dunkdaft: Me

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Highway : Thoughts overflow

Tu Kuja was haunting my mind since two days. Couldn't get over it unless hearing it on headphones. With all those electronic 'noise' thrown in. Yes, the reason why I love the track so much is because of that electronic treatment ARR has given to it. And for which, people often criticized it. But for me, the sound creates more mysterious atmosphere. More 'black' 'dark' and 'unknown' element it adds. There are two ways to enjoy this track - close your eyes trying to get away from everything. Or open your eyes, while traveling, sitting at window and look at visuals passing thru it.

The exact way to enjoy whole soundtrack of Highway, is like that. I just did it for umpteenth time. And that's why I am penning this down, without any purpose. Just as my mind felt about the songs, getting immersed yet again in this journey of sound. Highway.

Who knows, if Tu Kuja, initially, wouldn't have designed like this? Can anyone confirm, if it was actually made a qawwali as we heard on radio in the movie. May be, that sounded out of place to the director for the situation he wanted this song to be played to. So enter the mysterious version, for a scene where Veera is running away from reality, towards unknown.

That one track, isn't alone inspired by the visuals. Almost all of them, tells the same tale. Moving on to next, the one which got least accolades, for having more 'pop' sound. Maahi Ve is another one, which takes you on a journey. Passing trees, one by one, as the 'clap' sound goes in the song. Another song, almost bordering on structure of Phir se udd chala. With no fixed lines to repeat. (agree, its not, but). It ends very unusually. But by that time, you already have lump in your throat, by the lyrics and the violins in the last para.

Sooha saha, again, an emotional journey. Scenes in the movie, are put in flickering motion. Coming and going in seconds, from the past of Mahabir. By the time song reaches its climax, and Veera starts singing - Toota Tara sa... for the broken Mahabir. You can't help, and tears well up in your eyes. Visuals of Veera consoling Mahabir come up in front of eyes, when Mahabir totally breaks down, right before the climax. And Veera consoles him like a mother would. Aching pain the scene had, that reflects in a song, that comes way earlier in the movie.

The the playlist moved to ARR's version of Patakha Guddi, which unlike the 'happy' sound of the former version, has its soul more inclined towards devotion. Devotion, towards the one you love. From the silent scattered continued beats, it goes to the height, of belonging-ness, in terms of music - with hard rock portion, gradually coming down. With faint sounds of a dafli. And near conclusion, offering one's self completely to the 'Saaiya'. You hear more faint sounds, almost silent, of 'manjeera', repeating at certain intervals. A symbol of devotion-literally.

And after all this ride into unknown, emotional, physical, devotional peak, and back on soil. Implosive Silence cools down everything. But not for so long. The longing sound remains inside. Like heart beats. Increasing gradually. And then, bass increases, but not outwards. Inwards it takes you. Just like the name of the track. Implosion - of thoughts, of things squeezing you inside. Without shouting outside, without letting anyone else hear you. The one, that makes more devastating effect than an explosion.

A Film about Films : Some Favorites..

This post have emerged all of a sudden. After reading all the trashy reviews of 'Heroine' - a film about films, the idea came up. (and may be, mr Bhandarkar can get some hints here, how to make a film based on his own industry). Here, are some favorites of the genre. I have limited my list to only 'recent' releases and have not dared to touch classics like 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'.

Please add your favorite - recent or classic 'film about films' in comments section.

5. Woh Lamhe : Well, yes. This was a good film, okay? Directed by Mohit Suri and tagged as yet another Bhatt tribute to Parveen Babi, the movie and Kangna, portrayed life of schizophrenic actress quite competently. Add Pritam's music, this was a quite engaging affair. And did I mention Shiney's there too? ;)

4. Khoya Khoya Chand : Released around similar time as the previous one, this - by Sudhir Mishra was altogether a detailed one on the film industry, but the past era. An ode to Gurudutt saab's Kaagaz Ke Phool, KKC wonderfully recreated the golden days. Along with Shiney Ahuja (yes, here too) Soha Ali Khan got perhaps her most meaty role till date. The real treat in this one was fantastic score by Shantanu Moitra that still lingers.

