Best Bollywood Films Of 2012

While choosing a film for "best films", the dilemma that one often comes across is that whether or not to consider its "Entertainment Quotient" or its "Box Office Performance". But for me, a good film will always entertain you, in some way or other. Make you laugh. Make you cry. It will Thrill you. It will Provoke Thoughts. It will make you retain some part of it, even after you walked out of the dark theater.

And this year too we had such movies. The films that made sure that 2012 wont be just about the ever increasing Club of 100 Crores. Each of these films made an impact on Indian Cinema . Made us realize that Film Making is an Art of Story Telling on Big Screen along with providing Entertainment and not just a Gold Rush. Some of  these films weren't made to appease the box-office, but cater to a different audience and are ought to be encouraged.

Here are the Best Movies of 2012, in Chronological Order.

Agneepath
A good attempt from a debut director who never competes with Original Cult Movie.It has all the cliches of revenge dramas of 80s & 90s. An Anti Hero, An Ideal Mother, An Exploited Sister, A Psychic Over the top Villain, An Item Number in Villain's Den. Lots of Gore and Violence. The kind of Cinema we have grown up with. The film has got rid off many scenes and characters from the original but The Iconic dialogue,Vijay Dinanath Chauhan...Poora Naam, stays. It is well delivered in an original style. And It works.

Paan Singh Tomar
One of the Best Performance of Irfaan Khan. And one the meticulously filmed movie of the year. Right from the dialect to the location everything seemed so realistic. Anti System stories have always been loved by Indian Audience. And being a Real story it does strike a chord with the audience (those who watched it).
Tigmanshu Dhulia delivers another hard hitting film after his directorial debut "Haasil".

Kahaani
One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end. Need more of these.

Vicky Donor
Like one of the movie in this list, it dealt with topic so closely guarded in our society. No one talks about it  openly and even hesitate to discuss it with friends but the film presents it in such a lighthearted way that you are bound to be impressed by its story telling. Fresh Topic. Fresh Movie. Fresh Actor with Fresh Music. And Paani Da Rang surely must go as most beautiful song of the year.

Gangs of Wasseypur
Shahid Khan, Sardar Khan and Ramadhir Singh. And "Hamri Zindagi Ka ek hi Maqsad hai .... Badla". Had lot of expectation with Anurag Kashyap's epic. And it turned out to be a very riveting cinematic experience. Depth of each character mesmerizes you . Second part of the epic may not have the same intensity but this piece of art will surely be remembered .

Supermen Of Malegaon !!
The documentary is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman', a parody of "Superman". And your heart goes out for him when you see his optimistic attitude despite the hiccups and genuine film making issues. Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema. One of the best documentaries in recent times.

Gattu

Just like last year's Stanley Ka Dabba, this one very heart warming movie. A simple story of a boy , his life and his love of Kite Flying. And how prepares for the challenge of another Kite "Kali" and finally wins the battle against it. The films beautifully present the world of children where there is thin line between truth and lie, reality and fantasy. It was named Best film at New York Indian Film Festival 2012. Not to be missed.

Barfi !

The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first love. But Ranbir is the soul of the Movie and his funny acts just ensure that you have lots of genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin. The simplicity of the movie could be best described with the "Love Letter" that Barfi Friend's writes for him and it starts with "Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana......"

Oh My God
One of the underrated movie of the year. Underrated , because it was assumed that it would be another Akshay Kumar-Paresh Rawal routine comedy. But strangely it turned out to be some serious thought provocative one. And at the same time it din't loose it's comic moments. The biggest triumph of the movie was the way it talks about such a serious topic with such an ease. Paresh Rawal got all the right dialogues to put a very fine performance and a solid case.

English Vinglish
Another directional debut. Another fresh approach and another new idea. And a proven old horse, Sridevi, to take that idea forward, all the way. Such was her performance that you can feel the pain she goes through, every time, because of her lack of  English. And you are truly with her when she asks "Why India,why not The India.Why America,"The United States of America"?

