tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323234712024-03-28T21:02:31.850+05:30Volatile Spiritsjust for you, alwaysAnupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-46023545426366996632024-03-28T12:00:00.007+05:302024-03-28T12:00:00.163+05:30<p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">After having
watched a handful of commercial movies, I chanced upon this film on Amazon
Prime. I am usually someone who would avoid films centering around army,
because I think there is too much bloodshed. That reason did not stand in the
way as I got drawn by the innocent smile of Ishaan Khatter. With his chocolate
boy looks, I was sceptical about how he would fit into a serious role – and has
he pulled out a surprise for me!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByq7t8Nug49A7dEd5zuZObqiFCi9awNE0FHC63VI_ww1oTavu11kPFPJ3mQ4qeH5Pu2UsCS4603dq4V2lgj9MPzJcJ3XTcsHKFGS1k0-20LSihE37J1SxBmJiRsxnMjsdVn4tHeXoYF_mOzQNr_jtjnBGLIywY3ldioG3ac-Y6S0yR6Iu9LYm/s750/Pippa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="750" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByq7t8Nug49A7dEd5zuZObqiFCi9awNE0FHC63VI_ww1oTavu11kPFPJ3mQ4qeH5Pu2UsCS4603dq4V2lgj9MPzJcJ3XTcsHKFGS1k0-20LSihE37J1SxBmJiRsxnMjsdVn4tHeXoYF_mOzQNr_jtjnBGLIywY3ldioG3ac-Y6S0yR6Iu9LYm/w640-h378/Pippa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">He plays the role
of the youngest son of a family of military men – his late father and elder
brother were in the army, and he got drawn into the forces by them. He was the
commander of an amphibious tanker, one which could operate both on land and
swim in water, but gets posted to clerical duty as he defies orders of his
senior officers. In the meantime, his elder brother is sent on a secret mission
to Bangladesh, but gets captured by Pakistani forces. Ishaan is called to duty –
to modify design of tanks to accommodate four persons and make it worthy for
deployment in war. In recognition of the hard work put in by him, he gets to
join the war. His sister, played by Mrunal Thakur, gets to know about capturing
of their elder brother and informs Ishaan. He takes it as a personal
responsibility and fights bravely not only to rescue his brother, but defeat
Pakistani army and contribute in the independence of Bangladesh.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">This is a real life
story and has been narrated very well with realistic feel – blood, torture,
bullets…and more. The movie is worth much more recognition than it has got so
far.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-89443089638355114962024-03-21T12:00:00.001+05:302024-03-21T12:00:00.142+05:30Bhakshak<p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Sometimes good
movies are not lauded enough, maybe because they touch upon sensitive topics.
This one centres around young girls, all orphans, being abused in a shelter
homes in a small town in Bihar. On the other hand, Bhumi Pednekar plays the
role of a journalist, who runs her own news channel, almost singlehandedly,
gathering information herself with her cameraman in tow. Upon being tipped
about the notorious activities against girls, Bhumi fights a sole battle
against powerful people, her family members who are concerned about her safety,
a police system that chooses to remain silent and more.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJJHFKY7PUp5THeKIeDZ1sJpC0UM-BBO-2KVBADVVBdIQys36Ze9oi3jW61KXG-hwlW0Why6nN3hR2KJjXPQdHsNUG725hJURCUN9Udi5ooxv8EoiqKUoXAy6K4932t6WboetTKDHOAsGhb9Q7gj2Jf0oxPJHsfZwVarPqJ-SU1pkCYmsDe7a/s1280/Bhakshak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJJHFKY7PUp5THeKIeDZ1sJpC0UM-BBO-2KVBADVVBdIQys36Ze9oi3jW61KXG-hwlW0Why6nN3hR2KJjXPQdHsNUG725hJURCUN9Udi5ooxv8EoiqKUoXAy6K4932t6WboetTKDHOAsGhb9Q7gj2Jf0oxPJHsfZwVarPqJ-SU1pkCYmsDe7a/w640-h360/Bhakshak.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The narration is
tight and you would not want to miss a single moment, be it heinous crimes
against helpless girls, their purporment by powerful men and strong
determination showcased by the protagonist to help the exploited. The
characters speak in a strong Bihari accent, which gives a realistic feel. Although
the end was a little hurried up, I felt this is a strong movie and should be
watched by everybody. We need to raise our consciences beyond our ownselves. At
the end, the movie urges you to raise your voice if you notice anything wrong
being done to others, and not wait till something happens to you or your kin.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Image courtesy: Google</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-86465368524815871122024-03-14T12:00:00.002+05:302024-03-14T12:00:00.132+05:30Indian Police Force : Season 1<p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">I was attracted to
this web series rightaway when promotions started. It featured Vivek Oberoi,
who was looking good in police uniform. Siddharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty
promised some good action to look forward to. And the topic: Bombing by
terrorists is something close to my heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The series opens
with serial blasts happening in various parts of Delhi, challenging
capabilities of Delhi Police. Vivek Oberoi and Siddharth Malhotra jump into
action, with assistance of Shipa Shetty. The role of the kingpin is played by
Rituraj Singh (Rafeeq) and his right hand man is Mayank Tandon (Zarar). Rafeeq
and Zarar move to Jaipur and then to Goa, wrecking havoc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9N9dPhnSSV28eZRVxetB8ADvE2ArrCvc1i9yiOA1uiCLuE_hW5Z8lr8yuMOmlIt0bUpjx8XCEttYF7rfN6vkubya07GlkEBPJWgHGLMJhsgZSGJawlSwjZ3pVdXCecZ1lJOINdR398r5gVuMlW5urb37qt8y0XeaKJ2sdDTwssO6YvePZnyj/s1024/Indian%20Police%20Force.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9N9dPhnSSV28eZRVxetB8ADvE2ArrCvc1i9yiOA1uiCLuE_hW5Z8lr8yuMOmlIt0bUpjx8XCEttYF7rfN6vkubya07GlkEBPJWgHGLMJhsgZSGJawlSwjZ3pVdXCecZ1lJOINdR398r5gVuMlW5urb37qt8y0XeaKJ2sdDTwssO6YvePZnyj/w640-h400/Indian%20Police%20Force.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The web series
tries to underline the fact that Police can do anything if they wish to, and
stresses that there are people who divert young minds into terrorism in the
name of religion. Siddharth and Shipa look good as police officers, who
showcase fitness and carry off action scenes effortlessly. Vivek Oberoi’s role
is too short. Mayank Tandon deserves some praise, as he switches between his
versions: an innocent man named Haider, who is romancing his lady when not
being Zarar, who is brainwashed towards his mission. Expect some cars flying
around, being a series made by Rohit Shetty. There are some loose ends, but it
is ok to overlook them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-16604384661725334482024-03-07T15:06:00.000+05:302024-03-07T15:06:04.072+05:30Dunki<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The movie opens
with Tapsee Pannu in a hospital, that too in an old version. While you are
wondering why the heroine is so old, the film quickly goes into flashback mode
and Shah Rukh Khan looks out of a train entering a small town in Punjab.