3. Om Shanti Om : Really ! This one is listed here. For its 'loaded with masala' tribute to the industry of 70s and later. A wackiest award function, cameo filled song, outstandingly filmy climax and all the incarnations and re-incarnations. This Farah Khan directed 'SRK is superhero' flick has always been a favorite.

2. Luck By Chance : Loaded with references to all the people in the industry, in a good way ofcourse. Loaded with lots of heart warming cameos. Loaded with brilliants moments, dialogues and songs - this Zoya Akhtar directed movie was a wonderful insight in today's Bollywood. Depicting stragglers in industry - Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen were oh-so-perfect. And so perfect were the cameos - Aamir-SRK-Hrithik.. ahhh..... and not to forget - one of the Best opening credits.

1. Harishchandrachi Factory : A fantastic bio-pic in Marathi language, about Father of Indian cinema - Dadasaheb Phalke - is easily my first recco when someone asks for non-Hindi films. Paresh Mokashi flawlessly tells the story of a man who put everything that belonged to him, at stake, to make a motion picture - Raja Harishchandra. Title role played by Nandu Madhav - this one is 'Do Not Miss at any cost' film, about films.

Nokia Asha 202 Review

Well, this is a bit off-topic but I couldn't resist the 'urge' to be one of the firsts to have reviewed something. And when I have the latest one first, there my 'keeda' wakes up. So here's my review of Nokia's latest offering - Nokia Asha 202. (Thanks to my friends who works for Nokia, for earliest delivery of this handset).

I have always been an oldie when it comes to mobile phone. I hate touch screens. Talking about qwerty phones - one I am using nowadays is getting me addicted to physical qwerty keyboards. But still, no one can beat good old NumPad keypad. You can blindly type things you want without looking at keyboard. That is the reason I love basic candybar phones with NumPad. And that is the reason I was waiting for this 'Touch 'n Type' entry level offering by Nokia. Lets have a look at main points of spec.

Camera : 2 MP

Screen Size : 2.4 inch Resistive Touch screen

Battery : 1020 mAh

Video : 176 x 144 15 fps (read - very bad)

Music : All basic formats, and FM with Recording

Card Slot : Upto 32 GB

Sim : Dual SIM (no dual standby)

Dimensions : 114.8 x 49.8 x 13.9 mm (90 grams weight)

Price in India : 4,149 Rs. (approx in India) (6500 PKR in Pakistan)

My Take :

Let me talk about the bad things first. Its internal memory sucks. Only 10 MB !! Even my older one, Nokia 5220 xpressmusic had 40 MB of internal memory. That makes the phone a bit slow if you install many apps on phone memory. Next one is the video resolution. I mean come on, why are they still stuck with same old resolution when for few more bucks I can even record 720p video?

Now the good things : First is the appearance. Though its bit bulky, being 13.9 mm thick, it doesn't harm much when you hold in your hands. And the good old Nokia sturdiness is there as usual. Though the keypad reminds me of Nokia 2630 (one of my favs of past years) it feels smooth while typing and works like charm. Display is good, nothing notable I can expect for this kind of budget phone.

Connectivity : The thing I look for in most phones. I am not a person of words. I don't call much neither text. (Though there is no complaint with the handset in both sections) The phone is 2G. So do not expect faster data and things like that. But still, with a 2G internet plan, you get sufficient speeds to surf all the mobile content. Add Opera Mini, and things go perfect. For downloads, UC Browser is my favorite.

Music : This is not a music phone. So no sidekeys, unlike X2-02. But still, with its 3.5mm jack, and an apt loudspeaker, serves the purpose satisfactorily. As always, the bundled headphones didn't work for me. But my good old Panasonic in-ear phones rocked. Its been only few hours since I got hands on this - but I couldn't find an equilizer in this one. Hmmm.... Oh, and FM with recording is nice as always.

Camera : Just like any other 2 MP camera Nokia offers, this one DOES the job. Photos that are good for online sharing, that's the thing we want, isn't it? Oh and forgot to add few lines about the touch screen. Its not a multi touch nor capacitive. A resistive touch screen is less sensitive, but good for few strokes to open menu and make selections. That's it.