Talaash

You might have seen some similar movies in Hollywood. May be better ones. But this is our own. That's what makes it special. Filmmakers like Reema Kagti should be encouaraged for taking the Road Less Traveled in Bollywood. The film grows slowly on you as it takes you to after dark lanes of Mumbai. Investigation unfolds in good old fashioned way. Similar to what we have seen earlier this year in Kahaani. But its the complexity of characters that makes a difference here.

Dabangg 2

And as the year ended, amidst Christmas Holidays, Chulbul Pandey arrived again. This time as Kung-Fu Pandey. Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new, sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.

Dabangg 2

After couple of hectic weeks in Office , Thanedaar Pandeyji and especially his Hawaldaar Chaubeyjii, bring smiles. Just the way “Bhaiyaji Esmile” did 2 years ago.

Going by the number of whistles in the full house auditorium and actions on the screen, Salman Khan seems to be the new Rajnikant.

Dabangg 2 may not take Indian Cinema forward, but will provide with you Paisa Vasool Entertainment with Naughty and Funny acts of Chulbul Pandey & Associates . And despite the criticism for lack of artistic values or lack of anything new , sometime you need this kind of escapism cinema.

Have Fun. Happy holidays !!

Talaash

A well made suspense thriller.

The Film begins with a Car Crash . A dead Body follows and thereafter its all about what happened. Talaash Begins !!

The film grows slowly on you as it takes you to after dark lanes of Mumbai. Investigation unfolds in good old fashioned way. Similar to what we have seen earlier this year in Kahaani. You may even solve the case by the time the film enters the last 30 mins . But its the complexity of characters that makes a difference here.

Movie has some very good performances. As excepted Aamir impresses with his portrayal of guilt ridden Cop who cant sleep. A controlled act of a father in pain. But its Kareena Kapoor who impresses more as prostitute who gets friendly with an investigating cop. After starring in series of senseless 100 crore movies this is her best act since 3 Idiots. And on a high after his trip to Wasseypur , Nawazuddin Siddique delivers another solid performance.

But its not the actors who make Talaash the movie it is. Its the people behind the camera , who opted to make something different.

You might have seen some similar movies in Hollywood. May be better ones. But this is our own. That's what makes it special. Go for it if you want to encourage thinking filmmakers like Reema Kagti, who took the Road Less Traveled in Bollywood. Else don't complain about senseless action-comedies that we are offered every Friday.

A Good Watch.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Even if you are in New York City. Even if you are in the Biggest Multiplex at Times Square, you may want to watch a film sitting on the Stairs of full house auditorium rather than to wait for the next show. That's what Shahrukh Khan can make you do. Sheer Charisma !!!

And as Superman's uncle might have said, "Great Charisma brings Greater Expectation".

When People like Yash Chopra , Shahrukh Khan , A R Rahman & Gulzar get together you don't expect anything less than Brilliant. And that's where the film disappoints you .

Despite Beautiful People , Beautiful Locales , Decent music and Decent performances, film fails to touch your emotional chord. Everything on the Screen remains on the screen , it never reaches you.

There are hardly any moment in the movie when you are touched. You keep on waiting for the moment when you want to empathize with the pain of the lead actors but you couldn't. The moment never comes. Not for the people who have seen KKHH, Veer Zara or even Tum Bin.

When credits roll with SRK on Royal Enfield reciting Yash Chopda's poetry, against the scenic backdrop of Ladakh, you start expecting something special in offering. Later in the first half the dance sequence before Isqh Shawa excites too. But these are rare moments in the movie.
The Bomb Disposal scenes lack the thrill that they should have. And if you are fan of The Hurt Locker (the little Oscar winning movie), those scenes may bring unintentional comical relief to you. And when SRK returns to London , you expect a climax but the film drags using good old formula from 80s.

Being great admirer of Deewar and Trishul and being part of a generation who has learnt romance watching Yash Chopra & SRK movies , this was not a fitting Swansong .

Barfi !

It’s a must watch. 

A film with lots of sensibility that brings smile on your face.  Amidst films of these days like “Rowdy Rathore” and “Ek Tha Tiger” that aim for 100 Club, Burfi comes as fresh air.

The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first love.

And funny acts of Ranbir just ensure that you have lots of genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin. 