Quickly you are introduced to the protagonists, who dream of going abroad in
pursuit of better lives for their families. They are also joined by Vicky
Kaushal, in a special appearance. All of them enrol for English classes and try
honestly to appear for screening exams for Visa. However, only one of them gets
through. While questioning the system for screening, Shah Rukh encourages his
friends to reach England through illegal means, which bear tremendous risks –
Going the Dunki route.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnZLtrvKUhcNKtPdO_dLiFIKsese6nQPvmdoe3Ahyq2vLQKx7-uDZZIusMZWFe0rSSe82U3A5kPrQLQnj7vibSUjXDPRkS6kyPj9AP-6aFGsZF4RYyoahdoyQJ5bnMi43n9NVcFrfZmoeHKEN3OUPtBb04FWQ0yIfP_JEtjekDN_KuTaTYXOy/s1200/dunki1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1200" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnZLtrvKUhcNKtPdO_dLiFIKsese6nQPvmdoe3Ahyq2vLQKx7-uDZZIusMZWFe0rSSe82U3A5kPrQLQnj7vibSUjXDPRkS6kyPj9AP-6aFGsZF4RYyoahdoyQJ5bnMi43n9NVcFrfZmoeHKEN3OUPtBb04FWQ0yIfP_JEtjekDN_KuTaTYXOy/w640-h370/dunki1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">You would love the
peppy characters of Tapsee Pannu and her friends. The short role played by
Vicky Kaushal will leave your heart bleeding – it has won much recognition
already. The greenery of rural Punjab will mesmerize you. However, there is
nothing much in the movie for anyone who is not a Shah Rukh fan. If you are
part of his fan club, then go for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It seems Shah Rukh
was shooting for another movie (Jawan) simultaneously with this one, as his
make up looks similar to his various versions in the former.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy:
Google</span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-9038847268441262682024-02-29T12:00:00.007+05:302024-02-29T12:00:00.141+05:30Shastry virudh Shastry<p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">This is a story
about a 7 year old child who lives with his grandparents in a small town, Panchgani. His
parents visit in the weekends from the nearest big city, where they have to
stay due to their employment. Tiff between parents and grandparents begin when
parents want to take their child with them to Mumbai, and grandparents don’t
want to let the kid go because they think adequate care cannot be given to him
while parents are out of home all day. The rift becomes wider when Malhar, the
father, gets a business proposal in the US. The climax culminates in the court
when senior Mr. Shastry (Paresh Rawal) files a case on his son, claiming the
custody of his grandson.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3t5nf9OVlYiIVYbXgEJR5nk0q3v5PJYsuNYSmuarN8eepOh-LHKUjf1oqhkkoFNaX02tbS3Q8OrJj_Jw5ksuKEtDz8TN7VpQirImIgvJEc5L-LPFg19_64q3cxUV9e4jpGRBwIoDR2twUCeZww2gxNFBCFKNBSSPrelxfkuDrCqVH2SJBpIW/s1280/Shastry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3t5nf9OVlYiIVYbXgEJR5nk0q3v5PJYsuNYSmuarN8eepOh-LHKUjf1oqhkkoFNaX02tbS3Q8OrJj_Jw5ksuKEtDz8TN7VpQirImIgvJEc5L-LPFg19_64q3cxUV9e4jpGRBwIoDR2twUCeZww2gxNFBCFKNBSSPrelxfkuDrCqVH2SJBpIW/w640-h400/Shastry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The story attempts
to showcase the challenges faced by working parents, and how they may end up
neglecting their kids. One scene where both parents are looking at their phones
and the child silently stares at them, tells the tale. The importance of having
grandparents, who try their best to support the development of the child,
inspite of their own health issues, is also touched upon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Casting of
characters is good. The central character of Yaman Shastry is played by an
incredibly cute child. It is a pleasant surprise to see Mimi Chakroborty, a
popular actress in Bengali films, in role of Yaman’s mother.
Paresh Rawal is brilliant as the grandfather.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-70135214705443167582024-02-22T22:00:00.003+05:302024-02-22T22:00:00.250+05:3012th Fail<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What would you say to someone who had to resort to cheating to pass his
exams, dreaming of becoming a civil servant? To crack the exam itself is a
dream of many. It requires a combination of intelligence, perseverance, hard
work and support of family and friends.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Vikrant Massey, almost unrecognizable in the rural boy makeup, plays the
role of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who fails his Class 12 board exams because he is
not allowed to cheat, due to the intervention of a local DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police). Inspired by him, Manoj gives up on unfair
means and decides to become a police officer. Fate introduces him to Pritam
Pandey, who brings him to Delhi. The story unfolds with failed attempts,
endurance, friendships, guidance from seniors and finally culminates in Manoj
becoming an IPS (Indian Police Service) officer. The romantic aspect of the story is presented finely,
with Shraddha (Medha Shankar) playing a key supporting role in Manoj’s life.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLWOFY87A471NrBFduYy2vX_XcRG03DijdGddieTnShoYXg4KJ85UBdCxBaroACkEsGFjsCaJGvWaKCcnZwCLraxVwkyaXE_q0yJE5-IVqPQUKWYqmLDAxOx059NA9HmTqyb5pAdPcR3HlidsC_3qHEDhluBnBYV5yHYKNPyjwkO4xxg9ml9W/s1200/12th%20Fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLWOFY87A471NrBFduYy2vX_XcRG03DijdGddieTnShoYXg4KJ85UBdCxBaroACkEsGFjsCaJGvWaKCcnZwCLraxVwkyaXE_q0yJE5-IVqPQUKWYqmLDAxOx059NA9HmTqyb5pAdPcR3HlidsC_3qHEDhluBnBYV5yHYKNPyjwkO4xxg9ml9W/w640-h360/12th%20Fail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acting wise, Vikrant Massey has already gathered lot of recognition for
his excellent and convincing performance. Anant Joshi, as Pritam Pandey, has
also delivered a good supporting role. The rural flavour and its stark contrast
with chaos in Delhi has been captured very well.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is an inspiring tale, which encourages one to pursue his dream to
the best of his abilities, surpassing all challenges. Also, it is a real life
tale.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><p></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-41200929043925468092024-01-31T12:00:00.009+05:302024-01-31T12:00:00.152+05:30Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food<p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Lot of controversy started around this film just
after I had finished watching it. I failed to understand it at all, because I
had loved it a lot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">The story is about a talented girl who goes
against traditions to follow her dreams, breaks stereotypes and surpasses all
shackles to become a successful chef. The film rides on shoulders of the
very lovely Nayanthara, who plays the central character very convincingly. No
one rises to the top without the support of family and friends, and Annapoorani
