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| No entry beyond this point |
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| Mortuary baths being reconstructed |
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| Quli Qutb Shah'stomb - The blue line is the boundary |
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| Not under renovation |
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| An old pic of the tombs - worth a closer look |
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| A piece of history - rubble |
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| Haunting views |
Monday, March 30, 2015
Qutb Shahi Tombs - Under Renovation
Sunday, March 29, 2015
World Cup 2015 - Australia Completes the Formalities
Though everyone hoped that New Zealand might win, it turned out to be merely our romantic whims. The better prepared team won. The one which had lesser uncertainties in the process won. There was no shock-and-awe, no seizing the big initiative. Australia went about it with a clinical precision that left me wondering how we could even give New Zealand a chance.
I suppose the verdict was clear in the first over itself. Starc bowled McCullum who backed himself to take him on. Unfortunately that's a high risk approach and perhaps not warranted in a big game like this when the narrowest of margins could give you big advantages. New Zealand appeared strangled by the grip Australia had on it and at no stage did it look like it would get anywhere close to 250 which could have been a defendable total considering its bowling and fielding resources.
184 was never a total that would threaten the Aussies unless they were 20 for 5. Elliott batted on gamely for NZ and showed some fight but the rest were in some hoping zone. What they needed were players who could put their head down and eke out every single run which they could later defend. Instead of that they went for something big and crashed. No plan B.
Steve Smith was the biggest revelation. What amazing maturity for such a young player. he takes total responsibility, applies what he knows best and rises to the big occasion. The bigger the challenge, the bigger Smith gets. No praise can be too much for this young man. In his own quiet way he put both the semis and the finals out of the opponents reach - mind you - if he had not scored in both games in the way he did, the outcomes would have been different.
Overall it was boring fare. In fact the entire World Cup has been boring. I watched only a few hours of it, no match fully. One or two good matches - Australia and New Zealand, the semis between New Zealand and South Africa were interesting. Wahab Riaz's spell was perhaps the highlight of the tournament. I would want to typically go to watch performances with that kind of intensity when I am looking at the World Cup. But this was mediocre fare.
The good that comes out of it is this. Processes work. Go back to the basics, Build teams carefully. They will deliver.
I suppose the verdict was clear in the first over itself. Starc bowled McCullum who backed himself to take him on. Unfortunately that's a high risk approach and perhaps not warranted in a big game like this when the narrowest of margins could give you big advantages. New Zealand appeared strangled by the grip Australia had on it and at no stage did it look like it would get anywhere close to 250 which could have been a defendable total considering its bowling and fielding resources.
184 was never a total that would threaten the Aussies unless they were 20 for 5. Elliott batted on gamely for NZ and showed some fight but the rest were in some hoping zone. What they needed were players who could put their head down and eke out every single run which they could later defend. Instead of that they went for something big and crashed. No plan B.
Steve Smith was the biggest revelation. What amazing maturity for such a young player. he takes total responsibility, applies what he knows best and rises to the big occasion. The bigger the challenge, the bigger Smith gets. No praise can be too much for this young man. In his own quiet way he put both the semis and the finals out of the opponents reach - mind you - if he had not scored in both games in the way he did, the outcomes would have been different.
Overall it was boring fare. In fact the entire World Cup has been boring. I watched only a few hours of it, no match fully. One or two good matches - Australia and New Zealand, the semis between New Zealand and South Africa were interesting. Wahab Riaz's spell was perhaps the highlight of the tournament. I would want to typically go to watch performances with that kind of intensity when I am looking at the World Cup. But this was mediocre fare.
The good that comes out of it is this. Processes work. Go back to the basics, Build teams carefully. They will deliver.
Cracking the Code - Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap
Ayushmann Khurrana is a known name. Most of us have watched 'Vicky Donor' and appreciated this earnest young man who also sang the beautiful 'Paani da Rang'. Ayushmann has many other talents and achievements too - he won reality shows, was a popular RJ, VJ, host etc before he became an actor/singer. He has in a way made it' though its still early days.
The book is an autobiographical journey of his tryst with Bollywood. Through the book Ayushmann tries to help all those who are trying to break into Bollywood by giving them an honest picture of what happens in this journey, how he prepared for it, how he balanced his studies (he did his Mass Communication from Chandigarh) and his dreams, how his family supported him etc. While putting together his story with utmost sincerity, he shares his nuggets of wisdom, or rather principles that seem to have guided him, on the path. They make good reading and surely can be followed in any field where one is searching for excellence.