Games : 40, yes 40 awesome EA games official download within first month for free. Yes, yes, can't wait to download all. So far, only NFS is played by me. Let me checkout some more.

So, overall at 4000 bucks this phone is a good buy if you are a lover of old styled candybar phones. Go for it if you need a standby or 'second' phone besides your regular 'smart'phone. Or gift one to your parents, they'll surely love it.

Image Courtesy : Phonearena

Tags: Nokia Asha 203 mobile review, Nokia 202 review, Nokia Asha Review, Nokia Asha Price in India, Pakistan, review of nokia asha 202, 203 review, nokia asha games download, EA Games free voucher, nokia asha comes with music

Me in BLOGUE : The Bolly Bloggers' Magazine

Polish Prodigy, Blogger since age of 9, who's making me jealous with her ever increasing list of 'Indian Movies I've watched' [more than 800 if I'm not wrong] - she is LOUELLA. Who writes at Masala W Bigosie. And her latest venture is a very own magazine of the Bolly-bloggers ! 4 issues are out so far and voila ! I'm featured in the Fifth Issue !! See the great cover she's made. Click HERE to go to her blog and download the magazine.

Really some serious effort there. Thanks Lou.

Me and My Filmfare :)

Guess what??!!!

Guilty Pleasures : Top 5 Thursday

Guilty pleasures eh?! There are many, many yaar. As I'm a hopeless movie watcher, and [once upon a time] TV maniac, I have so many guilty pleasures. But this is T5T ! The Top Five Thursday, [started by Christy] So here are my Top Five Guilty pleasures.

SONG: Tandoori Nights [Karzzzz]
I know Himessh will be choice of many among us. No matter how bad he sings, but don't know why this song get stuck in my head. I remember when the song was out, I was used to shout out and sing 'Rabba Rabba meri jaaaaan jale..jale...jaleee....jalee...'. And many of the colleagues were telling me to take medicines if my a** was burning :P Still, today, I love to sing this aloud while riding my bike. Coz no one can listen [identify] me wearing helmet. So my head is safe then, from rotten tomatoes.

SINGER: Annu Malik
Ah well, Not Himesh bhaiyya again. I admire Annu ji for being the original besoora voice. Another kahani - I was singing his album's song 'Dhuan Dhuan ho raha hai sama' - and my best pal said 'you sound exactly the same as Annu' !! OMG !! I was shattered to hear that. So I started singing a Shankar Mahadevan song [I was in dreams that I sound like him :)] But again, just like Annu ji in Indian Idol, My dearest friend told 'Yaar you 'Do' sound like Annu only'. Sigh...then, I started singing 'ek garam chai ki pyaali ho...'

GENRE: Horror
Just any kind of horror movie, I am always up to watch it. No matter if its thrashed by critics. Like recently I liked Phoonk 2, Loved Shaapit and also liked Agyaat !!! No matter how cliched the movie is, throw some spooks in it, and I would enjoy it !!! One more personal secret - I was watching Exorcist - 4 alone in my room. All lights off. Suddenly a scene with wild dogs came up and I ran to switch on the lights. Similar case happened while watching Grudge. I changed my sitting position, just because I was sitting next to a window - fearing someone's hands will come up from behind.

FILM : Saawariya
To 98% ppl around me, its a crap movie. And to me, its one of my lifetime favorite one. Love everything about it. Spectacular visuals, serene soundtrack, fantastic acts by leads. And oh, the beauty Sonam !! How can I deny all of these? No wonder I went to hall, 3 times to see this on big screen. Also the DVD is part of my precious collection.

ACTOR : Harman Baweja !!!!!!
No, don't faint please. Yes, he was bad, bad in Lovestory 2050. But at some places he shown sparks. And oh, he dances well. But I really liked his performance in Whats Your Raashee?. I mean, he played his character as he should. Wonder why that movie got bad reviews. After WYR, I'm surely looking forward to his 'Its My Life' [remake of Bommarillu] with Genelia. Well, I know there is no replacement of Sidhu, but lets see, how this shapes up.