After “Wake Up Sid” and “Rockstar”, Ranbir again delivers a performance that ensures that sooner or later he is going to be the next Superstar.

A beautifully made film with lots of Heart!! 

Not to be missed.

A R Rahman's Best Songs

Its has been 2 decades since we first heard those mesmerizing songs from Roja. We may not have realized but A R Rahman has been stirring our Body and Soul with his music since last 20 years. Today he has almost every awards and recognition that a Composer would wish for. Much has been written and said about the 'Mozart' of our time. Not sure if one would be able to add more.

The Journey of 2 decades had many highs starting with Roja in 1992 and peaking with Slumdog in 2008. He has his share of lows too with 'Chiggiy Wiggy', 'Raavan, 'Robot' and controversial 'Commonwealth Games Theme Song'. But the highlight of his illustrious career was the year 2008 when he gave chart-busters albums with Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Naa, Yuvvraaj, Ghajni and finally Slumdog Millionaire.

Work of genius don't come without fruitful associations. And A R Rahman gave some really great music in company of Jawed Akhtar, Shukwinder Singh, Chitra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. But the most illustrious association came with Gulzar which rightly took him to Oscars. And despite his long collaboration with the director Shankar, none of the songs ever made significant impact, at-least the Hindi Versions.

As a tribute to the great Man , here is my attempt to list his best songs. Initially a list of 10 was the proposition , but restricting Rahman's genius to just 10 pieces of work wasn't possible. Even this list of 15 wasn't without some compromises. It was sad to miss award winning songs from Guru, Yuva, Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na from this favorite list. Especially the last one. Equally tough was to miss out the melodious songs from Sapney, Ghajini, Jodha Akbar or foot tapping music from Humse Hai Muqabla, Meenaxi.

Some of the popular songs we grew upon in the late 90s couldn't make the cut too. Roop Suhana Lagta Hai, Urvasi Urvasi, Kay Sera Sera, O Bhavre, Rang De &  Piya Haji Ali are sadly missing here. 



Here is compilation of my favorite Rahman's song , in chronological order:



Yeh Haseen Wadiyaan [Roja - 1992]
Roja was a Landmark in Indian Musial History. Not only it did catapulted Rahman to fame but it gave a whole new dimension to Indian Music. In 2005, the album was chosen as one the 'All Time Best Soundtracks' by TIME magazine.

One of the rare song which really makes you feel that you are in 'waadiyan' as soon as the music of starts.

Dil Hai Chhota Sa [Roja - 1992]
Along with 'Yeh Haseen Waadiyaan..','Bahrat Humko..' & 'Roja Jaaneann'  this was song that made 'Roja' one of all time selling album. Rahman made huge impact with these 'light' tunes. And the joyful voice Minmini represents the freshness that's always associated with Roja.

Kehna Hi Kya [Bombay - 1995]
One of most Romantic Composition by Rahman . The song as chosen by 'The Guardian' among '1000 Songs Every One Must Hear'. And the album itself was chosen among '1000 Album to Hear Before You Die'.

Bombay Theme [Bombay -1995]
My personal favorite. A very heart stirring. The Instrumental is amazing and better than lyrical 'Tu Hi Re' and has been used as background score for few Hollywood movies.
If anyone ever gets confused between Good Song and Good Music, this is the answer. No Lyrics, No Vocals, No Choreography,  its just Pure Rahman Magic.
As I was searching for a YouTube link for this gem , I saw couple of interesting comments by the users:.

User 1:  2:15 The moment even the strongest of hearts would loosen up and cry out.
User 2:  The first half is just a build up to the awesomeness that is 2:15 on-wards.
User 3:  Dude the awesomeness starts at 00:01

No prize for guessing which comment got the maximum 'Likes' . Of-course the last one !!

Tanha Tanha [Rangeela -1995]
Rahman's debut album in Bollywood. Asha Bhosle made a comeback to playback singing with this song, at the age of 62, to sing a song for 21 year old Urmila Matondkar. And she sang a song that would be remembered as one of the Asha Bhosle's best. Mehboob's lyrics add more depth to the song as Rahman breezes freshness. And the sight of Urmila Matondkar's running down the beach just sets the moood.

