Wish you a very happy New year

Why celebrity blog or tweet?

When you start writing, sometime you are very clear of what you want to write. Sometime absolutely no idea. A celebrity like Amitabh can choose to write on very wide topic on his blog which though majority focus on his own promotion of acts and self praise though never ready to accept that he is self-centric. If somehow I came to mention of Amitabh and blog, so let share some views on why celebrity blog or do micro blogging (e.g. Twitting) today. I individually like to read about celebrities, their blogs, their tweets and all gossip mongers blogs/sites. I sometimes feel that being a techie, I should read more about technology rather the celebrities dishing their crap self-centric ideology's projecting they & themselves. But from childhood I am quite fascinated to larger then life people especially on show buisness. Why? Very hard to delve into that portion of mind but you can say I was and am star struck. So, when I came close to internet, I spend large if not all time on reading about them. And what the best way to know about them is to read directly from horse mouth i.e. read their blog or tweets. But slowly and steadily I am now getting irritated with it. And when I find reason to know, I found that they are using the platform for commercial reason rather then real intention to connect to their users/followers/fans. They never reply to comments of their fans and only RT (read Re-tweet) the good thing somebody says about them. They do reply or respond to famous or celebrities like them but never to their fans. People like Aamir khan are way ahead. He started the whole blog thing, if not originated, from bollywood fraternity. Idea projected that he want to interact with his fans but somwhere behind the whole black curtain is whole idea of marketing. As does he really? Never. He only uses the platform very cleverly for promotions of film by building hype very slowly on projects he is working on. The moment he jump on his project read films, he stop blogging siting reason that he is focusing on films. Oh really! Then how he do all other stuff in life like spending holidays or attending functions in between film schedules. And when movie is towards end, he suddenly remember and misses his fans badly and become active on his blog again. And we the very poor fans like big fat rat always catch in trap. Self pity but no rescue.

So what you guys think? Why these celebrity blog or tweet?

List of Upcoming movies...exciting time!

Good news for Movie Lovers - There will be back to back releases starting from 18th September.

18th Sep

Dil Bole Hadippa : This Rani Mukherjee, Shahid Kapur starrer, which is being talked about for Rani's almost size zero figure is all set to release on September 18.

25th Sep

2nd Oct

What's Your Rashee : Bollywood queen Priyanka Chopra is back with ex-beau Hurman Baweja in director Ashutosh Gowariker's romantic comedy. The film, which sees Priyanka in 12 different roles hits the screens on September 25.

Wake Up Sid : Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma starrer Wake Up Sid is in news for the odd pairing. Let's see what's in store for this film which is being seen as a complete youth package. This Karah Johar production hitas theatres on October 2.

9th Oct

Acid Factory : Next in line on October 9 is Acid Factory . Here for the first time we get to see girl-next-door Dia Mirza donning a glamorous role

16th Oct
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Blue : It is probably the most-awaited film of the year. Film sees the reunion of AkshaY Kumar and Sanjay Dutt. The film was in news for singer Kylie Minogue's hot number, apparently the singer has charged a whopping Rs 10 lakh for a single item number. This film sees the day of light on October 16.

All the Best : This multi-starrer, that has hottie Bipasha Basu and Mugdha Godse along with Ajay Devgan and a slew of other stars also hits theatres on October 16.

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna : Bollywood hotties Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan return on big screen with this love story and the film also releases on October 16.

23rd Oct

Aladin : Big B will be seen with Sanjay Dutt in this Fanstay film. Aladin also has Rietish Deshmukh playing the lead of Aladin Chatterjee who lives in the city of Khwaish, an orphan who has been bullied since childhood by Kasim and his gang. But his life changes when Jasmine (Jacquiline Fernandes) gives him a magic lamp ââé¬â€Ł because it lets loose the genie Genius (Amitabh Bachchan). The film releases on October 23.

