Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Earthquakes and Fools Paradise

Does it have to take an earthquake to stop me from ignoring the facts?

It was rush hour. Things seemed normal except for a strange rose coloured mist in the air. Cars zoomed by as I crossed a busy street to get to work. Mr. H was by my side. An ordinary man, Mr H was dressed in his usual stoic office outfit with a plain bag strung across his shoulders. The only thing that differentiated him from the streaming line of wage earners was his seeming openness, charm and adept ability at carrying out an engaging conversation.

However, this time there was only silence. As I glanced towards him, I saw his nose grow imperceptibly longer. Suddenly, there was an explosion of sound and activity. Workers with road drills appeared and began to hammer away at the asphalt. Dogs began barking as the vibrations from the drill spread to the road. The barking grew louder and louder.

My eyes flew open. A scream escaped my lips as I became aware of the tremors in the room. We were having an earthquake. It was around 4.45 am on my bedside clock. I rushed to open the door. Outside, neighbours were yelling – some were praying. The dogs kept up their tirade. I stood under the doorway. Had heard somewhere that it was the safest place to stand during a hurricane or earthquake. It was all over within a minute. The shaking suddenly ceased.

Later in the day, as I walked to office, I came across Mr. H. He always fascinated me with his tales of magnificent palaces, maharajas, exotic places and riches. Nevertheless, his stories were like an ornate curtain that has been fluttering over a lighted lamp for too long – full of holes. Though I knew him to be untrue, I couldn’t help make up explanations to justify the inconsistencies.

He caught up with me and began weaving his vibrant tapestry of myths. This time, I wouldn’t spare him. I challenged him with the discrepancies. He kept spinning taller tales. A truck rumbled by and made a nearby gate shudder. A dog ran up to me and pawed my leg. Was I blind? Why didn’t I just give Mr.H a cold look and walk away. Is life so monotonous, that a conversation with just about anyone is fine, just so long as it kills the boredom? Or does it have to take an earthquake to stop me from ignoring the facts?

He said expectantly, "Hope you'll be there tomorrow too".
Me, dismissively, "Hah."

"It takes two to lie. One to lie and one to listen." Homer Simpson, from the TV show 'The Simpsons'.

(Btw, the Mr.H in question, is an innocent looking guy who tries to impress me by lying about almost everything - his job, car, business, family, income, gadgets, property and the like. I meet him almost everyday as he works near my office and end up having to listen to his bullshit. He sort of resembles Uday Chopra a bit.....and that ain't at all good!!)

Friday, November 23, 2007

India International Trade Fair 2007 - Pragati Maidan

India International Trade Fair 2007 - Pragati Maidan

india international trade fair pragati maidan delhi mehendiI left work early with a colleague to pay my annual visit to the India International Trade Fair 2007 held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Even then, I had time only to visit a few stalls. These were the International countries stall, the Rajasthan pavillion, the Tribal crafts pavilion and the food processing industries exhibition.

At the International Countries Stall, I bought a board magnet souvenir of the Pyramids from Egypt, a flute from Thailand, sweets from Malaysia and a Hippopotamus letter opener from Tanzania.

india international trade fair pragati maidan delhi mehendiThe tribal pavilion saw me buying a traditional wooden toy from a stall manned by people from scheduled castes. These heritage toys are a lost art of India and need to be promoted more. I was real dismayed when I saw a parent refusing to get her kid one of these toys on the pretext that it would easily break.... as if the cheap gaudy plastic/cloth imported toys presently available in toy shops don't break !!!


india international trade fair pragati maidan delhi mehendiindia international trade fair pragati maidan delhi mehendi








At the Rajasthan Pavillion, I had Mehendi applied to my left hand. My friend gave me some tips on how to get a perfect dark red colour. She also helped me protect the design on my hand from getting smudged or staining my clothes. Thanks babe, you're the best!!

