June 1, 2008

Here I am again...fully motivated and determined to resume blogging and updating it every so often. Let's see how long it take for this motivation to fade away into mere thoughts and replaced by something new, which will also suffer the similar treatment.

One of my oldest relatives (grandfather's brother's wife) is on her first, and probably last, tour to USA. Yesterday, i met her after 7 years. This whole ordeal was quite overwhelming. I use 'overwhelming' because meeting her, listening to her and talking to her made me realize many things. It was as if i was hit with a rock of self-realization which was there all this time, but i had been ignorant.

I think it is essential to provide some background information of my childhood before i proceed. First 6 years of my life was spent growing up in a joint family. Imagine 7-9 families, consisting of extended uncle, aunts, cousins, (from father's side) and all living under one huge roof. It is practically impossible to maintain that bond and relationship with your relatives in this decade. While she was updating us on each cousins' academics, employment, marriage and overall life, i realized that i had forgotten some of them. All i remember is their faces, i could not even distinguish some of them by name. The cousins I grew up with, the cousins I spent more time with than my own parents, the cousins who taught most of the valuable lessons of life one is taught in first six years of life are only reminisced by faces, and nothing else. I felt ashamed. Yes, they are not my first cousins, but i should still remember them and at least be able to differentiate each by his/her name, if nothing else. What cheered me up were her tales of our mischiefs and devilry in and around the huge house. It was quite nostalgic, especially because i had forgotten about it but as soon as she mentioned it, i could imagine it scene-by-scene occurring in front of my eyes.

With every couple earning and living independently (without parents, i.e.) and going by the principle of 'Hum do, hamare do' due to inflation/agflation and somewhat less stressful life, i doubt if many kids will be fortunate enough to experience the similar type of delectation with their cousins or close relatives even. In this age, with computers manipulating most of the kids' mind, so much so that they would rather live in their virtual life all day instead of going outside to play Cricket or any sport with 'real' friends.

More on this later...and some other topics also.

Meanwhile, make others happy and laugh, even when you aren't happy. Atleast you won't make them feel the same. :)

- Abhinav

Busy week...yet again.

Currently Playing: Paas Hum Dur Vo - Raghav Sachar - Play It Out

Haven't done much in past few days except study/work and if possible, sleep. This is one hell of a week. Next week, at this time, i will be driving home for Thanksgiving. I can hardly wait for the break as my only plan is to catch up on sleep, movies and shows. Oh, and also to take advantage of Thanksgiving sale. Hopefully, amidst all those important tasks, i will be able to gather some time to update the blog. Till then, help someone you don't know and experience the pleasure....

- Abhinav

Happy Diwali!

सभी ब्लोग मेहमानों को दिवाली कि शुभकामनाएं। Happy Diwali to all the blog visitors!

Currently Playing: Kholo Kholo - Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy - Taare Zameen Par

After brief thinking, i have decided to write again. There wasn't any reason for me to stop or discontinue updating entries but i never felt motivated enough or didn't have much time, to put it in simple words. It appears that i still do not have time. Education has consumed my life completely and i will probably be in this state for about 10 more years, unfortunately. One of the reasons i would like to update my blog often is because when i read my old entries, i am struck with my thought process at that certain time, my mentality, my growth as a person since then. It also gives me an opportunity to look back and resort to past.

I miss India, especially today as it is Diwali! It should be about 7:30 PM in India right now and all family members must be preparing for puja. In an hour or two, all the anxious kids and friends will gather around for pathakas (fireworks). Ahh, those were the days! I still remember arguing with my mom every year for more pathakas because like any other mother, she did not want me to engage in anything else than phuljhari or anaar or maybe a bidi bomb. My dad, of course, never hesitated to buy me more dangerous (for my age) bombs and fireworks. We had a set price. I could possibly get anything that i wanted (or he felt suitable) within that price range. I also miss the presents, the phone calls, the joy, the celebration, the excitement, waking up early the next day to pick up leftover/unburnt pathakas and so much more than just Diwali celebration.