is also no exception. She is brought back to her destined path when in doubt in
challenging moments..her grandmother stopping her marriage, her friend Farhaan
convincing her to cook non vegetarian, her friend’s father attending college
instead of her own father, and many more. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJw0U7cV65xPlA0BWQCYY_y4-4amt3yEzp5c_H9bzDEMAB17uOIL0B3kc2f-GMLf4mSH-q1sw9l12N_9_0-ZomvU736hNbRQGo3w8Wxt4fWWa-1fvPM3jQaoK0XEHZHclUC4PtDWVgjSfFayU3tkmtAAwAY-d14ty3URcx8qL_5Xnv5dVGuZLv/s600/annapoorani.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJw0U7cV65xPlA0BWQCYY_y4-4amt3yEzp5c_H9bzDEMAB17uOIL0B3kc2f-GMLf4mSH-q1sw9l12N_9_0-ZomvU736hNbRQGo3w8Wxt4fWWa-1fvPM3jQaoK0XEHZHclUC4PtDWVgjSfFayU3tkmtAAwAY-d14ty3URcx8qL_5Xnv5dVGuZLv/w640-h360/annapoorani.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">An unethical act by a jealous
chef whom she had almost displaced, results in Annapoorani’s total loss of
taste. Devastated, she is on the verge of giving up her profession when her
father stands by her and takes her back to Chef Anand, who also happened to be
her mentor. Annapoorani takes the setback in her stride and goes on to win a
prestigious competition. At the end, she comes back to empower underprivileged
women with interest in cooking to pursue
their interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">So what is the controversy about such an inspiring plot?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.5pt;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Poorani offering namaaz before preparing
biriyani:</span></i><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"> Biriyani was never her forte and Poorani could somehow never get it
right however much she tried. Farhaan’s mother, who happened to cook the said
dish very well, had once told her that she would cook in her usual way but only
after offering namaaz. When faced with the challenge to cook biriyani in the
final round of the combination, Poorani seeks blessings from God in the form of a naamaz
before starting her preparation. Needless to say, she goes on to win the round and competition. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Claims that Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman may have
consumed meat during their exile in the forest</span></i><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">: Tell me why not. They were
Kshatriyas. They had weapons with them and killing an animal or two for the
sake of survival is not such a bad thing to do. There is no proof to establish
the veracity of this theory – it may or may not be true.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Then, why create hype? Does not make sense to me
at all.</span></p>
<span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">I loved the movie and I am sure you will too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #212529; font-size: x-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></div></span>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-63832219364314892962024-01-24T12:00:00.003+05:302024-01-24T12:00:00.144+05:30Tiger 3<p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">If you are a fan of Salman Khan, this movie has been made for you. Infact,
this entire series is .. Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hain, and now this. Keep your
brains aside. Just watch the hero playout his role. He does not look like he is
in his fifties at all, and he carries off all the action with his natural swag.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaME8VD-RO5GFeayeWJqcrlEEngz9ioO-0wcOJAqZRkwovLAOIj3zqGEt5xp3AqqMlxwKe8ZwtGq-UHn6LHTX1Jk6ZJTWTL3yVp8CjW2Jo-bWVpbvDRE34jctCdnU1mdGeN4JC2XTDm-XrGHlBPCP_klSUY571JuxX9WCNWqETtxBbaFysnX1/s695/Tiger%203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="695" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaME8VD-RO5GFeayeWJqcrlEEngz9ioO-0wcOJAqZRkwovLAOIj3zqGEt5xp3AqqMlxwKe8ZwtGq-UHn6LHTX1Jk6ZJTWTL3yVp8CjW2Jo-bWVpbvDRE34jctCdnU1mdGeN4JC2XTDm-XrGHlBPCP_klSUY571JuxX9WCNWqETtxBbaFysnX1/w640-h360/Tiger%203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">You are bound to be amazed by the action scenes filmed on Katrina Kaif.
She’s a pretty damsel, who could have spent her career romancing heroes on
screen. She has raised herself beyond that and her action scenes reflect how
hardworking she is. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">If you happen to have watched a film named “Pathaan” starring another
popular hero, Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), you would recall a cameo by Salman Khan in
it. The favour is returned in this film where SRK comes to Salman’s rescue when
in a fix. The duo entertains the audience with their ageless charm.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">Another actor who has stepped out of his comfort zone is Emraan Hashmi,
who has played the villain’s role. He has delivered a performance worth taking
note of.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Needless to say, the budget of this movie is huge. Wonderful locations,
helicopters, vehicles, all the action, etc are all in large scale. This has
been made for plain entertainment and not for critics. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Image courtesy: Google</span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-53171229620993646362024-01-17T12:00:00.004+05:302024-01-17T12:00:00.129+05:30Ahaan<p><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ahaan is a movie that revolves around an adult with down syndrome. In the fast paced world around
him, he is surrounded by a judgemental society, including his parents, who are
protective, sometimes much more than required. I have seen first hand how parents of
special children feel, how they behave, how protective they are, how affected
by social stigma they become. With due respects to them and their grit to face
challenges, this movie can give a streak of hope to them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK51UjNkADPIEiWX4kmWIbw1bLQ4Xrgs0y3ZmA_yH71W_kd-SPtAcsfem4doyech6P4W1867Q_XFLHJWeM8eV8oxVZASK4mMvXSYSruJ8euv8gF8tneiROohrcP3NXaFqCw2ryWN8z62WmAECA1LqduEt6orMTPdL0bkl6DFHMMv4ftNeK064/s1200/Ahaan.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1200" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXK51UjNkADPIEiWX4kmWIbw1bLQ4Xrgs0y3ZmA_yH71W_kd-SPtAcsfem4doyech6P4W1867Q_XFLHJWeM8eV8oxVZASK4mMvXSYSruJ8euv8gF8tneiROohrcP3NXaFqCw2ryWN8z62WmAECA1LqduEt6orMTPdL0bkl6DFHMMv4ftNeK064/w640-h356/Ahaan.webp" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Free of any false sense of superiority, or inhibitions, Ahaan has
aspirations similar to that of normal people: to have a family of his own, a house, car,
job, etc. He is befriended by Ozzy, whose wife had left him because of his
behavioural issues. As the movie progresses, Ahaan’s simplicity overwhelms not only Ozzy, but the
