An American Conundrum

On the 27th of this year, US President Barack Obama completed a successful three day state visit of India, after being invited as the chief guest of her 65th Republic Day, an eventuality unthinkable of, a couple of decades ago. In what was seen as a potshot at the newly elected right-wing Indian government, led by Mr Modi, Mr Obama in his last address, at Siri Fort Auditorium, warned India against religious tensions and gender inequality. I personally thought it was a brave speech with the issues he touched on were often accompanied by personal anecdotes.

But then, this is not an analysis of Obama’s speech. It’s just that the irony of the speech is just catching up with me, especially in light of certain recent events in the US. The most recent one would probably be the Ahmed Mohamed incident. For all those who are clueless about who this young boy is, c’mon guys! grab a newspaper!

Black Swan

I guess it’s been almost a month since my last post! A long time I must say. But, before I am accused of being a lazy brat, let me clear things; The first few weeks, I was away on a family holiday and didn’t have time to watch anything new. And after that, for the next few  weeks , I had all but turned my home into a cinema house! Yes, I spent two weeks watching movies, about thirty or more. I had a huge backlog of movies I wanted to watch, a thoroughly comprehensive list, including musicals like Singing in the Rain, epic historical dramas like Ben Hur and Braveheart, cult classics like The Godfather trilogy and some recent hits like Drive. Now, since all the movies were already among some of the best, I obviously liked most of them. But this piece is about one I particularly loved.

Who killed Laura Palmer?!

Television is not my specialty. In fact, until a few months ago, I hated television. But thing change, and here I am, announcing my favorite all time television show, just months after my foray into this medium. So, while some may argue that I am too inexperienced with the medium, I beg to disagree. Yes, I have just seen about 5-6 TV shows, but, once in a while, you see something, experience something, which is a little too difficult to better. You just know it. And for me, that is the case. I don’t think anything can better the one I think is the best.

It Is Our Choice!

If you haven’t heard of the controversial “My Choice” video, directed by Homi Adajania and starring Deepika Padukone released on the 28th of March as part of the Vogue Empower campaign, then you are either a caveman or a recluse. After becoming an instant hit on Youtube, with record viewings, the video was slammed by men and women across the country for being elitist and supporting extra-marital affairs. Spoof videos started coming up criticizing the video and Padukone was specifically targeted and abused.

Freedom At Midnight..

About 68 years ago, The British left India after almost 150 years of colonial rule, and India, as we know it, became an independent nation, under an Indian Prime Minister, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. On the same night, Panditji, gave his famous “tryst with destiny” speech, where he calls upon fellow Indians to embrace our freedom and work for a better India and a better world.

Mission Possible!

Yeah, it should be called Mission Possible! This is the fifth time they are telling that something is “impossible” and then proceed to do exactly that. Has by any chance the meaning of “impossible” changed in the meantime. Some of you may still be scratching your heads now as to what I am talking about! It is about the fifth installment of the hugely popular Mission Impossible series. Banking on the super stardom of Tom Cruise, the series has always been a cash cow, while providing some high-octane action, and an American James Bond in Ethan Hunt.

Terminate the “Terminator”, Please..

James Cameron’s 1984 classic The Terminator was my favorite film for a very long time. With a brilliant story, incredible writing and a career defining performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger,The Terminator did everything it was supposed to do and more – it thrills you, scares you and gives you plenty of excitement. From the exceptional special effects to an idea so unique, The Terminator has a special place in my heart and continues to awe me.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S – A Tribute

I have never been a fan of popular culture, be it cinema or music. I have always considered Indian cult classics like “Sholay” or “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaenge” mediocre films. I am also not a big fan of the epic “Star Wars” films. It is not that I have a carefully concocted plan to steer clear of popular culture. No, nothing like that! Its just that I have never enjoyed these films.

10 Must Have Apps In Your Android Smartphone!

If you own an Android smartphone, then it is imperative that you check out these following apps to enhance your android experience. So, here goes!

#Ashes Fallout – Michael Clarke

The series isn’t over. There is a test match yet to go. But all that matters is lost! The urn has moved back to England, an eventuality that I would have vehemently rubbished two months back. But that’s the way things are. The England cricket team has defied all expectations to clinch the coveted Ashes Series 2015 3-1.