This is my 6th year without celebrating Diwali in India. I don't think i will ever be in India during this time, unless i decide to settle there. It's almost impossible to take even a week long trip to India at this time because of the workload in school (semester end).

For any other person, it would be great to live/study overseas, but you would miss the rituals, the environment, the real spirit of India wholeheartedly. Atleast, i do. I plan to summarize my recent trip to India, so i can remember even the smallest details and enjoy them later, but i have yet to sit down and recollect all the memories. Till then, you should recollect some past memories, childhood memories, relive them and enjoy the present times while you still can because one thing is for sure, life doesn't get any easier...until you get old. And who would like to be categorized under 'Senior Citizen'? I must now go back to studying ... leaving you with these beautiful and emotional lyrics from Javed Akhtar from the movie 'Swades':

Mitti ki hai jo khushboo, tu kaise bhoolaega,
Tu chahe kahin jaaye, tu laut ke aaega
Nayi Nayi raahon mein, dabi dabi aahon mein,
Khoye khoye dil se tere, koi ye kahega
Yeh jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara,
Yeh woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta

Tujhse zindagi hai yeh keh rahi,
Sab toh paa liya, ab hai kya kami
Yun toh saare sukh hai barse,
Par door tu hai apne ghar se
Aa laut chal tu ab deewane,
Jahaan koi toh tujhe apna maane
Awaaz de tujhe bulaane, wahi des...
Yeh jo des hai tera, swades hai tera, tujhe hai pukaara,
Yeh woh bandhan hai jo kabhi toot nahin sakta

September 10, 2006

[ Mood: Happy ]

[ Currently: Listening to Bas Ek Pal - Bas Ek Pal ]

Bas Ek Pal is such an amazing song! I am love with that soundtrack except "Dheemey Dheemey" song, which is okay, but not as great as other numbers. Hopefully, Vivek-Philip & Mithoon will release more incredible soundtracks.

This entry actually belong for Monday, September 4th:

It’s been an interesting day. In order for you to “enjoy” the completely, I must provide some details and background regarding past week. One of my good friends came back to hometown on Saturday. My friend and I had plans of going to see him because we had not seen him in quite a long time and he rarely comes home. I have today off for ‘Labor Day.’ That makes it a 3-day weekend. There was a significant college football game on Saturday which, of course, involved my college. Not having a car, I desperately sought for a ride back home. My friend has a car but he decided to stay for the game and thus for the weekend because there’s no point going home just for a day and come back. Since there was no possible way I could come home, my parents made plans of traveling to Michigan to see my uncle. Following the victorious match, my friend decided to go home as we both didn’t want to let down our close friend. I had keys to home, so it wouldn’t have been a problem for me to find a place to stay. Thus, we embarked on our trip yesterday afternoon and arrived in town at evening. Following the arrival, we hung out with out friend and his family and then I came back home pleased. I forgot to mention that keys I have is only of the back door and not of the front. It is a double-lock system, so I can lock the door from the inside, leave and wouldn’t need to use the key to lock the door from the outside. Since my parents left, they double-locked every door in the house.

This morning, I decided to present a surprise to my parents by mowing the lawn so my dad wouldn’t have to mow it upon return. I put on my gym shorts, under-shirt and shoes. Gym shorts are quite short and don’t have any pockets. I opened the garage and closed the door behind me. I realized that I had forgotten the oil for the lawn mower. I proceed towards to the door and tried to turn the door knob…tried really hard. I have locked myself out! First thing that came to my mind was “No freakin’ way!” At that point, It is only human’s natural tendency to keep trying to open the door as the door knob will magically turn and the lock will be unlocked. I could not believe what had happened. My friend was supposed to pick me up in 4 hours and we were to go back to college. Series of questions occurred during that time:
“Can I survive without laptop for 4 days? “Yes.”
“Can I survive without cell phone for 4 days?” “Hardly, it can be managed somehow.”
“Can I survive without my college ID for 4 days?” “It’s a bit risky but still possible.”
“Can I survive without money for 4 days?” “Yes, possibly.”
“Can I survive without my Calculus and Organic Chemistry books? “Possibly.”
“Can I survive without my room keys for 4 days?” “No.”

