Ranjan. Their mid-life crisis, and yet unspoken love is a treat to watch. I believe this is what the Dharmendra and Nafisa Ali jodi actually set out to achieve [ Life in a Metro] but fell short on many accounts.

Don’t think that Antaheen is without its share of flaws. A modern day cop who is very much at ease with tackling arms dealer as much as giving press con appearances is an introvert who’d rather retreat to Virtual chat-rooms talking to his  ”Raat Jaaga Taara”. Okay, very possible. How about the cop who sprouts Jim Morrison while going on a raid? Umm, far fetched, but still Bongs can be quite modern. Err, how about some random product placements – Reliance Money, Reliance Broadband, Star Ananda, Nihar Oil? Oh please, take them out of my face!! You are just ruining a pretty painting and instead sticking company logos on them. Also, the movie’s intro scene when Abhik captures the arms dealer, is supposed to be a proper patrol and not a Reality TV footage caught on candid camera. Agreed? So how the fuck did the News Channel manage to get that footage? I guess just one of those cinematic freedom of creativity.

And any review of Antaheen is incomplete without mentioning the haunting melodies of the soundtrack – all credits to the awesome Shantanu Moitra and the very melodious Shreya Ghoshal. I have been going gaga on twitter about how much I have been playing Jao Pakhi. The rest of the soundtrack is brilliant as well. My other favourites are – Pherari Mon,  Shokal Ashe Na and Muthor Rumaal.

So, in a way, that has been my pitch for Antaheen and you NEED to sit down and watch this. Everything about Antaheen is so very “Korean cinema”. The ambience, the lights, the laid back  dialogues, the silent scenes and the high emotional quotient. Not to forget the impeccable cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay [No wonder they named the main protagonist after him]. And yet, when Radhika Apte, Kalyan Ray, Aparna Sen and Rahul Bose appear on the screen and speak in Bengali, it does not feel out of place. Instead, it feels Bangla cinema has always been intended to be this way – modern, contemporary, lively and brilliant. Director Anirudhha Chowdhury’s second movie – Antaheen is a labour of love blended with pleasant colours and extreme romanticism that can make even the most cynical heart melt like wax. To say the least, it truly deserved the National Award.

So, I went to Bluewater on Saturday. I have been there just once before, and the first time was more of a brief visit than anything else. Personally, I don’t like long whole day shopping sessions. I just get tired easily. But I had no idea of what awesomeness was in store for me. I have been writing way too much in my previous posts. So, this one is going to be just about pictures, pictures and more pictures [ accompanied by tiny, little comments]. The pictures have been taken by my very humble Samsung J200′s 1.3 MP camera. So don’t expect much of a quality. But to have captured all the goodness just made my day.

Here’s batch 1: WH Smith’s book collection of Biographies.

Look Ma! Ant n Dec have got a Book now. And there’s Peter Kay..Yayy!! And Jeremy Clarkson.

After the Jump:- Lotsa Lego!!! Lotsa Star Wars and Doctor Who awesomeness!!!

Lots more biographies. Captain Jack – John Barrowman, Jack Dee, Loose Women, and even Stavros Flatley. Why does Britain love reading so many biographies? Or is it just me standing in the biography section?

And then, there’s the Guy – Mr Harry Hill

And of course, the legendary cook – Late Keith Floyd. And next to him, the guy who always loses in QI. And seriously, there’s already a book on Robert Pattinson.

Okay, enough of books. Let’s go to – Lego!! Batch 2: Lego Shop.

Welcome to Lego!!

Still in awe!!!

Embracing the awesomeness. George Lucas is fraking God! That’s a bloody Death Star.

Shhhhhh!!!!! That’s an anniversary edition. Okay, enough of packets..time for some real ones.

Star Wars awesomeness overdose!!!

And yet some more!!

Lotsa Lego!!!

Lego Chess!!

Lego-Trons and Lego-Bug.

Phew. Next..!! Showcase Cinemas showing a Saw marathon. Seriously?

NEXT!!!!

A store called MenKind. It was very cool. Have a look at the action figures.