audience as a whole. I could not help loving him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>What do you want to be in 10 years?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">There is a scene when Ahaan is being accompanied by Ozzy for a job
interview and Ozzy asks him this mock question. His answer is “Ahaan”. I was
absolutely floored by authenticity of the response, straight from the heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Good acting, believable story-line. A streak of positivity. Also a
subtle message to society to be more inclusive towards people with special
needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-38728559082131091002024-01-10T12:00:00.002+05:302024-01-11T15:57:39.064+05:30Khufiya<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">An intelligence agency has identified an internal mole, and wishes to
nab him red handed. The intent is also to identify the reason – catch the puppet
and puppeteer both. The film is led by Tabu, an actress par excellence. She is
not making any attempt to hide her age. Along with her senior officer (Ashish
Vidyarthi), she embarks on a journey to uncover the prime suspect, Ravi Mohan,
played by Ali Zafar. I have seen him on screen after a very long time and I
totally loved Ali’s bespectacled look.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Wamiqa Gabbi comes across a very strong actress too. I had seen her in a
small role in Mai, a web series starring Sakshi Tanwar. I have observed her in
a TV commercial and in yet another very successful web series (Jubilee). Wamiqa
has definitely travelled a long way to reach her present level of acting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuR2UDWSoUtx4PE1KVL2FB7qLhgIHohkuzhksFOXuA1Er92Ax4vI3PyWVrRDk0H-OGMEH0UnUBJAsUS7GhVhj7rFM_g_tWEhg8Xo_RyH9XraTD_GMJzk3Lt-2l14NsFtbyAnAqS71rh_Cu13wQ6UrHDFDvIkRbX6CuJ56gi3Uo1XtgXsr5RKh/s1200/khufiya.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuR2UDWSoUtx4PE1KVL2FB7qLhgIHohkuzhksFOXuA1Er92Ax4vI3PyWVrRDk0H-OGMEH0UnUBJAsUS7GhVhj7rFM_g_tWEhg8Xo_RyH9XraTD_GMJzk3Lt-2l14NsFtbyAnAqS71rh_Cu13wQ6UrHDFDvIkRbX6CuJ56gi3Uo1XtgXsr5RKh/w640-h336/khufiya.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tabu and her team are surprised to learn that it is not his wife, but
his aged mother, who is Ravi’s accomplice in crime. The storyline is tight, and
full of twists and turns till the very end. The mission behaves like a sine
curve, troughs happen when Ravi manages to smuggle sensitive information across
to a rival country, and crests can be sensed when you have him cornered; till
he manages to flee again. The fact that everyone has to balance their personal
and professional lives is underlined yet again. An extra flavour is added in this thriller for
me as quite a few dialogues are spoken in Bengali. You'll love Khufiya also because of the directional excellence of Vishal Bhardwaj.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></p></span><p></p><p></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-10982775399040835322024-01-03T12:00:00.009+05:302024-01-03T12:00:00.137+05:30Dhak Dhak<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Biking is something that is essentially associated with men. This feisty
movie breaks the stereotype and revolves around four women, all from different
backgrounds, who choose to ride to Khardung La in Leh, Ladakh on Royal Enfield bikes. This is a dream destination or holy grail of bikers, men or women. Circumstances are different, inspirations are different for each. The screenplay
has been weaved with their journey and individual stories of the characters. The
name of the movie, Dhak Dhak, refers to beating of one’s heart once the engine
of a heavy bike gains acceleration.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKq2HY_Yi00nayGboUAFH4IeIOubu1AuY1VgnYxtVI2YPKCpTltqotrhaDMUFYxnc5A1cnQ1Az27Qo4HvOGTlNfOYpxGQW0PkRdxFcs4h6a78tXq7MzAN-1rwq0vL-CaPU7XZI4BDM4Kr_88wjvTG7-sGUQqd3972lg_9dwljtpPB2ZugY3Ta/s760/dhak-dhak-poster-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="760" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKq2HY_Yi00nayGboUAFH4IeIOubu1AuY1VgnYxtVI2YPKCpTltqotrhaDMUFYxnc5A1cnQ1Az27Qo4HvOGTlNfOYpxGQW0PkRdxFcs4h6a78tXq7MzAN-1rwq0vL-CaPU7XZI4BDM4Kr_88wjvTG7-sGUQqd3972lg_9dwljtpPB2ZugY3Ta/w400-h234/dhak-dhak-poster-review.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It is not about the journey alone. There are multiple challenges that
one has to overcome to reach the final destination: punctures, health issues,
loss of connectivity... you name it. Your belief that there are still some nice
people out there gets reinforced as you watch a truck driver lend an extra
phone to Sanjana, or when a fellow traveller comes forward to assist the girls
in times of crisis. The movie subtly touches upon modern day risks such as videos
going viral or phones getting hacked.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The star of the movie is Ratna Pathak Shah. She’s so good and lovable. The very beautiful Dia Mirza, Sanjana Sanghi and Fatima Sana Shaikh look well suited to their
roles. You’ll love the empowered women and stay hooked till the very end.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Happy New Year!!</b></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-58038970527186121852023-12-27T12:00:00.005+05:302023-12-27T12:00:00.139+05:30Dhootha: The Messenger<p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">Have you come across a series that makes you wish you had not started it
at all? Well, Dhootha, a Telegu web series, dubbed in multiple languages, was the first of this kind for me. I would say the faint
hearted should not watch it at all – there’s lot of blood and ugly deaths.
Also, paranormal activity is something that fails to appeal me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">The basic idea is acceptable – one should be honest towards his
profession and not succumb to political pressure and greed. Heinous crimes lead
to the death of an honest journalist, who was a man of principles. Thereafter, his
spirit takes on the onus to teach corrupt journalists their lessons in the hard
way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyo3S6tVlc_Mv7Uqm1xzwTK22nJ2Yk-cTT69jQSVgfKupkpxI0QsewChzO5KdL-HJnaBZ6GK3lbTKt4tzzvdFHH8dhknMIOOD1FQN-aGLSwNW3wxC4hS8dXeMb-39t5niQaeTemkAylq3ybarzBidf4uHDtrmLcID01ilYnmnFW6IlokhR8Qf/s694/Dhootha.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="694" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyo3S6tVlc_Mv7Uqm1xzwTK22nJ2Yk-cTT69jQSVgfKupkpxI0QsewChzO5KdL-HJnaBZ6GK3lbTKt4tzzvdFHH8dhknMIOOD1FQN-aGLSwNW3wxC4hS8dXeMb-39t5niQaeTemkAylq3ybarzBidf4uHDtrmLcID01ilYnmnFW6IlokhR8Qf/w400-h226/Dhootha.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Naga Chaitanya is a handsome man and has portrayed his character (Sagar)
very well. He carries the series on his shoulders. The insensitive trait of
Sagar comes across strongly during his final interaction with his secretary (Prachi Desai).