There was the problem. Even though I could ask my roommates for keys each time, I think it would have a huge ordeal considering none of our classes match and I would have to completely depend on them. So, cutting the story short, I went to my neighbor’s place, called parents, they told me call a locksmith from Yellow Book. He came and fixed the lock. So, it was an interesting day, I learned few things, pondered about few. It’s weird that it happened because as I was closing the door, I was just thinking that mom shouldn’t worry too much about me because I am fully capable of taking responsibility and living up to it. I am afraid I was wrong, and I am not so grown, after all. No matter how old you get, you will always be younger and inexperienced compare to your parents. I pity those people who are insolent to their parents.

Fantasy Football starts today! FINALLY!

[Bart becomes Marge's partner in Tennis at the last minute]
Homer: It's obvious what's happening. I'm being replaced by a younger, more in-your-face version of me.
Lisa: Dad, you're just going through a classic Oedipal anxiety. You remember the story of Oedipus, don't you?
Homer: Well, maybe five bucks would refresh my memory.
Lisa: [sighs] Oedipus killed his father and married his mother.
Homer: Eugh! Who pays for that wedding?
Lisa: I'm just saying you feel threatened by Bart, but it's all in your head.
Homer: You're right. But just to be safe, maybe I should chain him up.
Lisa: Dad, I think you're overreacting.
Homer: I think you're under-reacting.
Lisa: This session's over.
Homer: This session's under.
Lisa: Good-bye! [leaves]
Homer: Bad-bye!

- Abhinav

July 13, 2006

[ Mood: Very Sad ]

[ Currently: Listening to Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera - Swades ]

Ahh...soo many thoughts swimming in my mind, trying to escape out into the free world, but they have no choice except to suffer due to my indolence.

First of all, I would like to commemorate all the innocent victims of train bombings in Bombay, which proved to be yet another cowardly act by terrorists or militant groups. When will all this stop? When will there be an ultimate peace? When will people realize that war/violence is not the solution? Despite being an extreme optimist, I can only admit that ultimate peace may never betide in our lifetime. So much sufferance and chaos spreading in the world and I can only do so much. It makes me sad, very sad. That brings me to the next point. When ‘Ya Ali’ makes me happy and somehow provides a warm and relaxed feeling, ‘Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera’ makes me sad and very emotional. It makes me cry, every time I listen to it. It has so many meanings to it, especially if you’re away from your home and the loved ones. This song incited me even more after watching a video that was featured on Google Videos. Unfortunately, I am unable to share the video with you since it has been deleted by the user. I am searching it every five minutes hopelessly hoping that somehow it will be found in the archives. The video had 'Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera' song in the background and contained a compilation of pictures of people who live proudly in India in spite of being really poor and still managing to seek happiness and satisfaction. It made me think...a lot. The video is so brilliantly made that it will make you cry. It's depressing as we rarely think of those subjects in our busy and fast-paced lifestyles. I wish I could see it again as a mean of motivation to constitute more on this matter...

On to the brighter portion of the entry...(these will mostly be random thoughts)

The trip to NJ/NY was of course an unsatisfactory and short one, as I presumed. Took a lot of pictures and visited few places, although not as many as I desired. I would like to add more, but don't have the inspiration...

Anyway, I was reading the contents of ‘Pyaar Ke Side Effects’ CD, and came across the list of singers. Alisha Chinai (or Chinoy or Chinnoy; remember her from widely-acclaimed ‘Made in India’ album?) sung two of the songs, ‘Allah Bachaye’ and the remix version of ‘Bad Boys.’ I used to be a huge fan of ‘Made in India’ song and having adequate time in hand, I decided to search her latest achievements in the Entertainment Industry. In process, I stumbled upon her latest picture...I could hardly believe my eyes.