Chaiyan Chaiyaan [Dil Se - 1998]
BBC featured Chaiyan Chaiyan among the Top 10 songs of All Time. And 'Chaiyan Chaiyan' could end up as one of the most 'Complete Song' ever in India. A Passionate Shukhwinder Singh giving voice to Gulzar's incredible poetry.

Taaveez banaake pehnoon usay, Aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin
Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin, Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin

And top of it 'One of Best Choreographed song ever'. Farha Khan's best work till date. The sight of super energetic Shahrukh and Mallika dancing on top the Ooty's Hill Train is one of the most amazing sight seen over silver screen.

Dil Se Re [Dil Se - 1998]
Dil Se would be among the best Soundtrack ever composed in India. Probably one of the most heard album. The album was a tribute to '7 Stages of Love'. 'Jiya Jale', 'Ai Ajnabi' and 'Satrangi Re' are simply awesome.
And the way Rahman croons the words "Dil Se Re...." makes you believe that this is his best work as a Singer.

Ishwar Allah [Earth -1998]
A lesser heard but an important piece of work by Rahman and Jawed Akhtar. One of the song along with 'Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara', 'Chale Chalo' & 'Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera' which proves his mastery in Patriotic genre.

Taal Se Taal Mila [Taal -1999]
Another gem from Rahman Sahab. Easily one of best Album in Bollywood.
Ghai remarked, "I credit the name of the movie to composer A. R. Rahman. This movie is a romance and I could have called it any thing - Dil, Pyaar, Hum Bhaag Gaye, but it was A. R. Rahman's presence in the movie that gave me the confidence to call it Taal. Taal means music and music means Taal."

The sound of 'Drop Of Water' has never been so beautifully captured as in this song.

Mehndi Hai Rachnewali [Zubeidaa - 2000]
One of the rare composition of Rahman based on Indian Folk songs. And a perfect one for Indian weddings. The highlight of the song is its simple lyrics of Jawed Akhtar and beautiful voice of Alka Yagnik.

Ghanan Ghanan [Lagaan -2001]
The soundtrack was ranked #44 on Amazon.com's "The 100 Greatest World Music Albums of All Time. From the Patriotic 'Chale Chalo' to the Spiritual 'O Paalanhaare..' and romantic 'O Re Chhori..'.. the album had everything. 'Mitwa' and 'Ghanan Ghanan' set courageous and joyful mood of the film.

Saathiya [Saathiya -2002]
One of best by Gulzar & Rahman combination. Gulzar's poetry just provide the freshness Rahman's tunes were looking for. And would be easily be one of the best by Sonu Nigam. When it was released this song was very popular Ringtone.

Taazaa gire patte ki tarah sabz laal par lete huey
Saat rang hain bahaaron ke ek adaa mein lapete huey

Barf giree ho vaadee mein aur hansee teree goonjee
Oon mein lipatee simatee huyee baat kare dhuaan nikale

Ye Jo Des Hai Mera [Swades -2004]
One for the patriotic gem from Rahman. Since 'Chitti Aayi Hai' by Pankaj Udaas, no other song has captured the emotions of people living outside India. The song seems to be anthem for NRIs now.The Shehnai version of this one is amazing too.

Luka Chuppi [Rang De Basanti -2006]
'Masti Ki Paathshaala' or the Title Track could have been very easy choice from this album, but Lataji echoing the pain of a Mother losing her son was a superior composition. The sight of Waheeda Rahman collapsing on the door when collecting her Son's belonging while the song is being played in the background can make even the hardest of heart feel the pain.

The song was considered for an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination. This could be last time we might have seen a Rahman and Lata combination.

Jai Ho [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Before this album, to the West, Rahman was a new name, despite being known as a tunesmith of the highest calibre with near-legendary status in the East. This song made sure that A R Rahman is recognized all over the world. Without Exception !!
Despite the Oscars and Golden Globes , one can argue that this one may not be the best of Rahman, but its right up there . Rahman is again accompanied by his two most fruitful companions. Evergreen Gulzar & Vibrant Shukhwinder. And as the lyrics says its about Celebration, Happiness and Joy. And the world rejoiced every second of it. No wonder that the song created history.

