The Monk who Sold his Ferrari

Finally found the book I was looking for. "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma is a very inspiring and encouraging book. A must read for those just starting their professional careers or already into it. Simple because you'll relate more during this stage of life. Robin Sharma has a 'no nonsense' style of story telling which says a lot in fewer words. He gets down to business right from the page one, and that keeps the reader completely engrossed. Highly recommended!

The Talented New Bollywood Directors

I watched two entirely different but equally good Hindi movies last month. The first one, 'Deadline - 24 Ghante' has two very talented actors in Irfaan Khan and Konkana Sen Sharma. The movie didn't make any news but it's one of the better ones that came out recently. I never heard of the director Tariq Ali before this movie but he did a wonderful job. The plot was good and suspense builds up gradually. You will be glued to your seat till the end. As for the actors, the entire cast stood out in their roles.

The second one, 'Jab We Met' was much hyped even before it was released. And it doesn't disappoint! I had high expectations from Imtiaz Ali (director of the movie) after watching his earlier films. He did deliver with this one as well. The plot is nothing new but the treatment made the difference. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Ali share an amazing chemistry on-screen and it shows in every scene. As for Kareena, she is the heart and soul of the movie. She didn't go over the top, which actors normally do in such sort of roles and that was commendable. She was absolutely brilliant in her 'Punjabi kudi avatar.' To me this was her best performance till date.

The Smell of India

I took a direct flight to Lucknow from Dubai this time. But, wherever you land in the home country, the attitude and people mostly remain the same. An official at the airport was asking all sorts of stupid questions, maybe to extract money. That was my official welcome!

Lucknow has changed as a city and it's heartening to see your place come this far. It has managed to hold a balance between tradition and modernity. More than anything else its the warmth of the people that brings you back to your city. And boy, how much I enjoy the driving in India. There is complete harmony between man and animals and traffic signals act more as decorative pieces. I, too, am a part of this puzzle called India, and I love it!

Leaving India was a difficult proposition but some choices are forced upon you. It wasn't money for me. The heart still beats for India and the soul is always yearning to come back.

Had'diyaN apne buzurgoN ki teri khaakh me haiN
Tujhse hum rooth ke jayenge to jayenge kaha...