She progressed from to to

I just stared at the laptop screen for about a minute or so...

Well, I want to write more, as always, but i must get some sleep instead of enduring a painful headache at 6 in the morning. Later, fellow readers!

Leaving with a quote from 'The Simpsons':

Bart: Dad, what's a Muppet?
Homer: Well, it's not quite a mop, not quite a puppet, but man...So, to answer you question...I don't know!

- Abhinav

July 02, 2006

[ Mood: Angry ]

[ Currently: Listening to Teri Yaadon Mein [Remix] - The Killer ]

Since i am feeling indolent, i will copy/paste the discussion that occured on between me and two guys on 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' thread on IMDb. These have not been modified in any way. My username is 'airabhinav.' For those who care to read, here it is:

============================================================

Chiragkhagram:

if u think karan johar films hav no purpose can u pls name me a bollywood film (or even a hollywood film 4 dat matta) which actually HAD purpose dat was released in 2006! all damn films are made 2 entertain and im sorry...but half of bollywood films seem like dey wer made from d back of a truck...appreciate wen directors spend 3 years making a film perfect rather dan trashy!...

i do expect u 2 name me a film which had purpose...i dont think u will b able 2!

AirAbhinav (Me):

Ok chiragkhagram, face the truth: Karan Johar makes same-old-hackneyed-boring-family-crap with multi-starrers and good songs. Only reason his lame movies become hit is solely because of the casts and songs. Seriously, how can you consider his work 'perfect'? It's immensely flawed and staled. Oh, and just because some director spent three years in making a movie doesn't mean it has to be good and appreciated.

Since you're so curious to know, here are few Hollywood and Bollywood movies that do serve a purpose:
Requiem for a Dream
City of God
The Shawshank Redemption
Brokeback Mountain
Fire
Water
Page 3
Rang De Basanti
Good Night and Good Luck
V for Vendetta
American History X
Crash

You need more?

P.S. - Grow up and stop using 'd' instead of 'the' or '2' instead of 'to' and other cut-off words...it makes you sound immature and stupid.

anytime_partytime:

yep we do more names if u think srkz movies are bad y iz he da king khan y iz he da most expensive actor y do all directors want to cast him in their movies y does he have billions of fans around da world y does a movie become a hit or even a super hit with him just for a bout 5 mins duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh think b4 u say ppl aint gd enough
brokeback mountain do u really like gay cowboy movies?
v fir vendetta arent u tired of the same comic heros?
american history do we really need to know that?
Water that was good
crash do we really care if its crash or anything else?
so dont think karan johar makes movies for no reason he makes dem coz he believes in wat he is doing so b4 posting a hate comment think arent ppl allowed to do wat ever they want in this world if terriost can attack nations then why cant KARAN JOHAR make a love story movie and he is work aint perfect oh come on grow up no ones perfect
and rang de basanti was good but i just think we are fed up wid amir khan dieing in each of his movies come on his movies are gd but SRK RULEZ

P.S everyone uses wat ever they want if its d instead of the or 2 instead of to so do u have a problem in tht unless u are a english teacher trying to correct someone so just dont be stupid and immature and dont curse no one wats da point u wont benefit anything from it so be it chiragkhagram or anyone they have da right to do wat ever they feel like just like karan johar

take care

AirAbhinav (Me):

Anytime_partytime, i hate to say this, but you are a complete moron. Please PLEASE watch the movies before even attempting to denounce them in anyway.

Since we are on the topic, let's begin with my suggested movies:
Brokeback Mountain: There's nothing wrong with watching gay cowboys movies. If you so abhor gays and can't stand to watch movies related to them, then you are very close-minded and have no generalized view of the world. Watch it and TRY to get the deeper meaning of the movie, it's not just about the gays, it tells the emotional story of love and how it is a solely significant thing, no matter the gender or same sex or opposite sex. There's a bigger picture that you need to comprehend. Just because it conveys the emotional and sad movies about gays, doesn't mean only gays are allowed to watch it. It delivers the message regarding to the cruelty of the society. It is currently happening in this world and you would have to accept it, so start accepting it!