So, readers, what are your Top 5 guilty pleasures?
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Image Courtesy : http://nonnetta.deviantart.com/

Why do I like South Indian films?

When Blogger Dost Nicki, tweeted she's doing blog post about 'why do I like South Indian Films', I instantly decided to do a similar post. Here is her fantastic post which describes power of cinema, which is not bound by barriers of languages.

Talking about that barrier, I would say there are so many barriers in India itself. It feels sad, but our country is currently in very delicate phase where everyone is emphasizing on making their own language superior, while completely ignoring others. And that's one reason, why -still being in India- I was away from the movie world of South India.

I live in Gujarat-a western state of India. Where it is really tough to get Southies on DVDs. Even in the biggest chain of DVD store, Crossword, they don't have any regional movies other than Gujarati, which is local language here. Thanks to multiplexes, there are some one or two of them, which releases new southies-only the big releases. But only, without subtitles. So, that way, I was untouched by the awesomeness of south Indian movies. Only a few I saw, which were dubbed ,mostly Kamal Hassan's movies, which are always fantastic.

Thanks to Blogger, I got to meet Bloggers who are not even Indian, but still love South Indian movies. And by their recommendation, I got to see Bommarillu. The first Telugu movie I saw. And instantly fell in love it. Both Genelia and Siddharth were awesome in the movie. Which made me more curious about their movies. And then, Nicki sent me 4 movies of Genelia !!!! Humbled I am. So far I managed to see Happy. Starring Genelia and superstar Allu Arjun. I absolutely enjoyed that one too. A really entertaining one.

So, by watching only two movies, I can't comment on southies. But having watched many dubbed movies, and the famous remakes, I can say Southies are far more entertaining then the average Bollywood products which these days makers are churning out. Mind it, I am a DIE HARD Bollywood fan, but whatever they are making these days, is neither Hollywood nor Bollywood. Its somewhere in between that makes me disappointed. Fresh example is MNIK, where KJo lost his sense in balancing between desi and videsi things. Good old KJo with comedy, drama and naach gaana was more enjoyable then this mediocre stuff.

Somewhere I agree with people who says Southie movies sometimes have over the top act and ''oh, i can't believe this'' kind of stuff. But hey, that makes it more enjoyable. After all, its only one little harmless movie, not a true to life documentary. Remember, most of the biggest hits of recent times, are the remakes or the southie formula movies. Sample Om Shanti Om, and you instantly remind Yanna Rascala !! Mind it! . Or the complete entertainment package Wanted. And of course, biggest money churner Ghajini. And oh, my faaaavvv Saathiya. List can go on and on..

What I liked most is how they shape up romance on screen. Its always so cute. See Saathiya. See Hasini in Bommarillu. See Happy. See Kalpana of Ghajini. It always touches your heart instantly. The dance ! And ability to make audience glued to seats.

Thing is not that South Indian movies v/s Hindi movies. But thing is, such nice movies are made here in our country, but still, it can't reach to all movie lovers. Bad, bad. Do something about that dear film makers. And oh, don't forget to release movies with subtitles, Please !!

Happy Birthday to My Blog !

Its celebration time ! OK Ok, the date has already passed. And the month will be passed in next one hour. But I can't let it go like that. Cause my Blog, My darling little blog has turned 5 YEAR OLD in March 2010 !! Yay!!

Its been a roller coaster ride. Totally. Blog has transformed me into a new person. I never knew such world exists online, where people of same interests can meet, write and discuss about favorite topics of mine. Movies and Music. Ahh... thats the thing I always want to do. And No, FB or Orkut are not those platforms where we can do that. After completing education, I hardly could find those moments where I can make discussions from a to zee of movies.

Then I found a platform called Blogger. As anyone would do, I instantly joined in and created my blog. Blogger is an easy format to use, especially for those who are not pursuing a web design career. Also, as I didn't have pc at home in the year 2005, it was little tough to keep it updated regularly. Also, I too wasn't much aware of surfing people's blog and discussing through comments. So my blog was just like 'I write, my friend read' kinda blog. In the beginning I started to write with two movies, Black and Aviator. Even today, I laugh at me how awful I was writing then. [even today, I think I am the same, bad Grammar, and so much blah blah :D] But still, one post from that year is still my favorite. Its a post about two movies - Parineeta & Paheli.