Putting Mehendi (henna) is also a great way to pretend that I have been invited to wedding celebrations in the city!!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Saawariya - Movie Review

Saawariya - A Movie Review

I borrowed a VCD of Saawariya on Saturday and here is my movie review –

saawariya sawariya sawaria saawaria movie review film reviews bollywood hindiSaawariya – 5/10. (lover) Romantic Musical. It was not as bad as the initial reviews that came out in the press. Since the movie is supposed to be a part of the imagination of Gulabji (a prostitute played by Rani Mukherjee), the criticism that the blue sets and spectacular lighting were unreal are quite unwarranted.

Ranbir Kapoor plays ‘Raj’ a singer who has a crush on ‘Sakina’, a muslim girl. However, Sakina loves Iman (Salman Khan), a person who moves around from place to place. In the end, Sakina gets her true love Imaan while Raj is left alone. Acting of the newcomers is ok, nothing great. Ranbir Kapoor looks sloppy and uncool. Rani Mukherjee, attempting to do a Rakhi Sawant looks fake and irritating. Sanjay Leela Bansali should have cast the ‘real thing’ herself. Salman’s part in Saawariya was the most awaited, however, he does not take off his shirt ;)

The sets are beautiful, though many parts seem copied from the film ‘Moulin Rouge’ such as the mill, lights and cityscape. The movie is quite short so the director should not have tried to fit in romantic scenes in quick succession – it makes Ranbir Kapoor come on a bit too strong towards an obviously shy girl of a different community. There are obvious references to Raj Kapoor – the grand father of the debutant hero Ranbir Kapoor throughout the movie. This sort of cheapens Saawariya. The music is good.

Like most movies with inter-community/caste relationships, Saawariya too ended with the relationship ‘not happening’. If Sanjay Leela Bansali wanted this film to be a hit, he should have released it after the festivals of Diwali/Id. Most people find such a story culturally unacceptable, especially as it looked like Ranbir was harassing someone who obviously loved someone else. For example, in real life, she would have kept calling him ‘Bhaiya’ or ‘Bhai Jaan’ (brother).

What is your take on Saawariya ?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Another Tag - 36 Questions

Picked up this tag from Sidhu Saaheb's blog. Here goes........

1. Name one person that made you laugh last night?

Jack Nicholson in the movie 'The Fortune'. He had just confessed to being a part of the murder of his fake wife, when he spies the concerned lady running out of the house with a chicken under her arm.

2. What are you doing at 8:00am, generally?

Stuffing my breakfast into my mouth and rushing to catch the bus.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

I was walking down the long lane that leads to my office.

4. What happened to you in 2006?

Unemployment and some part time jobs

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

"Ek dus ka dena pichhe" - (Get me one ticket of Rs.10 from the back) -This was said to a lady sitting behind me as I asked her to pass money to the DTC conductor sitting at the back of the bus.

6. How many beverages did you have today?

None. Just drank two glasses of water though.

7. What color is your hairbrush?

Red.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

My bus ticket.

9. Where were you last night?

At home watching the movie 'The Fortune' starring Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.

10. What color is your front door?

Brown with yellow streaks.

(11 is missing from original list)

12. What is the weather like today?

Chilly, a bit windy and sunny.

13. What is the best ice-cream flavour?

Pista.

14. What excites you?

This sexy athlete with rippling muscles in the bus who always offers me his seat...ha ha!

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Yes, it seriously needs a trim.

16. Are you over the age of 25?

Yes :)

17. Do you talk a lot?

No....

18. Do you watch the O.C.?

No.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

Surprisingly, No ! Though I do know someone with the surname 'Stevens'.

20. Do you make up your own words?

Yes.

21. Are you a jealous person?

Unbearably.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’:

Anupam.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’:

No one :(

24. Who is the first person on your received call list?

That's a wrong number from someone who was ringing for his friend in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

25. What does the last text message you received say?

A message from Vodafone promoting a new calling card of Rs.110.

26. Do you chew on your straw?

No.

27. Do you have curly hair?

No. I try to curl it with a curling iron sometimes - with disastrous results.