V for Vendetta: Comic heroes? Again, maybe TRY to look at the bigger picture? Did you even realize for a second how they portrayed the influence of government and its effects on the general public? Do you know what it means when they say "People should not be afraid of the Government, Government should be afraid of the people?" If you watch this kind of movie just for violence, then no wonder you like Karan Johar's movies...take the main context out of a movie, and the movie becomes pointless.

American History X: Okay, i know for certain that you have NOT seen this movie, or even heard about it. I am guessing that your statement "Do we really need to know that" is subjected towards American History...and i know i am right. Well, let me hit you with some knowledge...'American History X' is one of the saddest and eye-opening movies i have ever come across. It makes you think (wait, i don't think you are capable of that...but still) and realize that racism is inevitable but one must still do his/her best to resolve the issue, as it won't be solved by merely one person.

Crash: Same as 'American History X'...i know you haven't seen it. Sad and thought-provoking racism-oriented movie at its best...

Rang De Basanti: Fed up with Aamir Khan dying (yeah, that is the right spelling...)? Is that all you were able to derive from the movie? Did you realize that their main intention was to spread across the message regarding the politicians of India and their effect on youth and many other people related? Seriously, you are lame! Also, you are fed up with the death of Aamir Khan, huh? Ok, let's see, off the top of my head, Aamir Khan has died in Fanaa, Rang De Basanti, Mangal Pandey and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Let's check on Shahrukh Khan...Darr, Anjaam, Baazigar, Dil Se, Ram Jaane, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Devdas...hmm, i don't know about you, but i'm pretty sure Shahrukh has outright topped Aamir by about 3 movies. You don't seem bored and whine about his death...again, know what you're writing about before implementing on it and most importantly, just think...please. It's funny because you wanted ME to think before i said anything...ahh, you portray fine example of hypocrisy at its best.

Now that i am done excelling that argument, let's go to SRK and Karan Johar.

First of all, i did not say a word about Shahrukh Khan, but since you have brought it up, i must admit that i don't like him. I liked his acting only from his first few movies like Baazigar, Anjaam, Darr, Deewana, when he was at the rising point of his career. I also liked Swades but that was because of the plot, not because of SRK. Now, answer to all your questions is Shahrukh's looks. For the last couple of years, he's considered a hearthrob and audiences love his movies just because he is in it (you have mentioned that too...i hope you realize that it's pretty dumb to think that way). People just love to love his movies because some melodramtic promotioners liven up the hype and it follows the technique of if-you-love-bollywood-you-have-to-like-SRK, so people MAKE themselves like him. What is this world coming to? When movies should be appreciated for the material, direction, style of portrayal, plot, it's been cherished due to the popularity of few actors...

Quote:

so dont think karan johar makes movies for no reason he makes dem coz he believes in wat he is doing so b4 posting a hate comment think arent ppl allowed to do wat ever they want in this world if terriost can attack nations then why cant KARAN JOHAR make a love story movie and he is work aint perfect oh come on grow up no ones perfect.

You may not be aware but there are things called punctuation marks that include commas, periods, apostrophes...you would know about them too if you had been attending your english or any other classes and not failing all of them. Anyway, I agree that no one's perfect and people have every liberty to do what they desire, but not everyone has to like it. Wow, you made me laugh out loud by using that 'terrorist' example; Thanks, i needed that laugh after all the anger that was raged due to your nonsensical statement and fabricated claims. I can't believe that you actually used that sleazy example...enough said.