But what she did in revenge was way more awful. The director shows no
consideration for audience and portrays crimes and deaths in realistic manner.
You may end up spending nights uneasily after watching gory scenes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">Plus points: Absolutely perfect cast: Everyone seems to tailor made for their roles. Direction, Story build-up, connecting the dots are good. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">Only negative is that there seems to be too much blood. And I thought couple of deaths, especially that of the Youtuber, could have been reduced.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">So brace yourself, and then watch the horror series.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-22577355954991259122023-12-20T12:00:00.019+05:302023-12-20T12:00:00.153+05:30The Archies<p><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">Do you remember a
film called “Chillar Party”, wherein a handful of kids come together to save a
stray dog? I found this movie to be similar, only the lead protagonists are
young adults (17 year olds), who come together to save a park at</span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">the centre of their town. At that age,
confusion around romantic feelings for each other are natural, so that aspect
needs to be integrated with the age group at hand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6IzgsRAPq8NV11YncUuPmF9vS_YlCUy9ucSNxICOlqyzfKzKXVZ2qUxMue8YQANnWJTTr7nEquNkZSrJFxT9d3OxAbEQiH7t45VjTflXHI2hDgke93fszlzV3HePVuIcTioCiZrXENWbCgkI4J-BFvZ2wxH6yCjD4BmJYrUmHuaZCthoEzGw/s1200/The%20Archies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6IzgsRAPq8NV11YncUuPmF9vS_YlCUy9ucSNxICOlqyzfKzKXVZ2qUxMue8YQANnWJTTr7nEquNkZSrJFxT9d3OxAbEQiH7t45VjTflXHI2hDgke93fszlzV3HePVuIcTioCiZrXENWbCgkI4J-BFvZ2wxH6yCjD4BmJYrUmHuaZCthoEzGw/w400-h225/The%20Archies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>What is the
criticism all about?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">This film has faced
lot of flak because characters are out of a popular comic series and not
everyone seems to like humanization of cartoon characters. But what if the name
of the film, and the name of the characters had been different? It would have
made no difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Lot of unnecessary
songs.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Indeed, but think
of it like a musical. The characters are young, and their minds are in a world
of their own. Some song and dance is acceptable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><b>Nepotism.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">There are some star kids, such as Agastya Nanda (son of Shweta Bachchan and grandson of Amitabh Bachchan), Suhana Khan (daughter of Shah Rukh Khan) and Khushi Kapoor (daughter of Sridevi). Criticism goes the camera seems to recognize only three faces, but are they not the central characters? I thought the story
tried to recreate the flavour of original comics, where the story revolves
around Archie, Veronica, Betty, Reggie, Jughead, etc. The star kids have done
justice to their roles, and so have the others. It is their first film, so the
criticism has to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="color: #212529; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Did I like the
film?</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Yes, but I took it
as just a movie. It is not Archies comics. It is almost as if Chillar Party
kids have grown up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">And Agastya Nanda
is so handsome! Wait for him to grow up a bit more, and he would soon have fans
swooning for him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The movie is
definitely a one-time watch.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-31494978530110157812023-12-13T12:00:00.010+05:302023-12-26T14:14:40.364+05:30Permanent Roomates<p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">A new season was aired in October, and its posters attracted my eye. I
liked the feel of the brief, so I downloaded the season. But can you start from
Season 3? I had to start from the first season and waited till I finished what
I was watching at that time. When I did finally tune in, I so loved the lead characters.
What’s more, the episodes for short and crisp. I loved the way Mikesh, the male
protagonist, said “Cool”, and could over-simplify even complicated situations. I
didn’t like Season 2 much, essentially because of things not being on the
positive track towards the end. But the last episode instilled some
perseverance to keep living, inspite of all odds.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmv5wQKnVxc-2S-FNv7MmoNv0W0dzSqixI9oOhjuPRg2a8FVdfwmh1SnlGAyMJ6HG7QCwM_CLZQTdz2pVkMvJvhlCreDpfDaIFYNaYOylPHE8w56NBRR8xH2T0H5cStmgCXz62tWiG_mDNwnuRepTGvR3ePQrbQKVQuuOWFUevuA7F3rAFCYFp/s1920/PermanentRoommates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmv5wQKnVxc-2S-FNv7MmoNv0W0dzSqixI9oOhjuPRg2a8FVdfwmh1SnlGAyMJ6HG7QCwM_CLZQTdz2pVkMvJvhlCreDpfDaIFYNaYOylPHE8w56NBRR8xH2T0H5cStmgCXz62tWiG_mDNwnuRepTGvR3ePQrbQKVQuuOWFUevuA7F3rAFCYFp/s320/PermanentRoommates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Season 3 is about coming of age of the characters. The actors have
obviously aged, but they are able to hold the happy go lucky charm. There are
serious moments, and you would find tears running down your cheeks while
watching the last episodes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I found the cast to have been chosen meticulously, and everyone seems to
fit their roles very well. Cameos by Asrani in Season 2 and Sachin in Season 3 are
surprise gifts for the audience. Sheeba Chaddha is also very strong as a lovable mother-in-law who was initially trying to be forcefully friendly but gradually finds her place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I am sure you would love this romantic comedy series. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">Image courtesy: Google</span></span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-62980081160906794502023-12-06T17:09:00.001+05:302023-12-12T17:50:36.991+05:30Resurrection<p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;">On a Sunday afternoon, I was in a park, watching my child play with his
friend. Another child, few years older than the aforementioned duo, joined
them. His mother, almost like a corollary, got talking to us. She could not
stop talking about her child’s blog.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">I was wondering what I had been doing to the space I had loved so much.
Was I focussing on motherhood? Too busy with work-life balance? I am sure there
are bloggers who post regularly, in spite of all challenges they face. When there
is a will, there will be a way, they say, right?</span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It’s time for resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1OyuZ40lvnHwnV5WKLM-ZzPZolHtd-Xu7gvRh2CUFVesF-tQ-PO2u6w_PYQxINYd-rQHRP78VQlNJ3_5gPL9QigqGU2hxKrJ2SLgMwA96KbXSr8ceu7GXf2ZOAskM1cwaw-Vl4JREtnFgVSHafj_aHrDm0eEmj6ZIMo1lGIwgkiXdWQjRMl2/s299/Resurrection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="299" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1OyuZ40lvnHwnV5WKLM-ZzPZolHtd-Xu7gvRh2CUFVesF-tQ-PO2u6w_PYQxINYd-rQHRP78VQlNJ3_5gPL9QigqGU2hxKrJ2SLgMwA96KbXSr8ceu7GXf2ZOAskM1cwaw-Vl4JREtnFgVSHafj_aHrDm0eEmj6ZIMo1lGIwgkiXdWQjRMl2/s1600/Resurrection.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">So what is it that I want to talk about? Nothing special. In my regular
life, I am someone who has a mundane routine. My life essentially revolves around
my kid and office, ends with video calls with my out of station husband and parents.