28. Where is the next place you are going to?

Home - at the end of the day.

29. Who is the rudest person in your life?

My Dad - one of the few people who has managed to reduce me to tears with his meanness!

30. What was the last thing you ate?

Bread and mango jam.

31. Will you get married in the future?

I hope so, I am keeping my fingers crossed. My horoscope says getting married for me will be very difficult and if I do get married, it will be to someone who is considerably older than me. I pray this will not come true.

32. Which is the best movie you have seen in the past 2 weeks?

Saawariya. Will be posting the review soon.

(33. missing too)

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?

A few weeks ago.

35. Are you currently depressed?

No.

36. Did you cry today?

No.


Everyone is free to pick up this tag and continue!!!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Chakra Meditation and Healing

Chakra Meditation and Healing

I have found chakra healing very useful, ever since I first researched the subject on the internet. Here is some information and photos related to chakra treatment which I have collected and saved from different sources.


1 Survival, tribal issues, instinct, past life issues, family, marriage, parenting, correct behavior, society, ability to provide basic needs for living. Following the establishment and the families rules. Doing what your family/spouse wants. Trying to fit in. Compromises to these issues. Main supporting functions of body: blood, bone, and immune disorders. Rectal cancers & trouble. Base of spine/ chronic lower back pain. Feet and leg problems including varicose veins and leg cramps. Depression.
2 Power, creativity, sexual issues, blame, control, passion, ethics, money, greed, honor in relationship issues, fidelity, feelings of repression or wrongness in sexual matters. Reproduction issues. Birthing new ideas. Reproductive organs are effected from menstrual cycle problems, cancers in this area, to impotency. Pelvic and lower back pains, urinary and bladder problems, hips.
3 Responsibility issues, caring for others, trust, fear, guilt, career, intimidation, personal honor, victimization feelings, and courage. Self concern issues; self- respect, sensitivity to criticism, self-esteem, self-worth and own confidence. Indigestion, stomach, intestinal, and colon problems. Eating disorders. Diabetes, arthritis, adrenal, pancreas, liver dysfunctions, gall bladder, kidneys, and ulcers. Spleen and middle of back problems.
4 Love, happiness, desire for happiness, sadness, anger, hatred, prejudism, loneliness, forgiveness, compassion, hopes, desires, wants, grief, resentments, commitment, trust in your close interpersonal relationships. Choices in love. Heart and circulatory system, lungs, breathing problems, chest area, breasts, asthma and associated allergies, pneumonia, bronchitis, upper back, shoulder, and arm problems.
5 Communication, expressing yourself, telling truth, following your dreams and being true to yourself. Addictions, habits, judgement, faith, making decisions, knowing and being yourself, criticism, will power, doing what you said you would do. All forms of expression & communication. Neck area, mouth, teeth, gums, mouth sores. Thyroid and gland problems. Throat, esophagus, hiatal hernias, sore throats, choking, gagging, laryngitis.
6 Truth, knowledge, intellect, intuitive powers, learning from experience, feeling inadequate, inner wisdom, knowing yourself and self evaluation, open-mindedness, accepting yourself and others. Listening and seeing openly. Ears including hearing problems and ringing. Eye problems including sensitivity to light to blindness. Nose, brain and nervous system, full spine problems, learning problems.
7 Spirituality, devotion to spiritual and personal matters. Unconditional love to self, the earth, and to others. Empathy, humanitarism, selflessness, values, and ethics. Connection with ULEK™, ability to go with the flow of life and to see the larger picture, inspiration without wants. The Higher Self. Skin and muscle systems are effected. Energy/exhaustion problems, mystical depression and searching feelings, sensitivity to the environment, sun, light, and sound.