P.S.: What i could gather from your writing, i must remind you again that commas, periods, apostrophes and things of that sort do exist and appears that you can use some of them (trust me, they won't haunt you in night when you're sleeping with daddy and mommy...). Also, it isn't essential that only english teachers have the ability to correct your childish statements...and what if i said that i was a English techer, would you change you style? I don't think so, thus stop coming up with lame excuses to prove that you're right.

P.P.S: It's okay if you don't reply, i will understand that you were too busy crying in your mommy's arms or getting immensely drunk at some trashy party. Take it easy, man..or should i say, 'Tk it ez man' (notice the absence of punctuation marks...thought you might need some help figuring that one out...)

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Please respond and post your views...

- Abhinav

March 25, 2006

[ Mood: Neutral ]

[ Currently: Listening to Ya Ali - Pritam - Gangster ]

After almost three months of silence, I have been somehow inspired to resume writing again. I’m not certain whether this motivation will be persistent or not, but we’ll see.

I’m currently on my Spring Break but that is about to end soon. I’ll be heading back to my university tomorrow afternoon. Not very excited to leave my hometown and most importantly my parents, but don’t have much of a choice.

Well, I have been thinking a lot lately and astonishingly coming to acceptable conclusions. God is finally providing answers. If you’re curious regarding the things I have been pondering about, then they are listed below (in no particular order):
Love and how it has affected my life
Importance of friends in my life
The amelioration of technology in the coming years
The possibility of everlasting life and my enthusiasm towards it
Past mistakes and regrets
The end of the world a.k.a. Armageddon
Other minor and major issues existent in this world

I know you most likely don’t care, but here are my views on them:

Being a proud Hindu, I believe in true love and soul-mate. Since I have moved to U.S.A, I have noticed few things which have, sometimes, assisted in making my belief on true love ever more strong while sometimes they have tried to manipulate me. I’m glad that I was able to control myself and never abandoned my own faith. I noticed my friends constantly getting in serious relationships and then breaking up some days/weeks/months later with several girls. I don’t think it is right. How can you love various girls in just matter of months or weeks or even days? What happened to all those commitments and promises? Giving that sort of relationship the name of ‘Love’ would be an insult to the purity of love. It’s called infatuation. Honestly, I have been in ‘love’ few times. Yes, I was naïve back then. It had always been one-way love though. I was never able to gather enough courage to ask the girls out or even attempt to discover their feelings towards me. Now, at this point, I know you’re thinking of me as a coward. You’re thinking that I wasn’t man enough to reveal my true feelings. That is absolutely not true. I believe in long-term relationship. Before even getting in a relationship, I considered my reaction and state of mind in case my girlfriend and I decided to break-up after some period of time. Will I ever be able to originate the same kind of feelings towards some other girl? Will those feelings be true? I concluded that those feelings wouldn’t be original and thus fake. Since then, I have decided never to let myself generate strong feelings for a particular girl unless I was planning to marry her in future or getting into some serious relationship. Otherwise, they just accumulate to a tremendous distraction factor. In this today’s world, many of the males/females of my age would like to contradict my points and previous statements. If you think you’re one of them, please feel free to leave comments or contact me. I would love to argue on the matter as it would only help me in expanding my thoughts and differentiate ideas.

Moving on...

Frankly, Americans are quite selfish. That being said, it is somewhat difficult to confide in a friend and make ‘best’ friends. I would like to add, at this point, that I don’t have any best friend, but numerous good friends. I do have few (American) friends that are completely trust-worthy and I know they will remain loyal to me in time of need. Though, I have realized few things. Friends are made along the way – in the journey of life – to isolate your loneliness and basically replace the reflection of parents (during parents’ absence). No matter how close of a friend you have, it is you who will make your destiny. It is you, if taken the wrong path due to poor associations, will suffer the consequences. It could be easily inferred that I am making references to Peer Pressure. I am determined not to let my friends take over my life and not necessarily let them make the decisions for me.

I desire to write more, I seriously do…but I must get some good sleep before I start slacking off on sleep once college starts... :Sigh: what a frustration…

Leave some comments...Good Night!

- Abhinav