I have developed a habit of watching OTT content on the way to and from office,
journeyed mostly in the metro. I have two active subscriptions in Netflix and
Amazon Prime. Given the limited time I can devote to these platforms, I am
usually alternating between them. I read/ write reviews on Google right after
completing a movie or series. Would you like to know my thoughts too?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" lang="EN-IN" style="color: #212529; font-size: xx-small; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Image courtesy: Google</span></p>Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-68052818214063177942019-08-30T18:58:00.001+05:302019-08-30T18:58:53.576+05:30I am a Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am a Mom.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoN1XrKOutA/XWkjQx2CfRI/AAAAAAAAeRk/ejddpE2vW6AJFfIrXXWYtMYrEX7JFi5NgCLcBGAs/s1600/Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="498" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoN1XrKOutA/XWkjQx2CfRI/AAAAAAAAeRk/ejddpE2vW6AJFfIrXXWYtMYrEX7JFi5NgCLcBGAs/s320/Mom.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was 39; married for 12 years, and didn't have kids. It didn't seem that I'd ever do, either. Age was not on my side, I had a demanding job, and many such facts seemed to lower the chances further. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
People around me were having kids, sometimes multiple ones. Some of them were also older than me. I was not exactly jealous or depressed, but I felt sort of deprived. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of my friends and relatives, colleagues, and even mere acquiantances would reach out to me, referring doctors, astrologers, what not. I had been under fertility treatment since 2014. I knew what was not so good with me. But I paid due heed to all well-meant advices, consulted many a doctor, in hope of almost a miracle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
I am a Mom.</h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had IVF pregnancy. I was blessed with a baby boy in March 2019.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I know what the journey is like. What it means physically, emotionally, financially. What it takes to balance medical visits with work. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's why I chose to write about the journey and life thereafter. Stay tuned, read the upcoming posts. It may help you, or someone you know. If you want to discuss something with me, drop me an email at anupama06@gmail.com. I shall get back to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stay tuned for more.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-37428251535358858242018-05-07T14:51:00.000+05:302018-05-07T14:51:14.224+05:30A Challenge Completed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The A-Z Challenge is over. Phew.. I survived through it. It’s
big for me. I had participated in the challenge in 2014, but I lost the impetus
somewhere in the middle. This year, I was determined not to let that happen to
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, it is easier said than done. One, because I was
going through a writers’ block. Even if I say I could not find time to write,
it is not completely justified – I should have planned my time better, that’s
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love Facebook for reminding me that the challenge was
about to start. That was March 30<sup>th</sup>. Unsure whether I could write
out a series, I just took the plunge. There was no time to think of a theme.
But hey, what could be better than talking about your ownself? I<b> introduce
myself to my readers, and most importantly, hold the mirror towards myself</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, began the journey with a post narrating how I hate
Alarms. Everyday, I had to look around myself to decide on the next word –
should I choose a difficult word or keep it simple? Can I knit a story around
it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I felt extremely unprepared when I realized most
participants had their posts not only pre-planned, but pre-written as well. I
had to push myself hard to keep myself up-to-date with the letter of the day,
posting the links on social media and reading few posts by fellow bloggers. It
felt good to reach out to my new friends. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, the feat of posting 26 posts in April, each for an
alphabet is accomplished. It is a feeling of satisfaction, and also relief. On
the other hand, <b>there’s a vacuum</b> that is hard to explain. For the last week, I have been waking up, thinking, “What next?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank
you</span></b> friends for reading my musings and encouraging me to keep going. Stay in
touch!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/v-venturous.html">V</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/w-wardrobe.html">W</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/x-xenophobic.html">X</a>, </span><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/y-yield-point.html">Y</a> , <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/z-zeal.html">Z</a></span></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-92139474086515634102018-04-30T14:51:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:26:09.127+05:30Z- Zeal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-6zh_bl81M/WuLda_m9NDI/AAAAAAAAZvo/A8SBk6Z8ASkY3Z1xdTSYRduZJLMzNi33QCLcBGAs/s1600/ambition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-6zh_bl81M/WuLda_m9NDI/AAAAAAAAZvo/A8SBk6Z8ASkY3Z1xdTSYRduZJLMzNi33QCLcBGAs/s320/ambition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What helps us grow as an individual or professional is our zeal
to improve, something everyone should have. There is indeed no end to learning.
We should be open and ready to accept it if we do not know something, and
learn.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, we should be able to judge ourselves and identify
the areas we lack. It could be enhancement of one’s skills or aspiration for
better quality of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrrOzCu1giA/WuLdcmg6UjI/AAAAAAAAZvs/jXxRBFom6AkhUj_N8APwA6kwiyuTZ3qmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrrOzCu1giA/WuLdcmg6UjI/AAAAAAAAZvs/jXxRBFom6AkhUj_N8APwA6kwiyuTZ3qmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Z.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having said all of that, allow me to admit that I am someone
who lacks this zeal. It is not as if I don’t put my best effort in whatever I
do. Or that I do not have aspirations. But I am someone who loves to be in her
comfort zone, and am unwilling to take risks, such as changing jobs, etc. I
would try to make the best of what I have, and try to carry on life the way it
was.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If I were to achieve something big, I would plan for it,
albeit slowly – save money (or credit card points or whatever). It happens
often with me that when I have managed to save enough, either the price of my
desired product would have increased, or it would no longer be available in
market or it would have lost relevance in my life because of changes that have
happened in my life in the meantime. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Are you like me?<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/v-venturous.html">V</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/w-wardrobe.html">W</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/x-xenophobic.html">X</a>, </span><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/y-yield-point.html">Y</a></span></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-59333758911646650762018-04-28T15:12:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:28:16.733+05:30Y- Yield point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic1-Gl9vKdY/WuBNW2tWbiI/AAAAAAAAZtU/TH2uuGqYv4Q-cGHSI5S1DqwLXyq8v5bigCLcBGAs/s1600/Screaming.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic1-Gl9vKdY/WuBNW2tWbiI/AAAAAAAAZtU/TH2uuGqYv4Q-cGHSI5S1DqwLXyq8v5bigCLcBGAs/s320/Screaming.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever wondered when you tend to lose your cool? You
would rarely find me fretting. I try my
best not to get angry or frustrated about any situation, and try to think with
a balanced head about the available alternatives and decide the next course of
action.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgtFOdpLAF4/WuBNWmcbgJI/AAAAAAAAZtQ/i9hBY9Vqims9EIxCEypLmd8wVNrxMZ6CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgtFOdpLAF4/WuBNWmcbgJI/AAAAAAAAZtQ/i9hBY9Vqims9EIxCEypLmd8wVNrxMZ6CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Y.jpg" /></a>Initially I was not like this, and would get worked up at
the slightest provocation. But much to my disappointment, I realized that the
impact of my screaming on someone was little and shortlived, whereas a lot of
my energy had been invested. What is worse, the same points could easily be
conveyed in a normal voice, albeit firmly.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There are no doubts about the ill effects of losing one’s
temper. Your blood pressure rises, you may end up speaking unkind words, and
more. “Anger is just one alphabet short of Danger”, remember that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have stretched my yield point deliberately. It saves me from
incurring lot of stress, and has helped me create the impression of a level
headed person. Also, people take serious note of me when I eventually cannot take
it anymore and blast it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Can you manage your temper well?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/v-venturous.html">V</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/w-wardrobe.html">W</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/x-xenophobic.html">X</a> </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-33507116811725033852018-04-27T14:32:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:28:59.137+05:30X- Xenophobic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNuJ3IMgzAY/WtyyBEmw1mI/AAAAAAAAZqs/M959ycE-3WQnOAGYGNClAaiohS3oPi1hwCLcBGAs/s1600/Please%2Bothers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="168" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KNuJ3IMgzAY/WtyyBEmw1mI/AAAAAAAAZqs/M959ycE-3WQnOAGYGNClAaiohS3oPi1hwCLcBGAs/s320/Please%2Bothers.png" width="320" /></a>Are you xenophobic? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Before you answer that question, let me share with you its meaning.