Year 2005 ended with just 16 posts !! Record was broken in next year. The best year of the last decade in terms of fabulous movies. The year 2006 ! During which, I could write THREE, yes, only 3 posts ! Due to some reasons, it was not at all possible for me to write blogs. Sigh.... what creepy days they were. Even after those 3 posts, I was idle for 11 months !! Until I saw Life..in a Metro and couldn't hold my urge to write down something about. But soon, I died again. Posting with extreme low frequency. Only 10 posts in Year 2007.

And on one fine day, in July 2008, I found this Fabulous post of theBollywoodFan, while searching for lyrics for a song from movie Ada. The movie never got released till date, but it lead me to a whole new world. By visiting theBollywoodFan's blog, I knew that things like comments, blog-roll and Blogging madness do exists. All of fellow bloggers already know how awesome writer theBollywoodFan is. And it was pleasant surprise to meet my idol blogger in the month of my blog's birthday !! By reading his blog, by seeing his dedication, I too decided to keep up with my writing and go on Blogging in full on mood. And Its only his blog, from where I found this fabulous network of Bollybloggers which exists outside of India. One thing is so mysterious and still I like about theBollywoodFan is he loves being hidden. Never he gives even a hint about himself in real life.

And on the other side, I met a blogger who never ever hides anything. Yes, our very own, 'Her' Royal Highness - Pitu Sultan !! **drumrolls*** . She shares everything that happens in her life. Be it her new recipe or even when her dogs tail wags. She is awesome at writing hilarious stuff. Pulling legs, hairs and even chaddis of our stars. And not only that. When she writes seriously, she pulls out tears from our eyes. Take recent post of her about Pinku-the dog she had, or even the post where she wrote how her Grand Parents met. Awesome to have you Sultan !! Salutes !

And by those Salutes, I come to a Blogger whose work I want to salute at. She does put so much of effort of putting awesome screen-caps, numerous of them, that I can never do. Yes, she's Nicki of ApunBindaas ! Very well known for her love of John, Bipasha and southie hotties including Allu Arjun. Surprisingly we have nearly common taste in the movies. She's one big fan of Southie movies too. Which got me so surprised, cause being an Indian, I thought there are hardly any fans who are non-Indian and still love our movies. Nicki broke all my beliefs and I was surprised that she 'grew' up with these movies ! And so kind she is doing giveaways of DVDs !

Growing up with Indian movies- Louella's blog is a next big example of growing up with our movies. She has completed more than 360 movies in less than 1.5 years! Another fan of southies, she is unstoppable when it come to writing blog posts. You must check out her AtoZ about Vasundhara Das - post.

Writing this, I am amazed how Ladies dominates the Blog world around. I can safely put the crown of President of this blog world to ever loving Sita-Ji of Bollywood Food Club ! Shes awesome, most soft spoken [though I have only 'read' her, still] person.

Another lady who write fantastic posts and has most interesting blog name - Shweta of Apni East India Company. Though she is not much active these day, I enjoyed her Abhay Deol fan-girl posts and much more. Also her biggest credit- the Chandelier post. Hoping to see you soon..

Inactive these days is other active blogger I am follower of. Nida of Bitten By Bollywood . Always her posts are insightful and interesting. Its always interesting how movies reflect our culture, and what do they feel after watching it.

Oh, and another American Lady blogger I am fond of. Ajnabi of Paisa Vasool-or Not! What a name of blog, easily one can mistake if this is a Indian's blog. But no, she's not. And that makes more fun reading her views on our movies. Die hard fan of Shahid Kapoor, her blog is always fun to read.

More fun is when you read funny bottom lines for screen-caps, at Bollyviewer's blog - Old Is Gold ! I admit here that I just can't discuss old films. Though I have watched many of them, I m only comfortable discussing newer ones. But her blog is a fantastic source of information if you are interested in old classics.

more ladies, more ladies - Yes still more to go. Shell from Shell's Bollyworld - a huge fan of SRK. A newbie to Bollywood and always eager to take suggestions for movie watching. She just has initiated a nice task of getting information of all bollybloggers-together. And created a nice little database of the same. And Kanan of Lyrics I like - who always brings some nice songs lyrics in her posts. Especially, the old ones which I love the most.