Mausam & Escape  [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Mesmerizing !!! Arguably the best instrumental by Rahman after Bombay Theme. The music makes your Body and Soul shivers especially when the fusion of classical Indian sounds and contemporary flavor starts. The sound of Sitar, when Jamal and Latika see each-other on busy Mumbai Staion, takes you to a different world. And the fusion echoes Jamal's emotions when she is taken away, just before lovers can meet.

Arziyaan [Delhi 6 -2009]
Rahman has composed some very beautiful Spiritual and Sufi songs. All of them have been soulful . Be is 'Piya Haji Ali', 'O Paalan Haare', 'Khwajah Mere Khwajah', 'Ishwar Allah', or more recently 'Kun Kya Kun' but Arziyaan is just at a different level in this Genre . The depth of song is amazing . Gulzar again seems to have saved his best for A R Rahman.

Arziyaan sari mein chehre pe likh ke laaya hoon
Tumse kya maangu mein tum khud hi samjah lo

Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon, Meeta Hoon, Bana Hoon
Marammat Mukaddar Ki Kar Do Maula....

Sadda Haq [Rockstar -2011]
After a string of albums, including the theme song for Commonwealth Games, that didnt meet his fan's
expectation , Rahman delivered a youth Anthem in 'Sadda Haq'.

Tum logon ki, iss duniya mein, Har kadam pe, insaan ghalat
Main sahi samajh ke jo bhi karoon, Tum kehte ho ghalat !

The music make shivers run down the spine as Mohit Chauhan yells
"O Eco friendly Nature ke Rakshak..."

The song echoed the emotions of today's youth and was an instant hit.

Kyun sach ka sabak sikhaaye, Jab sach sunn bhi naa paaye
Sach koi bole tto tu niyam kanoon batayeTera darr, Tera pyaar, teri wah, Tu hi rakh

The entire album was a geninune tribute to music. One of the highlight was the instrumental  'Dichotomy of Fame'. Tum Ho, Aur Ho, Katiya Karoo were the stuff Rahman has been known for.

Just realized that a list of 15 is now 18. Cant help, 'Waah Rahman Boliye' !!

Superman Of Malegaon !!

Had a chance to watch this documentary movie. A very heartfelt effort !!

The documentary  is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. And how he makes  parody movies to make people laugh. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman'.

You can feel the passion he has for movies. A hardcore movie-buff with dreams in his eyes, to make movies. And your heart goes out for him when you see him making all those efforts to overcome mundane obstacles in his film making. Whether its a broken camera ..or the lack of female actor to provide Superman's romantic angle or the small matter of how to make superman fly without wires, cranes or crores of special effect. He always finds a way because of his passion for movies.

The documentary shows his struggle without being sentimental or feeling sad about the circumstances that he keeps getting into. Its also hilarious the way he depicts Superman in his parody. A malnourished Superman thin as Stick suffering with Tuberculosis !! And its played a local guy working on power loom who is nobody for everyone in locality.

But more than about the parody, documentary is about his ingenuity and innocent film making. One can feel his pain when he breaks his camera while shooting for a water sequence where Superman sails on Truck Tube and again you can feel his suppressed frustration when he has to cancel 4 days of shooting because his 'Superman' has his wedding. Despite the hiccups and genuine issues Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema.

One of the best documentaries in recent time.

Stunning Catches In Cricket

One of the most spectacular sight in a Cricket Match is to see a Fielder air borne, trying to catch the ball. Running Hard, A Full Length dive, Body few feets in Air, Arms stretched, Eyes focused on the Ball and the Jubilation that follows after the Catch !! Its Amazing !!

"Mate, you've just dropped the World Cup" was the observation of Steve Waugh to Herschelle Gibbs at Headingley in 1999 World Cup after his critical error. A casual effort can sink your team. And One stunning fielding effort can lift the entire Team. Remember the Kapil Dev's Catch to dismiss Sir Viv that triggered West Indian collapse and India won the Final. Again in 2009 T20 World Cup. Afridi ran across half the field to lift the morale of his Team and in the process dismissed Scott Styris !! 