If not literally, it means one who is anxious of what others (sometimes from
foreign cultures) think of him. Such a person would invariably try to go out of
the way to please others, so that his impression remains positive. Now answer
the question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQVw5eJEbk4/WtyyBdDpq4I/AAAAAAAAZqw/7AQ1G_XmKmginBC_N2Xpg5QyW23IxwkmQCLcBGAs/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQVw5eJEbk4/WtyyBdDpq4I/AAAAAAAAZqw/7AQ1G_XmKmginBC_N2Xpg5QyW23IxwkmQCLcBGAs/s1600/X.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To a large extent, I am like that. On the surface, I would
strongly assert, “I don’t care who thinks what”, but deep inside, I am
concerned. I may go to the extent of dressing in a particular way, or trying to
raise the correct topics, etc just to please someone, whereas the recipient of
this attention would neither notice, or make any such effort to please me.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t want to hurt anyone intentionally. So even if I am
feeling not very excited about it, I tend to comply (sometimes to desires that
have not been expressed at all). As a result, I tend to be taken for granted
and my opinion is sometimes overlooked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I am trying to do some self-counselling even while I write
this. Are you like me?<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/v-venturous.html">V</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/w-wardrobe.html">W</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-61816449301730669822018-04-26T14:43:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:31:32.935+05:30W - Wardrobe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C91fkVQUeXI/WtyfSFKLi_I/AAAAAAAAZqY/QXoI1VmqSeMzxTSalfqiyKMBMA7q2kq0QCLcBGAs/s1600/wardrobe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C91fkVQUeXI/WtyfSFKLi_I/AAAAAAAAZqY/QXoI1VmqSeMzxTSalfqiyKMBMA7q2kq0QCLcBGAs/s320/wardrobe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let us begin in flashback:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A friend of mine had come over to Delhi and was staying at
her cousin’s place. She invited me over, to which I readily agreed. We enjoyed
the evening thoroughly but when it was time for me to leave, we found it was
stormy. Soon began incessant rain. We waited and waited, but the weather would
not settle, until it was very late at night. My friend’s cousin came forward as
a good host and offered me to stay over, and also offered me a T-shirt for me
to change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1D1nK1DeS4/WtyfR3SRR3I/AAAAAAAAZqU/u-ZPmcbDEHM0DlRGnXxziaw1babeS7eRgCLcBGAs/s1600/W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1D1nK1DeS4/WtyfR3SRR3I/AAAAAAAAZqU/u-ZPmcbDEHM0DlRGnXxziaw1babeS7eRgCLcBGAs/s1600/W.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When he opened his cupboard, I was left open-mouthed – it
was so neatly arranged! Clothes were ironed and segregated in an orderly way.
So far I used to think that men of all ages are essentially lazy, and their
wardrobes are likely to be untidy. When I could not hold back my surprise, he
told me, “It takes so much lesser space if you keep things properly and finding
anything becomes easy too”.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A lesson learnt well.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Even today, I try to keep my belongings neatly. I admit it
gets messy over time, but I take time out to re-arrange my stuff periodically.
A neat wardrobe is the sign of an organized mind, I tell myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Do you have a neat wardrobe?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/v-venturous.html">V</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-70804524848165788032018-04-25T14:33:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:31:56.079+05:30V- Venturous <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1dIMhYvGDo/Wts2fZKmYVI/AAAAAAAAZpw/kYljpHWGPAMMTTJxr1Ec6NqwtMF-lRdXgCLcBGAs/s1600/Out-of-the-Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="669" height="259" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1dIMhYvGDo/Wts2fZKmYVI/AAAAAAAAZpw/kYljpHWGPAMMTTJxr1Ec6NqwtMF-lRdXgCLcBGAs/s320/Out-of-the-Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am somone who is willing to take a few risks. Although I may
be sceptical initially, I would take a try. Some of these (ad)venturous steps
have worked for me in reality. Thinking out of the box and stepping out of one’s
comfort zone is the key.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Our Sports Teacher had asked me if I would be interested in
joining the School Rowing Team. They needed someone who knew swimming. I didn’t
know how I would fare at the sport, but I agreed to go for selection. And not
only did I row in the tournament, I enrolled myself in the Rowing Club and went
on to win many competitions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVFOTLjtHA/Wts2e_FkvbI/AAAAAAAAZps/cDkzux80eZ46O_OMwKiAo1selI3wbg2HQCLcBGAs/s1600/V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVFOTLjtHA/Wts2e_FkvbI/AAAAAAAAZps/cDkzux80eZ46O_OMwKiAo1selI3wbg2HQCLcBGAs/s1600/V.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My decision to study Architecture was also one such venture
for me – no one in my circle had studied the subject, and I had very vague idea
about the different roles I could play. I had taken the selection test thinking
my good handwriting and fair sketching skills would come in handy. I couldn’t believe
my ears when I was informed that I had been selected!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I may be working as a Transport Planner presently, but my training
facilitates my visualization of a project better and also enhances my
presentation skills. Today, I have the experience of teaching many students,
guiding them to design their projects with practical knowledge and also taking
examinations as external faculty.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Have you taken some risks in your life that have worked for
you in the long run?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/u-umbrella.html">U</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-7710915758460585532018-04-24T14:37:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:33:07.033+05:30U- Umbrella<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="text-align: justify;">One thing that is permanent in my bag is my umbrella,
whichever season or time of day it may be. Can you guess the reason behind
this?</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is a habit that has stayed with me since childhood. My
hometown, Kolkata (earlier known as Calcutta) enjoys a very balanced climate. It
is usually sunny, and whenever it gets too hot, the city gets rain. Thus, an
umbrella would be the companion of most citizens, especially the women, as it
comes in handy both when it is sunny or when it is pouring.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfxFIc8M2Lo/WtrcEi2vcJI/AAAAAAAAZno/eHwR0cFCMFkW7thZZATp6pCIau8ZPyllACLcBGAs/s1600/umbrellas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfxFIc8M2Lo/WtrcEi2vcJI/AAAAAAAAZno/eHwR0cFCMFkW7thZZATp6pCIau8ZPyllACLcBGAs/s400/umbrellas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As children, we were possessive about our umbrellas to the
extent of embroidering our names on the edge. Also I remember stitching frills