And who doesn't know Filmi-Girl ? the gossip girl who posts extremely regular. Always ''you know it first on her blog'' kinda feeling when u read her posts. And a librarian who falls for Shashi and Abhishek - Beth from Beth Loves Bollywood. For her huge posts and interesting discussions on her comments section.

Ok, boys, your turn is here again. What! Only Three??!!!
Yes, only three. Bhargav from Reviews Etc.by Bhargav Saikia, BollywoodDeewana - and Babu Moshay Sujoy from One Knight Stands. Bhargav is most sincere reviewer [inactive these days], Sujoy kicks butts of anyone who comes in his way. Hilarious posts are his trademark. Its great to have both of them on Blogroll. While BollywoodDeewana reviews movies from the decade which I don't know much of. its the late 70's and 80's. Similarity between all the three is- all of them are from London !

Phew..... why I did all these blah blah ?? Just to say a big THANKS to all you Bloggers around me. You make this world worth living !! Worth Blogging ! Thanks for being there always.

And oh, forgot to add - most of us are so much active on Twitter. So be there too and keep Rocking the world !

Me & theBollywoodFan : Jab We Met.....

Zameen Hil gai...Aasman ruk gaya.....Jab We met.....in Ahmedabad ki Galiyon mein........nah, nothing that kinda happend. Bas, the temperature was high - 41°C !!

And finally, We met ! Besides a few bloggers, all of my readers will find this crazy, but yes, I was so eager to meet theBollywoodFan -my idol blogger. He is in India right now, and spared some days for Ahmedabad too. So glad he spared some time to meet me.

No other place can be better besides my favorite Crossword. The largest chain of Music+Books store in India. Because movies and music are in the air and all around us, naa. He came a little late coz he was having sore throat and li'l illness [yes, ladies, usne kucch khayaa nahi :P , sirf I had coffee]. And the blah blah started in the cafe of bookstore. First thing he shooted that we guys are strong critics. Give me any desi movie, and I would gladly see that. Hahaha, point noted. But kya kare, bollywood is around us 24 hours, so we can't help; but to crib about whatever we get our hands upon.

We talked and talked, everything under the sun. I gave regards which came to me from the U.S. of A. Surprisingly we did not discussed much about Aamir. Would you believe that? Not about Aamir !!! Though we had chat about how started watching bolly from Lagaan and more movies. How much he loves 'Bombay'. How he liked Gandhi Ashram at Ahmedabad. How he enjoyed last week in his motherland-Bombay that is. How he got disappointed the Bombay is being shaped up now. And the atmosphere. The communities battling with each other.

TBF was there and no mention for Juhi ji?? impossible. Hilariously, he showed me a snap which he took while going in taxi, he stopped the taxi and took the snap of a grocery store, where the Kurkure poster was displayed. Oh, and he 'did' like My Name Is Khan, upto that storm part. Flattered by SRK, he told if Aamir would not be in acting, SRK is next he can look forward to, NOW. ;)

I wished I could tell him how his blog helped me a lot to rejuvenate my own. I wished I could tell him how superb writer he is, how his language is so strong and the command on words. But when we talked, I forgot everything. Even the coffee shop fellow was in dizzy what we both are upto- discussing BLUE's shooting, Kambakht Ishq's shooting and all. He must be thinking that this fellow is some movie director. HAHA. So we did give him a chance, and gave him camera tBF had got [i din't bring it with me, cause I know, how tBF loves Anonymity] . Coffee man clicked a pic and then we went in bookstore for some shopping. And in another store, for some IPL [Cricket] teeshirts.. :) the two hour long meet came to end with that. sigh! can we meet again?

Blogger-Ladies in US, kill him when he come there, cause he did not let me get something for all you, and still - gave me a nice gift !!