Lie or sit in a relaxed and comfortable position, as you would for any meditation. Your spine should be straight and your head in alignment with your body. This meditation is in script mode, should one want to tape it and listen to it while performing the meditation. It is preferable to learn about energy and the methods of balancing, cleansing and charging the chakras and allow one's own inner voice to lead the meditation. The following is just one way of performing this balancing. Allow your meditations to evolve and to reflect your individual values and beliefs. If taped, a slow, deliberate pace should be used with a mild voice and the appropriate pauses. The body should already be relaxed and the mind tranquil when beginning this meditation. Eyes are closed.

"Now that you are relaxed and feeling very much at peace, take a moment to ground yourself here in this moment, in this body, in this place, in this time......Take some deep breaths....In.... and out....In....and out....Follow the breath as it flows toward your nostrils, as it enters your nose, as it fills your lungs and then as it is expelled. That's it, just relax into this quiet moment. Breathe in...follow your breath... and out. In....and out.

Feel where your body meets the (chair/bed/floor). Become aware of your body from head to toe, of your weight, of the heaviness of your limbs. Now focus on the area at the base of the spine, the area between your legs. This is the root chakra. It's energy is red, and it governs your physical body, your physical health and vitality. In your mind, study the appearance of this chakra...note it's color and vitality. Mentally envision the chakra and note any symbolic symptons of dis/ease. Have you been caring well for your body? If your chakra is dusty, dirty, torn, or otherwise less than a perfectly brilliant red whirling vortex, imagine your hands (or those of a guide) working on the chakra. If it is dirty, clean away the dirt and throw it into an imaginary pail with a lid. Allow those hands to repair any imperfections, and when the chakra is clean, mentally take the pail and hurl it into the sun. Watch it as it travels through space and then bursts into a zillion bits of energy upon solar contact. Allow the sun to recycle this energy back into the universe.

Now turn your attention back to the root chakra. It is a clean and red. You are surrounded by infinite root energy. Imagine the room glowing red with this energy, feel it's strength and power. See red swirls of energy flowing to your root chakra. You can feel this as a tingling as the energy fills your root chakra. As the energy swirls in your chakra grows large and deep red and strong. Allow the energy to fill your chakra until it is so vital that it extends several feet out from your body. In your mind you can see your root chakra, a brilliant red swirling vortex of physical energy.

Now turn your focus up to your abdomen, to the area of the "womb." (Or where the womb would be if you're a man). This is the orange chakra, that which controls clear thinking and creativity. Take a moment to observe the chakra. Note it's color, it's vitality. Is it clean and strong? Or is there work to be done here? Allow those invisible hands to cleanse the chakra, to repair or heal it. Discard any imperfections in the pail, and send the pail to the sun to recycle the energy. Now focus on the orange chakra again. It is now clean and whole, and a bright orange. Call out to the universe for orange creative energy and feel the space around you begin to glow orange. With a tingle you feel the energy begin to swirl into your chakra, charging it with vitality, with creativity, with clear-thought. Watch as your orange chakra grows and whirls, until it extends out from your body for several feet, just as the red root chakra is still whirling and strong.

Now, turn from the red chakra, up through the orange chakra, to the solar plexus. This is the heart of the yellow chakra, that which governs will and ambition. Take a few moments to examine this chakra. Note it's color and appearance. Have you been lazy of late, or perhaps too driven? Examine your will through this chakra. Allow the invisible hands to cleanse the chakra and heal it, discarding any imperfections or impurities in the pail. Send the pail to the sun for recycling.

Now return your attention to the yellow chakra, that of will. It is now clean and a bright yellow. 'Universe, send me yellow energy, will energy, energy to achieve my goals, to work for that which I value and desire.' Feel the yellow energy surrounding your body, and with a tingle feel the energy swirl into your solar plexus. In your mind you can see your red/root chakra glowing, whirling, your orange/womb chakra pulsing brilliantly, and your yellow/solar plexus chakra glowing strongly, extending several feet out from your body.