Alien, Predator and I think the Alien from Species. Or is it masked and unmasked versions?
And then, snazzy bike and a fighter jet.

Regan on her infamous bed, and Bruce Wayne in his famous vigilante avatar – ya know Batman.

Now that’s a hard one to bring together. The Joker, Eddy from Iron Maiden and the Governor of California.

Terminator vs. Tony Montana.

This one will be actually lovely to see on the screen. Shaun vs. Chucky & Saw

Finally – A collection of awesome miniature models of….

So that’s :
1st row: Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses, Rocky Balboa and Mr.T

2nd row: Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley

3rd Row: Che Guevara, Vincent & Jules from Pulp Fiction.

That’s extremely cute and definitely a collectable. But at 80 quid, that’s repulsively expensive.

Ok, people!!! We close down today’s show with some Doctor Who awesomeness.

No.1: The Official Anual 2010

No.2: The Official Model: With Companion and Tardis

And finally, a Chilli Sauce called Pain 100%. ROFL

Thanks for joining me in this ride of geekiness. Hope you liked it. Throw away some graceful comments below. Cheerio!!

First things First!Happy Birthday Mr.Bachchan. Janamdin ki Haardik Shubhkaamnaye!!

Secondly, this post has no religious inclination whatsoever, and I am not comparing Mr.Bachchan to any religious figure period. So, please don’t send me any hate mails or threats to take this down. This is just one of those fandom posts which have been churned out, out of immense pyaar and bhakti of the onscreen personification of innumerable and yet memorable avatars of Mr. Bachchan [ I'll from here on refer to him as Mr.B]. So what is this post all about? This is about the ten maha-charitra-fication of Mr.B in his long film career in Indian cinema. It is not about the charitra [ the character] in the sense that I will not be focussing on the characterisation i.e. the behavioural and interactive side of the avatars. [ That'll be covered in the 2nd part of this series, so keep watching this space]. This post has got to do more with the outward appearance and somewhat “larger than life” image that Mr.B has brought to celluloid. It’d be unfair to praise Mr.B’s avatars without mentioning the various film-makers, make-up artists and simply put ideators who  originally pre-conceived these images, before they were made into screen legends. I think we are clear with the concept of this post so far, so let’s countdown. [ Disclaimer: This has got more to do with my tastes than anything else ]

#10: Subhash Nagre-Sarkar

RGV’s Sarkar and Sarkar Raj has given us one of the most memorable onscreen image of Mr.B. There is no second thoughts about how much larger than life this character is. The grey hair, the black kurta, the black lungi with the golden border, the red tilak and the rudraksh mala. Add to that the seriousness in the face, and we have a screen scorcher.

#9: Sikandar – Mukaddar ka Sikandar / Baadshah Khan – Khuda Gawah

The number 9 spot is tied with these two characters set more than 10 years apart. Sikandar from MKS is here just because of the uber-cool jacket-wearing and bike-riding macho-image that he exudes. No one was cooler than Sikander who can lip-sync  to Kishore da on “Rote Hue..Aate Hai Sab”, and add to that ‘Ghane Mulayam Kaale Baal’ fluttering to the Mumbai wind[ which had lesser CO then].

Khuda Gawah’s Badshah Khan is a Kabuli Pathan. He plays Buzkashi and eye-liners with turbans and extremely detailed pathanis. He romances onscreen diva Sridevi in an extreme bejeweled avatar. And yes, beards never looked so perfect on Mr.B. Need any more reasons?

#8: Ali -Ajooba

For details on why this is at no.8, see image above.

Leather suit: check
Eye-blinding mask-disguise: check
Shadowfax lookalike White-horse : check
Mr B with all of the above: check

#7. Vijay – Don

More than the uber-cool and daring Don persona portrayed by Mr.B in this movie, I was drawn towards the rustic, paan-chewing and extremely desi Vijay. Vijay’s entry is not advisable in today’s Mumbai as he spits on the streets. And then again, the song was “Eee hai Bambaai Nagariya ..Tu Dekh Babua”. I wonder what Bhope Bhau [ from Kaminey] would like to say about it. But nevertheless, the Kaajal, the Red Shirt, the Paan-Red Honth and the white tilak work. And this is just one of the two double roles of Mr.B featured on this list.