Oh, yaad aaya - baaton baaton mein he told that its been Two years since he's blogging. Damn, then I realized my blog has turned 5 year old - Need to do a Celebration Blog Post - Soon.

Oh, and finally, Now I know that 'theBollywoodFan' is 'not' Aamir Khan... :D :D :D

Oh, and stealing from his blog, here is pic of us :P

Why??

I am neck deep in preparation for my own marriage which is due on 8th Dec. And things are getting so very much busy then it seemed. Cause my organization is going for SAP implementation and I am part of the development team. So life is hectic at work too. [God help me to come thru it]. So despite of my strong will to write blog posts, I just can't keep up. So There might be a short term drought on my blog. I hope my dear blogger buddies will not get disappointed by my absence.

Actually what inspired me to write this post is a marriage. A friend of my fiancee has also got married some days back. She has two sisters and parents in family. Both of her sisters got married long ago. After the marriage day, we gave surprise to her parents [who are all alone now cause all 3 girls are married now] by visiting them at 11pm!! I was in shock when we entered the house. The walls looked lifeless. Rooms looked empty. So lifeless everything looked around. Her parents were wearing a fake smile. Why? well, cause they are all alone now. 3 girls, all got married. At the evening of their life, they have no one with them around them, to call their own. That shocked me from inside.

Why, why such tradition is there? can't a girl can choose to stay with her parents , and get married, both at the same time?? Parents, who nurtured their sweet little daughters, just to leave them after 22-23 years? !! 'why only one person can left home? Can't others come with her??

A Big Thank You to Priyanka Chopra !!

A post which is long due. I want to thank Priyanka Chopra, for taking time and send me Autographed CDs of her movies soundtracks. Not once, but TWICE !!! Yay!! Piggy Chops you Rock :)

btw, she sent these through a contest on Twitter. So if you want to win such goodies, just follow her - @priyankaChopra

P.S. No, I am not her new PR manager :P

And Finally, Here's my new profile pic. any comments????

I'm Famous !!!

Well, I am fighting with my PC these days . It has been days since it is down. So Blogging from Office, just to shout out about WebNeeTech.com ; for selecting me to do an interview with them. I am honored Absolutely.

Here are excerpts from it...

Darshit Joshi, a Mechenical engineer by profession, loves discussing about movies and music, especially Hindi movies and this desire encouraged him to start his own blog in March 2005, where he can discuss and share his thought, reviews and experience about movie, music and some personal stuff.

The blog http://dunkdaft.blogspot.com focus area is on Hindi movies, music and some personal stuff like his travel experience.

In an interview with WebNeeTech, Darshit shared his journey as a blogger and word of advice for the new bloggers.

You can read full text here......

My Engagement & its Playlist

Finally, This 'maa da laadla' got Engaged with his girl. And is now back to Blogging. So how can I forget to share my happy moments with all you fellow Bloggers?? So here are some pics from the ceremony : dunkdaft and Kitu [Darshit & Kruti] :)

And yes, the Playlist for these beautiful moments is here too. As a music 'keeda' I am, nothing is complete for me without music. [and see below, who will deny that I don't look like Riteish Deshmukh??!!! :P LOL]

Fun 'n Dance Songs :

1. Mahi vey : Kal ho Na Ho
2. Ankh Ladiye : Neil 'n Nicki
3. Chor Bazaari : Love Aaj Kal
4. Desi Girl : Dostana
5. Dil Vich Lagiya vey : Chup Chup Ke
6. Emosanal Atyachaar : Dev D
7. Climax Title song : Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom
8. Jogi Maahi : Bachna Ae Haseeno
9. Mast Kalandar : Heyy Babbyy
10. Mauja Hi Mauja : Jab We Met
11. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna : DDLJ
12. Nagada Nagada : Jab We Met
13. Om Mangalam : Kambakht Ishq
14. Pappu cant dance : JTYJN
15. Raat Ke Dhai Baje : Kaminey
16. Sajna di vari vari : Honeymoon Travels...
17. Say Na Say Na : Bluffmaster
18. Tenu Le ke Main Jawaanga : Salam-E-Ishq
19. Say Shava Shava : K3G