Ayushmann comes across as one who has a balanced head on his shoulders, as one who lives by certain principles, one with a good work ethic, one who believes in the power of preparation, in his instinct, in having fun and in being a learner of the craft. Despite his tryst with fame, he went back and assisted in the making of Madras Cafe to understand the nuances of film making and this is the kind of stuff that sets him and his desire to learn apart.
A gist of his codes.
Ok, so you can't just hope to be star if you are part of a reality show. Or even the winner. Or whatever. What I liked about his book is this part that comes across - Ayushmann has done much in his young life. But then we don't know much of him except as the guy who worked in 'Vicky Donor' and the singer of 'Paani da rang'. I don't know of his life, his struggles, his scandals. Though he may feel the whole world knows certain things, we don't really. Nor do we care about his scandals if they ever happened (his man servant's death). Somehow those parts don't register much. What does however, is good work and he does that. I like his attitude of rehearsing, his dedication to work, his balanced outlook to life, his commitment to music, his wife Tahira who wrote this book with him.
It's an easy read and fun to peek into his mind. He has written it with a purpose and achieves it. Worth a read for anyone aspiring for careers in Bollywood. And for the rest of us to appreciate what goes on behind the screen. Good luck Ayushmann. Continue having fun, making fine movies, entertaining and making the world a better place. And as you would say Ayushmann bhava.
The book is an autobiographical journey of his tryst with Bollywood. Through the book Ayushmann tries to help all those who are trying to break into Bollywood by giving them an honest picture of what happens in this journey, how he prepared for it, how he balanced his studies (he did his Mass Communication from Chandigarh) and his dreams, how his family supported him etc. While putting together his story with utmost sincerity, he shares his nuggets of wisdom, or rather principles that seem to have guided him, on the path. They make good reading and surely can be followed in any field where one is searching for excellence.
Ayushmann comes across as one who has a balanced head on his shoulders, as one who lives by certain principles, one with a good work ethic, one who believes in the power of preparation, in his instinct, in having fun and in being a learner of the craft. Despite his tryst with fame, he went back and assisted in the making of Madras Cafe to understand the nuances of film making and this is the kind of stuff that sets him and his desire to learn apart.
A gist of his codes.
- Value relationships. Be real.
- Recognise the path that life has charted out for you. Do it within a time frame.
- Never let go of an opportunity - give 100% at least once.
- Be receptive to what life has to offer. Say yes and accept what it gives.
- Again - never let go of an opportunity.
- No point being one of the many. Rise above the rest. Hold your ground. Let your work speak for you. Strive for excellence.
- No permanent friends or enemies - only permanent enemies.
- Again, give your best to whatever opportunity you get. even the smallest ones.
- Aspire for the next thing when you think you deserve it. Only after outgrowing your current level should you aspire for the next level.
- Critics are your best friends. They bring out the best in you. Never shun them.
- They will aid your growth.
- Push yourself and avoid being stagnant. Sometimes make choices out of your comfort zone.
- Learn from other people's experiences.
- Sometimes you don't get an opportunity as there is a better one waiting for you.
- Patience and wisdom helps.
- Be at peace with your emotional side.
Ok, so you can't just hope to be star if you are part of a reality show. Or even the winner. Or whatever. What I liked about his book is this part that comes across - Ayushmann has done much in his young life. But then we don't know much of him except as the guy who worked in 'Vicky Donor' and the singer of 'Paani da rang'. I don't know of his life, his struggles, his scandals. Though he may feel the whole world knows certain things, we don't really. Nor do we care about his scandals if they ever happened (his man servant's death). Somehow those parts don't register much. What does however, is good work and he does that. I like his attitude of rehearsing, his dedication to work, his balanced outlook to life, his commitment to music, his wife Tahira who wrote this book with him.
It's an easy read and fun to peek into his mind. He has written it with a purpose and achieves it. Worth a read for anyone aspiring for careers in Bollywood. And for the rest of us to appreciate what goes on behind the screen. Good luck Ayushmann. Continue having fun, making fine movies, entertaining and making the world a better place. And as you would say Ayushmann bhava.
Friday, March 27, 2015
And India Falls - Defeated But Not Disgraced
MS Dhoni's team miraculously turned the tables on a terrible summer in Australia where they lost game after game after game after game. They won seven in a row. Somehow they found their basics, played above their weight and belief and won the big games in the World Cup. The Indian bowling which is not the best in the world, rose to the occasion, players put their heads down to their roles and they beat big guns like South Africa and Pakistan along the way. In fact I believe the loss against India dented South Africa's fragile mental make up that they built in the recent past and affected their performance in the semis.