#6. Ravi Anand/Babu – Satte Pe Satta

The second double role feature of Mr.B on this list. One of them – Ravi Anand wears leather boots in true western style, gives a shit about personal hygiene until he meets his lady love, and controls his six brothers with a whistle. One of the best team chants of all time – Chain Khuli ki Main Khuli ki Chain – was originated with this movie. In a word, a complete bloke.

The other – Babu has an awesome criminal record, the looks which match Ravi Anand, and yes, the eyeliners and contacts to give Sridevi’s Nagina a run for her money. Seriously, one of the best make-up transformation that we’ve seen been done on Mr.B

#5. VijayVerma – Deewaar

There is just one scene in which the angry young man persona of Mr.B leaps out of the screen. Of course, it started with Mr.B’s Insp.Vijay Khanna pulling away the chair from Sher Khan in Zanjeer. But the peak of the angry man is in the warehouse scene. Blue Shirt with white stitches, Beedi smoke, White rope on the shoulder, and a 786 Billa on the left arm. Dark stubble and a cocky look saying

“Peter, Tum Log Mujhe dhundh rahe ho,..aur main tumhara yaha intezaar kar raha tha”.

What follows next is shown here.

#4. Arjun Singh – Namak Halaal

The Golden Sherwani and the Pink Pagdhi with the strongest starch that Bollywood has ever seen. Add to that Bappi da’s Pag Ghungroo Bandh, and Mr.B explains the importance of Pani-Sa …Ma-Pani. We’ll not go into the Arjun Singh vald Bheem Singh vald Dasarath Singh dialogues because that’ll span across volumes. Let’s just keep it to Pag Ghungroo avatar. Arjun Singh can dance with disco divas and yet point out ..

“Aapka to Lagta Hai Bas Yahee Sapna, Ram Nam Japna, Paraya Maal Apna”.

Have I got anything left to say? And oh yes, Arjun Singh is absolutely daring enough to express his love for Poonam [Smita Patil] – remember : Dil Cheer ke Dikhladu Main…Dil Mein Yahee Surat Haseen. ROFL. So he’s a fashion guru, a dance diva who can do Robot, explain Raagas and also express love lyrically. Phew! No.4 I say.

#3. Anthony Gonzalves – Amar Akbar Anthony

Utterly mad. That’s how I’ll describe Anthony Gonzalves. His different disguises in this single movie are just beyond my power of comprehension. The church father with the goatee in the climax, or the drunk Anthony ranting in front of the mirror [ one of those legendary moments which broke the rewind button on my remote]. But the one that absolutely stands out is the giant-Easter-egg entry of Anthony Gonzalves announcing his arrival in the song – My Name is Anthony Gonzalves. Trivia: Anthony Gonzalves was the music teacher of the music director duo – Laxmikant Pyarelal. Dressed in a black suit and bell-bottom trousers, he had Kholi No.420 written on his bottom, a monocle with a Golden chain and an umbrella to complement. Hmm….reminds me of the Penguin. He educates us by telling us that..

” You know the whole country of the system is juxtapositioned by the hemoglobin in the atmosphere because you are a sophisticated rhetorician intoxicated by the exuberance of your own verbosity.”

Hang on, does he deserve to be here on no.3? Read on.

#2. Kishan Kumar – Yaarana

A story of a Popstar in the making – in the year 1981. Certainly, a movie way ahead of its time. And the costumes agree. I remember my friends wrapping themselves up in Diwali lights not knowing how to keep them intermittently glowing. The song “Sara Zamana” shot in Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, was a huge rage then, and is still now. Of course, I was born two years after Yaarana was released, but Chitrahaar spread the awesomeness that “Sara Zamana” had. Do you think we could have got a better no.2?