around my umbrella as a child, just to decorate it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsphR8thevA/WtrcBJg-7AI/AAAAAAAAZnk/glVRelSLuXEDibwCeoqSKSY35ia9jdT_wCLcBGAs/s1600/U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsphR8thevA/WtrcBJg-7AI/AAAAAAAAZnk/glVRelSLuXEDibwCeoqSKSY35ia9jdT_wCLcBGAs/s1600/U.jpg" /></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That reminds me of a disaster which very few people know
about. Encouraged by the appreciation received for the frill stitching
initiative, I decided to go experimental with my creativity. My Dad’s umbrella
was a boring black one, and had a big diameter. He rarely used to carry it. So
one day, I punctured neat holes in it in different sizes, stitched patterns in
some and made it look very innovative. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was disappointed to see the horrified look on my Dad’s
face! I told him it would create different patterns on the road when the
sunlight poured through it, and he asked me in return, “What about the rain?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What is your constant companion?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a>,<a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/t-tailoring.html"> T</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-63909811737312937502018-04-23T14:59:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:33:33.759+05:30T- Tailoring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Do you know that I can cut up a piece of cloth and stitch a
dress? There was one time when I used to design and tailor my own clothes.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The interest in tailoring was ingrained by my Granny, who tried
to teach some basics of stitching and knitting to both me and my brother, telling
us that this knowledge could come in handy anytime. However, I was the only one
who took interest. She owned an old sewing machine and the sheer pleasure of
operating it and watching the cloth move through the machine captured my awe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During a fairly long break in school, my Dad sent me to
learn tailoring from a lady who gave classes near my home, just to keep me
occupied. I showed considerable flourish in the art and learnt different ways
to cut cloth. However, I couldn’t pursue this talent of mine much as studies
came in the way. I could help my Mom or Granny at times only.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5LrxYL1-lk/WtoVZtGu5dI/AAAAAAAAZm8/gp7pltid1BgU7kUqpG8l8kKBuOiNpQ9ygCLcBGAs/s1600/T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z5LrxYL1-lk/WtoVZtGu5dI/AAAAAAAAZm8/gp7pltid1BgU7kUqpG8l8kKBuOiNpQ9ygCLcBGAs/s1600/T.jpg" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8u32PZxJQY/WtoVZ0Ymu1I/AAAAAAAAZnA/owFbphCXz6Eo4Hs8eQXy8nIRR7y-FBnXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sewing%2BMachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="700" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8u32PZxJQY/WtoVZ0Ymu1I/AAAAAAAAZnA/owFbphCXz6Eo4Hs8eQXy8nIRR7y-FBnXQCLcBGAs/s320/Sewing%2BMachine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years later, when we had shifted to a new home, my husband
gifted me an electric sewing machine on my birthday – such a sweet gesture!
However, there was a secret intention – he made me stich all the curtains,
pillow covers and likewise that you can see in my home! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you have a hobby?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/s-growing-senior.html">S</a></span></span></div>
</div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32323471.post-87177193815799592642018-04-21T14:42:00.000+05:302018-04-30T17:34:03.977+05:30S- growing Senior<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“With great power, comes great responsibility” is a popular
saying. So can be said as we become senior by age or grow in our careers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Time flies by and we gradually traverse the journey from our
childhood to adolescence, adulthood and<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
finally old age. Give it a thought and
you will realize the way we interact with the rest of the world also changes..
from a cuddly baby we become a sweet old person. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLMstW92cx8/WtoRJ1gt0sI/AAAAAAAAZms/_BU0JjhAnusIyhYGgUQqX_x3v57z1Dm0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Senior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="159" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLMstW92cx8/WtoRJ1gt0sI/AAAAAAAAZms/_BU0JjhAnusIyhYGgUQqX_x3v57z1Dm0gCLcBGAs/s320/Senior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93UbJFyTHV4/WtoRJbQQXcI/AAAAAAAAZmo/BolKr6Ly5yoQ0xsbk0_062xKNDNLpVF2gCLcBGAs/s1600/S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93UbJFyTHV4/WtoRJbQQXcI/AAAAAAAAZmo/BolKr6Ly5yoQ0xsbk0_062xKNDNLpVF2gCLcBGAs/s1600/S.jpg" /></a></div>
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I remember the day my manager asked me to dictate a letter
to our secretary. Till then, I had been drafting letters myself and never taken
assistance of a stenographer. I actually re-verified from my senior that I was
eligible to ask someone to work for me. It made me feel as if I had risen one
level up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, as we have grown from the grass root level, our roles
have gradually transformed to a managing role – we receive instructions from
our managers, delegate work to our juniors, finish the work received from them,
and again transmit the final result to the source of the requirement. This is
no easy task. Those of us in the senior management face challenges such as
accomplishments in line with the company’s growth, something that can be
achieved by someone with relevant experience and necessary qualities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What is your take?<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">__</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Read previous posts on Theme: Things my life revolves around: <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/a-alarms.html" style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">A</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;">,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/b-bus.html">B</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/c-connectivity.html">C</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/d-durga-puja.html">D</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/e-going-electronic.html">E</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/f-failures.html">F</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/g-glitches.html">G</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/h-holidays.html">H</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/i-if.html">I</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/j-jack-of-all-trades.html">J</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/k-kitchens.html">K</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/l-letters.html">L</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/m-month-end.html">M</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/n-numbers.html">N</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/o-options.html">O</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/p-pressure.html">P</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/q-quality.html">Q</a>, <a href="http://www.volatilespirits.com/2018/04/r-routes.html">R</a></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Anupama K. Mazumderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03860574609893186316noreply@blogger.com0