But Australia at home, after winning all its games against India in the lead up, would certainly be a tougher customer than some of the teams India played. If there was one thing I hoped for it was the fact that both teams are aware that this is a one-off game. It could go any which way - the past be damned. The Indians were peaking at the right time and Australia would need an above par performance to stay afloat. Par would not have been enough.
And so it was fascinating to see the way Steve Smith applied himself to the task without seeming to really forsake his natural attacking flair. He displayed amazing composure under stress and kept the fine balance between attack and defense until he took the game away. I cannot imagine such maturity and application in many batsmen, some seemingly far more talented. Smith did what he must have made up his mind to - put the game out of India's grasp if he got himself in. With Finch hanging on for dear life the Aussies looked set for a bigger total before the Indian bowlers pegged them back.
The way India started with Dhawan and Rohit Sharma batting so easily, depositing the ball behind the ropes, finding the gaps, only showed that there were no demons in the pitch. The Aussie attack was under pressure. All one needed was to keep their cool after such a great start and apply themselves. But in a half hour of madness India lost three top order wickets - something from which it never recovered. The plot should have been 76 for 1, 120 for 2, 180 for 3, 220 for 4 if we were to be in the game. With a finisher like Dhoni supported by a Raina, or even a Jadeja and Ashwin, 9 or 10 per over would not have been much of an issue. But one thing led to another and crucial advantages were handed out back to the Aussies. Though Dhoni tried in his usual superhuman, gallant manner to pull it off all on his own, I am sure even he knew the odds were against him the moment he saw the ball leave Maxwell's hand and rocket towards the lone stump. Dhoni uncharacteristically gave up, the ball hit and the Aussies were home. They had taken down the biggest finisher, the loudest gun in the game, ironically through a brilliant young maverick sniper.
The Indians were outscored surely, but they can hold their heads high. Every single one of them played above their weight to get where they did, after what they experienced earlier. Dhoni rises even higher in the world's eyes with his exemplary behavior, unbelievable calm and unshakeable commitment. For such a young man to display such wisdom and maturity beyond his years is incredibly rare. What a role model, not just for young cricketers but for all leaders. Few players will leave the game with the respect Dhoni will command - almost everyone will stand in unison to salute this man - such is the legacy he has left behind as a human, a player and a leader.
The Indian fans have matured too. In their support to their team they were second to none and one cannot forget their joy in the success of their team. One sees a slightly maturing India, a more assured India, when one sees the fans, the players. We know our place in the sun. We may have had a bad day but that's what it is - just one bad day. This is a team of men of mettle who cannot be taken lightly. In time and with the right guidance they can become as efficient and as ruthless as the German soccer team. Rohit, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli, Raina - they will all become better in the years to come. But there will be one huge void after that - one that goes beyond mere batting talent. The smiling skipper who soaks in the pressure which shows nowhere but in his prematurely greying locks.
But for now the World Cup goes into what promises to be an exciting final. The Kiwis have the edge in my opinion, having gone through that tough semis against South Africa and the longer rest. The Indians, well played boys. You did your best and we cannot ask for more.
But Australia at home, after winning all its games against India in the lead up, would certainly be a tougher customer than some of the teams India played. If there was one thing I hoped for it was the fact that both teams are aware that this is a one-off game. It could go any which way - the past be damned. The Indians were peaking at the right time and Australia would need an above par performance to stay afloat. Par would not have been enough.
And so it was fascinating to see the way Steve Smith applied himself to the task without seeming to really forsake his natural attacking flair. He displayed amazing composure under stress and kept the fine balance between attack and defense until he took the game away. I cannot imagine such maturity and application in many batsmen, some seemingly far more talented. Smith did what he must have made up his mind to - put the game out of India's grasp if he got himself in. With Finch hanging on for dear life the Aussies looked set for a bigger total before the Indian bowlers pegged them back.
The way India started with Dhawan and Rohit Sharma batting so easily, depositing the ball behind the ropes, finding the gaps, only showed that there were no demons in the pitch. The Aussie attack was under pressure. All one needed was to keep their cool after such a great start and apply themselves. But in a half hour of madness India lost three top order wickets - something from which it never recovered. The plot should have been 76 for 1, 120 for 2, 180 for 3, 220 for 4 if we were to be in the game. With a finisher like Dhoni supported by a Raina, or even a Jadeja and Ashwin, 9 or 10 per over would not have been much of an issue. But one thing led to another and crucial advantages were handed out back to the Aussies. Though Dhoni tried in his usual superhuman, gallant manner to pull it off all on his own, I am sure even he knew the odds were against him the moment he saw the ball leave Maxwell's hand and rocket towards the lone stump. Dhoni uncharacteristically gave up, the ball hit and the Aussies were home. They had taken down the biggest finisher, the loudest gun in the game, ironically through a brilliant young maverick sniper.