#1. Vijay Kumar Srivastav – Shahenshah

The title that became associated with Mr.B in the later years. He is truly the Shahenshah (emperor) of Bollywood. But coming back to the list, and why Shahenshah features at no.1 of this list. If you don’t know by now, watch this scene from the movie here. [ Time stamp: 1:30 onwards]. The hair, the costume, the grin and the ambience that surrounds him is larger than any form of life. The sound disturbance in between his dialogues as he speaks:

” Risthe main to hum tumhare Baap hote hai…[sound disturbance]..Naam hai..Shahenshah”

..is (for the absence of any other word) immortal. It has been spoofed over and over again and you know what, it really doesn’t matter. The original scene of him stepping out of the darkness, as his face is revealed is one of the biggest screen scorchers of all time. And so, Shahenshah is the no.1 on this list.

There you go. I have toiled a lot and brainstormed a lot as well on this list to churn out the best 10 avatars of Mr.B’s films. Thanks to Beth for the screencaps from Ajooba, Yaarana and Satte Pe Satta.

What did you think about this list? Was it good, bad, ugly or utterly wrong? Lemme know your thoughts and also, shout aloud in the comments of who else could have been included or excluded from this list. And yes, share the love by sharing this post via facebook, twitter, digg etc. Cheers people and Part 2 will be up soon. And again, to conclude -

Happy Birthday Mr. Amitabh Bachchan

My coursework on Management Resources and Operations, was to do a case study on a Major Project and reflect upon it from a Project Management perspective. The questions were released in early April (actually 1st of April) and I had the entire Easter holidays to do it. But as usual, I lazed around, and then some more. Quite predictably like my classmates, I was skimming through different websites and journals looking for case-studies and research papers on “Major Projects”. And being an Indian, the typical ones that caught (read blinded )my attention were Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore/Chennai Metro rail Project and Bandra-Worli Sealink project. I started reading journals and every piece of information that I could lay my hands on (only after having recovered from the hangover of the Easter holidays i.e.), but quite unsurprisingly, I could not get through the first question itself, which was to write about the project’s scope definition, its importance in terms of the business context, and its Work Breakdown Structure. There were 5 other questions, all with equal weight, and a maximum word limit of 3000. For me the problem was, I could not get through the 100 word mark.

And when I was just one week before the deadline, on the 15th of April, while watching numerous YouTube videos on the Bandra-Worli Sealink project, and still scratching my head over the possible stakeholders of that project, my enqueued playlist on Winamp started playing Ghanan Ghanan. (Oi, don’t accuse me to be so dramatic about it; I am just stating the facts) And then, right in front of my eyes, I could see my life flashback. I had seen Lagaan on 15th Jun 2001, Friday Matinee, in a theatre called Devdoot in Silchar. I saw the packed theatre get converted into a cricket stadium. By now, I had seen Lagaan so much that I knew the script backwards. I had seen Satyajit Bhatkal’s making documentary “Chale Chalo” and loved it for bringing out the “lunacy of film-making”. And I could see through all my questions getting answered, pretty much like it was all common-sense. The stakeholders, risk analysis, causal mapping of risks, project management processes, and project network; all came easily and naturally. With the occasional reference to PMBOK and Harvey Maylor’s “Project Management”, I was ready to roll.

***After the Jump, The Case Study Paper***

But well, lazyness got the better of me. Although I knew I was already behind schedule, but unlike Lagaan, my reason was pretty much my own laziness. Lagaan was getting in the way of my lying around time. But I did manage to get the creative portions done quickly enough. This was the diagram representations of Work Breakdown Structure, Project Network, Critical Path, Gantt Chart, Risk Causal Mapping and the PM Processes. Once they were done, it was much of a downhill ride for me. The only issue although, was to contain the entire essay within 3000 words, and most importantly, not sound over-enthusiastic of my love of Lagaan. (I wish I could include more and more screenshots) This had to sound like a technical paper, but I knew, Prof.Terry Williams would surely notice that Sujoy Singha loves Lagaan. And yes, to answer (which is not included in the report) the question (which is in the coursework question paper) what made the project to be initiated and what was its business context, I can only answer that Lagaan needed to be made. To quench the thirst of Bollywood lovers like me craving to see a cinematic magnum opus unveil its hues on the big screen and make my eyes gleam. Lagaan needed to be made to make me lift my hands in triumph every time Kachra took a wicket. Lagaan needed to be made because it is a common emotion that I  still share with the hundreds of friends that I have; and we do it by saying “Re Bhaiya Chhute Lagaan”. Lagaan needed to be made because a silly sod like me could understand the principles of Project Management through it. It was DESTINY.