Now turn your attention to the middle of your chest, to the heart chakra, the green chakra. You may feel an instant wave of emotion. This chakra governs your feelings, your emotional connections to others and to the universe, to life itself. Examine this chakra. Note it's color, vitality, any impurities. Gently allow those invisible hands to cleanse and purify the chakra. Reflect a moment on how you've been feeling emotionally lately. Are there bindings holding in pain? Or is the chakra tight and hard with anger? Release any tensions, imperfections or impurities to the pail. Send them to the sun for recyclying. They are still yours if you choose to hold them, but for now, release any pain or anger.

Now focus back on the heart chakra. It is clean and a beautiful green color. It whirls strongly and evenly. 'Universe, send me green energy for my heart! Open my heart to the world, to all beings big and small, with compassion for our shared experiences and journey. Fill my heart with love energy, that I may in turn give love to others.' Feel the green energy whirling into your heart. Watch the chakra grow and glow and spin with this new energy. From the red chakra through the orange chakra through the yellow chakra through the green chakra, your chakras are cleansed and charged and huge with energy.

Now focus on the throat, center of the blue chakra which governs communication and personal magnetism. Examine the chakra, noting the color and any imperfections... Perhaps you haven't been honoring your own beliefs and speaking out when you should. Or perhaps you've been talking over others, or not listening well. Perhaps you've been feeling shy and afraid to extend your energy in communication. Allow the hands to heal and cleanse the chakra and when finished, send the impurities to the sun for recycling. Now the chakra is clean and strong and bright blue. Feel the air fill with blue universal energy. Feel the throat open as this energy swirls into the throat chakra. This energy charges your aura with magnetism, drawing others to you. Feel your throat open with this swirling, strong blue energy.

Now focus on the middle of your forehead, the third eye. This chakra is indigo and governs psychic vision and intuition. Examine the chakra for imperfections. Perhaps it is locked up due to fear. Perhaps it no longer spins out of neglect/stagnation. Allow the hands to cleanse the chakra, to heal any imperfections and recycle them in the sun. Now look at the chakra. It is a beautiful deep indigo, clean and whirling. There is psychic energy available to you beyond measure. Feel it charge the air, swirl in and around and fill your third eye chakra with deep, vital indigo energy. Feel the third eye open, and note any mental visions as this occurs. Now is a good time to pray for increased psychic power. Note the red/root chakra, the orange/womb chakra, bright, strong, big! Move your attention up to the yellow/solar plexus chakra, to the green/heart chakra, open and brilliant, to the blue/throat chakra and the indigo/third eye chakra. Your chakras are huge, whirling, and fully charged.

Now focus your attention at the crown of your head. This chakra is violet near the body, fading to white further away. This chakra governs your connection to the universe/God/Goddess/The Creator, etc... This chakra is like an umbilical cord to "home." Reflect on your spirituality of late, examine the chakra and allow any healing needed. In my experience this chakra generally needs much less work than the others. Allow the hands to heal, to cleanse, and recycle the discarded energy in the sun. Now examine the chakra. It is brilliantly violet, glowing white around the outside. Mentally reach out to that which you consider your "source..." to "God" or the Universe. Feel the response, the energy flowing back to you. Pray for the peace and joy of a strong crown chakra connection. Feel the violet energy flowing in, a loving embrace of your whole self, of your soul. See the crown chakra grow enormous, and the white energy surround your body.

All your chakras are now clean, charged and in balance. From the red/root chakra, to the orange/womb chakra, to the yellow/solar plexus chakra, to the green/heart chakra, to the blue/throat chakra, to the deep purple/third eye to the violet/crown, your chakras are spinning and whirling, full of energy and vitality. See the white energy that extends up and out from the crown chakra enveloping your whole body in a egg of white energy. You are completely refreshed, calm, and peaceful. Your energy is balanced. You are full of vitality.

Monday, November 05, 2007

My Visit to Jhansi and Orchha in Central India

My Trip to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, India

On the weekend, I visited Jhansi for a day. I stopped through the same places I did the last time I was here, plus visited a few new ones. I also travelled to the nearby town of Orchha.