30th Oct

London Dreams : Salman Khan and Ajay Devgun pair up after a long time for this Vipul Shah film which also has Ghajini girl Asin in the lead. The film is all set for October 30.

6th Nov

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani : Ranbir Kapoor pairs opposite Katrina Kaif in this long-awaited Rajkumar Santoshi film. It is slated to hit the screens on November 6.

13th Nov
Chance Pe Dance : This Shahid-Genelia starrer was in news for its multiple names. Earlier it was called Yahoo, then another name but finally Ken Ghosh zeroed in on Chance Pe Dance . The film is likely to clash with Ranbir-Katrina's Ajab Prem on November 6

20th Nov.

Pyaar Impossible : Priyanka Chopra has another release up her sleeves, which sees her opposite Uday Chopra. All Priyanka-Uday can watch this film on November 20.

December Releases

3 Idiots : Aamir Khan returns after a hiatus of exactly as year with Kareena Kapoor this time. His film releases on December 25 again. Earlier, Ghajini, TZP have also released on December 25 only. It seems Christmas is Aamir's lucky day.

Kites : No we cannot end this photo feature without talking about Hrithik and Barbara Mori's hot hot Kites . This film hits the screen somewhere in December, the date's still undecided.

Kaminey...SDM....Disappointments!

Some good 6-7 months back, I watched Slumdog Millionere (SDM). I was little drunk cause came directly from a Party to movie hall but in full consciousness to understand the nitty gritty of a movie, which build a mammoth expectations especially in India. Reason are numerous but for Indians, it a movie made on them with their surroundings as center pivotal of movie. With almost unknown cast in lead but with Anil kapoor and Irfaan Khan in cast and genius A R Rehman at music helm, there is some expectation from my side as well. After slipping comfortably in PVR Premier (Gurgoan) screen number 2 (hmm...or 3), first thing which took my notice is Screen i.e. The aspect ratio of screen looks like 1.85:1 which is quite unusual in itself as mostly screen are in ratio of 2.39:1 in India (I can be incorrect here about precise aspect ratio but its unusual as compare to normal movie screens over which I watched movie so far). Anyhow, movie started and layers started unfolding in front of me; and slowly and slowly my disappointment level increased. Its very hard to write what one expects from a movie which can be different based on your life, experience, social interactions etc etc. But for me, after watching a whole lot of world cinema, Hollywood real good movies and some bolly cream as well, Its need to have something which really can touch at least some part of your heart or mind. For me, SDB doesn't done that. I find it quite mediocre movie which doesn't have a mass or class appeal but none the less created by media.

I felt the same experience when i watched Kaminey yesterday. Though this time I didn't gone to movie hall because of swine flu scare still making rounds in Pune but ordered on Tatasky showcase. I was quite charged to watch after watching its promo and the amount of hype surrounding it. But again. Some disappointment. I don't want to judgmental and pronounce any verdict but again it fail to justify the hype and ho halla surrounding it. To start with, first, bad sound recording. Initial half an hour into movie, I find it hard to understand dialogue which was uttered in Hindi forget about Marathi and Bengali ones which too I can understand as I know both the languages on basic level. Then the shaky camera movements. Looks like Vishal bhardwaj forget to use Trolley to put camera on and use Human holding the camera most of time. Second half though has his moments but i guess overall music is only saving grace along with some performances but supporting cast especially Amol gupte and the one playing Tashi. But what surprised me the herd attitude of media. Once, two or three main league critic said that movie is awesome, nobody have courage to Stand and say no man...its just above avg. No good. NO Quentin Tarantino. At least not worthy of praise it get. People are gaga over Priyaka chopra performance. Come on. I don't know from when the over the top melodrama stands in for good acting. She is far better in Fashion as compare to Kaminey. Same for Shahid. Only well written character. off course he put in effort but again....I seriously don't think he even can match 30% of what Aamir Khan can do in such roles. Way to go boy though off course you are riding the right bicycle.