**And before you start guessing my age and gender, lemme clarify that I am just a 26 year old guy, asking to be hugged, coz he still loves Lagaan. ** No, delete that line. Ok, don’t. Anyway, the case study is up for display below. It can be downloaded, and please send in your thoughts, comments, complaints, suggestions, hate-mails, love-mails and even flowers to my inbox:
Cheers!!!! Sujoy

To Download the paper, click the Link Below.
Lagaan: A Project Management Case Study

NOTE: I do notice that there is a bit of a problem in the formatting, but it is due to uploading on Scribd. The original document has sensible formatting by my standards. So Scribd, up yours! No, I take that back, as they are hosting my document for free and distributing it for download as well. Thank you Scribd for being my vehicle for worldwide acclaim/doom.And well, although I do consider this as my labour of love and no matter how much I love Lagaan, I cannot emphasize enough that I was still quite lazy. Perhaps, I am already, the modern day Project Manager.

Well, can you squeeze in a whole jukebox to a single CD? Forget compression technologies. I am talking about A.R.Rahman, arguably one of India’s greatest music composers. From Carnatic to Qawwali, Blues to Bhangra and from Bollywood to Broadway, Rahman has conquered all. From his first album Roja, which was released in the year 1992, to the latest Hindi Album released:- Ada, Mr.Rahman has indeed scaled new heights, invented and reinvented new sounds, broken borders of genres, and made a brand for himself.He has to his credit,the most recognisable ringtone of India (the Airtel ringtone) and above all, he features in the list of TIME magazine’s most influential Asians (alongside Freddie Mercury). Mr.Rahman deservingly stands at a position where many musical stalwarths envy to reach. And with every new composition, every new note, we get to experience a nano-portion of the musical genius, Rahman .And it has indeed taken me sleepless nights and intense brainstorming and repeated playing on my Winamp to compile this list of the Top 10 songs from A.R.Rahman’s ever expanding, self-challenging discography. It has been a strenuous and mind-numbing process and I know at the end of it, I have succeeded to narrow down to the Top 10. In many ways, some will totally agree with me on these 10. And some will totally disagree.
The rules are simple-
1.Only one song from one album [with one exception, I make the rules, I break them ].
2.Only Hindi soundtracks [I couldn't possibly go for the other languages in which Rahman composes. Although I would specially like to mention the Boys soundtrack which is in Tamil]
3.From Roja to Ada [I don't have a sneek peek into the future]
4.No remixes, no Bombay Dreams
Please let me know what did you think of this list. Do post your comments of your own favorites or your own additions at specific positions. Of course, you need not agree with me completely, but well, we Indians have never managed to reach a 100% consent ever. Anyway,so here we go.

10. Saathiya -Saathiya
Forget Rani Mukherjee. Don’t even mention Vivek who. Okay, we can applaud Shaad Ali’s compelling cinematography with the snow caped hills, the yellow fields, the glimmering sun and the gurgling water. But the real magic with this song is when you close your eyes, and in the ethereal sound of Sonu Nigam and lively lyrics of Gulzar, the words roll out-
Hastee Rahe Tu Hastee Rahe, Hayya Ki Laali Khilti Rahe
Zulf Ke Neeche Gardan Pe, Subah Shaam Khilti Rahe

and as the chorus builds in to-
Saathiya,mm…hmm..Saathiya , mm..hmm…Madhyam Madhyam Teri Geeli Hasee
Saathiya,mm…hmm..Saathiya , mm..hmm…Sunke Humne Saare Peeli Hasee
‘Nuff Said