Love is in the Air : Romantic Songs :

1. Yeh Rishta : Meenaxi
2. Title Track : U Me aur Hum
3. O Saathi Re.. : Omkara
4. Ek meetha : Welcome to Sajjanpur
5. Ishq Hua : Aaja Nachle
6. Is Pal : Aaja Nachle
7. Bol Na Halke Halke : JBJ
8. Is this Love : Kismat Connection
9. Tum Se Hi : Jab We Met
10. Khabar nahi : Dostana
11. Rehna Tu : Delhi 6
12. Teri Ore : Singh is King
13. Tum Ho toh : Rock On
14. Dil Gira : Delhi 6
15. Kahin To : JTYJN
16. Jab Se tere Naina : Saawariya
17. Hey Shona : Taraa Rum Pum
18. Suno Naa : Jhankaar Beats
19. Tu Jahan Main Wahan : Salam Namaste

And finally, for some ROFLing.... here's me Dancing to the tunes :)

Happy Birthday...to Me !!!

Image Source : HindustanKaHero.com

So.............everyone is invited :o)
to

Hey what fun, I’ve begun receiving birthday wishes already. Thanks guys. So nice of y’all. **

Oh..no..no...no !! I am not Robert............:-D

**The line is originally published at Aamir's Blog.

Unofficial Filmcities of India: Jodhpur / Jaisalmer [and some pics of Sarfarosh]

UPDATE : I just have uploaded Some pics [of Jodhpur only] at my Picasa web album. See it Here.

Phew...at last, I am back to my beloved Blogging-world. I was again at sudden travelling. Sudden in the sense, un-planned. I always enjoy such trips which gets suddenly its place. This time I got a chance to go to magnificent state of India - the state of Rajasthan. Mainly two cities - Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. And how on earth i could refuse this? Cause they are Unofficial Film cities of India. Numerous, just numerous movies has been shot over the two cities. I enjoyed every moment out there.

I have taken 1492, yes a whopping 1492 photographs. Love to share some of them. [ofcourse, the filmy ones ;-)]

The picture above this post is of Golden Fort of Jaisalmer.[its a stitched image of 3 pics taken, open it in new window] Reshma aur Shera was shot there.

The following is Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur. Any guesses?? Yes, recently Awarapan was shot here. Also fabulous Dor, and controversial [deer hunting..] Hum Saath Saath Hain, too got a piece of the larger than life fort. This place reminds me of Minas Tirith of LOTR. What say??

Then, here is Patwon ki Haweli, which will soon be seen in Alladin -starring Riteish and Mr Bachchan.

Below, is a haunting place called Bada Bagh. These are the cenotaphs of the rulers of Jaisalmer. Remember this place in Kachche Dhaage? or in Awarapan?

And finally, the ONLY sand desert of India. Jaisalmer's majestic dunes. And now don't ask me which movies are shot here? Endless list. Sarfarosh,Meenaxi [thanks thebollywoodfan, for reminding these two] Border, Awarapan, Dor, Lamhe, Hum Dil de chuke Sanam,Hum saath saath hain, Rudali.....and many more. Whenever you see sand dunes, its confirm that it has been shot here. See below.....

And below is the reason, why it took some days for me to recover....[painful but so much enjoyable safari]

________________________________________________________
Update: 08.03.2009

By special request of theBollywoodFan; here are Sarfarosh pics.

Sarfarosh had been extensively filmed in Jaisalmer. From dunes to palaces. Everything is weaved in the movie, so seamlessly, that even a person who belongs to the place, sometimes can not identify it. That's magic of director. I still couldn't find out which place was shot as Naseer's home. Following are some pics I could identify after watching the scenes again.

Below is Gadisar Lake. Where this small scene about Mirchi Seth, was filmed.

Next is Mandir Palace. It has been shot as Mirchi Seth's house, or say, den. Little portion of the palace is a museum. Rest of it is beautiful hotel and a temple. Its a gorgeous place which offers majestic view of Golden Fort and has some extraordinary art on stones.

See below the front view of one portion of the palace. In the movie, see in screencap, beyond the entrance, you can identify the window design.