Who can forget the 'The Run-Out' by Jonty Rhodes to dismiss Inzamam in the 1992 World Cup !! It is one of the Highlight of 'Cricket History' !! 

Since that 'Run-Out, Jonty Rhodes, redefined the art of fielding, and made it into the art form that it today. He was, and probably still is, the only player in the world who could draw fans on the strength of the beauty and artistry of his fielding alone. A banner that often made its appearance in grounds across the world summed it up: "Water covers 70 per cent of the earth, Jonty covers the rest." Countless times he proved why it wasn't an exaggeration, with near-impossible run saves and catches.

Here are some of those Stunning Catches Captured Beautifully by Photographers !!

Jonty Rhodes takes an incredible flying catch to dismiss Robert Croft, England v South Africa, Emirates Triangular Trophy, Edgbaston, August 18, 1998. 

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s Jonty!!

This is how BBC reported it . "With his lower legs providing the spring to reach the ball, Rhodes' knees were the nearest part of him to the ground - a good three feet away from the turf as he clung on to the ball."

Ricky Ponting took an amazing slip catch off Brett Lee to dismiss New Zealand batsman Jamie How, Adelaide Test , 2008

"There's obviously been a lot of great catches around since cricket has been on. Playing in games and watching a game live, that is the most amazing catch I have ever seen," Brett Lee said.

Paul Collingwood held a stunning catch to remove Ricky Ponting, Australia v England, 3rd Test, Perth, 1st day, December 16, 2010 

One of the Landmark Catches in Recent Times.

"Colly, old chap, you've just caught the Ashes." Reported The Guardian

Andrew Strauss dives full length to dismiss Gilchrist off Flintoff in the fourth Ashes Test in 2005.  

One the Great Images of that English Summer. Moments like this made that series Epic.

Mike Hussey dives to pull off an outstanding catch in the deep,to dismiss Ashwell Prince Australia v South Africa, VB Series, Brisbane, January 15, 2006

Cricinfo described it as "Hussey ran in from mid-wicket to square leg with his left hand out. He stretched a little more than one's imagination could and flung himself towards the ball. The scoreboard innocuously read Prince c Hussey b McGrath 19."

Glenn McGrath took a Stunner in the Outfield to dismiss Michael Vaughan, Fourth Day, Australia Vs England, Adelaide Oval, November 24, 2002 

"Best Catch I Ever Took", said McGrath  . Rightly so!!

Mark Waugh took a blinder off McGranth, in the slips to get rid of Wajahatullah Wasti, Australia v Pakistan, Final, World Cup, Birmingham, June 20, 1999.

In a World Cup Final, at Lord's, he set the tone of the match with a this stunning catch. And Pakistan were bowled out for 132 !!

Ricky Ponting pulled a stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Iain O'Brien off the bowling of Shane Warne (behind) on the fourth day of the first Test in Christchurch on Sunday, March 13, 2005

Ponting , along with Jonty and Collingwood will go down as one of the Best Fielders of the last Decade!!

Steve Smith leaped high in the air to take a amazing catch to dismiss Travis Dowlin in Australia's 2nd Twenty20 match against the West Indies at the SCG , February 23, 2010

He is definitely one of the best Fielders today . Growing in stature with every match. Showed his fielding class again in this year's IPL.!!

South African bowler Robin Peterson takes a Super catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum during the Cricket World Cup 2011 quarter-final  in Dhaka on March 25, 2011

JP Duminy took a stunning catch against Sri Lanka in the 5th ODI at Johannesburg, Jan 22, 2012

Ben Laughlin dismisses Albie Morkel with a catch to remember, South Africa v Australia, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, April 17, 2009

Just look at the reaction of the Spectators!!

Nathan Lyon pulls off a spectacular catch to complete his five-for, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, September 1, 2011

Dwayne Bravo pulls of a stunning caught and bowled, to dismiss Shane Warne, Australia v West Indies, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 3rd day, November 27, 2005 

Dwayne Leverock takes a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa, Bermuda v India, Group B, Trinidad, March 19, 2007

And Finally one from a man well aided by Gravity !! If he can do it, Munaf Patel or anyone cant make any excuse !!