I don't think my post qualify as review, which even is not my intention, but it smy effort to share my point of view. If somebody disagree, I am more then happy to listen his side of story. If you thought or at least still thinking of watching SDB or Kaminey, my only advice. Go and wash all your expectations. May be you may like them. Happy movie wathing.

* If you really want to watch something meaningfull, My recommendation is to watch "Into the wild" and if you want the blast, you might like to Try "Snatch".

Wake up Sid - Music review

Composer: Shankar Ehsaan Loy & Amit Trivedi (Guest Composer)
Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Clinton Cerajo, Kavita Seth, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Uday Benegal

Few days back on TV, a promo started airing where a fresh looking Ranbeer kapoor making appearances looking similar to Hrithik in Lakshaya or Aamir in DCH i.e. just got young and don't know what to do with rising portion of testosterone. So music for such theme require musicians who know the basic of bring freshness to not so remain fresh theme but protagonist is freshly young though. Shankar Ehsaan Loy (SEL) proved there metal already in this genre with both above mentioned movies on same theme which they composed and with numerous other attempts.

Though I still need to heard the album more then my quota of listening to any album before making any useful comments but this time I feel I can give it a try..

Album opens with Wake up sid where Shankar croons "Suna to jara...humhe to yeh kehna...Waqt hain kya tumhe to hain na pata...."...fresh lyrics which Ask Sid the protagonist to wake up to world around him. Decent lyrics, good guitar playaround and sang conveniently by Shankar. It will soon feature in your must listen list.

Next comes the best of lot. Kya karoon. Open with a good guitar strings played skillfully by Ehsaan and not to so recognized voice. I need to check CD cover for singer and found Clinton cerajo whose name I have seen in past but mostly making for lead singer. Finally got the chance...haan! He sang brilliantly and his rusty voice goes well on ear. Still think what might have happened if Sonu nigam have attempted it. May be a little better result. Hmm...I miss him sometimes as we hardly listen to him now especially when he voice is on zenith. Anyhow Clinton make full use of chance and crooning in background also feel pleasant. Thumbs up.

Aaj Kal Zindgi is where Shankar back behind mikkee! It started Ok with some nice beats, drums and tang-2 music loop; and initially I felt that it is just another song but the moment mukhda completed and Shakhar took song to another level with crooning "tere liye nayi hain zameen naya aasaman...likh dain hawaoan pain koi nayi dastaan", song just become better then good. I still think it not the best. Still it may grow on you surely.

Iktara again come with a rusty singer Kavita Seth and some good playing of Guitar in start. Her voice is very heavy and have touch of ethnic indian classical base. Amitabh bhattacharya voice still is soft and balancing act on voice level for song. I still think they should have used Sunidhi for it though no problem with Kavita's singing. It may liked by some people but doesn't have mass appeal acc to me. Have I failed to mention that this piece is created by Guest composer Amit Trivedi who have us DevD.

Life is crazy is second last composition in album so far which is running well on mind and ear. SEL again decided to make use of Shankar voice. Though I think Shankar is exellent singer but for this song i guess he should use Raman Mahadevan who sang brilliantlly 'Kholo-2 darwajain' in Tarre Zammen pain. Song is fast pace number with some really quick punchy drum beats and Shankar on ice on rocks. Uday benegal supported well but he remains much in background.

Last comes Wake up sid again but in remix version. This is not typical DJ aqeel kinda remix which is build over recorded song. Here it is specifically design where Shakar sing with fast pace as compare to lazy approach on main song. Though music in start is completely different but overall flow of main song remain intact. Decent listening.

Overall, it's a decent album where SEL are in good form but I still think its not there best work. This is there better work. People will surely love Wake up sid soundtrack and definitely include his songs in Ipod quickly or give some good repeatative listing in car. It may also be cherished by people who love soft guitar as it used abundantly throughout the album.