9.Mukkala Muqabla-Humse Hai Muqabla (Kadalan)
I remember the playback singers of this one-Mano and Swarnalatha. Many would debate wtf? This on a favorites list. YESSSS. This spawned a whole new generation of Muqabla wannabes. One each featuring Sunil Shetty -Raghuveer (Muqabla Muqabla) and Akshay Kumar (Sabse Bada Khiladi)-Mooh Kaala Muqabla. This was on the charts for the whole year, was on Chitrahaar, Rangoli and even on the Friday night Chitrahaar. Doordarshan couldn’t contain the greatness and the fan following of this song. It bursted out on the streets, on Pujo Pandals, and on Bijoya Doshomi, Speakers were exploded . No one cared what PK Mishra’s real message was when he wrote-Jurassic Park Main Sundar si Gori, Jazz Music Gaye Milke, Picasso bhi Painting mera peecha pakadke ,Texas Main Naache Milke
But who cares as long as the music gets you high. Fatboy Slim makes millions with just three words-Push The Tempo. At least this one has a full feldged chorus and verse. Add to that Mr.Elastic Prabhu Deva defying every law of physics with Nagma ( those were the days when she didn’t care about gravity, as in she wasn’t that much heavy, as in she wasn’t obese then, you get it).We have our no.9

8.Dil Se -Dil Se
I call this Rahman’s Rock. No compromises, no adulteration. After the initial bass lines..the low scaled intro swoops in, and for the chorus lines of Dil Se Re at the sky-piercing high pitch, Rahman does what he does best. And then we have the infectious sargam of Sa Sa Nee Nee . The verse lines hit you like an arrow -
…
Wo Patte Dil Dil Dil The

Wo Dil The Dil The Dil Dil The….Dil Hai to Fir Dard Hoga
Dard Hai To Dil Bhi Hoga
Mausam Guzarte Hi Rehte Hai
Dil Hai to Fir Dard Hoga
Dard Hai To Dil Bhi Hoga
Mausam Guzarte Hi Rehte Hai
Dil Se Dil Se Dil Se Dil Se,..

Bravo Gulzar Saab!! and everyone bow down to the magic of Rahman’s music. For me, I am headbanging to “Wo Dil The Dil The Dil Dil The”.

7. Kismat Se Tum-Pukaar
The high point of Anuradha Paudwal’s career. Why? Coz thank God, she finally decides to walk out of the T-Series Bhajan umbrella and dares to sing this. And when you have Sonu Nigam to give you company, and A.R.Rahman scoring the music, it has to mean MUSIC with a capital M. As one of my friend (Vatsal) states, this track makes him feel as if Sonu Nigam pasted a picture of Mohd.Rafi on the wall of the recording Studio and sang his heart out. If you haven’t heard the whole track, you OUGHT to. Need I mention, that the verse (Antara) pierces you (twice). I make it a point to listen to this track every 15 days.Another great thing that this track screams out is that Mr.Rahman knows which track is perfect for which singer. In a way, he acts as he is the casting director for his scores. And this track does wonders for both the singers.

6.Ye Haseen Vadiya – Roja
S.P.Balasubramaniam and Chitra; A.R.Rahman’s ambient arrangement creates Kashmir in your ears. This is nothing less than the Phantom of the Opera or any Mozart or Bach. Fin.

5.Kya Kare – Rangeela
Rangeela is my all time favorite Rahman soundtrack, not only for the tracks, but also for the background score. The musical piece where Urmila’s character Mili dances in front of Jackie Shroff, the weirdest soundtrack-Mangta Hai Kya, and of course the Ooh Moment announcing the arrival of Urmila in Rangeela Re (and perhaps the transition of Baby Urmila to Urmila Baby in Hai Raama). But all of that gets pretty mixed in the visuals (except for the musical which is a defining musical piece when one mentions A.R.Rahman). Kya Kare stands out as a dark horse in the entire soundtrack. The intro cello riff grips you completely and when the strings of the violins hit with the vicks tazgee waali aawaaz ( mint fresh voice) of Udit Narayan, you feel the dilemma of Munna in the words of Mehboob
Roz Roz Hum, Sochta Yahee , Aaj Agar Humko Wo Mil Jaaye Kahi
To Aisa Bolega, Saala Waisa Bolega, Khullam Khulla Uspe Dil Ka Raaz Hum Kholega
Saamne wo Aati Hai, Jaan hi Atakti, Aur Ye Zabaan Jaati Hai Phisall

Haaa. to Kya Kare Kya Na Kare, Ye Kaisi Mushkil Haaye
Koi To Bata De Iska Hal O Mere Bhai,..
The rhythm is so damn infectious and the laid back vocals of Udit Narayana towards the conclusion of the track is brilliant.