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelRani Mahal, Jhansi – This palace is located in the heart of the city of Jhansi in a busy market place. It was the palace and former residence of Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi who fought against the British in the Revolt of 1857. Rani Mahal has arched rooms that are set around a square courtyard with gardens and two fountains. The colourful paintings on the wood panels of the Darbar Hall on the first floor are truly exquisite. On the ground floor, nude statues and other artifacts of the Buddha in various poses are displayed. These archaeological remains date from the 9th to the 12th century. Photography is strictly prohibited here. However, I managed to get a few snaps with my cellphone, much to the consternation of the lady caretaker who kept yelling at me to stop.

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelPanch Mahal, Jhansi - This is a five story palace located within the Jhansi Fort. Rani Laxmi Bai used to reside here with her husband Raja Gangadhar Rao before his death. Later on, she shifted her residence to Rani Mahal in the main city. Here is a photo on the right.

The driver of the autorickshaw charged Rs.100 for taking us sightseeing around Jhansi. He told us about the nearby town of Orchha which he said would cost us an extra Rs. 350 to visit. We kept putting off the decision to visit Orchha because we were unsure about the time it would take to reach there and we did not want to miss the 5.50 train back to Delhi. Finally, the autorickshaw driver managed to convince us that it would take us 35 minutes at the most to get to Orccha. We set off at 3.30 pm.

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelOrchha is around 18 kilometers from Jhansi. The road to the town was quite empty and the auto rickshaw sped through easily. The only obstructions were a railway crossing where we waited ten minutes and the construction of a road for which we had to take a detour through a bumpy track. We reached the town at 4.15.

Orchha, comes from the word meaning a ‘hidden place’ and is situated amidst a forest on the banks of the bubbling Betwa River. The fort at Orchha, which comprises many palaces and temples, was built by Raja Rudra Pratap Singh and Raja Bir Singh Deo of the Bundela Dynasty. Here are some monuments I visited in Orchha -

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelJahangir Mahal – This palace was built as a welcome gift for the Mughal emperor Jehangir who visited Orchha in the 17th century. We had to climb steep steps that took us to a landing on the upper floor. Looking through the latticed windows, we had a magnificent view of the foam and emerald waters of the Betwa River in the distance. We also saw the spires of old temples and Chattris constructed alongside the Betwa River.

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelSheesh Mahal – This was built in the 18th century, much later than the other palaces of Orchha. It stands in between the Raj Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal, at the far end of a courtyard. Today, it has been converted into a government run hotel and restaurant. We didn’t enter it cause we didn’t want to spend any cash, plus, we were running out of time.

travel tourism spots jhansi orccha orchha madhya pradesh uttar india rani panch jahangir jehangir raj sheesh mahal chhatris betwa river backpackers backpacking hotelRaj Mahal – This palace has two courtyards and many ornate balconies and windows. The chowkidar (guard) offered to show us around for Rs.20, but we had just 5 minutes left till 5.00 pm. We sent him away and hurriedly took some photographs in different areas of the palace before rushing back to the waiting autorickshaw.

We reached Jhansi railway station at around 5.45 pm and learned that our train to Delhi was late by an hour. In hindsight, maybe we could have hung around at Orchha longer, but hey, we did have a wonderful time. The village scenery, fresh country air and the fragrance of wild flowers helped us forget the stress of city life for a while.

One day, I plan to stay a bit longer in Orchha. The Betwa River looked simply amazing. Plus, I’d like to check out some of the other monuments I missed out on. Have you ever visited Jhansi or Orchha ??