The Indians were outscored surely, but they can hold their heads high. Every single one of them played above their weight to get where they did, after what they experienced earlier. Dhoni rises even higher in the world's eyes with his exemplary behavior, unbelievable calm and unshakeable commitment. For such a young man to display such wisdom and maturity beyond his years is incredibly rare. What a role model, not just for young cricketers but for all leaders. Few players will leave the game with the respect Dhoni will command - almost everyone will stand in unison to salute this man - such is the legacy he has left behind as a human, a player and a leader.
The Indian fans have matured too. In their support to their team they were second to none and one cannot forget their joy in the success of their team. One sees a slightly maturing India, a more assured India, when one sees the fans, the players. We know our place in the sun. We may have had a bad day but that's what it is - just one bad day. This is a team of men of mettle who cannot be taken lightly. In time and with the right guidance they can become as efficient and as ruthless as the German soccer team. Rohit, Dhawan, Rahane, Kohli, Raina - they will all become better in the years to come. But there will be one huge void after that - one that goes beyond mere batting talent. The smiling skipper who soaks in the pressure which shows nowhere but in his prematurely greying locks.
But for now the World Cup goes into what promises to be an exciting final. The Kiwis have the edge in my opinion, having gone through that tough semis against South Africa and the longer rest. The Indians, well played boys. You did your best and we cannot ask for more.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Life's little pleasures
So I got a few pictures. One from AP who sent me a photo taken in Walden bookstore. Ah!
Jostling for space in the top was the hardy 50 Not Out! which is trying to find its place in the sun.
Then, young friend Sunil Shivasale from Bangalore sent me pics of the Bangalore event. One picture I liked in this was the one of me and young Santosh Shobhan, the young boy who played Gautam's part so admirably in Golconda High School. He came, smiling as usual, handsome as ever, wry humour in place. he poked fun at my phone which he asked me to replace pronto, told me about his course which combines literature, theatre and mass communication, about how he felt his acting has improved. Unlike most kids he came alone, attended the program ad left. I have great expectations from both he and his brother Sangeet, who is also a fine fine actor.
And there were pics too of the way Sapna Book House made arrangements for the book event.
Most bookstores pride themselves on the way they put books on display during book events. its quite fascinating really. Some of them do make a pretty sight as well. Here's what Sapna came up with - a house of cards version!
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| 50 Not Out reigns at Walden Book Store, Hyderabad |
Then, young friend Sunil Shivasale from Bangalore sent me pics of the Bangalore event. One picture I liked in this was the one of me and young Santosh Shobhan, the young boy who played Gautam's part so admirably in Golconda High School. He came, smiling as usual, handsome as ever, wry humour in place. he poked fun at my phone which he asked me to replace pronto, told me about his course which combines literature, theatre and mass communication, about how he felt his acting has improved. Unlike most kids he came alone, attended the program ad left. I have great expectations from both he and his brother Sangeet, who is also a fine fine actor.
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| Santosh Shobhan aka Gautam of GHS and me |
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| 50 Not Out! |
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| The dais |
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Thought for the Day - What To Focus Energy On
In most cases I find that all we need to worry about is the present moment. What is in the present moment is really what is around you - in the area of your influence or more precisely, in the area of your work. Its like a small circle that is around you, not farther than you can see.
Most times if we keep our focus on this area and stick to what needs to be done, life goes on smoothly. It is the needless philosophising, the pointless worrying, the extra thinking about things beyond that circle that gets you worked up a bit.
The farther you see, the more you think of what could be. The more you think of what could be, the more you feel helpless because you cannot do anything about it anyway. More helplessness, more worry, more unhappiness. The result - even the work that could be done does not get done.
Be aware of that circle around you. Stay balanced in that. Do work within that. Work gets done. Worry disappears. Along the way if something turns up, its a wonderful surprise.
Its the perfect recipe for happiness. For success. Nothing more, nothing less.
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| Cricket ground in Bangalore |
The farther you see, the more you think of what could be. The more you think of what could be, the more you feel helpless because you cannot do anything about it anyway. More helplessness, more worry, more unhappiness. The result - even the work that could be done does not get done.
Be aware of that circle around you. Stay balanced in that. Do work within that. Work gets done. Worry disappears. Along the way if something turns up, its a wonderful surprise.
Its the perfect recipe for happiness. For success. Nothing more, nothing less.
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