Rating: 3.5/5

Awesome Jingle....Bajaj Allianz

Once a while earlier and now quite frequently we listen to jingles which make special space in our heart and mind. Who can forget the awesome songs played in background when we watched Nescafe or Vodafone ad. They created some everlasting impression about the brand and a quality treat to music listener. Only the worst part is that we hardly get full studio recordings. We either have to wait for jingle/ad to come on TV again or sometime a very low quality piece on company website.
So recently I heard always worthy Sukhwinder voice in Bajaj Allianz ad. It hit instantly on my ear drums and made some impact on mind which starve for more. I think of very possible new movie of which the songs belongs to but all efforts goes to vain. Eventually, as always, Google search come to rescue and I found that song is specifically made by Vishal Bhardwaj and written by Gulzar for Bajaj Allianz Jiyo befikar ad campaign. I must say they hit the bulls eye. I eventually able to grab the song in good bit rate. Click the link below for download and enjoy.

download Courtesy: jiyobefikar.com

Snips of jingle lyrics which always makes you feel great that your born in era where a lyricist called Gulzar born!
"Yeh kis pyaari hifaazat main ho befikrii kii haalat hai,
badi mazabut baahon main ho suraj ki hararat hai,
tumhare vaaste tufaan sehlein muskuraon tum,
jiyo har lamha tumko zindagi pine kii aadat hai…”

DevD

My wife asked me to show her the movie DevD as she was delivering when the movie released and she missed out. Though Have I told that I watched it with a frd when I was 5 beer down ;-) Anyway...Coming back...Though I warn her that it will not fell into her sensibilities still she persist. I felt with no choice so brought the DVD opps VCD and played it on my newly brought philips DVD player with HDMI and USB which is DivX Compatible. You know we all love to showoff sometime...good for health ;-)

As said and known, she disliked it but I again enjoyed it thoroughly. Actually I like two things more then movie itself. Reason I offline them from movie as they are bigger then the movie i assume. First. Director Anurag khashap and his unique way of telling the story. He is the same guy who made Black Friday. I love his courage as he really converted a classic into another classic but which resembles with colors and moods of today's world with brilliant camera work. Second which is bigger then first for me. Music. Amit trivedi rocks. What a music. Ahh...nirvana for me. Even I won't shy to say that at first I disliked it cause I guess I don't have stomach to digest such a brilliant recipe which so far developed appetite for low standard but easy on ear Pritam kinda music though no offense to Pritam as he too is doing good in doing what he do best...make easy on ear and mind melody. But Amit took us to some other level where creativity and experimentation achieved new meaning. I won't dwell further into music as I am not reviewing it here but I strongly means STRONGLY recommend everybody to give a dekho (watch) to DevD and if possible (no you have to!!) listen to music. You will cherish the experience for your lifetime. Though I might write someday on Gulal exclusively but its another great shot by Anurag so do check it when mood and time allows.

Cheers
-AY

Calender - August

Though not contributing much to this blog but thought to give Desktop calender for August. Used Bar Refaeli as background as I strongly believe that watching a pretty face make you feel good :)

PS> Click on Pic for full view. Right click it and Save as Desktop to serve the purpose.

MTV Splitsvilla 2 - Theme song

Sorry in case anybody used to visit this blog and expected any new entry from me. Actually I lost in translation of life so couldn't post anything. Today I felt like to write or share something actually.

Some of you must have seen MTV Splitsvilla 2. Good show. Quite bitchy in format but thats the way we are today from within so it absorb well. I particularly like some contestent for their sheer confidence like Sakshi and some of boy for their sweetness like Siddharth. And the best part that they both win as couple. But this is not the reason I wrote today but theme song of this show compel me to write. I loved it. Awesome stuff. AGNEE ROCKS. It will just soothe you from within. And the worst part that you won't found this magnificiant number anywhere on MTV Splitsvilla site. Such a shame. Fortunetely I found somewhere so if anybody of you too wish to download it for listening pleasure which I must recommend...go get it tiger :)

Download