4.O Re Chhori -Lagaan
Okay, this movie had some spell binding songs and some absolutely praise-worthy lyrics from Javed Akhtar. The Ras Leela inspired-Radha Kaise Na Jale, the Rain awaiting-Ghanan Ghana, the motivational anthem-Chale Chalo and the intense bhajan- O Paalan Haare. But if you were to choose just one, it has to be O Re Chhori. Why? Just listen at the wide spectrum and scope of this one song. Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Vasundhara Das on the vocals. And when I said that Rahman has broken borders of genres, I meant THIS TRACK. It begins with the village sound of a typical rural track, and switches to a Victorian era waltz-Opera, and comfortably switches back and forth between the two. Now that is what is meant by genius.

3. Roja -Roja

The only exception in this entire list,which I mentioned in the rules section of this post. I am bound to include this song. Because- It is S.P.Balasubramaniam’s best. Chitra gives a haunting intro and the flute track can be best described as ethereal. Because it’s not Dil Hai Chhota Sa, but Roja (the song) which announced that Rahman had arrived.

2.Tu Hi Re – Bombay

Rahman shows how minimal (or perhaps accurate) sound arrangement can do wonders. Hariharan gives his career’s best vocal performance, and so does Kavita Krishnamurthy. What more do I say about this song? It is just pure in every way possible.

1. Maa Tujhe Salaam – Vande Mataram
No, it is not the cliche’ of the patriotic element associated with this track that makes it the numero Uno on this list. It is my inclination to Rock that makes this my Numero Uno. It is Rock and easily blended with Carnatic music elements like Mridangams and Veenas. Not to forget, there is only one singer who can sing this like the way it is. A.R.Rahman it is. It is a multi layered composition that keeps building on like a crescendo and it reaches zenith as it approaches its climax. And when the song switches to the higher scale, you feel the chill run down your spine, an instant goosebump and you cannot help but stand up in attention and scream out-Maa Tujhe Salaam. That is what the power of Music is. And in a way, that is when patriotism in the new age comes enveloped in a brilliant packaging from Bharatbala Productions.That is what the Genius of Rahman is. We salute Thee!!!

Let’s put a smile on that face!

I had plans of writing a post on the anime feature: Gotham Knight before I wrote this review, but the last two days were spent in anticipation over the wait for the Dark Knight. And having seen the movie   today on the big screen, I don’t remember what I saw on the anime. Hell, I don’t remember what I saw in the previous Batman movies and once I walk out of the cinema, I get this feeling – that might be the best superhero movie, ever, if not the best movie ever ( Lee thinks so !!). And it is totaly worth all the hype, all the viral marketing, all the fanboism and hoopla at Comic Cons et al, coz it delivers. No that is not the correct word choice. Coz it overtakes your expectations, by glueing you to your seat, grabbing your collar and make you WATCH with your eyes wide open as the Joker giggles and the Batman glides.And guess what? Anyone who enters the theater with great expectations would leave the theater without the desire of doing so, wanting desperately to watch it a second time, a third time, or even more, with the stark realization that the word “great” in one’s expectations earlier is SORELY inadequate! There are reasons why movies like these need to be 2 hours and 32 minutes long. Because there is only one Dark Knight.

The very first thing I would like to highlight on is Gotham City. Not comparing in any form to Burton’s blue and claustrophobic version of Gotham, Nolan’s Chicago-esque (it WAS shot in Chicago) metropolitan Gotham City ( notice the mention of word City) sets the tone perfectly. It is a huge canvas where crime is being painted in dark shades and takes almost every inch of it. There are skyscrapers with glass windows perfect for snipers, and there are dark alleys, parking lots and even open streets where Crime thrives. Gotham City is in complete mess with the ongoing gang wars, bank robberies, Batman clones teamed up with…ha ha ..ScareCrow and even Asian dealers teaming up with Gangsters. And then, all hell breaks loose, when a purple suited, make up wearing , red lipped man who calls himself Joker shows up. What shocks me more than anything is the complete despair that it might be, to see the entire system of a city failing to the plotlines set by the Joker. No….I wouldn’t be revealing anyone of them. You gotta get out and WATCH THIS ONE.