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Bhool Bhulaiya, Jab We Met, No Smoking - Movie Reviews

Bhool Bhulaiya, Jab We Met, No Smoking - Movie Reviews

I watched Bhool Bhulaiya last weekend and the other two movies - Jab We Met and No Smoking this weekend. All were on pirated DVD. Here are my movie reviews of them.

bhool bhulaiyaa no smoking jab we met movie review film reviews bollywood hindi flickBhool Bhulaiyaa - 3/10 - (maze) A hard to believe comedy about a haunted house. The story is about an NRI Indian couple (Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan) who return to their ancestral home. This home just happens to be haunted by the spirit of a court dancer Manjulika - who was murdered by the Maharajah because she loved the court poet. The spooky happenings in the house lead the couple to call on a psychoanalyst friend (Akshay Kumar) to investigate. He proves that the lady of the house - Vidya Balan is suffering from a multiple personality disorder.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa is an ok passtime movie. Nothing great about it. Except for Shiney Ahuja, the rest of the cast sucked big time. The story was full of holes and made no sense. The ending was the worst - psychiatrists don't encourage madness in their patients, however Akshay Kumar's character did just that by challenging her to cut off the head of a plastic dummy.

bhool bhulaiyaa no smoking jab we met movie review film reviews bollywood hindi flickJab We Met - 8/10 - (when we met) - A refreshing romantic comedy. Kareena Kapoor is Geet - a very bubbly, talkative and spontaneous girl. Shahid Kapoor is Aditya - a quiet introverted guy who is unsuccessful in love and business. They meet on a train - Aditya is depressed and tries to jump of a train only to be stopped by the chatty Geet who is on her way to Bathinda, Punjab. They get stranded at a railway station, visit Bathinda and a few scenes later, Aditya ends up dropping her to Manali to be with her boyfriend Anshuman. Aditya returns to Mumbai with new zeal and changes his business from a losing company to a profit making enterprise. Later, when Geet's parents inform him that she has not returned home for nine months, he goes to Manali to look for her. She is depressed as she had been dumped by her boyfriend. She is working as a teacher and wants her old boyfriend back ....... However, the movie ends happily with them marrying each other.

The casting of Jab We Met was good, as both actors suited the roles given to them and did an amazing job - I liked the kiss at the end. The screenplay was refreshing and moved smoothly from one scene to the next. Songs, dances and costumes were superb. The direction and cinematography, especially the shots of Manali and Rajasthan were very beautiful. A fantastic movie, Jab We Met gets a big thumbs up from me.

As for the real life Kareena Kapoor - Shahid Kapoor split - It must be just a promotional gimmick for the film, doubt it's for real. Why would any gal leave a nice guy like 'Shahid' for a weirdo like 'Saif' ???

bhool bhulaiyaa no smoking jab we met movie review film reviews bollywood hindi flickNo Smoking - 7/10 - A 'hatke' film meant only for intellectuals. If you don't have a brain, don't bother watching this one. This film reminded me of films like 'The Matrix' and 'I Love Huckabees' - were there is a hidden world and meanings within the real world.

In No Smoking, John Abraham is 'K', a chain smoker who is persuaded by his wife to join a quit smoking programme. Ranvir Shorey plays his cockeyed friend (bhenga) who has given up smoking after joining a 'Prayogshala' (rehab center). When he enters the center, all hell breaks lose. He is made to sign a contract and a cheque of around 21 lakhs by Baba Bengali, the guru who runs the 'treatment programme'.

The treatment - If you smoke once - your asthmatic brother gets gassed by the smoke from every cigarette you have smoked. If you smoke again - two fingers are chopped off. If you smoke thrice - your wife will be abducted and autopsied. If you smoke a fourth time - your brother will be killed. Every incident from his life has been recorded on video. He is being watched all the time, so that if he smokes again he can be caught. The narrative of the movie keeps shifting from dreams to reality. The dreams are the unreal scenes where he is in Siberia and where his wife is his secretary. In the end, John Abraham ends up two fingers short - because he smoked only twice in reality.

The direction of No Smoking is good. However, this film is too sophisticated for Indian as well as Western audiences, so I doubt there will be many takers. John Abraham acts well and looks sexy in the bathtub. I am willing to bet many people have different perceptions of the story of the film. With the cryptic dialogue and symbolism of the film, things can mean different things to different people. What is your take on this film?

Have you watched Bhool Bhulaiya, Jab WeMet or No Smoking ??