These were some of the Amazing Catches in Cricket. There have been more that missed the focus of camera, especially in the outfields. No photographer could capture Collingwood's another airborn, right-handed grab to dismiss a glum looking Hayden in 2005. That was touted as one best in the Cricket History. You can watch it here.

Satyamev Jayate !!

"Sirf hungama khada karna mera maksad nahin, meri koshish hai ki yeh soorat badalni chahiye" !!

Nation watched a 17 year old Girl being Molested in public by 20 men and next Sunday A Man geared up for another attempt to "educate" a 5000 years old "Civilization" on social issues !!!

Another irony is that in the land of "Bharat Mata", most of time its the woman who has been victim of these social issues in fom Rape, Molestation, Dowry, Honor Killing, Female Foeticides, Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and the list goes on. Just imagine how would they have fared in this country if they wouldn't have been worshiped in form of various Goddesses !!

Heard that the show is not getting as much TRPs as the other 'Star' shows. But that's what was expected of Indian Audience who on any day would prefer "Rowdy Rathore" over "Shanghai".

Sometimes, one may feel that the show is biased, that at times its loaded with exaggerated emotions and that camera often zooms over tear filled eyes of host and female audience. But overall I salute Aamir Khan for doing something that most of celebrities couldn't do in 60 years of Independence. Celebrities can do more than donating money in some high profile Charity Organization owned by some other Celebrity. Just imagine how successful Polio Campaign would have been without Amitabh Bachchan.

I have been reading the 'comment' section of news columns related to the show. Not everyone is impressed. People have their own opinions. With easy access to Internet and a fancy Laptop everyone can afford and flaunt their opinion these days. And in their opinions the show is all about manipulating facts for TRPs and personal hidden agendas. I don't blame them , after all these are the people whom he is trying to educate.

There have not been any specific criticism regarding any episode. But one episode related to "Doctors" caught attention of FB Citizens. The same people who appreciated the the show for bringing the "Social' issues in our Drawing room were offended when the show brought up "Malpractices Among Medical Professionals". There were agitations on FB. Why ? Somehow my Medicos Friends believed that Girl Child abortion is carried out by people from Mars. And that Medical Professionals get themselves married in Arya Samaj Mandir without any Dowry. And that Doctors come into this profession for Social Work unlike Engineers who are here for money !!

Some of the issues are deep rooted. As old as 5000 years of civilization. Some of them are practiced by people I personally know. Can a 1 hour weekly show make any difference? And is it worth on part of Aamir Khan to to earn animosity from various section of society for his attempts? Here is an old inspiring war story for the "worth" of "attempt" you make.

During World War I, a soldier saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. Soldier asked his lieutenant if he might go to bring his fallen comrade back.“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may get killed too.”

An hour later the soldier returned, fataly wounded, with his dead freind's body.“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” said the lieutenant. “Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded.”

“It was worth it, sir” said the soldier.“when I got to him, he was still alive and said to me , “Jim…, I knew you’d come.”

On that note , I feel even if 0.1 % of Indian Population gets 'educated' its WORTH having such shows.

No More 20s .....

I started writing this one with a dilemma . Whats should be the Title ?  'Turning 30' or 'No more 20s' . First one reflects assurance and sense of direction. Where else the second one is nostalgic and gives a sense of  mourning of the old days.

Nostalgia comes easy to me. And I do find occasions to feel nostalgic. Brings a distant sense of pleasure and relief to me. And this occasion is something special as I turn 30 !!!

30 Years !!!

Almost half of one's life. By this time the previous generation, including my Father, was happily married with 2-3 kids. But I am still unmarried and hence kids are out of questions. Not sure what kind of feeling I should have. Happy that I have survived, excelled or managed to stay float ??  Majority of my friends would be experiencing the same feeling during this year or may be next year. The little ones would have to wait for another 2-3 years .

