Its raining crap

Saw “Samsara”, a movie that happened just by chance. (The Wikipedia defines Samsara or sa ṃsāra as the cycle of reincarnation or rebirth in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other related religions.). The director Pan Nalin ,’s biography itself was quite interesting. And in the movie, all vital aspects of movie-making present a completely absorbing movie experience. The premise is not out of the world, but realistic. The cinematography is stunning, convincing performances by the lead actors, backed by an unusual story line. But what made me come back to blogging after a hiatus is the message I imbibed from this movie…through an unexpected monologue by the female lead. She talks about the plight of women in history and how the deeds of males are usually eulogized and respected…taking specific mention of Budhha and his wife Yashodha. (many people might recollect only as an afterthought that he was married and sired a son before leaving on his path of enlightenment) Wom...

What? Food rationing in the US??? Australia, UK follow suit…? When I read ‘Malthus’ in my economic textbooks, never thought theory would be put to practice so soon. Never imagined that I would witness a situation as precarious as food rationing in US, Australia or the UK. The debate still continues whether prosperity in the developing world or the mad craze to convert food to fuel is the reason behind the current food shortage. I don’t want to extrapolate on this bit. Thought I’d express my “shock and disbelief”. (Why waste a chance?). But what does a consumer like me do? Read news articles and extrapolate views on how inflation is screwing up my already inflated monthly expenses…? Culturally with half of the population that fasts atleast one month if not more, due to various religious beliefs and another half which starves, I am not sure whether it is our food consumption patterns that are to blame for this situation. But I do remember almost all the beliefs and philosop...

For some reason, I have always been a supporter of people who downplay their attractiveness, who despite their good looks are modest about it. It could stem out of an insecurity of not figuring in the top 100 of the ‘People’ magazine or it could be my angst against vanity. So much that I have been a great advocate of using un-model like faces in advertisements and films. But on careful introspection I have realized that mankind is almost maniacal in its desire to change everything around them into attractive elements. While almost all design improvements are about making functional products, there is a huge stress on it being aesthetic as well. That is about product designs. But the industry who has gained most from this predilection for looking good are the liquids, potions, lotions, soaps, gels, scrubs, masks and what not that adorn your wardrobe. Not to mention the clothing and fashion industry…and many more such ancillary industries who work towards ‘appreciating’ the beautifu...

Was part of a very enlightening discussion with an acclaimed Hindi film director who had come to office. What he spoke about, in the course of an hour was disturbing. It was not anything new but a reality that … “cinema today is often dictated by rules of the marketplace. People want to see what they aspire for… Images those are not disturbing…but pleasant.” What he said is very close to the dictionary meaning which provides the following meaning: “ Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or show.” My definition is somewhat different. Otherwise how could so many ridiculous movies become chart-toppers? Many visit a cinema hall expecting something more. Some look for meaningful cinema, some look for sex, some look for humour, thrill, SFX and many more. Genres and niches get created on the way. In India though, we would not be happy with just one of these. So since the least common factor would demand a mix of these, what you get is a hotchpotch of a...

Would we behave differently on reality TV? If you are on TV, will you share the real you? Or will you portray someone that you wish to be. (Which I believe is what we always try and do in everyday life.) Would you want to see real people do real stuff on TV (classified as boring) or do you want them to do something interesting or exciting on TV. Reality TV needs to be defined as people play acting real roles. And we are genetically peek-a-boo inclined. We are a very curious species. (one excuse given for a century of inventions and discoveries). But what we get is a show which is marketed as real. It is not really real. The audience expectations need to change. It is just another show.

I am sure, I may not be only one who feel this way. My cynicism levels touch a new high every time the calendar gets replaced. All I know this ought to be the biggest marketing event of a year. If “New year” is a product I am sure it will hit the charts as the most marketed and most successful advertising campaign ever. It seems to get bigger and intimidating with each passing year. It’s got a buy in across socio-economic and cultural, religious or geo-political boundaries. The PR, below the line and the property itself is beyond any monetary valuations. It should also be the most merchandised event ever. Organisations spend huge amounts of money to come out with new ways to usher in the “new year”. The sheer variety in the way each year is celebrated should make any brand manager proud. Among the many things I like about the “new year” is that it presents a round up of events. If you are not a regular newspaper reader, the 1 week run-up to the “new year” gives you everything that you ...