To put it straight, Heath Ledger steals the show (arguably). There is so much a menace that gleams in his eyes, an unknown thirst seeking for something when he flick his tongue out like a lizard and an enjoyment for chaos in the laughter. I was convinced it wasn’t Ledger, it was the Joker. And Heath Ledger perfects this vision of Nolan to such an extent, that it can be on one of those Best Cinematic Villains list, right up there with Anthony Hopkins-Hannibal Lecter(Silence of the Lambs) and Kevin Spacey’s John Doe (Se7en).The Joker here is BAD BAD! So BAD that he makes Jack Nicholson’s Joker look funny. And with lines that make you feel a chill run down your spine-” Why So Serious? Let’s put a Smile on that face”.And to see him hung upside down revealing -”I don’t want to kill you. What would I do without you?”.
Holy Shmoly. Watch him play more with the minds than with the knives. Listen him speak, and watch him walk. And this coming February, please oh please, give him the Oscar.

Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent gives life to this character like never before. There is so much credibility to this one, and you could instantly feel the motivation that keeps him going. To be the ‘White Knight’ of Gotham City. And with the good CGI SFX at service, Two Face can make you cover your eyes with your hands. Aaron Eckhart’s portrayal speaks with ease of his battle against crime and then later on, of his thirst for vengeance. And then there is that small actor called Morgan Freeman(joke for those who just don’t get it and are easily offended), who speaks 2 lines with a wink and a smile, and that is enough for me to remember that Morgan Freeman IS Lucious Fox. Maggie Gyllenhal has not much to do in this movie than just rummaging through files and be the damsel in distress. As for Alfred aka Michael Caine (who was who?), he is the only actor who can play Alf. And I swear I haven’t seen Mr.Caine age in the last 30 years. And then to conclude the characters, there’s Gary Oldman as Commissioner James Gordon. Did someone just pull him out of a DC page? His constant one-man effort in keeping the system work is so exhausting. And then, you feel the belief that he has in Batman. That the Dark Knight is perhaps, the only Hero there is.

But in a movie clouded by so much hype, the untimely demise of Heath Ledger in an immortal and scary-monstrous role, Christian Bale still manages to keep it as a Batman movie. Not just by the act of him gliding over the Gotham skyline (so cool, that if you had the DVD, your remote would be done in 2 weeks), but by justifying the name-Dark Knight. Batman, unlike any other superhero of the DC and Marvel Universe, is a man living with the trauma of trying to be the good one, and only to be pushed back to the dark side. He is a loner, an outcast, questionably trusted by only a few, and yet he dresses up in his bat suit to battle crime. Batman’s inner struggle to balance the vigilante and the comfortable public persona of Bruce Wayne is visible in every scene. His voice commands like the Dark Knight would, and his flamboyance speaks for itself when he is Bruce Wayne.The Batman has to fight and keep on fighting, come what may. In pain, in darkness and even when he is mistaken as the villain. And it is so true when Harvey Dent speaks of the fate of a hero is  that ” You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”.

Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight will go down in cinematic history as the Movie to Beat. It breaks the genre rule and doesn’t stick to any superhero movie formula. There is no genesis story and neither a  radioactive freak accident product. No global destruction plans. Actions yes, including a sommersaulting truck, a ringing phone in a place it shouldn’t be and a bank robbery.And as the climax is over,it leaves you so sad that it was Ledger’s last. Just 2 weeks before, I had skimmed through what Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher had to offer on the menu. And with Mr.Nolan’s 6 course meal with desserts by the side, I have lost the taste of all the previous meals.Dark Knight is FANTASTIC, FABULOUS and FLAWLESS. An EPIC movie in all aspects.