My 20s, like most people, started in college. College, Hostels, Teachers, Classes, Assignments, Books, Projects, Grades, Festivals, Cricket, Movies, Crushes, Many friends, some close some distant. And lots of memorable moments. Have fond memories of the birthday celebrations back in AMU Hostel and the parties at 'Centre Point' restaurants. Life moved fast. HCL, Noida, Gurgaon, New York, More Friends, more moments to cherish. 

Will it be just another day, just another year ? Honesty I don't know. Neither I do get any signs like wise men do. Not sure that how much things will change from tomorrow but one thing is sure I wont be '20 Something' ever in my life....... again.

Men never grow old. Thats what I have heard. They always have fun. Kind of a true notion. But loosing hairs and gaining weight with age doesn't help in having fun. 20s are crazy. People get naughty in 40s. Never heard what wise men said about 30s.

How good were these 30 years? What different could have I done? What have I achieved so far ? Any regrets? Questions keep pouring to your mind once you start the introspection. I wish I could have answered 'No' to the last one.

Wishing for a better tomorrow !!!

Goodbye 20s !!!

Classic Bollywood Posters

Good old days. Hand painted posters, full of colors.  when the size of an actor’s face on the poster directly reflected his prominence and stardom.

Sharing some of the vintage Bollywood posters.

Movie Review : Kahaani

It's an exciting experience when a Bollywood movie entertains you without a single song and dance sequence. Kahaani falls into that category. A well made thriller with a believable screenplay and without any HiFi Hollywoodish Gadgets and exaggerated action sequence.

Credit should go to the Director and the Cameraman for creating such an ambience for the story-line. Kolkata has been has been captured in the same light as Slumdog Millionaire captured Mumbai. The not so bright side. And it makes an impact.

The director takes the liberty of 'absence of any superstar' to create solid characters. One of the most interesting is the character of the contract killer. You will like him.

Credit should also go to Vidya Balan for making everyone notice that actresses in Bollywood can have more to do than just be a romantic link to super powerful Hero and observe Karwa Chauth for that superhero. Back to Back superb performances. Paa, Ishikiya,No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and now Kahaani. A female Aamir Khan in making.

One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end.

Not to be Missed !!

The Great Wall Of India : Rahul Dravid

One of the emotional cricketing moment for me since I started following Cricket Religiously. It started in the Summers of 1996 and Dravid retires in the Winters in 2012.

Many people walk into your life but few leave foot prints. Dravid was one of them. Its hard to see those people leave, with whom you have grown up in life. Dravid's career consided with my growth from a Teenager to the Man I am now. Full of high and lows. But moments to cherish for.

Dravid, along with his peers Sachin, Ganguly & Laxman, has given our generation some of the lasting memories in Cricket. Nothing can replace the sight of Ganguly taking his shirt off at Lords after that famous win, Sachin hitting Six of Shoaib Akhtar in that World Cup mactch in 2003 , Laxman playing that knock from heaven at Eden Gardens and Dravid raising his arms in the middle of the Pitch at Adelaide in 2003.

The T20 Generation will never the know worth of Rahul Dravid.

If it wasn't for the injury of Sanjay Manjerakar and Temper of Sidhu, we wouldn't have seen Dravid debut at Lords with that fluent 95. When he came on the scene in that summer of 1996, he was soon crowned the title of 'The Wall'. Back in late 90s one of the media person asked how it feel to be called  'The Wall', and he replied "I don't mind it but I know someday same people will write that they see cracks in the The Wall". He was right.

"I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride".


Often overshadowed by his dynamic peers, what made him special was his selfless approach to the game. Always giving himself to the Team's demands. Be it keeping wickets in ODIs, opening the innings in difficult conditions, resigning as Captain after 2007 World Cup debacle, declaring the team inning with Sachin at 194 not out and now retiring from the game when he feels that younger generation should take lead.

In his famous speech at Bradman Oration he said "One of the things that has always lifted me as a player is looking out of the team bus when we travelled somewhere in India. When people see the Indian bus going by, see some of us sitting with our curtains drawn back, it always amazes me how much they light up. There is an instantaneous smile, directed not just at the player they see - but at the game we play that, for whatever reason, means something to people's lives".

I wish I was there at the Press Conference to wish him Goodbye , with a smile.