(not the music group) but chronicles of a shamelessly self-proclaimed writer through reading, reflection and experience. Passionate about India, the nonprofit sector and the tiny role I get to play in this so-called Philanthropic ecosystem. My journey is about 'doing good' and sometimes getting it right! Living in the DC-metropolitan area with dear husband and two sons.
The part 'Tak Bak Tak Bak Tak Bak Tak Bak' was a revolutionary verse to me as a child and getting it right was the toughest part, being a six year old! The song 'Lakadi ki Kaathi' is a tune I grew up with, close to my heart, and still tend to hop to the tune of '...dauda dauda dauda....dum utha ke dauda'.
In my memory, this song had become an anthem of sorts that we as children ought to know and now my nieces and nephew jingle to this tune.
I had a hearty laugh when I read the below comic strip by Fly, You Fools along with a rush of nostalgic memories for this song. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did in adding yet another long-lost memory to my blog:
Best Director - Danny Boyle Achievement in Cinematography - Anthony Dod Best Motion Picture - Christian Colson Best Sound Editing - Tom Sayers Sound Mixing - Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty Best Screenplay - Simon Beaufoy Film Editing - Chris Dickens
And finally, three nominations for A R RAHMAN for: Original Music Score Original Song: Jai Ho and O Saya (two nominations)
Slumdog Millionaire deserves the above nominations - Cheers to that!
And while this may not be Rahman's best (we all agree), he puts it well:
"There is a wealth of music and rhythm in India. People outside have noticed it a bit late. But they have noticed it"
Kudos to you Mr. Rahman!
Contrary to the recent uproar in India over banning Slumdog Millionaire/Slumdog Crorepati as the Hindi version (ban where? globally?? Try hard), the movie is infact not just about the slums of Mumbai or poverty-stricken India but rather echoes the grandeour and power of story-telling that makes issues of poverty, child abuse and gang wars a happy and heart-rendering experience. Visual richness, splendor in the simplicity of settings and the earnestness in the music score make the movie real than ever. So those trying to make this movie an issue to fight, kindly take a break, a back-seat and go enjoy this flick for its pure innocence.
I am not sure if yesterday was a culmination of a long-drawn campaign or indeed a beginning of something we are all eagerly looking forward to. Whatever it may, it was a day indeed!
Bone tired coupled with a severe jet-lag, the effort to be at the Mall was worth each ache and every chill that the body faced. To me, this day epitomized the unshaken spirit of common men and women (and children) who were braving the cold at the National Mall to witness an event filled with hope, renewal, belief and responsibility.
Waiting through the rush metros to get into the trains, the wait in-between metros, the walk to the Mall and over four more hours before the ceremony began - all to just hear one man talk to a sea of people!
One could see him in all - watches, hats, flags, pins, books, blankets and many more - truly amazing to see how much of a role model Barack Obama (or should I say, Mr. POTUS) has become to the world.
While I could barely see the ceremony, thanks to large screens around the Hill, the site was indescribable. With the start of the ceremony around 11.00 am, several dignitaries began to enter the steps of the Hill - Senators, Cabinet Members, Hollywood stars, former-future second and first members poured in too with roars of applaud for the first lady, future Secretary of State and Vice-President elect although many booed to the now-former President. All around, people were sharing blankets, warmers, greeting each other with humility and there was an overall feeling of excitement and pure joy - in Hindi I would use the phrase "Total Dhamaal".
Snipers were at their best, atop the Natural History Museum.
The day itself felt great. While the chill factor increased by the hour and there were times when several among the crowd wanted to get done with, there was a sudden uproar when Barack Obama made his presence at the Hill. Chants of "Yes We Can" and "GOBAMA" were heard in abounds at the time of swearing-in.
And then came his speech when a sudden surge of silence ran through the crowd. His words - "...stand here today humbled" - must have resonated among us all. His speech overall offered encouragement and a sense of optimism combined with immense responsibility, setting a precedent not only in the US but also globally.
While the task of returning home post the ceremony was daunting and thanks to Holiday Inn, 100s of us were kept warm, January 20, 2009 was not simply a day but an experience I do not want to forget.
